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Seeds #2
Generation of Vipers
Generation of Vipers is the sequel to Wherever Seeds May Fall .
Two years have passed since comet Anduru skimmed the clouds of Saturn on its way to Earth. Kath and Nolan are looking for answers, trying to find ways to protect Earth from the possibility of an invasive alien species overrunning the planet. The US Presidential Election changes the political landscape. With new, hostile leadership, Kath and Nolan find themselves out of favor. Lies continue to dominate social media. Perhaps the greatest threat doesn't come from the stars. Perhaps there's already a generation of vipers here on Earth.
FIRST CONTACT is a series of stand-alone novels that explore humanity's first interaction with extraterrestrial life. It is similar to BLACK MIRROR or THE TWILIGHT ZONE in that the series is based on a common theme rather than common characters. This allows these books to be read in any order. Technically, they're all first as they all deal with how we might initially respond to contact with aliens, exploring the social, political, religious, and scientific aspects of First Contact.
Although Generation of Vipers is a sequel it has been written so it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
Two years have passed since comet Anduru skimmed the clouds of Saturn on its way to Earth. Kath and Nolan are looking for answers, trying to find ways to protect Earth from the possibility of an invasive alien species overrunning the planet. The US Presidential Election changes the political landscape. With new, hostile leadership, Kath and Nolan find themselves out of favor. Lies continue to dominate social media. Perhaps the greatest threat doesn't come from the stars. Perhaps there's already a generation of vipers here on Earth.
FIRST CONTACT is a series of stand-alone novels that explore humanity's first interaction with extraterrestrial life. It is similar to BLACK MIRROR or THE TWILIGHT ZONE in that the series is based on a common theme rather than common characters. This allows these books to be read in any order. Technically, they're all first as they all deal with how we might initially respond to contact with aliens, exploring the social, political, religious, and scientific aspects of First Contact.
Although Generation of Vipers is a sequel it has been written so it can be read as a stand-alone novel.
438 pages, Hardcover
First published February 11, 2022
353 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
March 26, 2022
Action, Science, Humour, and Drunk Kath.
This is another informing, holding a mirror up to ourselves, action-packed, sciencey (even for the normal person on the street), and thought-provoking entry in the First Contact series. As a follow on from Wherever Seeds May Fall (ie: read this one first), in which dedicated followers will recall the interaction between the comet Anduru, and our heroes, Nolan and Kath, military and science respectively, we further meet the fallout from the events of the prior book, with devastating consequences. It’s difficult to review without giving too much away, but it touches on the politicking which interferes in both military and science operations, the cult of personality, the willingness of people to believe conspiracies despite the logic right in front of them (thanks for the 180 degree shift, Angry Andy Anderson), and then, for the second half, a tautly described game of cat and mouse, as the humans try to fight back against an unknown and almost unseen enemy.
It was great the human element was kept, the inclusion of Jorge and Veronica, and some great interactions between Nolan, Jacinta, and Kath, which added a level of amusement. Always a great read from Peter Cawdron, and highly recommended.
This is another informing, holding a mirror up to ourselves, action-packed, sciencey (even for the normal person on the street), and thought-provoking entry in the First Contact series. As a follow on from Wherever Seeds May Fall (ie: read this one first), in which dedicated followers will recall the interaction between the comet Anduru, and our heroes, Nolan and Kath, military and science respectively, we further meet the fallout from the events of the prior book, with devastating consequences. It’s difficult to review without giving too much away, but it touches on the politicking which interferes in both military and science operations, the cult of personality, the willingness of people to believe conspiracies despite the logic right in front of them (thanks for the 180 degree shift, Angry Andy Anderson), and then, for the second half, a tautly described game of cat and mouse, as the humans try to fight back against an unknown and almost unseen enemy.
It was great the human element was kept, the inclusion of Jorge and Veronica, and some great interactions between Nolan, Jacinta, and Kath, which added a level of amusement. Always a great read from Peter Cawdron, and highly recommended.
March 4, 2022
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
*** Read Wherever Seeds May Fall first! This is the sequel. ***
I have enjoyed almost every book I've read from this author, but unfortunately this wasn't one of them. Looking back on my review for Wherever Seeds May Fall, I realize that I should have expected this. But as soon as I see a new book from Cawdron, I just immediately buy it. And far more often than not, this strategy works out for me.
If you are American, you'll be super frustrated in the first 20% of the book because, while on one hand you'd like to think that politicians wouldn't behave that way, you will realize that we are currently living through that crap. I'm not a huge fan of politics in my stories anyway, but it does eventually move beyond that.
My largest complaint with the story is that the characters are insufferable. I can't imagine anyone behaving (or thinking) like Kath, "Angry Andy", and Jorge. Their flat-yet-exaggerated personas distracted me from the story unfolding around them. I usually don't root for the aliens, but I wouldn't have minded moving on from those three.
And the story, itself, isn't the usual Cawdron-style first-contact tale. The plot is almost cliche and the tone within the social commentary feels heavy-handed. There isn't any insight - it's just rubbing our faces in society's more obvious failings. Ten years ago it would have been revelatory, but at this point, these are the issues we all deal with every day.
Even though this story is a "miss" for me, I'll still buy the next Cawdron book without a second thought.
Skip it!
*** Read Wherever Seeds May Fall first! This is the sequel. ***
I have enjoyed almost every book I've read from this author, but unfortunately this wasn't one of them. Looking back on my review for Wherever Seeds May Fall, I realize that I should have expected this. But as soon as I see a new book from Cawdron, I just immediately buy it. And far more often than not, this strategy works out for me.
If you are American, you'll be super frustrated in the first 20% of the book because, while on one hand you'd like to think that politicians wouldn't behave that way, you will realize that we are currently living through that crap. I'm not a huge fan of politics in my stories anyway, but it does eventually move beyond that.
My largest complaint with the story is that the characters are insufferable. I can't imagine anyone behaving (or thinking) like Kath, "Angry Andy", and Jorge. Their flat-yet-exaggerated personas distracted me from the story unfolding around them. I usually don't root for the aliens, but I wouldn't have minded moving on from those three.
And the story, itself, isn't the usual Cawdron-style first-contact tale. The plot is almost cliche and the tone within the social commentary feels heavy-handed. There isn't any insight - it's just rubbing our faces in society's more obvious failings. Ten years ago it would have been revelatory, but at this point, these are the issues we all deal with every day.
Even though this story is a "miss" for me, I'll still buy the next Cawdron book without a second thought.
Skip it!
June 7, 2024
LE DOY DOS ESTRELLAS PORQUE NO ES TAN BUENO COMO EL PRIMERO. Y PORQUE TIENE UN PERSONAJE EN PARTICULARMENTE ODIOSO QUE CAUSA VARIOS MOMENTOS DE DISGUSTO... PERO DEJA LA PUERTA ABIERTA A POSIBLES SECUELAS QUE PODRÍAN SER MUY INTERESANTES.
