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Alpha Protocol #1
The Alpha Protocol
Naval Officer Jack Samson thought a posting to the frontier of human inhabited space was the death blow to his career. He couldn’t have been more wrong.
A routine inspection of a small merchant vessel leads to devastating loss and the discovery of strange, fascinating objects.
As astonishing discoveries unfold, a mysterious and hostile ship proves that Samson has a competitor in unlocking the secrets of an ancient alien civilisation, and that humanity might not be alone in the galaxy after all.
A routine inspection of a small merchant vessel leads to devastating loss and the discovery of strange, fascinating objects.
As astonishing discoveries unfold, a mysterious and hostile ship proves that Samson has a competitor in unlocking the secrets of an ancient alien civilisation, and that humanity might not be alone in the galaxy after all.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
868 people are currently reading
3520 people want to read
About the author
Duncan M. Hamilton
26 books1,080 followersHi, thanks for visiting my page. I’m Duncan, a fantasy and science fiction author from Ireland. I love to blend my passion for Medieval and Renaissance history with the freedom of fantasy environments to create fast paced heroic fantasy adventures with compelling characters and high stakes—exactly the types of stories that I love to read, so I hope you’ll like them too.
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
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February 23, 2021Not a review - just a placeholder where I can post some updates to keep you all informed of how things are progressing!
23-2-21 The Alpha Protocol is now out! I hope you all enjoy it!
10-2-21 The Alpha Protocol will be released on 23 Feb! It was a really enjoyable book to write, so I hope you will like it!
6-1-21 The cover has finally been revealed (with everything else I was taking care of, I almost forgot!) I hope you like it. Still on track for a Feb release!
23-12-20 The book is pretty much done now, with the Advance Review copies being readied for sending out. I'll be making some more of the usual announcements in the coming few weeks - cover reveal, excerpts, etc - so keep an eye out for updates! I'm on track for a February 2021 release, so not long to go now!
23-2-21 The Alpha Protocol is now out! I hope you all enjoy it!
10-2-21 The Alpha Protocol will be released on 23 Feb! It was a really enjoyable book to write, so I hope you will like it!
6-1-21 The cover has finally been revealed (with everything else I was taking care of, I almost forgot!) I hope you like it. Still on track for a Feb release!
23-12-20 The book is pretty much done now, with the Advance Review copies being readied for sending out. I'll be making some more of the usual announcements in the coming few weeks - cover reveal, excerpts, etc - so keep an eye out for updates! I'm on track for a February 2021 release, so not long to go now!
January 19, 2021
Watch this review on my Youtube channel, hear it on Apple Spotify Stitcher or read it at my blog Digital Amrit.
This is an unbiased review of an advanced ready copy sent by the author.
'The Alpha Protocol' is a story based on First Contact. Humanity has travelled to the stars and colonized many space systems. The various star systems are held together loosely with only a crisis needed to tip the 'empire' into chaos. Naval Officer Jack Samson has been posted to the frontier as a punishment. During a routine patrol, a decrepit freighter yields some mysterious cargo. Jack Samson and his boarding team discover that their space ship has mysteriously been destroyed while they were searching the freighter. From then on, begins a desperate race for survival.
'The Alpha Protocol' is Duncan Hamilton's first Scifi novel, and it is a blast from start to finish. The action is non-stop with perilous situations coming one after the other. As we have seen before from this author in his fantasy novels, the pacing and writing are excellent. I couldn't put the book down.
The science-fiction aspects are decent too. There is just enough explanation to keep things interesting. Some intriguing elements are that the antagonists' alien technologies are close enough to humankind without an overwhelming technical edge. I prefer these kinds of scenarios since they make confrontations, tactics and resolution more interesting. If the alien technologies are vastly superior, then the story usually needs a deus ex machina for the human race to survive.
The struggles of a new officer trying to establish himself and save his career, the belief in himself, the ability to gauge what is happening and responding quickly, the interactions between the various levels of the military, the politics - all these remind me of Aubrey-Maturin and Richard Sharpe. These details make the characterization and world-building that much richer.
In conclusion, 'The Alpha Protocol' is an excellent first contact military SciFi story that can be a great series. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
This is an unbiased review of an advanced ready copy sent by the author.
'The Alpha Protocol' is a story based on First Contact. Humanity has travelled to the stars and colonized many space systems. The various star systems are held together loosely with only a crisis needed to tip the 'empire' into chaos. Naval Officer Jack Samson has been posted to the frontier as a punishment. During a routine patrol, a decrepit freighter yields some mysterious cargo. Jack Samson and his boarding team discover that their space ship has mysteriously been destroyed while they were searching the freighter. From then on, begins a desperate race for survival.
'The Alpha Protocol' is Duncan Hamilton's first Scifi novel, and it is a blast from start to finish. The action is non-stop with perilous situations coming one after the other. As we have seen before from this author in his fantasy novels, the pacing and writing are excellent. I couldn't put the book down.
The science-fiction aspects are decent too. There is just enough explanation to keep things interesting. Some intriguing elements are that the antagonists' alien technologies are close enough to humankind without an overwhelming technical edge. I prefer these kinds of scenarios since they make confrontations, tactics and resolution more interesting. If the alien technologies are vastly superior, then the story usually needs a deus ex machina for the human race to survive.
The struggles of a new officer trying to establish himself and save his career, the belief in himself, the ability to gauge what is happening and responding quickly, the interactions between the various levels of the military, the politics - all these remind me of Aubrey-Maturin and Richard Sharpe. These details make the characterization and world-building that much richer.
In conclusion, 'The Alpha Protocol' is an excellent first contact military SciFi story that can be a great series. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
Read
February 23, 2021First up, this is mostly just another one of those military sci-fi books which you're used to. For all that it deviates from the template, it is at heart another tale of a naval officer and a ship, though it doesn't seem as heavy on the military details as most.
You have a slightly non-standard protagonist for the genre and a plot which both goes exactly where you think it will and yet doesn't quite take the direct and obvious route. I do think the writer is a little more proud of certain details which are more obvious (at least to me) than perhaps they were meant to be, but they're executed well and the people are oh-so-fallible humans rather than square-jawed career officers who never make a mistake.
You have a slightly non-standard protagonist for the genre and a plot which both goes exactly where you think it will and yet doesn't quite take the direct and obvious route. I do think the writer is a little more proud of certain details which are more obvious (at least to me) than perhaps they were meant to be, but they're executed well and the people are oh-so-fallible humans rather than square-jawed career officers who never make a mistake.
January 20, 2021
I have read all of Duncan’s fantasy and I really enjoy his style. I do not usually read sci-fi, but love to watch it. I really enjoyed reading this one. It was fast paced. The main character was readily likable but human as well. I finished in a couple of days. Will definitely read the next one.
December 4, 2022
DNF 10%
Все еще пытаюсь найти интересный сайфай.
Этот был сухой, как таранька с истекшим сроком хранения.
Все еще пытаюсь найти интересный сайфай.
Этот был сухой, как таранька с истекшим сроком хранения.
January 28, 2021
A fabulous space romp!
Some of the important plot points seemed to be overly repeated and there was a little predictability, enhanced by the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, clues within the text. However, the characters were excellent, great humour interspersed with tension and drama, really building towards the next book in the series but reaching a conclusion if this is as far as you want to go.
I am already looking forward to new tales in this genre by a known fantasy writer. Great job.
Some of the important plot points seemed to be overly repeated and there was a little predictability, enhanced by the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, clues within the text. However, the characters were excellent, great humour interspersed with tension and drama, really building towards the next book in the series but reaching a conclusion if this is as far as you want to go.
I am already looking forward to new tales in this genre by a known fantasy writer. Great job.
July 26, 2024
Painfully boring. I couldn't get into any of it. The characters were dreadfully dull, the mystery was lacklustre, the plot was whatever (how do you make first contact boring??), the dialogue was wooden. I've been wanting a nice sci fi novel to get into but this wasn't it. I considered giving this a one star but I suppose nothing was offensively bad, and there are some moments that probably would have been better if I was more into the book. Honestly I'm surprised so many people liked it. I could see how some might think the book was fine, but I definitely don't see how anyone could think it was a masterpiece.
Anyways, the search for my next sci fi series continues.
Anyways, the search for my next sci fi series continues.
February 24, 2021
Absolutely Brilliant
Duncan, has once agIn proved he is a master of his craft. This book, despite being sci-fi and not my usual genre (fantasy), had me enthralled from the beginning.
Do yourself a favour and read it, I promise you won't be disappointed or regret it.
Duncan, has once agIn proved he is a master of his craft. This book, despite being sci-fi and not my usual genre (fantasy), had me enthralled from the beginning.
Do yourself a favour and read it, I promise you won't be disappointed or regret it.
January 24, 2021
I received this advanced copy of Duncan Hamilton’s new book. I have to start off by saying that this is not my typical genre. I loved Mr. Hamilton’s fantasy books and was willing to try this space/sci-fi book. The beginning was kind of slow and I was waiting for the hook. It’s about men and women in the military protecting space from alien invaders. This book is also about leadership and the qualities it takes to be a strong and admirable one. It also adds in about insecurities and climbing back up after being knocked down. The main character Samson was intelligent and this book was a depiction of mind games rather than just physical interaction.
Alpha Protocol would be great for intelligent youth and above. I gave it a 4 but it’s a strong 4. The book did have a hook and then I couldn’t put it down. I wish we got a little more information on each character but maybe that’s for book 2?
Alpha Protocol would be great for intelligent youth and above. I gave it a 4 but it’s a strong 4. The book did have a hook and then I couldn’t put it down. I wish we got a little more information on each character but maybe that’s for book 2?
January 14, 2021
I received an ARC. Sci-fi is not my preferred genre, but I was more than willing to give it a try due to previous works I have enjoyed from this author. It grabbed me from the beginning. It was a very entertaining story. Before I knew it I was near the end and wanting more. I read a lot of fantasy and historical fiction and many of the elements carried over to this even though it is set in space. In my head I couldnt help but compare the tech to magic systems. I felt it was explained in a way that made it realistic without delving too deep. The characters didnt spend much time on the ground, but enough to give us some world building and a peek at what Frontier life is.
Everytime I read a Smith scene I couldnt help but think Gentle John Marcone, and I loved it.
This book is a strong 4 star and closing in on 5 star.
Everytime I read a Smith scene I couldnt help but think Gentle John Marcone, and I loved it.
This book is a strong 4 star and closing in on 5 star.
February 20, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve read several of Duncan’s other books and really enjoyed them so I was looking forward to seeing how his first try at Sci Fi turned out…I wasn’t disappointed. It has a good pace with the story progressing at a good rhythm to keep the reader interested. The characters aren’t overly complex but have enough of a backstory for the reader to believe in them and the author doesn’t try to blind the reader with technical and technological explanations; again, there is just enough to keep you within the universe and believing. I quickly became hooked and wanted to know what was going to happen next, which to me is the sign of a good book. Now that I’ve finished I can’t wait for the next part to find out how the story develops.
Great work Duncan, thanks a lot.
I’ve read several of Duncan’s other books and really enjoyed them so I was looking forward to seeing how his first try at Sci Fi turned out…I wasn’t disappointed. It has a good pace with the story progressing at a good rhythm to keep the reader interested. The characters aren’t overly complex but have enough of a backstory for the reader to believe in them and the author doesn’t try to blind the reader with technical and technological explanations; again, there is just enough to keep you within the universe and believing. I quickly became hooked and wanted to know what was going to happen next, which to me is the sign of a good book. Now that I’ve finished I can’t wait for the next part to find out how the story develops.
Great work Duncan, thanks a lot.
January 26, 2021
I received this book as an advanced reader ( thanks mr.hamilton ) and being a huge fan of fantasy , especially hamilton's works ( society and wolf of the north ) I was intrigued to find out that his latest work is actually a space epic ! I have to say that this book stacks up with his other work and most importantly I feel between this and his first book series you can see him growing as an author. I grew up on games like halo so I love me a first contact story. If you enjoyed his other books please don't hesitate to pick this up! I look forward to the audiobook version ( I like to multi task sue me also simon vance has butter for a voice good choice mr.hamilton )
February 14, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book to read and leave an unbiased review.
I would say the highest praise I can give is that I am not the fastest of readers and it sometimes takes me ages to read a book but not this one, I couldn’t put it down and finished it far quicker than I expected I would.
The story was entertaining and kept me hooked all the way through, I enjoyed the fact that the feel of the book was different to other well known sci-fi franchises with regards to the physics of space flight and combat so really feels original.
Definitely looking forward to finding out where the story goes in the next book.
I would say the highest praise I can give is that I am not the fastest of readers and it sometimes takes me ages to read a book but not this one, I couldn’t put it down and finished it far quicker than I expected I would.
The story was entertaining and kept me hooked all the way through, I enjoyed the fact that the feel of the book was different to other well known sci-fi franchises with regards to the physics of space flight and combat so really feels original.
Definitely looking forward to finding out where the story goes in the next book.
January 25, 2021
This is the first review I have ever given so bear with me.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. fastidious reader and love both historical fantasy and sci-fi books. I received this as an ARC and realise that this is a deviation from Duncan's normal style.
I really enjoyed this book and when time allowed I could lose myself for an hour or 2. It was well written, the storyline around a disgraced officer sent to the far side of space and his first encounter with an unknown aggressive alien race had me be gripped from the start.
I am really looking forward to the next chapter in this story!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. fastidious reader and love both historical fantasy and sci-fi books. I received this as an ARC and realise that this is a deviation from Duncan's normal style.
I really enjoyed this book and when time allowed I could lose myself for an hour or 2. It was well written, the storyline around a disgraced officer sent to the far side of space and his first encounter with an unknown aggressive alien race had me be gripped from the start.
I am really looking forward to the next chapter in this story!
January 25, 2021
I’ve been a fan of Duncan’s books since I first read Wolf of the North, and I’ve greatly enjoyed the world of Ostia; The Alpha Protocol didn’t disappoint, and I’m already looking forward to the next book. The story draws you in from the first sentence, and the twists and turns of the story make it hard to stop reading. I’m impressed that the same style and flair can exist in swords & sorcery and sci-fi stories.
January 19, 2021
I received this book as an ARC.
Mr. Hamilton's works for me have been hit and miss. This book is definitely in the "HIT" category. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys a romping "historical" space saga. I can't wait to read more in this series.
If you enjoy this type of science fiction, I highly recommend that you give this novel a try.
Mr. Hamilton's works for me have been hit and miss. This book is definitely in the "HIT" category. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys a romping "historical" space saga. I can't wait to read more in this series.
If you enjoy this type of science fiction, I highly recommend that you give this novel a try.
January 21, 2021
Enjoyed this book. Was an interesting story about a young Naval officer sent to the outer reaches of the galaxy for a crime he didn’t commit. With nothing to lose and everything to gain for his career from heroics, he plots a course that puts him at odds with his crew and the wider fleet. Look forward to the next instalment.
January 11, 2024
A very creative story line in space travel. Hard to put down and can't wait for the next book!
October 26, 2021
great read action and more action
Very entertaining read. Looking forward to a book 2 .
Not overly complicated science for the space travel.
If you read it you will enjoy it.
Very entertaining read. Looking forward to a book 2 .
Not overly complicated science for the space travel.
If you read it you will enjoy it.
January 22, 2021
The Alpha Protocol, by Duncan Hamilton
The Alpha Protocol by Duncan Hamilton really took me by surprise. If you like “pulse-Pounding” action and suspense, then you should read this book. Hamilton is a gifted writer and knows how to craft good stories that engage readers and his characters have endearing qualities that make them likable, heroic and also very human in an Everyman sort of way. I find myself cheering his heroes on and fearful for their survival even though I know the story is fiction. This is a rare gift and Hamilton possesses it in spades.
I consider myself to be a dedicated fan of Hamilton’s writing and have read all of his Fantasy stories since 2013 and enjoyed them all, but when he announced that he was venturing into Science Fiction with the Alpha Protocol, I was skeptical. I haven’t read much Sci-Fi in the past 25-30 years because there wasn’t much coming out that I thought would interest me. Alpha Protocol changed my mind.
I was quickly drawn in by Sampson, a young lieutenant in the Terran Union Space Force and a recent graduate of the Space Academy, who finds himself assigned to a patrol ship on the frontier outskirts of a vast Terran Union spanning multiple galaxies. Sampson comes to this new assignment hoping to overcome the tarnish from a mutiny that occurred in his previous assignment. During a routine patrol his ship encountered a small freighter and he, along with 6 others from the crew were dispatched to board the ship where they found some unusual objects hidden behind a panel. Their discovery sets off a wild chain of events and nail-biting action that makes it difficult to put down. This is just the beginning and the remainder of the book is faster paced, suspenseful but with great character development.
I heartily recommend you read, and enjoy, this book.
The publisher provided me an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Alpha Protocol by Duncan Hamilton really took me by surprise. If you like “pulse-Pounding” action and suspense, then you should read this book. Hamilton is a gifted writer and knows how to craft good stories that engage readers and his characters have endearing qualities that make them likable, heroic and also very human in an Everyman sort of way. I find myself cheering his heroes on and fearful for their survival even though I know the story is fiction. This is a rare gift and Hamilton possesses it in spades.
I consider myself to be a dedicated fan of Hamilton’s writing and have read all of his Fantasy stories since 2013 and enjoyed them all, but when he announced that he was venturing into Science Fiction with the Alpha Protocol, I was skeptical. I haven’t read much Sci-Fi in the past 25-30 years because there wasn’t much coming out that I thought would interest me. Alpha Protocol changed my mind.
I was quickly drawn in by Sampson, a young lieutenant in the Terran Union Space Force and a recent graduate of the Space Academy, who finds himself assigned to a patrol ship on the frontier outskirts of a vast Terran Union spanning multiple galaxies. Sampson comes to this new assignment hoping to overcome the tarnish from a mutiny that occurred in his previous assignment. During a routine patrol his ship encountered a small freighter and he, along with 6 others from the crew were dispatched to board the ship where they found some unusual objects hidden behind a panel. Their discovery sets off a wild chain of events and nail-biting action that makes it difficult to put down. This is just the beginning and the remainder of the book is faster paced, suspenseful but with great character development.
I heartily recommend you read, and enjoy, this book.
The publisher provided me an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 23, 2021
I received an ARC for a review.
I've been a fan of Mr. Hamilton's fantasy novels and novella's for quite a while, but am also a sci-fi fan, so when I heard he was venturing into new waters (or space) I was excited.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it left me wanting more. When I got to the last page I may have let out an audible groan, because I need to know what happens next! I'm ready for the sequel though I realize this may be a bit greedy of me. All-in-all this is a great book, engaging, well developed, and set in an interesting space (pun intended) that will keep you involved all the way till the end.
Having said that, I do want to note that at the very beginning I found the introduction to our protagonist a bit... repetitive? There were a few phrases and viewpoints (of the protagonists) that were expressed multiple times to define him at the very beginning of the book that seemed to be just a touch overused. It wasn't enough to impact my enjoyment of the book though and I don't count it as anything but a minor flaw in an overall great work.
Additionally, I personally really appreciated the naval details coming from a sea-going service myself and found it to be really hit the same notes as Horatio Hornblower or Master and Commander.
Again, this was a great book and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series. I think Mr. Hamilton has opened up a worthwhile and exciting new path in his writing career!
I've been a fan of Mr. Hamilton's fantasy novels and novella's for quite a while, but am also a sci-fi fan, so when I heard he was venturing into new waters (or space) I was excited.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, it left me wanting more. When I got to the last page I may have let out an audible groan, because I need to know what happens next! I'm ready for the sequel though I realize this may be a bit greedy of me. All-in-all this is a great book, engaging, well developed, and set in an interesting space (pun intended) that will keep you involved all the way till the end.
Having said that, I do want to note that at the very beginning I found the introduction to our protagonist a bit... repetitive? There were a few phrases and viewpoints (of the protagonists) that were expressed multiple times to define him at the very beginning of the book that seemed to be just a touch overused. It wasn't enough to impact my enjoyment of the book though and I don't count it as anything but a minor flaw in an overall great work.
Additionally, I personally really appreciated the naval details coming from a sea-going service myself and found it to be really hit the same notes as Horatio Hornblower or Master and Commander.
Again, this was a great book and I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series. I think Mr. Hamilton has opened up a worthwhile and exciting new path in his writing career!
January 28, 2021
I was given an advance copy of this book for a fair and balanced review. I've read most of Duncan's books - all being fantasy. When he asked for a group to be in his ARC group regarding a space adventure, I was all in. My first thought, how would the shift from fantasy to space go?
Without spoiling the storyline, our Character is Samson, a Lieutenant in the Space Navy. He was demoted and reassigned to the outer frontier of space. To be transparent, the first 20% of the book was a bit slow. Samson was very upset about the reassignment which we learn many times. However, once the story hits second gear, it launches into action. I could not put it down.
While reading Alpha Protocol, I kept thinking of a very young Captain James T. Kirk (original series). I have to believe this is who Duncan modeled Samson after. Like Kirk, Samson wants to get into everything, figuring it out as he goes. Yet like Kirk, against impossible odds he somehow finds a way out. Like Kirk, there are aliens, space ships, pirates, mutinies, underworld, politics, and innocent bravado we cheer on. The only thing missing for Samson - meeting an attractive green alien - everything else felt Star Trek-style to me. I LOVED IT!
The ending was not quite the cliff hanger expected, but it opens the door to a really good second book. Without reservation, I highly recommend Alpha Protocol. My only regret is having to wait several months for book 2.
Enjoy!
Without spoiling the storyline, our Character is Samson, a Lieutenant in the Space Navy. He was demoted and reassigned to the outer frontier of space. To be transparent, the first 20% of the book was a bit slow. Samson was very upset about the reassignment which we learn many times. However, once the story hits second gear, it launches into action. I could not put it down.
While reading Alpha Protocol, I kept thinking of a very young Captain James T. Kirk (original series). I have to believe this is who Duncan modeled Samson after. Like Kirk, Samson wants to get into everything, figuring it out as he goes. Yet like Kirk, against impossible odds he somehow finds a way out. Like Kirk, there are aliens, space ships, pirates, mutinies, underworld, politics, and innocent bravado we cheer on. The only thing missing for Samson - meeting an attractive green alien - everything else felt Star Trek-style to me. I LOVED IT!
The ending was not quite the cliff hanger expected, but it opens the door to a really good second book. Without reservation, I highly recommend Alpha Protocol. My only regret is having to wait several months for book 2.
Enjoy!
March 7, 2023
I was fortunate enough to get an Advanced Reader Copy of Mr. Hamilton's first foray into publishing Sci-Fi rather than fantasy, and I was not disappointed.
This is definitely not hard Sci-Fi, so the the focus is more on the universe, characters, and plot than the science. The universe is fleshed out enough to not leave gaping holes but there is certainly room to explore more as the series moves along. As always, Duncan writes compelling and relatable characters. The interactions between the characters are depicted in such a way that I couldn't help but feel towards other characters the same way as the protagonist, Samson. LT Harper, who evoked mixed feelings from Samson, did the same for me. To me, that's a good sign of character development.
The plot is not necessarily revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be because it is done well. The pacing is excellent, and the story is engaging. I found myself reading for longer stints than I intended, and resulted in a later night than I planned on in order to finish it.
All in all, I found it to be a very enjoyable read, and as is all too familiar an experience, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. Can't go wrong with giving it a shot.
This is definitely not hard Sci-Fi, so the the focus is more on the universe, characters, and plot than the science. The universe is fleshed out enough to not leave gaping holes but there is certainly room to explore more as the series moves along. As always, Duncan writes compelling and relatable characters. The interactions between the characters are depicted in such a way that I couldn't help but feel towards other characters the same way as the protagonist, Samson. LT Harper, who evoked mixed feelings from Samson, did the same for me. To me, that's a good sign of character development.
The plot is not necessarily revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be because it is done well. The pacing is excellent, and the story is engaging. I found myself reading for longer stints than I intended, and resulted in a later night than I planned on in order to finish it.
All in all, I found it to be a very enjoyable read, and as is all too familiar an experience, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. Can't go wrong with giving it a shot.
October 16, 2021
This book kept me interested and that is surprising considering imo how it was flawed. To me this shows that this author has great potential. The story and ideas are smart too.
But for one, I don't remember a book where the author provides almost no physical description of its characters. I was surprised and even had to read the beginning twice to make sure that I hadn't missed the main characters physical descriptions. At most, we learn that the protagonist is tall and a female character is blond and wears her hair in a bun.
we also get to know the protagonist pretty well and a tiny bit about one of his crew, but the others remain unknown even if they are all together in a small ship. The whole book comes out as a one man show, the protagonist plays the hero and saves the day over and over again. It would have been way more enjoyable to have the other characters come to life too in their own way. And considering these characters live on these ships long term, what about human relations and connections. What happens in the beginning can serve as an excuse to a point but I would not be interested to read another book where we get to know only the protagonist unless he or she is truly alone like in the Martian
But for one, I don't remember a book where the author provides almost no physical description of its characters. I was surprised and even had to read the beginning twice to make sure that I hadn't missed the main characters physical descriptions. At most, we learn that the protagonist is tall and a female character is blond and wears her hair in a bun.
we also get to know the protagonist pretty well and a tiny bit about one of his crew, but the others remain unknown even if they are all together in a small ship. The whole book comes out as a one man show, the protagonist plays the hero and saves the day over and over again. It would have been way more enjoyable to have the other characters come to life too in their own way. And considering these characters live on these ships long term, what about human relations and connections. What happens in the beginning can serve as an excuse to a point but I would not be interested to read another book where we get to know only the protagonist unless he or she is truly alone like in the Martian
January 21, 2021
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) with the only stipulation being that I had to a: read it and b: leave a review - such a hard choice to make.
The Alpha Protocol grips you from the start.
Everything is written from the perspective of the protagonist so we see his character develop as he’s thrown into one challenging situation after another. The plot moves along quickly and keeps you engaged all the way till the climax.
The book doesn’t delve too deeply into the tech side of things and is more focussed on the main character and the story itself, but there is enough explanation that it doesn’t slow down the experience whilst you try and figure out ‘how the hell they just did that’.
One of those books that you say up too late to finish the chapter and end up reading the next one just to see what happens. Then at 4 in the morning you find yourself incredibly disappointed that you've finished it and have to wait for the next book to be released.
Luckily Mr Hamilton tends to get his books out fairly quickly so there will be no insanely long wait as with other authors I'll forget to mention.
The Alpha Protocol grips you from the start.
Everything is written from the perspective of the protagonist so we see his character develop as he’s thrown into one challenging situation after another. The plot moves along quickly and keeps you engaged all the way till the climax.
The book doesn’t delve too deeply into the tech side of things and is more focussed on the main character and the story itself, but there is enough explanation that it doesn’t slow down the experience whilst you try and figure out ‘how the hell they just did that’.
One of those books that you say up too late to finish the chapter and end up reading the next one just to see what happens. Then at 4 in the morning you find yourself incredibly disappointed that you've finished it and have to wait for the next book to be released.
Luckily Mr Hamilton tends to get his books out fairly quickly so there will be no insanely long wait as with other authors I'll forget to mention.
February 12, 2021
I really enjoyed getting an opportunity to read an ARC of the Alpha Protocol. I found the greatest strength to be the setting and pacing. It never felt like things were dragging along or getting bogged down in unnecessary minutiae. I like the aspect of near-future sci-fi that keeps human technology at point that is recognizable to the present day reader and thus doesn't require an appendix or footnotes to explain how a space weapon works. It's a testament to solid story organization you could reasonably take the story and transplant it into an earth based setting (albeit minus the aliens) and it would still be a compelling read. What keeps me from giving the Alpha Protocol 5 stars is that I wanted a little more development and detail, almost no character or piece of technology really spends enough time "on stage" for me to really get to know it. Hopefully with more books in the series that don't need to deal with an entire first contact scenario there will be more time to slow down and gently dip a toe into the nitty gritty details.
March 31, 2021
While I had a hard time getting into this book, the plot finally evolved to something interesting. The beginning is slow, with lots of time spent on refurbishing an old derelict ship. If the author is starting a trilogy, then I can understand starting slowly with lots of world building and character development. However, all I really understood about the characters was their name and their role on the ship. What is their background? Why are they here? How do the personalities differ and play against each other in the plot? I didn’t see much science, so I would still classify this as a fantasy.
The language was simple enough that you could classify it as a young adult fantasy. A daring Naval officer explores a planet and finds alien artifacts. He and his crew take one to transport home, and they suddenly meet an alien ship. The remainder of the story explains how they handle this first contact event. I guess I would recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, entertaining read on a rainy afternoon.
The language was simple enough that you could classify it as a young adult fantasy. A daring Naval officer explores a planet and finds alien artifacts. He and his crew take one to transport home, and they suddenly meet an alien ship. The remainder of the story explains how they handle this first contact event. I guess I would recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, entertaining read on a rainy afternoon.
January 19, 2021
I was given a Free Copy of this as part of the ARC team in exchange for a review. Now that that's out of the way, I didn't know that it was going to be Sci-fi in fact this may be the first Sci-fi book that I've ever read! All that being said, I actually really enjoyed it. years ago I read a couple of Hornblower novels & this certainly felt like a Naval/space adventure with a mixture of Sharpe thrown in.The only other book that I could liken it to is probably Feist's kings Buccaneer but only because one of the characters reminds me of Amos Trask. If I had one criticism it would be the lack of "flesh" to some of the other Characters, particularly the Bounty crew, everything is written from our main character's perspective & whilst you get to know Lt Samson it would have been nice to know a bit more of the others. Until it's officially released I'm not supposed to give any spoilers so I'll finish by saying it is definitely worth a read, well written & I eagerly await the next instalment.
February 23, 2021
I was grateful again to be a part of the ARC team for the first book in his new space trilogy (of the same name) 'The Alpha Protocol'.
The main character Jack Samson is stationed in the Frontier where he is propelled into becoming responsible for a distrustful crew, three marines and inciting the terms of first contact. Samson essentially goes from zero to hero in this action driven first novel. There wasn't a part that didnt make you want to continue reading onto the next chapter. Whether dealing with a insubordinate crew to encountering a dangerous space Pirate there was no want for action.
Unlike Duncan M. Hamilton's other books this follows one main character, the change of a multi-perspective world, that he does so well, is something that I greatly missed while reading this book. But, I am looking forward to any chance of getting into the ancient civilization home world again and to undoubtedly unlocking the secret of the objects that are so sought after by hostile Aliens.
The main character Jack Samson is stationed in the Frontier where he is propelled into becoming responsible for a distrustful crew, three marines and inciting the terms of first contact. Samson essentially goes from zero to hero in this action driven first novel. There wasn't a part that didnt make you want to continue reading onto the next chapter. Whether dealing with a insubordinate crew to encountering a dangerous space Pirate there was no want for action.
Unlike Duncan M. Hamilton's other books this follows one main character, the change of a multi-perspective world, that he does so well, is something that I greatly missed while reading this book. But, I am looking forward to any chance of getting into the ancient civilization home world again and to undoubtedly unlocking the secret of the objects that are so sought after by hostile Aliens.
February 19, 2021
I received an advanced copy of this book for the purpose of providing an unbiased review. The Alpha Protocol was a delightful surprise. I haven't read a science fiction book in quite some time but this book definitely got me back to reading science fiction. The pace of the book is fast and Duncan Hamilton does not spend needless time on small and useless details which do not add or move the story along. I am very grateful for that. While reading this book I never thought of putting the book down because there was a boring part or a lull in the action. I am surprised this book is only Duncan Hamilton's first entry into science fiction because the way it was written made me think he has been writing science fiction for years.
You know a book is good when you hit 80% of book completed and get sad because the ride is almost over. Mr. Hamilton needs to get going on the second installment.
You know a book is good when you hit 80% of book completed and get sad because the ride is almost over. Mr. Hamilton needs to get going on the second installment.
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