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ingo_lembcke's review
4.0
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The blurb was good, and the cover reminded me of the recent X-Files-reboot (so far nothing like the cover occurs in the book, so that was probably the intention, although it reeks of a DMCA waiting to happen).
In the beginning a fast paced, suspenseful book, some parts with rather too much happening without slowing down. Very well written, might get a solid and well deserved 5 stars in the end. But then, around the 60% mark, after a certain event, it slows down for me and bore me until around 80% where it twists twice in a short time, one twist I guessed, the second not.
As it was written before the BREXIT decision, this is not in the book, otherwise the book is as up-to-date as possible (China!) and sneaky and twisty as can be. For conspiracy-nuts and alike they will get what they deserve.
Hope to finish it soon.
OK, took me a few books in between to finally finish it.
It might have been better served split into two books, ending the first book at 80% or earlier giving a sort of (false) closure and then the second book starting with the two twists which then occur.
Still, after reading it so far, I would gladly have paid a normal price for it (up to 10 Us$ or 9 Eur for the ebook) and I think it should be translated into German, so I can recommend it to my family and friends.
After the 80% mark and the two hard twists I had trouble finishing it, some of it was, "Oh NO, this book is going to end", some was "could have stopped there and done a 2nd book with more ending story and few more twists". But, ok, although not much happens after 80% and I still think for a single book it was too long after that, it was nicely done, with a well deserved ending.
Therefore a solid 4star with a recommendation for all people, SF, non-SF, Geeks, Nerds and non-Geeks, non-Nerds alike.
Except for BREXIT and Trump this is rather up-to-date, with great use of social-media, the tech we use today etc. President Slater looks to me like a Hillary Clinton clone, with all her mistakes, and that could have well been on the point, if not for the chosen US-Presidency "we need a change to believe in". We will see, how that turns out for all of us.
Will certainly look for other books from this author.
The blurb was good, and the cover reminded me of the recent X-Files-reboot (so far nothing like the cover occurs in the book, so that was probably the intention, although it reeks of a DMCA waiting to happen).
In the beginning a fast paced, suspenseful book, some parts with rather too much happening without slowing down. Very well written, might get a solid and well deserved 5 stars in the end. But then, around the 60% mark, after a certain event, it slows down for me and bore me until around 80% where it twists twice in a short time, one twist I guessed, the second not.
As it was written before the BREXIT decision, this is not in the book, otherwise the book is as up-to-date as possible (China!) and sneaky and twisty as can be. For conspiracy-nuts and alike they will get what they deserve.
Hope to finish it soon.
OK, took me a few books in between to finally finish it.
It might have been better served split into two books, ending the first book at 80% or earlier giving a sort of (false) closure and then the second book starting with the two twists which then occur.
Still, after reading it so far, I would gladly have paid a normal price for it (up to 10 Us$ or 9 Eur for the ebook) and I think it should be translated into German, so I can recommend it to my family and friends.
After the 80% mark and the two hard twists I had trouble finishing it, some of it was, "Oh NO, this book is going to end", some was "could have stopped there and done a 2nd book with more ending story and few more twists". But, ok, although not much happens after 80% and I still think for a single book it was too long after that, it was nicely done, with a well deserved ending.
Therefore a solid 4star with a recommendation for all people, SF, non-SF, Geeks, Nerds and non-Geeks, non-Nerds alike.
Except for BREXIT and Trump this is rather up-to-date, with great use of social-media, the tech we use today etc. President Slater looks to me like a Hillary Clinton clone, with all her mistakes, and that could have well been on the point, if not for the chosen US-Presidency "we need a change to believe in". We will see, how that turns out for all of us.
Will certainly look for other books from this author.
lilehmoo's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rkking's review against another edition
4.0
I delved into this story because I was searching for an X-Files style UFO cover-up tale. While Not Alone doesn't quite deliver that sort of flavor, it does in fact deliver its own special tone that I enjoyed.
And that's after I was prepared to stop liking it. Without revealing spoilers, I enjoyed the direction the story was going, but then became dismayed with a left turn it took. I was subjectively disappointed, but am glad I continued on because it veered in yet another direction, of which I thoroughly enjoyed. That goes to show the writing that Falconer displays here: great characters and a winding story with reveals along the way. I can certainly see where some people may not like it due to a LARGE amount of time spent on characters literally just watching the news, but beyond that I would say definitely give it a try.
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes
And that's after I was prepared to stop liking it. Without revealing spoilers, I enjoyed the direction the story was going, but then became dismayed with a left turn it took. I was subjectively disappointed, but am glad I continued on because it veered in yet another direction, of which I thoroughly enjoyed. That goes to show the writing that Falconer displays here: great characters and a winding story with reveals along the way. I can certainly see where some people may not like it due to a LARGE amount of time spent on characters literally just watching the news, but beyond that I would say definitely give it a try.
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes
hollymilloy's review
4.0
(3.5/5) This book was an interesting take on sci-fi. Rather than being action-packed, it was a take on how Earth would react to learning of other intelligent life. It focuses on the politics, media and public opinion rather than the alien life itself.
I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would, however it was a bit longer and more dragged out than it needed to be in some places.
I definitely enjoyed it more than I thought I would, however it was a bit longer and more dragged out than it needed to be in some places.
humanignorance's review
3.0
A decently engaging plot with interesting twists. The characters were pretty one-dimensional, however.
tiptin's review against another edition
2.0
How can I best describe this book? It feels like a TV show, but not the good kind. Something like CSI or Designated Survivor. It is okay to watch, fun or cool at times, but never good. Sure it was easy entertainment, but yeah, that's about it.
The writing is there, it get the point across, but never resembles "art". The book also screams self-publishing. Apparently it is a market for this, based on the number of sequels. I was not a fan though.
The plot is fine, but the plottwist at the end is utterly stupid, and I am sure it gets retconned in one of the other books.
The writing is there, it get the point across, but never resembles "art". The book also screams self-publishing. Apparently it is a market for this, based on the number of sequels. I was not a fan though.
The plot is fine, but the plottwist at the end is utterly stupid, and I am sure it gets retconned in one of the other books.
calvnlawrnc's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this immensely! Go in knowing nothing about it for sure. There are twists, but the best part is the story doesn't rely on them. The true pleasure lies in seeing three incredibly well formulated characters navigate an extraordinary situation. I really did come to like Emma, Dan and Clark a great deal.
theonionboy's review against another edition
5.0
The first book was good, each book after this goes downhill fast.