Extraterrestres y política. Esa es la mezcla que define a esta segunda novela de la saga "Semillas" (Seeds), de Peter Cawdron. La primera novela ya nos dio una muestra de como este autor logra combinar ambas para crear una historia atractiva, intrincada y emocionante al mismo tiempo. Pero a diferencia del primer libro, el enfoque en esta ocasión es diferente.
La primera entrega mostraba como la humanidad encontraba por primera vez pruebas de vida alienígena inteligente de la mano del cometa "Anduru". El cual, al entrar en nuestro sistema solar, empieza a realizar una serie de correcciones en su trayectoria que lo dirigen a colisionar inevitablemente con la Tierra. Lo que complementaba a esta historia de ciencia ficción, es como los gobiernos del mundo, especialmente Estados Unidos, reaccionaban ante este hallazgo y sus ramificaciones. Afortunadamente para los norteamericanos, en la primera novela contaban con una líder capaz y digna de confianza, la mismísima presidente de la nación, que ayudaba a los protagonistas a lo largo de la novela a afrontar la crisis y salvar al planeta. Si han leído mi reseña de ese libro, recordaran mi comentario de como Peter Cawdron tiene un talento bastante particular para explicar las intrincaciones de la política estadounidense sin abrumar o aburrir al lector. De tal manera que uno se sentía al mismo tiempo entretenido e informado, con todo lo que sucedía tras los bastidores de la Casa Blanca.
En este segundo libro de la saga, el autor intenta hacer lo mismo, pero inicia enfocando a la política estadounidense desde otro punto de vista, el de la llamada "Política Electoral". Ahora, a mi me agrada un poco de política en mis lecturas (siempre y cuando sea medida y no muy enrevesada), pero si hay algo que odio es la política electoral. No me gustan las elecciones (quizás porque vengo de un país en el que nunca hay buenos candidatos), y la política partidista durante tiempos electorales es en mi opinión tediosa y exasperante. Pero este libro arranca precisamente con eso, o para ser más preciso, con las elecciones para elegir a un nuevo presidente estadounidense. Es así que se nos presenta a cierto individuo, un candidato a presidente de hecho, particularmente detestable e insufrible, uno de esos personajes que odias apenas lo conoces. Y que, como cabría esperar, termina por asumir el mando de la nación. Por supuesto, este sujeto trata de echar por la borda todo lo conseguido a base de grandes sacrificios por los protagonistas de la primera novela. Lo cual causa un verdadero desazón y rabia al leer las primeras paginas del libro. Pero una vez pasado todo esto... pues las cosas se ponen peores.
Los extraterrestres vuelven en esta entrega por supuesto, pero de manera diferente. Ya no trata de un cometa aparentemente enviado por una inteligencia alienígena a impactar contra la tierra y destruir toda forma de vida que la habite. Sino de un agente biológico extraterrestre, que es introducido en nuestro ecosistema por culpa de la siempre confiable estupidez humana, que en su afán de conseguir muestras del ADN de los supuestos invasores, terminan desatando una infección que pone en peligro al planeta.
Si rememoramos un poco nuestras clases de biología, recordaran que introducir un agente biológico extraño a un ecosistema aislado puede resultar devastador. Solo tienen que tomar nota de lo que pasa cuando especies invasoras son introducidas en hábitats de los que no forman parte naturalmente, y logran establecerse y dispersarse hasta producir daños graves en los ecosistemas nativos. Como ejemplo podemos nombrar a la rana toro, el pez basa y el cangrejo rojo. Especies originarias de Norteamérica y Asia que se introdujeron en Colombia hace algunos años, y que están causando un peligroso declive de muchas especies animales y vegetales en el país sudamericano. Ahora imagínense algo similar pero con una especie extraterrestre y la Tierra, y se darán una idea de lo peligroso que puede resultar para nuestra biosfera interactuar con agentes biológicos de otros planetas.
Esta es básicamente la premisa del libro. Una forma de vida alienígena es introducida y liberada en el planeta gracias a la estupidez de algunos seres humanos (con agendas politicas). Y luego empieza una carrera por exterminar la infección antes de que haga un daño irremediable a nuestra biosfera. Todo con el trasfondo de un presidente norteamericano que es un verdadero imbécil y un grupo de científicos, militares y civiles que tratan de hacer lo correcto y salvarnos a todos.
Muchos dirán que es una premisa refrita o harto conocida de ciencia ficción (y no se equivocan). Pero salvo el inicio de la novela y algunos momentos de disgusto, es una lectura que cumple. El libro no es tan bueno como el primero, pero tiene sus momentos. Con todo, trae de vuelta a personajes como teniente Coronel Nolan Landis y la Dr. Kath McKenzie, que conocimos en la primera entrega de la saga, y con los que uno llega a encariñarse.
Este es el último libro de esta poco conocida serie, hasta el momento. Aunque hay rumores de que Peter Cawdron está planeando escribir un tercero, así que solo nos queda esperar.
La saga de "Semillas" no es exactamente una obra maestra, pero es de esa clase de libros que entretiene y ayuda a pasar el rato. Pero hay que leer el primer libro o no entenderás absolutamente nada.
Con todo, lo recomiendo como lectura ligera.
Extraterrestres y política. Esa es la mezcla que define a esta segunda novela de la saga "Semillas" (Seeds), de Peter Cawdron. La primera novela ya nos dio una muestra de como este autor logra combinar ambas para crear una historia atractiva, intrincada y emocionante al mismo tiempo. Pero a diferencia del primer libro, el enfoque en esta ocasión es diferente.
La primera entrega mostraba como la humanidad encontraba por primera vez pruebas de vida alienígena inteligente de la mano del cometa "Anduru". El cual, al entrar en nuestro sistema solar, empieza a realizar una serie de correcciones en su trayectoria que lo dirigen a colisionar inevitablemente con la Tierra. Lo que complementaba a esta historia de ciencia ficción, es como los gobiernos del mundo, especialmente Estados Unidos, reaccionaban ante este hallazgo y sus ramificaciones. Afortunadamente para los norteamericanos, en la primera novela contaban con una líder capaz y digna de confianza, la mismísima presidente de la nación, que ayudaba a los protagonistas a lo largo de la novela a afrontar la crisis y salvar al planeta. Si han leído mi reseña de ese libro, recordaran mi comentario de como Peter Cawdron tiene un talento bastante particular para explicar las intrincaciones de la política estadounidense sin abrumar o aburrir al lector. De tal manera que uno se sentía al mismo tiempo entretenido e informado, con todo lo que sucedía tras los bastidores de la Casa Blanca.
En este segundo libro de la saga, el autor intenta hacer lo mismo, pero inicia enfocando a la política estadounidense desde otro punto de vista, el de la llamada "Política Electoral". Ahora, a mi me agrada un poco de política en mis lecturas (siempre y cuando sea medida y no muy enrevesada), pero si hay algo que odio es la política electoral. No me gustan las elecciones (quizás porque vengo de un país en el que nunca hay buenos candidatos), y la política partidista durante tiempos electorales es en mi opinión tediosa y exasperante. Pero este libro arranca precisamente con eso, o para ser más preciso, con las elecciones para elegir a un nuevo presidente estadounidense. Es así que se nos presenta a cierto individuo, un candidato a presidente de hecho, particularmente detestable e insufrible, uno de esos personajes que odias apenas lo conoces. Y que, como cabría esperar, termina por asumir el mando de la nación. Por supuesto, este sujeto trata de echar por la borda todo lo conseguido a base de grandes sacrificios por los protagonistas de la primera novela. Lo cual causa un verdadero desazón y rabia al leer las primeras paginas del libro. Pero una vez pasado todo esto... pues las cosas se ponen peores.
