Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
First Contact by Kim Harrison Narrator: Xe Sands
Series: Eclipsed Evolution #1
Published by Penguin Audio on April 2, 2024
Genres: Science Fiction Fantasy
Length: 5 hours, 27 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Dr. Renee Caisson knows there are worse things than an attractive man in uniform drafting her into a secret government project—especially when Major Jackson makes it clear that he isn’t bothered by her questionable past. But when her labs come back with decidedly odd results, the Major is forced to come clean over who the government is actually studying. Renee is shocked to learn her subjects are demonic-looking beings who call themselves “Neighbors”—refugees from a dying world, who arrived during the nation-wide solar eclipse.
The Neighbors’ technology is unlike anything Renee’s ever encountered. At first, she dismisses an injury that inexplicably heals as “just one of those things”. And surely August, the most gregarious Neighbor, begins to speak English overnight because of the team linguist’s skills?
Not until August begins evolving in real time to withstand Earth’s brighter, dryer atmosphere does she admit that the Neighbors’ “tech” feels less like science and more like magic—the same magic that brought them here in the first place, and the same they’re trying to rekindle with a mysterious labyrinth in order to return home and save their world.
Well this was sort of a surprise and I LOVED it. It really highlighted the difference between science and military / politics of things. This Eclipsed Evolution series is a view into aliens visiting Earth as their own planet is dying. The trilogy is initially being released on audio first. The audio is short and a quick read. I definitely plan to read the next two books in the series.
Renee is a scientist and is testing for toxicity or contagion that might come from the aliens and hurt humans. But she sees them as intelligent beings and quickly learns to communicate and understand them. They came to find a couple plants to help rebuild their world. They do not want to hurt humans or take over Earth.
The military folks in charge are caging them up and not in the best conditions. There are plenty of moral, scientific and safety issues to ponder here. I’m not sure exactly how they can trust the aliens but they do need to treat them better. My emotions and interest were held securely.
Narration:
I’m a big fan of Xe Sands. Our point of view is mostly Renee so the voice fits. But there a number of other distinct voices she performs well. I listened easily at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Xe Sands
Award-winning narrator known for credible characterizations and an intimate delivery with more than a decade of experience bringing stories to life through narration, performance, and visual art. I believe an authentic performance demands authentic connection to the text and subtext.
About Kim Harrison
Kim Harrison, author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, was born in Detroit and lived most her her life within an easy drive. After gaining her bachelors in the sciences, she moved to South Carolina, where she remained until recently returning to Michigan because she missed the snow. She’s currently working on the Peri Reed Chronicles, and when not at her desk, Kim is most likely to be found landscaping her new/old Victorian home, in the garden, or out on the links.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
Oooh this sounds so good! And completely different from her last book. Thanks for sharing😁
It IS totally different than her other books, more scifi with aliens. They are relatively short too. But audio only first.
Glad you loved it, Anne💜
Thank you! I do LOVE it.
I was offered a copy of this so yay to see your 5 stars. I like the sound of it and happy it’s 1st in a series. I’ll grab it up.
ok, it’s more scifi which I love. It was also short.
I’ve heard such good things about this author and I really should try one of her books. This one sounds interesting and I love Xe Sanders as a narrator.
It worked for me better than some of her other books because it is so scifi. And I like her other books.
Oooh, this looks good!
I absolutely LOVED it.
Oh… I’ve never read Harrison, but I’ve wanted to; and this is a new – unrelated to anything else – series? Audio with Xe Sands? I’m going to put it on my wish list right now. Thanks!!
yes it is new and unrelated to any other series. I really loved it and it is not a long audio. I also love Xe Sands.
Poor Aliens!
yes they aren’t being treated well but I can understand the fear of the humans. With communication difficulties, it was hard to know their purpose in coming to Earth.
I am enjoying this series too.
It’s original and thoughtful.
I only recently heard about this one. I am glad you liked it, Anne. I think I would too.
Thank you. I did love it and hope you get a chance to read it. I was glad I took it because it wasn’t as highly promoted as some things.
I didn’t even know this existed, until I started seeing some reviews for it, and I am in. Hopefully, I’ll get to read it soon.
I loved this so much! I hope you enjoy it.
This sounds good! I guess I didn’t know this author did sci-fi? I might have to check this one out. Great review!
Thanks Lisa. It’s really good. It’s only available on audio the first few months. I think there is an element of scifi in a lot of fantasy which she usually writes UF.