Tier Zero: Vol. I of the Knolan Cycle

by D.B. Sayers

Two bedrock assumptions woven into most tales chronicling first contact begin with the postulate that we will necessarily know when first contact with an alien race occurs. Most though not all further theorize that alien motives will likely be malevolent. In Tier Zero, Volume I of the Knolan Cycle, first contact occurred 31 years ago and no one seems to be the wiser. Life on Earth (or Kurrithaal as the Knolans call it) goes on as usual. For Martin Tellus, that's about to change. As for Knolans' motive(s) for making contact? Let's just say it's...complicated.Tier Zero is the first book in a series introducing readers to cultures at once radically different and startlingly similar to our own.

Genres: Science Fiction

408 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2019

Reviews

[Marvin]

‘Tier Zero’ is the first book of what will become a trilogy, called ‘The Knolan Cycle’. Basic idea: we are not alone in the universe, and aliens have been living among us secretly for decades. They’re biding their time until humanity ‘awakens’. Marty Tellus, in a previous life junior Assistant Project
Manager at US Steel and Shipbuilding until a drifting economy ended his career, has picked up grad school in California and is very much into surfing. One of his mottos: “When the going gets tough, the tough go surfing!” He’s living an anonymous life when he meets Lysia. What he doesn’t know is that she appears in his life after he became the first ‘awakened’ human being. And this is obviously going to change his life.

Although starting on Earth, the story quickly shifts away from it. Knolan, the aliens’ main planet, becomes the centre of the story and readers get immersed into a whole set of foreign sounding names, in a little bit of new technology and in some unearthly ideas. The first book of a sci-fi or fantasy series often has overcome the burden of explaining many new things, but somehow the author has made it very easy to grasp. This can partially be explained by the fact that humans are genetically compatible with Knolans and both societies share some similarities. It’s not only that though, D.B. Sayers has succeeded in integrating everything quite well into the story. Not that everything went flawlessly. He sometimes fails the ‘show, don’t tell’ principle, so there are moments when characters unsolicitedly start dumping too much information in conversations. There is certainly room for improvement here, but it didn’t really harm the story.

Some points of critique:
– Marty, the main character, is too easy going when accepting and embracing new things. If you’d get to know somebody, and after only a few weeks, this person tells you he/she/it is an alien, how would you react? Wouldn’t most of us start looking for the hidden camera in the room? Marty however hardly questions this assertion, which is very unbelievable.
– The Knolans are an alien society and it is most likely that if we ever encounter aliens, that they will not have military command structures like ours. The Knolans do, including much of the human military language, and this too is very unbelievable.
– Sayers focuses a lot on the Knolans' sexuality. It very rapidly becomes the main theme of the book with only little attention for other developments. As a base for two more books to come, it’s a little thin.
– Marty is portrayed too much as this highly intelligent, super attractive male from Earth that we know from the very beginning is going to save the universe. Very cliche, very low brain action movie like, not very interesting to read. Marty could use a few more layers of complexity.

Despite the criticism, it’s an attractive story that keeps you reading and doesn’t become boring. If it comes to writing skills and imagination, Sayers is not in my top list, but it wasn’t bad either. It is clear that the author has thought about this universe and made it consistent. Each chapter begins with a quote by one of the Knolan Oracles from past or present, which shows that effort was spent on creating background. There are some side stories which have remained underdeveloped but which will hopefully receive more attention in the next books, and I finished the book being interested in how these would evolve. The first book was good without being excellent and the potential of the trilogy to become even better than good as a whole, is present. Do I want to read the second book? Absolutely!

[Laura]

I picked up Tier Zero expecting a fairly standard first-contact sci-fi story, but it turned out to be something quite different. What grabbed me most was the premise that aliens have already made contact with Earth decades ago, and humanity never even realized it. That idea alone kept me curious throughout the book.

The story takes its time building the world, and I’ll admit the opening chapters felt a bit slow for me. However, once the bigger picture started to emerge, I found myself increasingly invested in both the mystery and the characters. Marty is a relatable protagonist because he feels like an ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances rather than an action hero who always has the answers.

One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the world-building. The Knolans are genuinely interesting because they aren’t portrayed as simple villains or benevolent saviors. Their motivations are layered and sometimes difficult to understand, which made them feel more believable. I enjoyed learning about their culture and how it contrasted with, yet occasionally mirrored, humanity.

The book focuses more on discovery, relationships, and big questions than nonstop action. It explores themes of identity, trust, and how people react when their understanding of reality is challenged. There are definitely some exciting moments, but the real strength lies in the gradual unveiling of secrets and the sense that there is a much larger universe waiting beyond the pages.

By the end, I was left with plenty of questions—in a good way. The story feels like the beginning of a larger journey, and it made me interested in seeing where the series goes next. If you enjoy thoughtful science fiction with strong world-building, intriguing alien cultures, and a mystery that unfolds steadily, Tier Zero is worth checking out.

[Shey Saints]

Tier Zero: Vol 1 of the Knolan Cycle is a sci-fi novel by D.B. Sayers. The book series kicks off The Knolan Cycle with a cerebral blend of first contact themes, metaphysics, romance, and political intrigue. The story follows Marty Tellus, a college student whose recurring dreams and mysterious mental "presence" lead him to a deeper connection with Lysia, a woman who is far more than she seems. As their connection intensifies, we learn about the Knolans, an ancient alien race committed to guiding emerging civilizations through something called "The Way." But not all is peaceful. Lurking threats and rival factions, including the manipulative Valdrōsians, reveal that first contact comes with high stakes.

I’m giving this novel 5 out of 5 stars. The writing is immersive and intelligent, with thoughtful worldbuilding and strong character voices, especially Lysia, who manages to be mysterious, powerful, and relatable all at once. The romantic and psychic entanglement between her and Marty is compelling and emotionally charged. Sayers blends philosophical ideas (like ethics, identity, and destiny) into a narrative that doesn’t spoon-feed the reader, which I appreciated. Overall, Tier Zero is a fresh, mature take on first contact, with emotional depth and an intriguing setup for future volumes. Highly recommended for mature readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven sci-fi with deep romance and rich worldbuilding. Content Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content and is recommended for mature readers ages 18 and up.

[Chris Harris]

D.B. Sayers' "Tier Zero: Vol. I of the Knolan Cycle" is a captivating and thought-provoking science fiction novel that presents a believable and intricate world-building. While the story may start off slow, it soon becomes a page-turning journey filled with twists, turns, and emotions that are hard to put down. The characters are well-developed and evoke strong emotions.
The book is a blend of discovery, humor, love, and anticipation, and readers will find themselves both loving and hating the characters. Sayers breaks away from the conventional concept of extraterrestrials, creating a unique and exciting story that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the sequel. Overall, "Tier Zero" is a well-constructed and absorbing novel that is highly recommended for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

[Angel Giacomo]

Science fiction and fantasy offer captivating artistic worlds, and D. B. Sayers excels in this with "Tier Zero." Much like the technology in the original Star Trek, his advanced tech feels familiar and believable. The novel follows Marty, a college student who becomes a hero in an alien world. It’s a gripping read, full of twists and strong emotions that kept me up all night. With well-developed characters and a blend of discovery, humor, and love, Sayers crafts a unique and thrilling story that leaves readers eagerly awaiting the sequel. Highly recommended for science fiction and fantasy fans.

[Laurie Bowler]

Tier Zero is a brilliant example of a solid sci-fi writer with a unique ability to create an imaginative story that draws you in from the first page. D.B. Sayers has crafted a plot that is a highly entertaining page-turner. The world-building and characters are exciting as well as believable, making it extremely difficult to put the book down.
If you're looking for a new sci-fi to captivate you, Tier Zero is waiting for you. All in all, it is a thrilling story, and I hope there will be more from this author.

[C. Gonzales]

Get ready for an action packed sci-fi ride!

There is a lot going on in this book, its a great start to a series and definitely highlights the characters we will get to follow along the way.

Introductions to characters and worlds are difficult, we have to be able to connect with them from the beginning without getting bogged down with details. We learn enough about them to want more, while also getting a fun journey.

I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Harmonia]

Okay, I seriously loved Lysia and Marty. Their chemistry was so intense, and I felt everything, especially when they connected emotionally and mentally (and yeah, physically too). Lysia is mysterious but really warm, and Marty’s reactions to her felt so real. You can just feel they’re meant to find each other, even if they’re from completely different worlds. It gave me all the sci-fi romance feels. I wish more books would explore relationships like this—with real depth but still super dreamy.

[Bulletproof Girl]

The beginning totally grabbed me, and I liked how it slowly revealed that something way bigger was going on. At first, it seems like a college romance thing, but then it turns into aliens, psychic powers, hidden missions, and bigger threats. Some parts in the middle slowed down a bit for me, but the ending left me wanting more. If you like stories that mix mystery with sci-fi and keep adding layers, this one does it pretty well.

[Jiminie Mochi]

What I really liked about this book was the worldbuilding. The Knolans and their whole vibe, like "The Way" and their mental connection stuff felt really unique and kind of spiritual. I liked how the book didn't explain everything up front but let you figure it out along the way. The setting feels rich without being confusing. If you’re into sci-fi that builds a believable alien culture and doesn’t treat Earth as the center of everything, this is your thing.

[R.K. Emery]

Author Sayers brings us a great plot shot full of action set in space!

The writing style was polished and had a very natural flow. Sci-Fi is not always my go-to genre but I do enjoy them every once in a while. This one definitely kept me engaged throughout!

This is a great read and even those who are not sci-fi fans will definitely love it!

[Gina Stamper]

A vivid sci-fi which makes it perfect. I really enjoyed Sayers writing style. It was easy to follow and to the point. Exciting and full of action and imagery.
The plot was spot on in flow and made it hard to stop reading at any given moment.
I enjoyed these characters and their individual journeys along with the journey of the story as a whole.
Excited to read more from this author!

[Samantha Turley]

Great read! The universe in Tier Zero is very well developed.
While initially, it took awhile to understand some of the concepts in this book, it was entertaining and well-written!

[Reviewer Tosin]

Tier Zero: Vol. 1 of the Knolan Cycle is a book authored by D. B. Sayers. Most alien invasion tales assume we'll know the moment extraterrestrials arrive and that they'll probably want to destroy us. Sayers throws that out the window. In this book, first contact happened 31 years ago, and almost no one on Earth noticed.

To the Knolans, our planet isn't called Earth. It’s Kurrithaal, and life here has kept rolling as if nothing changed. That’s the quiet brilliance of the setup: the aliens didn’t come with a bang. They came with patience, blending in while watching humanity from the shadows. The story centers on Martin Tellus, an ordinary man whose life is about to be upended when the hidden truth finally surfaces. As the Knolans’ presence starts to unravel, so do the questions. Why did they come? What do they really want? And why haven’t they revealed themselves until now?

The Knolans’ motives aren’t clear-cut. They’re complicated, and not the typical “conquer or enslave” blueprint. Instead, the writer introduces us to two cultures that feel both alien and eerily familiar, forcing me to rethink what first contact could actually look like. “What if we already had first contact and missed it?” That slow-burn reveal kept me hooked because it’s not about explosions or laser battles — it’s about tension, secrecy, and the unease of not knowing who’s really in control.

Martin Tellus is a grounded entry point into this world. He’s not a space marine or a genius scientist. He’s just a regular guy, and that makes his discovery more relatable. I also enjoyed the cultural contrast between humans and Knolans. I was intrigued with how the writer showed how two species can be radically different in biology and mindset, yet still share surprisingly human-like struggles, values, and flaws.

The world-building is detailed without being overwhelming, and you can tell there’s a much larger universe waiting to be explored. "How much of reality do we actually understand, and what happens when that foundation cracks? The “complicated” motives of the Knolans stood out for me. They aren’t cartoon villains or perfect saviors. They're complex, which makes their interactions with humanity feel more realistic. I rate Tier Zero, 5 out of 5 stars.

I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy intelligent, character-driven sci-fi over sci-fi stories full of nonstop battles and space fights.

The reason I’d pick this up is that the mystery in it drives one to keep reading. _Tier Zero_ isn’t just about aliens — it’s about how humanity reacts when the truth we’ve lived by suddenly shifts. If you want a first-contact story that feels grounded, unpredictable, and thought-provoking, this is a strong start to the Knolan Cycle.