Los extraterrestres vuelven en esta entrega por supuesto, pero de manera diferente. Ya no trata de un cometa aparentemente enviado por una inteligencia alienígena a impactar contra la tierra y destruir toda forma de vida que la habite. Sino de un agente biológico extraterrestre, que es introducido en nuestro ecosistema por culpa de la siempre confiable estupidez humana, que en su afán de conseguir muestras del ADN de los supuestos invasores, terminan desatando una infección que pone en peligro al planeta.
Si rememoramos un poco nuestras clases de biología, recordaran que introducir un agente biológico extraño a un ecosistema aislado puede resultar devastador. Solo tienen que tomar nota de lo que pasa cuando especies invasoras son introducidas en hábitats de los que no forman parte naturalmente, y logran establecerse y dispersarse hasta producir daños graves en los ecosistemas nativos. Como ejemplo podemos nombrar a la rana toro, el pez basa y el cangrejo rojo. Especies originarias de Norteamérica y Asia que se introdujeron en Colombia hace algunos años, y que están causando un peligroso declive de muchas especies animales y vegetales en el país sudamericano. Ahora imagínense algo similar pero con una especie extraterrestre y la Tierra, y se darán una idea de lo peligroso que puede resultar para nuestra biosfera interactuar con agentes biológicos de otros planetas.
Esta es básicamente la premisa del libro. Una forma de vida alienígena es introducida y liberada en el planeta gracias a la estupidez de algunos seres humanos (con agendas politicas). Y luego empieza una carrera por exterminar la infección antes de que haga un daño irremediable a nuestra biosfera. Todo con el trasfondo de un presidente norteamericano que es un verdadero imbécil y un grupo de científicos, militares y civiles que tratan de hacer lo correcto y salvarnos a todos.
Muchos dirán que es una premisa refrita o harto conocida de ciencia ficción (y no se equivocan). Pero salvo el inicio de la novela y algunos momentos de disgusto, es una lectura que cumple. El libro no es tan bueno como el primero, pero tiene sus momentos. Con todo, trae de vuelta a personajes como teniente Coronel Nolan Landis y la Dr. Kath McKenzie, que conocimos en la primera entrega de la saga, y con los que uno llega a encariñarse.
Este es el último libro de esta poco conocida serie, hasta el momento. Aunque hay rumores de que Peter Cawdron está planeando escribir un tercero, así que solo nos queda esperar.
La saga de "Semillas" no es exactamente una obra maestra, pero es de esa clase de libros que entretiene y ayuda a pasar el rato. Pero hay que leer el primer libro o no entenderás absolutamente nada.
Con todo, lo recomiendo como lectura ligera.
April 18, 2022
Fair warning: before you read Generation of Vipers, I strongly suggest you pick up a copy of Wherever Seeds May Fall, the 15th entry in Peter Cawdron’s long-running series of standalone First Contact novels. (I reviewed it at One surprise after another in this brilliant First Contact novel.) It’s possible to read Generation of Vipers on its own as simply another alien invasion novel, but reading the prequel will make the experience a whole lot more enjoyable. You’ll have a head start on meeting the central characters of the story, and you can plunge right in to unraveling the plot. Seeds was brilliant, and together with Vipers the two stories constitute a truly outstanding contribution to the science fiction genre.
THE ALIEN INVASION HUMANITY FEARED HAS ARRIVED
In Seeds, we followed the main thread of the story through the experiences of Dr. Katherine (“Kath”) McKenzie and Nathan Landis, then an astronaut with the rank of colonel in the US Air Force. They reappear soon in Vipers and take their positions on center stage. But first we meet again with Angry Andy Anderson, a vitriolic right-wing podcaster who saw the light in Seeds and now rails against the purveyors of conspiracy theories and the ignorant people who swallow them. We also follow the lives of Jorge Rodríguez Mendez and his adopted 10-year-old daughter, Veronica. Jorge is an aging Mexican fisherman who became a hero in the planet’s disastrous brush with the alien vessel Anduru. They’ll all play leading roles in humanity’s response to an alien invasion triggered by a second alien vessel discovered in orbit around the sun.
ALIENS ARE ON THE LOOSE IN HOUSTON
Early in Generation of Vipers, waves of emergency vehicles race toward the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The official story is that they’re responding to “an active shooter.” But there’s no shooter. Instead, unaccountably, alien monsters have suddenly appeared and are killing everyone in sight, destroying every obstacle in their way. When Kath McKenzie arrives on the scene, she discovers that the problem is even more serious than it appears. Because some of the victims show evidence they died by some sort of microbial infection, not physical force. And it becomes her mission to explain the problem to the military, which is on the verge of making the problem worse.
The US military is gathering its forces near Houston to surround and contain the aliens. Now-Brigadier General Nathan Landis is in charge. Despite contrary orders from the newly-elected right-wing president, Landis is determined to muster overwhelming force before going on the attack. But the alien perimeter is expanding at an alarming rate—and now even he is considering the use of nuclear weapons. Kath knows using nukes would spread the microbes in the atmosphere throughout the United States and is desperate to stop him.
AN OUTSTANDING JOB, SOLIDLY GROUNDED IN SCIENCE-BASED SPECULATION
The action comes thick and fast as the perspective shifts among Kath McKenzie, Nathan Landis, Angry Andy Anderson, and Jorge Rodríguez Mendez. Cawdron does an outstanding job building suspense as the story rushes to a satisfying but surprising conclusion. “Alien invasion” is a familiar trope in science fiction. Cawdron builds his own unique twist on the theme—and it works.
Like all of Cawdron’s novels, Generation of Vipers ends with an extensive author’s note. He explains the scientific basis for all the key authorial decisions he made in depicting the aliens and the progress of the invasion. It’s not to be missed.
THE ALIEN INVASION HUMANITY FEARED HAS ARRIVED
In Seeds, we followed the main thread of the story through the experiences of Dr. Katherine (“Kath”) McKenzie and Nathan Landis, then an astronaut with the rank of colonel in the US Air Force. They reappear soon in Vipers and take their positions on center stage. But first we meet again with Angry Andy Anderson, a vitriolic right-wing podcaster who saw the light in Seeds and now rails against the purveyors of conspiracy theories and the ignorant people who swallow them. We also follow the lives of Jorge Rodríguez Mendez and his adopted 10-year-old daughter, Veronica. Jorge is an aging Mexican fisherman who became a hero in the planet’s disastrous brush with the alien vessel Anduru. They’ll all play leading roles in humanity’s response to an alien invasion triggered by a second alien vessel discovered in orbit around the sun.
ALIENS ARE ON THE LOOSE IN HOUSTON
Early in Generation of Vipers, waves of emergency vehicles race toward the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The official story is that they’re responding to “an active shooter.” But there’s no shooter. Instead, unaccountably, alien monsters have suddenly appeared and are killing everyone in sight, destroying every obstacle in their way. When Kath McKenzie arrives on the scene, she discovers that the problem is even more serious than it appears. Because some of the victims show evidence they died by some sort of microbial infection, not physical force. And it becomes her mission to explain the problem to the military, which is on the verge of making the problem worse.
The US military is gathering its forces near Houston to surround and contain the aliens. Now-Brigadier General Nathan Landis is in charge. Despite contrary orders from the newly-elected right-wing president, Landis is determined to muster overwhelming force before going on the attack. But the alien perimeter is expanding at an alarming rate—and now even he is considering the use of nuclear weapons. Kath knows using nukes would spread the microbes in the atmosphere throughout the United States and is desperate to stop him.
AN OUTSTANDING JOB, SOLIDLY GROUNDED IN SCIENCE-BASED SPECULATION
The action comes thick and fast as the perspective shifts among Kath McKenzie, Nathan Landis, Angry Andy Anderson, and Jorge Rodríguez Mendez. Cawdron does an outstanding job building suspense as the story rushes to a satisfying but surprising conclusion. “Alien invasion” is a familiar trope in science fiction. Cawdron builds his own unique twist on the theme—and it works.
Like all of Cawdron’s novels, Generation of Vipers ends with an extensive author’s note. He explains the scientific basis for all the key authorial decisions he made in depicting the aliens and the progress of the invasion. It’s not to be missed.
February 14, 2022
An outstanding sequel to one of the best books Peter Cawdron has written, it is difficult to determine how this ranks within his previous novels. My first Cawdron book was Wherever Seeds May Fall, the prequel to this book. Like your first pizza from a new place, it is difficult to determine if you raved about it because it was really that good, or simply because it was the novelty of a new place, or in this case, a new-to-me author. While I considered WSMF to possibly be the best book I had ever read, along comes Cold Eyes, which was, without question, Cawdron’s most ambitious work to date. And now, Vipers, being his longest. All three books are so excellently written that it isn't easy to rank one above the other. Some readers will enjoy Vipers the most because it is a sequel and something they were looking for at the end of Seeds. I also think some readers will despise Vipers even more than Seeds for its social commentary, so it is difficult to say it is better or worse or try to install a ranking system for the books. I will simply say that all three of the books mentioned have five-star ratings from me.
I just finished reading all the Amazon reviews written for Seeds to see what other readers thought about the book that inspired this one. It seems that the two major complaints of readers who left unfavorable reviews and ratings were 1) that the ending was rushed and 2) that the book was too preachy. For the readers falling into the first category, you will be pleased to know this is the sequel to Seeds. When Cawdron wrote that book, he already knew there was so much material he hadn’t covered that he was going to break his own rule of never writing sequels and do one to conclude Seeds. For the readers who fall into the second category, if you’re a far-right conspiracy theorist, you won’t make it past the first chapter. But if you are open-minded enough to realize that virtually every science fiction book, television show, or movie in the past 70 years contains political or social commentary, you will recognize that Cawdron’s writing is no different from the greats. Even the original Star Trek series had social or political commentary in nearly every episode because the show’s creator/writer attempted to show the world and its troubles of that day in outer space. Asimov’s Foundation trilogy was the same, and it is considered by many to be the best-written sci-fi book of all time. So give Peter a break and realize that while he may sound a bit preachy, he is simply trying to tell the world that he sees things that must change if the human race is going to continue. In terms of science fiction and first contact writers, I rank Cawdron up with Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, and Sagan and believe he may be the best in today’s world.
Generation of Vipers is over 500 pages long, giving the author plenty of time to further develop the main characters of the story in Seeds and bring to the surface two of the minor characters of the first book, giving them significant roles in this story. He has done an excellent job of explaining the issues and daily tribulations handicapped people must deal with since the protagonist has lost most of her fingers and toes from the ending of Seeds. The story's pace is very good, with little break in the action once it begins. The plot is explained feasibly and lends credence to how Anduru arrived at our planet in the first book. Cawdron, once again, has researched his story material extensively, leaving few, if any, questions unanswered.
This book provides an all-encompassing end to Wherever Seeds May Fall but can be read as a standalone book. I was concerned when beginning this book that Cawdron may have taken too much time retelling the story from Seeds but reveled at how he wove the basics of that story into this one for the uninformed reader.
One thing that bothers me about today’s publishing world is how independent, self-publishing authors are shunned by the publishing world, while inept writers who hold the right card or know the right person can be published by major firms. I recently finished a book published by a well-known company written by an author I had never heard of but had several books already published. This book came to me from the Amazon First Reads program offered to Prime members. It was so poorly written with no character development, pace to the storyline, and with no editing or proofreading, even though credit was given at the end of the book to those who supposedly did those jobs, that I was aghast at how work such as this could be published, while the works of a brilliant author like Peter Cawdron can go unnoticed. A couple of reviewers of Seeds intimated that Cawdron’s poor writing is why he can’t get published. That is so far from the truth; it doesn’t deserve the time to argue the point. But for that reason, I implore the readers of this review to please support your independent science fiction authors by buying their books and not downloading them for free at hacker’s websites. Just like you, they are trying to support their families and work hard for what they make. Stealing their work is taking money out of their pocket.
I just finished reading all the Amazon reviews written for Seeds to see what other readers thought about the book that inspired this one. It seems that the two major complaints of readers who left unfavorable reviews and ratings were 1) that the ending was rushed and 2) that the book was too preachy. For the readers falling into the first category, you will be pleased to know this is the sequel to Seeds. When Cawdron wrote that book, he already knew there was so much material he hadn’t covered that he was going to break his own rule of never writing sequels and do one to conclude Seeds. For the readers who fall into the second category, if you’re a far-right conspiracy theorist, you won’t make it past the first chapter. But if you are open-minded enough to realize that virtually every science fiction book, television show, or movie in the past 70 years contains political or social commentary, you will recognize that Cawdron’s writing is no different from the greats. Even the original Star Trek series had social or political commentary in nearly every episode because the show’s creator/writer attempted to show the world and its troubles of that day in outer space. Asimov’s Foundation trilogy was the same, and it is considered by many to be the best-written sci-fi book of all time. So give Peter a break and realize that while he may sound a bit preachy, he is simply trying to tell the world that he sees things that must change if the human race is going to continue. In terms of science fiction and first contact writers, I rank Cawdron up with Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, and Sagan and believe he may be the best in today’s world.
Generation of Vipers is over 500 pages long, giving the author plenty of time to further develop the main characters of the story in Seeds and bring to the surface two of the minor characters of the first book, giving them significant roles in this story. He has done an excellent job of explaining the issues and daily tribulations handicapped people must deal with since the protagonist has lost most of her fingers and toes from the ending of Seeds. The story's pace is very good, with little break in the action once it begins. The plot is explained feasibly and lends credence to how Anduru arrived at our planet in the first book. Cawdron, once again, has researched his story material extensively, leaving few, if any, questions unanswered.
This book provides an all-encompassing end to Wherever Seeds May Fall but can be read as a standalone book. I was concerned when beginning this book that Cawdron may have taken too much time retelling the story from Seeds but reveled at how he wove the basics of that story into this one for the uninformed reader.
One thing that bothers me about today’s publishing world is how independent, self-publishing authors are shunned by the publishing world, while inept writers who hold the right card or know the right person can be published by major firms. I recently finished a book published by a well-known company written by an author I had never heard of but had several books already published. This book came to me from the Amazon First Reads program offered to Prime members. It was so poorly written with no character development, pace to the storyline, and with no editing or proofreading, even though credit was given at the end of the book to those who supposedly did those jobs, that I was aghast at how work such as this could be published, while the works of a brilliant author like Peter Cawdron can go unnoticed. A couple of reviewers of Seeds intimated that Cawdron’s poor writing is why he can’t get published. That is so far from the truth; it doesn’t deserve the time to argue the point. But for that reason, I implore the readers of this review to please support your independent science fiction authors by buying their books and not downloading them for free at hacker’s websites. Just like you, they are trying to support their families and work hard for what they make. Stealing their work is taking money out of their pocket.
March 2, 2022
Note: I dropped this book at 10% (on chapter "Colorado") so the review below is based on an incomplete reading.
The reason I dropped this book is because I didn't find it interesting and, from skimming later chapters, it doesn't become interesting. I loved the prequel, "Wherever Seeds May Fall" (WSMF), and was hoping that this book would continue the great story that I loved. However, Generation of Vipers continues the parts that I dislike about WSMF: the political plotlines. What drew me to WSMF was the amazing mystery set up and the unfolding of the mystery through realistic science. While I didn't enjoy the other plotlines, the main one was amazing to read and the ending was satisfying.
I was hoping that Generation of Vipers would continue to answer the questions left by WSMF: Unfortunately, these questions aren't answered by Generation of Vipers and the story is mostly about . I'm extremely disappointed by this book and sad that the potential for a great hard sci-fi story to continue was butchered this hard by focusing on politics. At the end of Generation of Vipers, I'm left wondering "Where did the science go"?
The reason I dropped this book is because I didn't find it interesting and, from skimming later chapters, it doesn't become interesting. I loved the prequel, "Wherever Seeds May Fall" (WSMF), and was hoping that this book would continue the great story that I loved. However, Generation of Vipers continues the parts that I dislike about WSMF: the political plotlines. What drew me to WSMF was the amazing mystery set up and the unfolding of the mystery through realistic science. While I didn't enjoy the other plotlines, the main one was amazing to read and the ending was satisfying.
I was hoping that Generation of Vipers would continue to answer the questions left by WSMF: Unfortunately, these questions aren't answered by Generation of Vipers and the story is mostly about . I'm extremely disappointed by this book and sad that the potential for a great hard sci-fi story to continue was butchered this hard by focusing on politics. At the end of Generation of Vipers, I'm left wondering "Where did the science go"?
February 17, 2022
A great sequel to Wherever Seeds May Fall and all the more so as Peter Cawdron usually writes standalone novels about first contact, so this continuation of the story is an unexpected treat.
April 8, 2022
I was very much looking forward to reading this just as the sequel to Seeds ... but oh, my word. it started out as I expected, but then took a dramatic and utterly fantastic turn for the better. Kath drunk was splendid writing, I giggled to myself for pages. There's a totally creepy hotel experience the morning after, which was electrifying, And then the whole novel sort of shifts into this absolutely unputdownable saga of action-packed dramatic tension. Honestly, I could see things working as a mega-budget TV series: the livestreamed presidential briefing. Nolan's briefing to the rangers. The helicopter from the roof. the dive shop. the firebombing. The lawnmower and the basketball hoop. flashes of scenes and action shots which would make utterly compelling television. Why aren't Netflix at Peter's door, I ask myself? Hell, I'm absolutely 100% blind, yet I have just read the best few hours of TV you've never seen. Seriously thrilling stuff.
I love the Humanity, Jorge and Veronica are beautiful. Andy was great. Winters and her whole squad kick ass, and yet again, Kath and Nolan do good things. Peter's also not shy about reality, his afterword comments on mis- and disinformation are insightful and, quite honestly, scarier than the aliens.
SO, if you're a hard sci-fi fan, you'll enjoy the science. If you enjoy action? This one also has you covered. The first book in this series felt quite cerebral and thoughtful, and I like that. But although that was present in this novel too, I enjoyed the latter half with as much popcorn and chips as brain food.
I love the Humanity, Jorge and Veronica are beautiful. Andy was great. Winters and her whole squad kick ass, and yet again, Kath and Nolan do good things. Peter's also not shy about reality, his afterword comments on mis- and disinformation are insightful and, quite honestly, scarier than the aliens.
SO, if you're a hard sci-fi fan, you'll enjoy the science. If you enjoy action? This one also has you covered. The first book in this series felt quite cerebral and thoughtful, and I like that. But although that was present in this novel too, I enjoyed the latter half with as much popcorn and chips as brain food.
February 21, 2022
Enjoyed this sequel to Where Seeds May Fall. It’s both a first contact story as well as commentary on American culture and social media. The author, who is Australian, once told me he bases his novels in the US because where we go, the world follows. Unfortunately right now that means widespread acceptance of conspiracy theories. As an NP treating high-risk seniors during a pandemic, I face this every day. Many of my patients believe things they hear on the internet over what I tell them, and there’s no room for factual discussion. I’ve noticed many “plandemic” arguments lack even a basic understanding of how viruses work. It breaks my heart when I then have to watch these patients die. Misinformation kills. This novel explores how misinformation could complicate an alien invasion.
May 4, 2022
Peter Cawdron has written another book in his excellent First Contact series. What sets this book apart from the others is that it is a sequel to an earlier book in the series, Wherever Seeds May Fall. Even though, by his own account, he has a least six more books to come in the series, Cawdron circled back to built on his earlier story due to intense reader interest and that he had more to say.
Cawdron continues to skyrocket to the pole position in the race to be my favorite Science Fiction writer. There are so many reasons for this but top of the list is that his Sci Fi has actual science! Cawdron goes to great lengths to make sure his stories build on what we know of the universe and not violate current scientific theories.
Generation of Vipers brings back some of our favorite characters from W.S.M.F.; Kath, Nolan, Jorge, Veronica, and Angry Andy Anderson. Once again there are aliens, edge of your seat action, and a supporting cast of heroes and villains. Cawdron brings all of these elements together with a great story line, crisp writing, and, as already mentioned, a lot of science.
Cawdron makes no bones about the fact that the politics of this story aim straight at current events, misinformation, disinformation, and scientific ignorance. He sums this up best in the Afterword with a quote from Isaac Asimov: “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States [and around the world], and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’ ”
In fact, one of the best features of Cawdron’s books is the Afterword. Do not think the book is finished after you read the Epilogue as there is so much more awaiting you. It is here that Cawdron walks you through his writing process along with explanations and elaborations on the science contained in the story. In fact, I think that Cawdron should release the Afterward of Generation of Vipers as an “author speaks” segment in his newsletter.
So, rush out and purchase this book ASAP. Of course, if you have not yet read Wherever Seeds May Fall you definitely need to read that first. Meanwhile, I am looking forward to the next book in the First Contact series, Clowns, that I have Pre-ordered for when it is released May 20, 2022.
Cawdron continues to skyrocket to the pole position in the race to be my favorite Science Fiction writer. There are so many reasons for this but top of the list is that his Sci Fi has actual science! Cawdron goes to great lengths to make sure his stories build on what we know of the universe and not violate current scientific theories.
Generation of Vipers brings back some of our favorite characters from W.S.M.F.; Kath, Nolan, Jorge, Veronica, and Angry Andy Anderson. Once again there are aliens, edge of your seat action, and a supporting cast of heroes and villains. Cawdron brings all of these elements together with a great story line, crisp writing, and, as already mentioned, a lot of science.
Cawdron makes no bones about the fact that the politics of this story aim straight at current events, misinformation, disinformation, and scientific ignorance. He sums this up best in the Afterword with a quote from Isaac Asimov: “There is a cult of ignorance in the United States [and around the world], and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that ‘my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.’ ”
In fact, one of the best features of Cawdron’s books is the Afterword. Do not think the book is finished after you read the Epilogue as there is so much more awaiting you. It is here that Cawdron walks you through his writing process along with explanations and elaborations on the science contained in the story. In fact, I think that Cawdron should release the Afterward of Generation of Vipers as an “author speaks” segment in his newsletter.
So, rush out and purchase this book ASAP. Of course, if you have not yet read Wherever Seeds May Fall you definitely need to read that first. Meanwhile, I am looking forward to the next book in the First Contact series, Clowns, that I have Pre-ordered for when it is released May 20, 2022.
April 2, 2024
Another Great Book
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel with the great voice talents of Garry Tiedemann.
This book was a decent follow-up to the Wherever Seeds May Fall. You didn't need to read the first book, as this one provides enough background. With the election of a new president, Kath is being questioned about the decisions she made to destroy the alien object. The story starts to take a political direction when another Anduru is discovered, except this time, the life on the comet makes it to Earth.
This was a good read, but a few things kept it from being rated a 5. The political climate is hostile toward Kath and Nolan, but the hostility all but evaporates as the SHTF. That could be expected, but the president's attitude of "I want boots on the ground" (even though that is a bad idea) is never revisited. An antagonist is introduced who berates Kath for decisions she made during the original mission while he makes some really bad decisions. But there seem to be no repercussions for his actions.
The ending and solution come out of the blue and seem too easy. But then again, War of the Worlds had a quick ending too.
So, the above is nitpicking on my part. This book was very good, and I continue to enjoy Cawdron's First Contact series.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel with the great voice talents of Garry Tiedemann.
This book was a decent follow-up to the Wherever Seeds May Fall. You didn't need to read the first book, as this one provides enough background. With the election of a new president, Kath is being questioned about the decisions she made to destroy the alien object. The story starts to take a political direction when another Anduru is discovered, except this time, the life on the comet makes it to Earth.
This was a good read, but a few things kept it from being rated a 5. The political climate is hostile toward Kath and Nolan, but the hostility all but evaporates as the SHTF. That could be expected, but the president's attitude of "I want boots on the ground" (even though that is a bad idea) is never revisited. An antagonist is introduced who berates Kath for decisions she made during the original mission while he makes some really bad decisions. But there seem to be no repercussions for his actions.
The ending and solution come out of the blue and seem too easy. But then again, War of the Worlds had a quick ending too.
So, the above is nitpicking on my part. This book was very good, and I continue to enjoy Cawdron's First Contact series.
April 18, 2022
I’ve been waiting this whole book
I’ve been waiting this whole book to write a review. Usually I can’t think of much other than “I loved it!” but this time, for my close to 20th 5 star review for Peter Cawdron’s books, I have some specifics.
This wouldn’t have been in my top 5 of books I wanted a sequel for, but I was immediately interested.
I like the character growth.
I like that there is no romance. I don’t need every woman main character to be anything outside of her passion and intelligence and self.
I love the comfortable platonic relationships between all of the characters. Normalize touching with no implications? Heck yes.
My favorite part of this book was when I told my husband I was reading a book and he immediately said “oh another one from that guy?” OF COURSE.
And then I proceeded to regale him with every twist and turn for three evenings. “I haven’t seen the old man for a while… oh he’s back!!”
“No no no they didn’t FLY to earth in a SHIP.”
He even asked if Angry Andy Anderson was still alive last night. “Oh boy, let me tell you about the cliff hanger.”
5 perfectly sci-fi pulp-esque stars.
I’m ready for the next one.
I’ve been waiting this whole book to write a review. Usually I can’t think of much other than “I loved it!” but this time, for my close to 20th 5 star review for Peter Cawdron’s books, I have some specifics.
This wouldn’t have been in my top 5 of books I wanted a sequel for, but I was immediately interested.
I like the character growth.
I like that there is no romance. I don’t need every woman main character to be anything outside of her passion and intelligence and self.
I love the comfortable platonic relationships between all of the characters. Normalize touching with no implications? Heck yes.
My favorite part of this book was when I told my husband I was reading a book and he immediately said “oh another one from that guy?” OF COURSE.
And then I proceeded to regale him with every twist and turn for three evenings. “I haven’t seen the old man for a while… oh he’s back!!”
“No no no they didn’t FLY to earth in a SHIP.”
He even asked if Angry Andy Anderson was still alive last night. “Oh boy, let me tell you about the cliff hanger.”
5 perfectly sci-fi pulp-esque stars.
I’m ready for the next one.
July 5, 2022
Generation Of Vipers is an excellent science-based First Contact SF novel. It follows on an earlier book outlining the arrival of an alien vessel (no spoilers allowed) but as the novel states, can be read quite independently. I won’t go into the synopsis as it is easily found online but it deals with a resurgence of the alien threat from the earlier book and the actions taken to recognize, identify and mitigate those threats. It is a very readable story with good character development, humour (which is always important for me) and lots of action. This is a true ‘Cawdron’ story which follows real science as much as possible. At the end of the book, the author goes through the scientific aspects raised in the story and roots them in reality.
Peter Cawdron is a very different author, writing mostly stand alone books. They contain all of the aspects mentioned above. If I haven’t read one of his books, it is because of the genre which I don’t enjoy (e.g. dystopian) but I will probably relent on these. If you are a Cawdron fan, you won’t be disappointed. If he is new to you, you are in for a pleasurable and varied, journey.
Peter Cawdron is a very different author, writing mostly stand alone books. They contain all of the aspects mentioned above. If I haven’t read one of his books, it is because of the genre which I don’t enjoy (e.g. dystopian) but I will probably relent on these. If you are a Cawdron fan, you won’t be disappointed. If he is new to you, you are in for a pleasurable and varied, journey.
May 24, 2022
Great read, good pacing, very movie-esque (possible spoilers ahead!)
Was a great read, like all Peter Cawdron books. As I read through it, I can imagine how this book translates fairly well into a screenplay/movie. The ending was a bit abrupt and maybe a bit anticlimactic. I think it would have been interesting had more discussion/research time in the book been spent on the 17 other possible worlds and the beings that potentially inhabited them. Would have also preferred to read on a bit more about the revenge exacted on these alien invaders, but it might have been a bit repetitive since we had similar action sequences earlier in the book. And boy, do I wish Monroe and the Trump-like president received their comeuppance in spades, but alas to no avail... Bummer. These are my personal preferences and didn't reduce any enjoyment I received from this story. Overall a great book from an always excellent writer!
Was a great read, like all Peter Cawdron books. As I read through it, I can imagine how this book translates fairly well into a screenplay/movie. The ending was a bit abrupt and maybe a bit anticlimactic. I think it would have been interesting had more discussion/research time in the book been spent on the 17 other possible worlds and the beings that potentially inhabited them. Would have also preferred to read on a bit more about the revenge exacted on these alien invaders, but it might have been a bit repetitive since we had similar action sequences earlier in the book. And boy, do I wish Monroe and the Trump-like president received their comeuppance in spades, but alas to no avail... Bummer. These are my personal preferences and didn't reduce any enjoyment I received from this story. Overall a great book from an always excellent writer!
September 8, 2022
This book is a followup to another in the series called, "Wherever Seeds May Fall." Since all of the books in the "First Contact" series are about first contact with alien life, it's a distinction with a difference. I love science fiction books that focus on first contact and thus when I found this series I was most interested...so far, I haven't been disappointed.
In this one a vehicle used in the first story where an encounter with alien life takes place in space and is able to get back to earth. That vehicle has picked up some living material from the alien species and its unknowingly brought back to earth where it manages to get free and the alien life multiplies in a way that threatens life on earth.
The same protagonists (a male military officer and a noted female astrophysicist) continue in this sequel and I found them to be well written...and the plot high in action and with great science fiction intrigue throughout. I plan to continue reading Cawdron's series.
In this one a vehicle used in the first story where an encounter with alien life takes place in space and is able to get back to earth. That vehicle has picked up some living material from the alien species and its unknowingly brought back to earth where it manages to get free and the alien life multiplies in a way that threatens life on earth.
The same protagonists (a male military officer and a noted female astrophysicist) continue in this sequel and I found them to be well written...and the plot high in action and with great science fiction intrigue throughout. I plan to continue reading Cawdron's series.
December 26, 2022
Rubbish! And I am so disappointed! I loved Wherever the Seeds May Fall but the sequel does not nearly live up to the first one.
The author had said each of the books in the First Contact series stands-alone but he made an exception for this book because he received such good reviews from the storyline and characters in Wherever the Seeds May Fall. I really wish he hadn’t. The book became a tedious monster vs humans battleground (with some intelligent exceptions, granted) as well as a podium to advocate against conspiracy theories - which I 100% agree with but because the book was so poor, it felt like these were essays. I found myself getting bored through out the book.
And the ending! The ending is so weak - battle, battle, battle. Then we found a (unspecified) way to win. The end.
Such a shame.
I will read the others (I have only read 2 out of 25). Hopefully there is a return to form.
The author had said each of the books in the First Contact series stands-alone but he made an exception for this book because he received such good reviews from the storyline and characters in Wherever the Seeds May Fall. I really wish he hadn’t. The book became a tedious monster vs humans battleground (with some intelligent exceptions, granted) as well as a podium to advocate against conspiracy theories - which I 100% agree with but because the book was so poor, it felt like these were essays. I found myself getting bored through out the book.
And the ending! The ending is so weak - battle, battle, battle. Then we found a (unspecified) way to win. The end.
Such a shame.
I will read the others (I have only read 2 out of 25). Hopefully there is a return to form.
February 19, 2022
Bravo! Mr. Cawdron has done it again! I was surprised by this sequel to Wherever Seeds May Fall. I didn't think he could top that wonderful book with a sequel but here it is. You don't need to read Wherever Seeds May Fall to understand what's happening in Generation of Vipers-its a book that stands on its own.
The book is interesting not just for the plot and characters but also as a statement on science and the current political climate. I like how Mr. Cawdron pulls all these ideas together to make a story that is entertaining, suspenseful and current. I'd call it "smart" science fiction!
I highly recommend this read, it's another great addition to the First Contact series and will not disappoint. Enjoy!
The book is interesting not just for the plot and characters but also as a statement on science and the current political climate. I like how Mr. Cawdron pulls all these ideas together to make a story that is entertaining, suspenseful and current. I'd call it "smart" science fiction!
I highly recommend this read, it's another great addition to the First Contact series and will not disappoint. Enjoy!
November 4, 2022
After reading the first book this one was such a disappointment.
If you are about to read it and don't feel like spending the first +-50 pages reading about current politics from a very left perspective, ignore them all together - they add nothing to the story.
The second part of the book, when it finally dives into the story, is so badly written that annoys. The main characters in this book are all extreme heroes with always the possible best insight in fields that they know nothing about.
The main events in the story are so badly put together that I had to go back on pages just to double check whether I had missed some crucial info that was causing the confusion.
Overall, very disappointing..
If you are about to read it and don't feel like spending the first +-50 pages reading about current politics from a very left perspective, ignore them all together - they add nothing to the story.
The second part of the book, when it finally dives into the story, is so badly written that annoys. The main characters in this book are all extreme heroes with always the possible best insight in fields that they know nothing about.
The main events in the story are so badly put together that I had to go back on pages just to double check whether I had missed some crucial info that was causing the confusion.
Overall, very disappointing..
March 17, 2024
Bring on the invisible....huh?
I would confess to having struggled a little With the previous book, though in hindsight I felt empowered to dive straight into this without even taking a breath.
Were it not for Kindle Unlimited I suspect I would have happily bought both books.
To readers new to Peter's books, don't be afraid to take a chance. With 27 titles and counting there's something for everyone, regardless of your particular preference in science fiction.
To Peter, I'm sorry that I won't go out and buy a hard copy version, it took me years to eventually divest myself of the hundreds on books I once owned.
That said, I'm going to invest in a couple of co2 extinguish - because you never can be too careful!
I would confess to having struggled a little With the previous book, though in hindsight I felt empowered to dive straight into this without even taking a breath.
Were it not for Kindle Unlimited I suspect I would have happily bought both books.
To readers new to Peter's books, don't be afraid to take a chance. With 27 titles and counting there's something for everyone, regardless of your particular preference in science fiction.
To Peter, I'm sorry that I won't go out and buy a hard copy version, it took me years to eventually divest myself of the hundreds on books I once owned.
That said, I'm going to invest in a couple of co2 extinguish - because you never can be too careful!
November 24, 2023
Fermi paradox explored
Although I was familiar with panspermia, the idea of a non-technical extraterrestrial invasive species was very thought-provoking. I especially liked the authors extrapolation of well-known niche competition pressure examples to describe a biosphere across multiple worlds. Since Earth has the only biology we know of, it is no small feat to imagine such a "biocosmos." Most people don't consider the tremendous possibilities for evolution over many billions of years. We haven't been around very long at all. Technology isn’t guaranteed to be the most successful survival strategy. It's only been successful here so far...
Although I was familiar with panspermia, the idea of a non-technical extraterrestrial invasive species was very thought-provoking. I especially liked the authors extrapolation of well-known niche competition pressure examples to describe a biosphere across multiple worlds. Since Earth has the only biology we know of, it is no small feat to imagine such a "biocosmos." Most people don't consider the tremendous possibilities for evolution over many billions of years. We haven't been around very long at all. Technology isn’t guaranteed to be the most successful survival strategy. It's only been successful here so far...
May 14, 2025
Generation of Vipers was a great continuation from Wherever Seeds May Fall. It definitely represented well the politics and mis/disinformation that followed the original encounter. The new administration as depicted in the story were eerily similar to the real-life current one, which made their reckless behaviour far more believable. It was also exciting and disturbing to see the consequences of the alien seed making it to Earth. It was great to have Kath and Nolan back in the fray, and I really liked Andy's arc from the first book to this one. Definitely reccomend, and it would interesting to read more from this world.
February 24, 2022
Another excellent first contact novel by Peter. Each one gets better & better. Great fully developed characters. Engages you from page 1 till "the end". Takes place after "Where Seeds May Fall". Can be read as stand-alone but you should read "Seeds" first. What is life outside of our world? How did it develop? What do we do when it's us or them? Will science prevail? There are so many answers in "Vipers". If you like character-driven unique stories that will expand your views read this.
April 8, 2022
Holy Moly, Can This Guy Write Or What?
Peter Cawdron has slowly become one of my favorite SF writers. This book is yet another in his ongoing series of first contact novels: basically stand alone books with the common thread being humanity's initial meeting with extraterrestrial beings. Sometimes things go swimmingly, other times, this book, it's a knockdown, drag out fight to be king of the hill. Either way, Cawdron's limitless imagination, excellent writing skills, and strong science background give the reader a genuine thrill ride in almost every one of his books.
Peter Cawdron has slowly become one of my favorite SF writers. This book is yet another in his ongoing series of first contact novels: basically stand alone books with the common thread being humanity's initial meeting with extraterrestrial beings. Sometimes things go swimmingly, other times, this book, it's a knockdown, drag out fight to be king of the hill. Either way, Cawdron's limitless imagination, excellent writing skills, and strong science background give the reader a genuine thrill ride in almost every one of his books.
December 6, 2023
Excellent! Biological science, soldiers & scientists against the aliens, action and adventure, great characters, real scary aliens and a political point of view about science & truth. Peter Cawdron is among the very best of story tellers and does his homework with the science he writes into his stories. A fun escape & adventure story to boot, Also very much like the 'afterwards' he writes about the content of the story he just told. He does a great job explaining the science and his viewpoint in the story.
February 26, 2022
Vipers Rule!
Okay, just a short note:
Of the four such novels by Cawdron I have read, this is perhaps the best. IMHO of course.
Excellent plot and strong, individual characters, both heroic and not so much, are the best part of this book.
An alien reminiscent of Arnold's movie alien - invisiible but, ultimately, able to be killed - made this a chillingly realistic story.
Read it and, when you get off the edge of your seat, think about all of it.
Okay, just a short note:
Of the four such novels by Cawdron I have read, this is perhaps the best. IMHO of course.
Excellent plot and strong, individual characters, both heroic and not so much, are the best part of this book.
An alien reminiscent of Arnold's movie alien - invisiible but, ultimately, able to be killed - made this a chillingly realistic story.
Read it and, when you get off the edge of your seat, think about all of it.
March 31, 2022
3.5*
I loved the book Wherever Seeds May Fall, for me it is the best of Cawdron books. So I was really looking forward to the new book. To my disappointment, there was a little of mystery and lots of actions, similar to the earth saving action movies.
However, I enjoyed reading it but I will not probably read it again.
I loved the book Wherever Seeds May Fall, for me it is the best of Cawdron books. So I was really looking forward to the new book. To my disappointment, there was a little of mystery and lots of actions, similar to the earth saving action movies.
However, I enjoyed reading it but I will not probably read it again.
June 16, 2022
Too woke for me.
This will be the last book of yours for me. All women soldiers are not wonder woman. I am a southern gun owner and am not a fat, stupid, drunken idiot. We needed therapeutics instead if vaccine. When I hear a climate worshipper recommend nuclear, and not buying products from coal powered factories in China I will believe them. I like science not political preaching.
This will be the last book of yours for me. All women soldiers are not wonder woman. I am a southern gun owner and am not a fat, stupid, drunken idiot. We needed therapeutics instead if vaccine. When I hear a climate worshipper recommend nuclear, and not buying products from coal powered factories in China I will believe them. I like science not political preaching.
July 6, 2022
another winner…
When I need a break from all the reading—great books, bad books, mediocre books—I read a Cawdron first contact book. They are interesting (even educational) and totally entertaining. And he also has a lot of great female characters—smart, savvy, and empathetic. His younger characters in this book are sensitively drawn and realistic. You just can’t go wrong with a book in this series and be prepared to read them in one sitting. They are that good
When I need a break from all the reading—great books, bad books, mediocre books—I read a Cawdron first contact book. They are interesting (even educational) and totally entertaining. And he also has a lot of great female characters—smart, savvy, and empathetic. His younger characters in this book are sensitively drawn and realistic. You just can’t go wrong with a book in this series and be prepared to read them in one sitting. They are that good
December 27, 2022
A fantastic novel!
I recommend reading ‘Wherever seeds may fall’ first, because of the contrast between First Contacts . However, it’s not mandatory in order to enjoy this novel.
This is a novel with awesome characters and a great storyline. I’m really starting to believe that Peter Cawdron is in fact an actual space traveler and we’re reading his daily adventures.
I’ll read them all !
I recommend reading ‘Wherever seeds may fall’ first, because of the contrast between First Contacts . However, it’s not mandatory in order to enjoy this novel.
This is a novel with awesome characters and a great storyline. I’m really starting to believe that Peter Cawdron is in fact an actual space traveler and we’re reading his daily adventures.
I’ll read them all !
February 14, 2023
Follow up novel to Where Seeds May Fall
The cast is back and this time it's happening on Earth. Kim, Noland, and Angry Andy are dealing with the aftermath of a alien species that hitched a ride on a space probe that splashed down just off the the coast of Houston.
Story is a mash-up of some classic sci-fi tropes, but with science winning the day instead of the typical action hero.
The cast is back and this time it's happening on Earth. Kim, Noland, and Angry Andy are dealing with the aftermath of a alien species that hitched a ride on a space probe that splashed down just off the the coast of Houston.
Story is a mash-up of some classic sci-fi tropes, but with science winning the day instead of the typical action hero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews