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Alpha Protocol #2
The First Officer
Forgotten treasures lie waiting in deep space. So too does the greatest threat humanity has ever encountered…
Assigned to a new warship with cutting-edge technology, Jack Samson returns to the Frontier, determined to cast off the question marks over his previous conduct.
The Navy ventures ever farther beyond the Frontier, with fantastic new discoveries becoming a daily occurrence. As humanity reaches for these technological riches, it enters a deadly contest with a lethal adversary, the very survival of the human race being at stake.
Samson and his crew face the fight of their lives as they seek to secure ancient technological wonders and humanity’s place amongst the stars.
Assigned to a new warship with cutting-edge technology, Jack Samson returns to the Frontier, determined to cast off the question marks over his previous conduct.
The Navy ventures ever farther beyond the Frontier, with fantastic new discoveries becoming a daily occurrence. As humanity reaches for these technological riches, it enters a deadly contest with a lethal adversary, the very survival of the human race being at stake.
Samson and his crew face the fight of their lives as they seek to secure ancient technological wonders and humanity’s place amongst the stars.
368 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2022
161 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Duncan M. Hamilton
26 books1,094 followersHi, thanks for visiting my page. I’m Duncan, a fantasy and science fiction author from Ireland. I love to blend my passion for Medieval and Renaissance history with the freedom of fantasy environments to create fast paced heroic fantasy adventures with compelling characters and high stakes—exactly the types of stories that I love to read, so I hope you’ll like them too.
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 20, 2022
The First Officer is a great follow-up to The Alpha Protocol. It has all the elements that were enjoyable in the first book and, somehow, it manages to be even better.
My favorite portions of this series are those where we get to see the dynamics within the military organisation. The parallels to Aubrey Maturin are even stronger with jack Samson's promotion finding his to be the perfect foil to his captain. The action sequences stand out too, with multiple levels of confrontations occuring throughout the story. There are hints of a larger conspiracy as well.
The new character, I hope, continues to be a part of this series.
I liked the book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I recommend it to military scifi fans.
My favorite portions of this series are those where we get to see the dynamics within the military organisation. The parallels to Aubrey Maturin are even stronger with jack Samson's promotion finding his to be the perfect foil to his captain. The action sequences stand out too, with multiple levels of confrontations occuring throughout the story. There are hints of a larger conspiracy as well.
The new character, I hope, continues to be a part of this series.
I liked the book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I recommend it to military scifi fans.
Read
November 11, 2022***Not a review, just a placeholder for updates!***
The second book in the Alpha Protocol series, The First Officer, is finalised and pretty much ready to go! I'm hoping to release it on 1 December!
The second book in the Alpha Protocol series, The First Officer, is finalised and pretty much ready to go! I'm hoping to release it on 1 December!
December 20, 2022
A solid adventure that lands somewhere between space opera and military sci-fi.
There's a whole genre of fairly forgettable sci-fi set on warships in deep space, released on Kindle by so many new and aspiring writers. To really set itself apart in this area, a book needs to do something different. The ones which work for me tend to be by veterans who really know their warfare and storytellers who really know how to draw you in.
This book is the latter.
The sci-fi is softer than most, but grounded in reality. Where he needs something to work, it works; there's more handwaving than technobabble because the author writes about people more than protocols and methodologies, but I like that. The author gives us a core cast of people who fit well enough to make up a crew and chafe at the edges of their roles just enough to keep things interesting, which I also like.
What lets it down in my mind is that this is a classic 'middle book' - all the best worldbuilding was laid out in book one and the climax isn't coming until book three at the earliest, so we're left with something of a bridge between two other parts of the story. The twists and turns don't hit as hard as they could, the military court scenes are very accurate (makes sense; I think the writer was a lawyer) but about as dry as any real-world courtroom I ever saw during my work-experience with a law firm. Rare is the middle chapter of a trilogy that can stand on its own though, so I think it's easily-forgiven.
The truest test of any middle book in a series is whether you want to pick up the next book. I really want to pick up the next book. I am invested enough in the characters that I wants to know what happens next and that is always a good sign...
There's a whole genre of fairly forgettable sci-fi set on warships in deep space, released on Kindle by so many new and aspiring writers. To really set itself apart in this area, a book needs to do something different. The ones which work for me tend to be by veterans who really know their warfare and storytellers who really know how to draw you in.
This book is the latter.
The sci-fi is softer than most, but grounded in reality. Where he needs something to work, it works; there's more handwaving than technobabble because the author writes about people more than protocols and methodologies, but I like that. The author gives us a core cast of people who fit well enough to make up a crew and chafe at the edges of their roles just enough to keep things interesting, which I also like.
What lets it down in my mind is that this is a classic 'middle book' - all the best worldbuilding was laid out in book one and the climax isn't coming until book three at the earliest, so we're left with something of a bridge between two other parts of the story. The twists and turns don't hit as hard as they could, the military court scenes are very accurate (makes sense; I think the writer was a lawyer) but about as dry as any real-world courtroom I ever saw during my work-experience with a law firm. Rare is the middle chapter of a trilogy that can stand on its own though, so I think it's easily-forgiven.
The truest test of any middle book in a series is whether you want to pick up the next book. I really want to pick up the next book. I am invested enough in the characters that I wants to know what happens next and that is always a good sign...
December 6, 2022
Not a full 5* but somewhere in between, I'd also say that the synopsis is slightly misleading in that whilst Jack Sampson does fight for his life it's more Dr Hannah Wolfe & she isn't really part of his team. So initially it starts with Hannah & I did think that maybe this would be a series with different MC's in each book but after several chapters setting the plot, Jack re-appears. The action is fairly non-stop as when there is a lull with Jack, for instance, Hannah has some action & vice versa. The occulans re-appear & have some form of Klingon cloaking device but we don't really learn too much more about them or the older "extinct" race. There's a couple of minor gripes that I'll try to mention without any spoilers: The android once found barely gets a mention, fairly sure that more investigation would have been done & the unknown "human" ship that appears, it appears & well that's it...Why is it there? What's it doing? Why do the Occulans not fire at it ?...It's just there!
To finish I'm not sure how many are going to be in this Series but I'd say 2 Books in & it's barely scratched the surface & it wouldn't surprise me if it ended up like Cornwell's Sharpe & we follow Jack's path to Glory!
To finish I'm not sure how many are going to be in this Series but I'd say 2 Books in & it's barely scratched the surface & it wouldn't surprise me if it ended up like Cornwell's Sharpe & we follow Jack's path to Glory!
November 15, 2022
I am very fortunate to be an ARC reader for Duncan M. Hamilton because I get to read books like this before most of the world. This is a very good book. I ended up staying up until 4:30 in the morning reading this because I just could not put it down. I read fantasy and historical fiction. I have read a few good science fiction books/series over the years and I have enjoyed them, but I never really gripped onto the genre. I read the first book of this series Alpha Protocol, because I am an ARC reader and since I get to read his fantasy books as an ARC reader I felt I should read his science fiction even though he himself said that he would understand if some of his ARC readers might not be interested. I am so glad I did. The first book was a good and enjoyable read. In many ways it aligned with fantasy. I was hooked by the end. The 2nd book, The First Officer is even better. Jack is now sent to another sector of the universe where new discoveries are being made and a lot more interaction with the alpha protocol. Jack is still our main character but we are introduced to many more and I liked them all. The 3rd volume in this series cannot come fast enough.
December 6, 2022
I thought the title of this book was first officer, alpha protocol, not first officer and the professor.
Either the MC of the book is so meddling that he himself cannot carry the book that the author hast to include a not very interesting professor to fill chapters. The story on a hole is not that bad, but the MC is not a strong enough character to carry the entire book. I was expecting to read about the first officer, not a academic as well. yes, the book head action, but it was mediocre at best as far as the MC and the secondary protagonist in the book is concerned. You may like a book with two POV‘s, but I do not if I want to read a book about the main character then let me read it if you have two subsequent characters in the book that allow me to know that before I start reading. like I said, the story was interesting, but there weren’t any real technological advances because of alien fines. no technological leaps forward with the book blurb said there were. Nothing super remarkable except a discovery of another alien base. No ramifications whatsoever. You may enjoy it. I did not.
Either the MC of the book is so meddling that he himself cannot carry the book that the author hast to include a not very interesting professor to fill chapters. The story on a hole is not that bad, but the MC is not a strong enough character to carry the entire book. I was expecting to read about the first officer, not a academic as well. yes, the book head action, but it was mediocre at best as far as the MC and the secondary protagonist in the book is concerned. You may like a book with two POV‘s, but I do not if I want to read a book about the main character then let me read it if you have two subsequent characters in the book that allow me to know that before I start reading. like I said, the story was interesting, but there weren’t any real technological advances because of alien fines. no technological leaps forward with the book blurb said there were. Nothing super remarkable except a discovery of another alien base. No ramifications whatsoever. You may enjoy it. I did not.
November 24, 2022
Thanks to Mr. Hamilton for my Advanced Reader Copy. I was delightfully surprised to find I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series. The author has done an amazing job of melding a naval military with space exploration making it a real kick to read. After the 2nd book, I really appreciate Jack's character and the introduction of Hannah as a scientist. She helped highlight the differences between civilians and military personnel which was interesting. The switching between the two characters made for a very fast read. This book has all you'd ever want in a science fiction novel - ships, battles, aliens, strange planets, discoveries, conspiracies and questions. I highly recommend this to both lovers of good old fashioned science fiction or fantasy and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series. Kudos to Mr. Hamilton on a job well done!
January 14, 2023
great story, kept me entertained
This is a continuation of the story of Lieutenant, now Lieutenant Commander, Jack Samson with new orders from Earth to return to the Frontier as first officer aboard the Spatha, a brand new ship with some new technologies. It doesn’t take long before things start going wrong, tensions rise, and well, there’s the aliens…
Well written and edited, very few errors, omitted words, etc. There was a good mix of science and action, human drama with desperate rescues, sabotage, hand to hand combat in a pressure suit, and a battle scene that was thrilling and tense. The ending was kind of open ended, maybe there’s a third installment? I’ll have to check.
This is a continuation of the story of Lieutenant, now Lieutenant Commander, Jack Samson with new orders from Earth to return to the Frontier as first officer aboard the Spatha, a brand new ship with some new technologies. It doesn’t take long before things start going wrong, tensions rise, and well, there’s the aliens…
Well written and edited, very few errors, omitted words, etc. There was a good mix of science and action, human drama with desperate rescues, sabotage, hand to hand combat in a pressure suit, and a battle scene that was thrilling and tense. The ending was kind of open ended, maybe there’s a third installment? I’ll have to check.
March 7, 2023
Once again, I have been fortunate to get an ARC of Mr. Hamilton's book. Coincidentally, I have the same complaint I have had for all the others. It ended way too soon, and now I'm stuck waiting an indeterminate amount of time for the next edition!
I was first introduced to his books on the fantasy side so when he started this series as his first foray into the sci-fi side I was excited but cautious before discovering how just how much he knocked it out of the park. Book 1 was fantastic, and I recommend it to friends frequently. Book 2 took everything good about book 1 and did it better.
If you are already a fan, absolutely pick this up. If you like the genre, absolutely pick this up. If you like good books, absolutely pick this up.
I was first introduced to his books on the fantasy side so when he started this series as his first foray into the sci-fi side I was excited but cautious before discovering how just how much he knocked it out of the park. Book 1 was fantastic, and I recommend it to friends frequently. Book 2 took everything good about book 1 and did it better.
If you are already a fan, absolutely pick this up. If you like the genre, absolutely pick this up. If you like good books, absolutely pick this up.
November 24, 2022
A little over a week ago, I received notice that the second installment of Alpha Protocol was available to read. I immediately downloaded it. Testing my patience, I opened the first book and read it again; it was just as good the second time around and I read it over the course of a few days so I could get to The First Officer.
It was everything I expected, and more. The story, better described as an adventure, pulls you in from page one and it’s hard to put the book down. Now, I’m left waiting on book 3…
I can only hope Duncan is reading this review, and realizing that his fans can’t wait to see what happens next… maybe he can find time to get it written soon!
It was everything I expected, and more. The story, better described as an adventure, pulls you in from page one and it’s hard to put the book down. Now, I’m left waiting on book 3…
I can only hope Duncan is reading this review, and realizing that his fans can’t wait to see what happens next… maybe he can find time to get it written soon!
December 26, 2022
This is a fantastic book and world. I can see multiple books being written. This is the kind of story I love to read. The story arc is slowly developing. However, there is plenty of action. I can’t wait till the next book is written.
This is science fiction, and the author spends a lot of time explaining things I would never have thought about. This adds a layer of comprehension that makes you feel like you are there. Also, he isn’t killing off characters like George RR Martin, but don’t get too attached to those in the story.
This is his second book in the genre and his writing seems stronger than his first book. I appreciate how quickly he writes and develops this new world where Terrans exist with other sentient life.
Thank you, Duncan!
This is science fiction, and the author spends a lot of time explaining things I would never have thought about. This adds a layer of comprehension that makes you feel like you are there. Also, he isn’t killing off characters like George RR Martin, but don’t get too attached to those in the story.
This is his second book in the genre and his writing seems stronger than his first book. I appreciate how quickly he writes and develops this new world where Terrans exist with other sentient life.
Thank you, Duncan!
Read
November 23, 2022What a ride! I have always enjoyed the Fantasy world created by DMH so when I had the opportunity to read the science fiction story Alpha Protocol #1 I was very interested. It created great new characters that I looked forward to meeting again.
Here comes the First Officer, Alpha Protocol #2. What a great read. The wait was certainly worth it and did not disappoint. In my opinion, better than the first. Excitement from beginning to end.
A different genre but the same skilful storytelling ability from an author whose works I naturally gravitate to.
Looking out for the next episode.
Here comes the First Officer, Alpha Protocol #2. What a great read. The wait was certainly worth it and did not disappoint. In my opinion, better than the first. Excitement from beginning to end.
A different genre but the same skilful storytelling ability from an author whose works I naturally gravitate to.
Looking out for the next episode.
November 24, 2022
I am impressed because I am not a great fan of sci-fi military fiction but this was a great read. It was the second book of the Alpha Protocol series and I liked the first one but I think this one was even better. The story never drags and though I could criticize it for not filling out more details the result is that it is a straight forward adventure. I read late at night several times when I should have been in bed but I didn't want to put it down
If you are someone who likes action and doesn't care as much for character development then this book is for you.
If you are someone who likes action and doesn't care as much for character development then this book is for you.
November 24, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book to read and leave an unbiased review.
In this second instalment the story develops further and we are introduced to new characters as the hidden alien threat increases. We learn more about the world in which the story is based and I found the story continued to draw me in, I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down.
Looking forward to the next one!
In this second instalment the story develops further and we are introduced to new characters as the hidden alien threat increases. We learn more about the world in which the story is based and I found the story continued to draw me in, I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down.
Looking forward to the next one!
December 1, 2022
This is every bit as good as the first book! Action packed, this fast paced sci-fi adventure pulls you in from start to finish. Filled with mystery and intrigue as we take off in a new warship with Jack and his crew off to visit new planets and find new alien technologies, we meet new characters and also see old characters grow and develop. It’s a great continuation and I can’t wait to see where the author takes us next.
December 4, 2022
We learn a tiny bit more about the aliens. We have a science ship taken out. Grab the intel and run for the nearest jump!
The main character doesn't really grow or develop all that much. The characters around him are actually a little more interesting. Naturally, most of them don' t really survive the story...
This book is not all that interesting. I've read far worse, but that does not seem to be an endorsement to buy and read the book.
The main character doesn't really grow or develop all that much. The characters around him are actually a little more interesting. Naturally, most of them don' t really survive the story...
This book is not all that interesting. I've read far worse, but that does not seem to be an endorsement to buy and read the book.
December 5, 2022
Another Brilliant Instalment
This book was brilliant, in line with the rest of Duncan's work. It will have you on the edge of your seat, with enough twists and turns to keep a rollercoaster enthusiast entertained! Well worth the read, and it will leave you absolutely hanging for the next instalment.
This book was brilliant, in line with the rest of Duncan's work. It will have you on the edge of your seat, with enough twists and turns to keep a rollercoaster enthusiast entertained! Well worth the read, and it will leave you absolutely hanging for the next instalment.
November 24, 2022
Another gem from Hamilton! At this point, he could probably write a romance novel and I would love it. The First Officer is a great sequel and has me on the edge of my seat to finish the series! Highly recommended!
November 24, 2022
Just finished reading The First Officer by Duncan Hamilton and I must say that once I started I just couldn’t put it down. Great story line and so well written as we have come to expect from this brilliant writer and creator of drama. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
November 28, 2022
A really good follow up to The Alpha Protocol. If anything, slightly better than the first in the series.
Some of the science was a bit baffling but there was some plenty of action and a really likeable character in Jack Samson.
Some of the science was a bit baffling but there was some plenty of action and a really likeable character in Jack Samson.
November 30, 2022
The First Officer is the 2nd book in the Alpha Protocol series , the book follows Samsons exploits , it's well written, with twist and turns, good character generation and a great read , do yourself a favour and get this book .
November 30, 2022
The First Officer is everything I hoped for and more as the continuation of the Alpha Protocol. This book kept me up reading and I can’t suggest it enough.
If you are looking for a grand sci-fi story with relatable characters and epic storylines this is it!
If you are looking for a grand sci-fi story with relatable characters and epic storylines this is it!
December 1, 2022
Loved this book! A fantastic storyline. It keeps you in anticipation of “what happens next”? The first book in this series was great but this one is even better! I will be anxiously waiting for the next I’m the series.
December 9, 2022
Love the series, hated the delay
Recommend this military sci fi, however the very long delay between novels not acceptable. Do not appreciate rereading the initial story twice.
Excellent writing Mr. Hamilton.
Recommend this military sci fi, however the very long delay between novels not acceptable. Do not appreciate rereading the initial story twice.
Excellent writing Mr. Hamilton.
December 12, 2022
Disappointed
I waited months for this book to come out in order to get some questions answered from book one. I finished it now and really the author only addressed a couple of things. Very unsatisfactory continuation of a series.
I waited months for this book to come out in order to get some questions answered from book one. I finished it now and really the author only addressed a couple of things. Very unsatisfactory continuation of a series.
December 20, 2022
Brilliant
I love Duncan's books and he's stretched himself with this series as pure sci fi ,
This book has one major problem ........ It hooked me so much more than I expected and I couldn't put it down
I love Duncan's books and he's stretched himself with this series as pure sci fi ,
This book has one major problem ........ It hooked me so much more than I expected and I couldn't put it down
February 13, 2023
Been waiting...
I have been waiting for this book since I finished the first book in the series. I had given up and didn't recognize it as the second book. Great book, waiting on the next. Happy the author didn't forget it, or disgard it.
I have been waiting for this book since I finished the first book in the series. I had given up and didn't recognize it as the second book. Great book, waiting on the next. Happy the author didn't forget it, or disgard it.
March 17, 2023
Awesome, but over way too soon!
I burned through this hook way too fast! I lost sleep because of staying up 'for just a few more pages'. Highly recommend this series!
I can't wait for the next installment!
I burned through this hook way too fast! I lost sleep because of staying up 'for just a few more pages'. Highly recommend this series!
I can't wait for the next installment!
April 9, 2023
Good series
Liked the first two books, can't wait for the next book in the series. At least I hope there's another one on the way. It was easy to get into the the story and want more. Keep up the goog writing.
Liked the first two books, can't wait for the next book in the series. At least I hope there's another one on the way. It was easy to get into the the story and want more. Keep up the goog writing.
September 9, 2023
Easy read and exciting adventures
I had fun reading this story. Lots of intrigue, characters, and great mystery. I recommend it to anyone that likes sci-fi entertainment. Little long on philosophical introspection, but speed through those.
I had fun reading this story. Lots of intrigue, characters, and great mystery. I recommend it to anyone that likes sci-fi entertainment. Little long on philosophical introspection, but speed through those.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews