Alien Safari: Kingdom

by Robert Appleton

Explore. Protect. Survive.

When Jan has to leave Hesperidia for the first time in decades to attend a crucial summit, she’s forced to abandon the search for a missing keystone creature, the majestic cor’arkhis. Countless species in its secluded ecosystem depend on that apex animal for survival. Its absence poses a troubling mystery that could have profound consequences for wildlife in the region.

So she recruits her lawman partner, Vaughn, to take up the search in her stead. He’s eager to impress her in his new role as Alien Safari’s Security Chief. Combining his own detective expertise with what Jan has taught him about the plants and creatures of this strange world, he pieces together the puzzle of what happened. But as he delves ever deeper into the mystery, he makes a startling discovery out in the desert. One that places him and Stopper, his loyal canine companion, in mortal danger at every turn.

The evolutionary wiles of two worlds collide in this breakneck adventure novella science fiction fans won’t want to miss.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

About the author

Robert Appleton is a British science fiction and adventure author partial to tales of survival in far-flung locations. Many of his sci-fi books share the same universe as his popular Alien Safari series, though tend to feature standalone storylines. His rebellious characters range from an orphaned grifter on Mars to a lone woman gate-crashing the war in her biotech suit. His sci-fi readers regularly earn enough frequent flyer miles to qualify for a cross-galaxy voyage of their choosing. His publishers include Harlequin Carina Press, and he also ghost-writes novels in other genres. In his free time he hikes, plays soccer, and kayaks whenever he can. The night sky is his inspiration.

His work has been nominated for several awards, and in 2011 he won the EPIC Award for Best Historical Fiction.

Be sure to follow Robert on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3qLWVHu

Reviews

[Stephanie Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jan has left Hesperidia for a conference that will determine the future of the planet’s human residents and their research. While she is gone, Vaughn has been tasked with finding a missing creature whose presence is vital to the eco-balance of the area. He discovers that the cocoons of the creature’s unborn offspring have been stolen and the creature has left his area to retrieve them. Vaughn and Stopper must find the creature and discover what other creature was bold enough to steal the cocoons.
This is a short novella in the Alien Safari series and focuses solely on Vaughn as he works his way into the scope of his new position as Alien Safari’s Security Chief as well as his desire to impress Jan. The action is quick and non-stop. The new areas of the planet that we get to see and the new creatures we learn about are as intriguing as ever. There is suspense as Vaughn and Stopper are on the trail to help the cor’arkhis while also realizing that the creature will see them as just as much an enemy as those who stole his children. The conclusion is satisfying and we have a hint of where the next novel will take us. Recommended.

[Judith Trail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth in the series, this was a fast-paced search and rescue operation with Vaughn and Stopper holding front and center while Jan was off-world trying to convince politicians to continue to fund the protection of the most terrifying planet imaginable. In a desert-like area of Hespiridia, an animal of a ferocious nature has created a carefully planned and maintained ecosystem. The beast (name very challenging to spell), let's call it Corky, has a unique symbiotic relationship with plants and other animals in its territory that provides benefits to the residents, most especially protection from outside predators. Corky and three eggs have gone missing during a time its mate is in deep hibernation and the ecosystem is vulnerable. Vaughn and Stopper go into the area to find Corky and the eggs and if possible, return them to their home. Appleton has a great deal of fun describing the geological and geographical challenges they encounter, as well as the newly discovered species that seems bent on killing Vaughn and Stopper. Great adventure, well-written and paced, this is a solid part of the series.

[Dr susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative, fascinating sci fi adventure

.... Or is it a mystery? A thriller? An ecological commentary? Whatever it is, it is filled with more fascinating (and possibly horrifying) Hesp creatures, as well as thrills, chills, and fantastic triumphs for Vaughn. The best part of Kingdom was the effort being made to save both ecosystems. I really love this series.

[Michael Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing to explore the planet

This is not the best book of the series but it is still enjoyable. I am not a hard science fiction buff, I do not question how something works when it comes to science fiction-fiction entertainment so take my review with a grain of salt. I like the way Robert Appleton makes you feel like you are exploring new worlds.

[Cb Senior · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!!

This is a fantastic series! It is a wild ride in each of these books. So much action and a wonderful array of alien creatures. Robert has done a fantastic job of world building. Adventure, intrigue with just a dash of romance thrown in. Sci-fi enthusiasts will love it.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series!

I've enjoyed all the previous books in the series so far, and this was no exception. It was fun to see how Stopper worked with Vaughn while Jan had to go off world.
It's chills and spills, close calls, amazing discoveries, and do or die for our two heroes.
In other words; just another day in paradise!
This series should be read in order.

[William Tune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another late night, can't put it down read.

I have no choice but to move on to book 5.
I kind of expect something by now...excellent story telling, almost didn't make it through crisis, villains and strange creatures.
Two more books to go and then I get some sleep!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gets bogged down in stories from previous novels,

[Ed Napiorkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an entertaining fun continuation of the story.
Characters remain consistent, as does the overall storyline.
Fun 4 stars.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bit shorter than the previous one because it involves just our Omicron and Stopper. Man & dog to save an ecosystem against an unknown animal colony. No multiple subplots and no human villains. But the story is as good and exciting as the rest of the series. The author is quite an impressive world builder. Quite amazing!