5.0 out of 5 stars

First Contact-Book 1 is a whirlwind of action, fun and intrigue wrapped in a Space Opera setting!

Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2025

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Found this first book while perusing ideas for the next Space Opera to get lost in. I had just finished all the Dune books (Prequels and Originals) for the second time and was actually thinking of revisiting Arthur C. Clarkes Odyssey Trilogy when this series popped up as an new optional read on Kindle.

Thoroughly enjoyed this first book and purchased the next 3. The writing is crisp, descriptive, and enjoyable to read. Scott paints quite a nice canvas in a fine display of articulate scenes and galactic intrigue to where I didn't want to go to sleep until I finished the chapter I was reading.

Happy to have caught this series and I look forward to the next 3 books and from what Scott says in his intro in this first book, this series may be as large as 15 books! Move over Sir Arthur C. Clarke and Frank Herbert, there's a new scribe of the stars competing for a seat in the space opera loggia!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Ready for the next book

Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2025

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What a fun and quick read. Looking forward to reading the next one. Really enjoyed the uniqueness of this story.

5.0 out of 5 stars

OMG, Scott, 

I just read your Chapter 13 preview and WOW.

That scene where the Void Maw says its first word? Actual chills. I could feel Ellie's excitement when that "Who..." came through. And the way it slowly learns to communicate - from broken words to asking deep questions about morality ("Why kill to stop killing?") is just brilliant.

I love how you've written this enormous, ancient being that's somehow innocent and wise at the same time. When it realizes the Asgards have been lying and that "eating sentient life is bad," I actually got emotional? For a moon-sized space entity? How did you do that?!

The team dynamics are perfect too Ellie's patience, Jian's skepticism turning to wonder, and Admiral Chris trying to balance caution with opportunity. And that final reveal of its name Sustainer - with that haunting line about how old it is.

This part really got me. “We call that energy source a star. Are you saying that you’re older than that star?”

“I am. I will see that star leave. I am before and after.” - Chef's kiss.

This is such a fresh take on first contact no flashy battles, just the struggle to understand something truly alien. I'm completely hooked and need to know what happens next!

5.0 out of 5 stars

Scott,

I finished Book 1 moments ago here in Pueblo. Your writing is very engaging, descriptive, and highly entertaining.

It’s nice to read an author who tells a great story without taking 100 pages explaining why a circle is round. (Tom Clancy was great at this. Enjoyed his books once past the first 100-150 pages…)

As a fellow Sci-Fi fan it was nice to see the homage to Star Trek, 2001 and I’m guessing there will be more Sci-Fi easter eggs in the future books.

I will gladly leave a supporting recommendation on Amazon Kindle over the upcoming weekend.

Looking forward to Book 2 on 6-13-25 when it's released.

You got me fired up to get back to my own writing.

Cheers!

Matt