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River Saga #1
First Life
A dangerous expedition. Extraterrestrial alliances. Unpredictable enemies.
Colton Beck has six months to live. He works for the Angor near Los Angeles, aware that any day could be his last.
The Angor arrived 20 years ago, resolved to help mankind survive, but not everyone believes their motives are honorable.
When the Angor offer humanity a colony world, Colton is determined to see another planet before his final breath. He’s been diagnosed with Xeno, a rare disorder that surfaced with the Angor’s arrival, but he won’t let this stop him.
With the help of his old friend Indie Hart, now the single most powerful human on Earth, he joins the Expedition to Dicore. They access the River, an alien technology that allows nearly instantaneous travel between worlds, and their universe is quickly expanded. What they find on Dicore is far from idyllic, and Colton struggles to navigate their new existence while coping with his impending death.
First Life is a gripping science fiction adventure tale from the best-selling author of The Event, Lost Contact, and Final Days.
Colton Beck has six months to live. He works for the Angor near Los Angeles, aware that any day could be his last.
The Angor arrived 20 years ago, resolved to help mankind survive, but not everyone believes their motives are honorable.
When the Angor offer humanity a colony world, Colton is determined to see another planet before his final breath. He’s been diagnosed with Xeno, a rare disorder that surfaced with the Angor’s arrival, but he won’t let this stop him.
With the help of his old friend Indie Hart, now the single most powerful human on Earth, he joins the Expedition to Dicore. They access the River, an alien technology that allows nearly instantaneous travel between worlds, and their universe is quickly expanded. What they find on Dicore is far from idyllic, and Colton struggles to navigate their new existence while coping with his impending death.
First Life is a gripping science fiction adventure tale from the best-selling author of The Event, Lost Contact, and Final Days.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2022
605 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 14, 2022
First Life follows the life of Colton Beck from his life now as a 36yr old male with a terminal disease called Xeno, to the various flashbacks in his earlier life, starting at 15 when an alien spaceship first dropped into the atmosphere over where he was playing baseball and several intervals in between.
We learn that the aliens, the Angor, have come to Earth in peace, to offer Humanity several things as part of a ‘Unity Accord’, asking only for help with some projects, including help with colonizing a planet of our own.
However, when they came, the Angor released something into the atmosphere to allegedly help with the damage we had done, something that was supposedly non-toxic to humans. But not all humans were, a very small percentage of the population of the Earth developed a rare condition called ‘Xeno’, something that is fatal to anyone that develops it.
We learn all of this (and a lot more that I won’t give spoilers for), through multiple flashbacks throughout Colton’s life, and that he has Xeno, and how he will eventually succumb to the disease (You don’t know when, those that get it, go through lots of painful attacks early on, before adjusting to a reasonably normal life, and then towards the end, have a few more painful attacks and die). Colton works on an Angor project, having accepted his fate, and having just gotten on with his life, when he learns of the Human Colony that is being sent to the planet Dicore.
Only 10,000 people are being sent though, and unfortunately, no one with Xeno can go. However, Colton believes this is his last hope for a meaningful life, and decides he has to be on the ship that goes, and as a result, he contacts an old friend (His ex-girlfriend from High School who was stood on the baseball pitch the day the Angor came), Indie Hart, and begs her to help him.
And thus begins what is both a full-on adventure, but a story that is utterly riveting and intriguing. The start of this book is fascinating to begin with, and has you completely captivated, but when the story moves to the trip to Dicore, it is like a completely different level of story-telling.
Hystad has always been brilliant at creating characters that are intelligent and multi-faceted, but in First Life, he takes this to a whole new dimension. Colton is exceptional as the man with a death sentence, desperate to make a difference, but with a secret that could get him killed. He is so determined to get to Dicore, to do something significant with the time he has left, that the consequences are almost insignificant to him. Along the way, he meets some wonderful characters, Desmond, the man with a mystery past, but who is full of skills, and such a good friend. There is Miya, barely 18 and already a gifted computer genius, and yet so young in so many other ways.
There are countless others that Colton meets on his journey to Dicore as well (too many, and I don’t want to give away spoilers!).
Indie Hart is intriguing in this story, she appears in so many aspects of Colton’s life, and is such an integral part of him, and yet, as the story progresses, Colton is not ever really sure about who she really is. Indie is a very clever character, and is one of my favourite in this story.
Along with the humans, there are the Angor, who are fascinating, that deceptively humanoid looking alien type, but at the same time, with enough differences to make them look alien when you really compare them. Hystad does a masterful job with the Angor, as you never really know what is happening or going on with them, and it only adds to the intrigue and mystery of the story.
The multi-faceted world-building, including the different aspects of how the Earth changes under Angor occupation, and that of the planet Dicore, are extraordinary. There is so much depth and detail to the descriptive work, really bringing these worlds to life, and allowing you to not only put yourself in these scenes, but to totally lose yourself in them.
First Life is an exceptional first part in what is going to be an amazing series, not only following Colton Beck and through him Indie Hart, but the lives of multiple other people as they take the first steps in setting up a colony on Dicore.
But this isn’t just about setting up a colony, there are so many layers of intrigue, and different factions, all vying for various things that make this just as much a mystery/thriller as a first contact/colonisation story.
It doesn’t matter what genre you like in Sci-Fi, there is something for everyone in First Life, it is an incredible journey, and one not to be missed!!
We learn that the aliens, the Angor, have come to Earth in peace, to offer Humanity several things as part of a ‘Unity Accord’, asking only for help with some projects, including help with colonizing a planet of our own.
However, when they came, the Angor released something into the atmosphere to allegedly help with the damage we had done, something that was supposedly non-toxic to humans. But not all humans were, a very small percentage of the population of the Earth developed a rare condition called ‘Xeno’, something that is fatal to anyone that develops it.
We learn all of this (and a lot more that I won’t give spoilers for), through multiple flashbacks throughout Colton’s life, and that he has Xeno, and how he will eventually succumb to the disease (You don’t know when, those that get it, go through lots of painful attacks early on, before adjusting to a reasonably normal life, and then towards the end, have a few more painful attacks and die). Colton works on an Angor project, having accepted his fate, and having just gotten on with his life, when he learns of the Human Colony that is being sent to the planet Dicore.
Only 10,000 people are being sent though, and unfortunately, no one with Xeno can go. However, Colton believes this is his last hope for a meaningful life, and decides he has to be on the ship that goes, and as a result, he contacts an old friend (His ex-girlfriend from High School who was stood on the baseball pitch the day the Angor came), Indie Hart, and begs her to help him.
And thus begins what is both a full-on adventure, but a story that is utterly riveting and intriguing. The start of this book is fascinating to begin with, and has you completely captivated, but when the story moves to the trip to Dicore, it is like a completely different level of story-telling.
Hystad has always been brilliant at creating characters that are intelligent and multi-faceted, but in First Life, he takes this to a whole new dimension. Colton is exceptional as the man with a death sentence, desperate to make a difference, but with a secret that could get him killed. He is so determined to get to Dicore, to do something significant with the time he has left, that the consequences are almost insignificant to him. Along the way, he meets some wonderful characters, Desmond, the man with a mystery past, but who is full of skills, and such a good friend. There is Miya, barely 18 and already a gifted computer genius, and yet so young in so many other ways.
There are countless others that Colton meets on his journey to Dicore as well (too many, and I don’t want to give away spoilers!).
Indie Hart is intriguing in this story, she appears in so many aspects of Colton’s life, and is such an integral part of him, and yet, as the story progresses, Colton is not ever really sure about who she really is. Indie is a very clever character, and is one of my favourite in this story.
Along with the humans, there are the Angor, who are fascinating, that deceptively humanoid looking alien type, but at the same time, with enough differences to make them look alien when you really compare them. Hystad does a masterful job with the Angor, as you never really know what is happening or going on with them, and it only adds to the intrigue and mystery of the story.
The multi-faceted world-building, including the different aspects of how the Earth changes under Angor occupation, and that of the planet Dicore, are extraordinary. There is so much depth and detail to the descriptive work, really bringing these worlds to life, and allowing you to not only put yourself in these scenes, but to totally lose yourself in them.
First Life is an exceptional first part in what is going to be an amazing series, not only following Colton Beck and through him Indie Hart, but the lives of multiple other people as they take the first steps in setting up a colony on Dicore.
But this isn’t just about setting up a colony, there are so many layers of intrigue, and different factions, all vying for various things that make this just as much a mystery/thriller as a first contact/colonisation story.
It doesn’t matter what genre you like in Sci-Fi, there is something for everyone in First Life, it is an incredible journey, and one not to be missed!!
January 23, 2022
First in the new Series THE RIVER, FIRST LIFE is an exciting "near future" Science Fiction novel set in 2059 [so, only 37 years into the future; really, no time at all]. The Aliens came, and the Aliens took over.
Sure, they repaired the Climate, provided employment and housing, concentrated on Coastal regions letting the Interior fall into disrepair. Sure, they seem Benevolent.
But: what do they really want? Whence did they travel? Why choose a planet admittedly in deterioration and a top-level race (humanity) so close to self-extinction?
Why?? Why Earth? Why now? What next?
Sure, they repaired the Climate, provided employment and housing, concentrated on Coastal regions letting the Interior fall into disrepair. Sure, they seem Benevolent.
But: what do they really want? Whence did they travel? Why choose a planet admittedly in deterioration and a top-level race (humanity) so close to self-extinction?
Why?? Why Earth? Why now? What next?
February 1, 2022
Earth is being helped, or is it?
Nathan Hystad outdoes himself with First Life (The River Saga Book One). Earth, in trouble after years of Climate change and Technological mismanagement, is saved in the nick of time by the Angor race of aliens.
Humans and Angors sign the Unity Accord and changes happen quickly all over the planet. Most new Angor cities are located on the coasts. The interior of the country is used to grow food.
Among other things that are changed is the air quality. But the Angor make a terrible error, for a small percentage of the population, they contract a fatal disease called Xeno.
Colton Beck from Fayetteville, Arkansas is one of the unfortunate people who contracts Xeno. His parents beg him to stay in Arkansas but he decides to seek what's left of his life in the Angor city in Los Angeles.
Hold on to your hat because the rest of this book is like being on a rollercoaster in the dark. When you think you've figured out what is going on, Slam! You're shoved blindly in another direction.
I threw my reader down, yelling, "No, you can't DO that!" at least 10 times including the end of this book. I am literally going right over to my book vendor and buying the next one. Incredible!
Nathan Hystad outdoes himself with First Life (The River Saga Book One). Earth, in trouble after years of Climate change and Technological mismanagement, is saved in the nick of time by the Angor race of aliens.
Humans and Angors sign the Unity Accord and changes happen quickly all over the planet. Most new Angor cities are located on the coasts. The interior of the country is used to grow food.
Among other things that are changed is the air quality. But the Angor make a terrible error, for a small percentage of the population, they contract a fatal disease called Xeno.
Colton Beck from Fayetteville, Arkansas is one of the unfortunate people who contracts Xeno. His parents beg him to stay in Arkansas but he decides to seek what's left of his life in the Angor city in Los Angeles.
Hold on to your hat because the rest of this book is like being on a rollercoaster in the dark. When you think you've figured out what is going on, Slam! You're shoved blindly in another direction.
I threw my reader down, yelling, "No, you can't DO that!" at least 10 times including the end of this book. I am literally going right over to my book vendor and buying the next one. Incredible!
April 18, 2022
I had a hard time caring about the people in this book or what was happening. I wont be reading the sequel it was just too boring.
December 10, 2023
I think this might be another "new to me" author - I'm not actually sure and I did not stop to check before I started this review. Regardless, I found this book to be interesting enough to grab me from the very beginning. I listened to most of this completely on audio and did not have any issues with the narration.
The story introduces us to the male MC Colton Beck. We get to meet him right in the middle of the story. The story is told in dual timelines f the "present" and then in the past - around 15 years or so ago. Earth was invaded by a different group of people - The Angor - who just came to help us out. Unfortunately, they did a couple of things to the atmosphere that caused certain people to come down with an illness called Xeno. An unfortunately, that disease was fatal. Not immediately, and sometimes not for many years, but it was fatal.
As we meet Colton, he is just being informed that after surviving with the disease for about 20 years, he now has 6 months to live. The day he gets the news, he finds out about an expedition that The Angor is sponsoring to cultivate a new planet. 10,000 humans are being chosen to go. He decides that he wants to spend his remaining time doing "something worthwhile" so it becomes his goal to make it on that journey.
What we are finding out as we start to learn more about Colton's life is that there is more to Colton than we first thought. COLTON doesn't even know the things that we are finding out. It is interesting to uncover facts from his past that he was not aware of and the book leaves us at a point in time where it becomes VERY clear that there is even more to him than that.
The world building is okay, but I would not say that it is the biggest strength. The secondary characters and the relationships between them is what - at least in my opinion - build this book up from your every day science fiction book about aliens.
It is long, at least it felt long. I think we could have cut a portion of it and not lost too much. But, I am invested and interested and will be continuing on with the next book. There is a traitor to uncover....
The story introduces us to the male MC Colton Beck. We get to meet him right in the middle of the story. The story is told in dual timelines f the "present" and then in the past - around 15 years or so ago. Earth was invaded by a different group of people - The Angor - who just came to help us out. Unfortunately, they did a couple of things to the atmosphere that caused certain people to come down with an illness called Xeno. An unfortunately, that disease was fatal. Not immediately, and sometimes not for many years, but it was fatal.
As we meet Colton, he is just being informed that after surviving with the disease for about 20 years, he now has 6 months to live. The day he gets the news, he finds out about an expedition that The Angor is sponsoring to cultivate a new planet. 10,000 humans are being chosen to go. He decides that he wants to spend his remaining time doing "something worthwhile" so it becomes his goal to make it on that journey.
What we are finding out as we start to learn more about Colton's life is that there is more to Colton than we first thought. COLTON doesn't even know the things that we are finding out. It is interesting to uncover facts from his past that he was not aware of and the book leaves us at a point in time where it becomes VERY clear that there is even more to him than that.
The world building is okay, but I would not say that it is the biggest strength. The secondary characters and the relationships between them is what - at least in my opinion - build this book up from your every day science fiction book about aliens.
It is long, at least it felt long. I think we could have cut a portion of it and not lost too much. But, I am invested and interested and will be continuing on with the next book. There is a traitor to uncover....
February 5, 2022
*Wretchedly Bad, Bland, and Boring*
“First Life (The River Saga Book One),” is a wretchedly badly written, bland, and most of all, a boring book.
The writing is routinely stilted and awkward, attempting to be grandiose with so many broken phrases and/or word selections a reader might believe that English is not the author’s first language. Coupled with an always fatal flaw for any fiction book, especially SciFi, it’s overwhelmingly plodding and boring with little offered to entertain a reader.
Read fully via Kindle Unlimited with some observations on Goodreads’ Highlights & Notes. “First Life” is not recommended.
“First Life (The River Saga Book One),” is a wretchedly badly written, bland, and most of all, a boring book.
The writing is routinely stilted and awkward, attempting to be grandiose with so many broken phrases and/or word selections a reader might believe that English is not the author’s first language. Coupled with an always fatal flaw for any fiction book, especially SciFi, it’s overwhelmingly plodding and boring with little offered to entertain a reader.
Read fully via Kindle Unlimited with some observations on Goodreads’ Highlights & Notes. “First Life” is not recommended.
April 7, 2022
Just couldn't give a shit about the MC.
Finds out he has a 'devastating disease' and pushes everyone he cares for away - including a very charismatic girl.
Then he waits for ten years. Ten years! Ten years.
And he wants her back and will somehow -
Dude. It's been a decade.
The MC feels just...eh. Needs a good shaking?
DNF.
Finds out he has a 'devastating disease' and pushes everyone he cares for away - including a very charismatic girl.
Then he waits for ten years. Ten years! Ten years.
And he wants her back and will somehow -
Dude. It's been a decade.
The MC feels just...eh. Needs a good shaking?
DNF.
April 10, 2022
Kinda boring
Held on but it was fairly boring. Plot was odd and still confused by ending but I don't think it's interesting enough to read more of the books.
Held on but it was fairly boring. Plot was odd and still confused by ending but I don't think it's interesting enough to read more of the books.
December 29, 2024
"First Life: The River Saga, Book 1" by Nathan Hystad, narrated by Christopher Ryan Grant, is a riveting science fiction adventure that captivates listeners from start to finish. Published in 2022, the audiobook is the first in a series that explores humanity's journey into the unknown with the help of an alien race known as the Angor.
Engaging Plot
The story begins with Colton Beck, a terminally ill man with just six months to live. Colton inhabits a future world where the Angor, an extraterrestrial species, have established a presence on Earth, offering new technologies and opportunities to humanity. When the Angor propose a new colony world, Colton seizes the chance to explore another planet before his time runs out. With the help of his old friend Indie Hart, now the most powerful human on Earth, Colton joins the Expedition to Dicore. They access the River, an alien technology that allows near-instantaneous travel between worlds. This cutting-edge tech sets the stage for the crew’s thrilling and perilous journey. As they uncover the mysteries of Dicore, Colton must navigate the unknown and confront the many obstacles thrown their way.
Rich, Multifaceted Characters
Nathan Hystad excels in creating complex characters that are both relatable and multidimensional. Colton, despite facing his mortality, exhibits bravery and determination, making him a compelling protagonist. Indie Hart's strength and resourcefulness add another layer of depth to the narrative. The dynamic between the human characters and the Angor adds intrigue and heightens the stakes, pushing the characters to grow and adapt.
Immersive World-Building
The world-building in "First Life" is top-notch. Hystad meticulously crafts a future Earth transformed by alien technology and cooperation. The detailed descriptions of life on Earth and the new colony world of Dicore provide a vivid backdrop for the story. The introduction of the River technology not only expands the scope of the narrative but also introduces an element of awe and wonder.
Satisfying Blend of Genres
The audiobook masterfully blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. The central themes revolve around survival, hope, and the quest for meaning in a vast universe. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Hystad’s ability to balance action with introspection ensures that the story remains engaging and thought-provoking.
Narration by Christopher Ryan Grant
Christopher Ryan Grant's narration brings the story to life with his dynamic voice acting. His performance captures the essence of Colton Beck's journey, conveying the character's emotions and the story's suspense effectively. Grant's versatility in voicing different characters adds depth to the listening experience.
Overall Impression and Rating
"First Life" is a great listen for science fiction enthusiasts. The audiobook combines a well-crafted plot, intricate world-building, and captivating characters to create an enthralling experience. Nathan Hystad’s imaginative storytelling, coupled with Grant’s excellent narration, makes for an unforgettable journey. It offers a thrilling adventure into the unknown with a perfect blend of science fiction and human drama. It's a story of courage, exploration, and the relentless pursuit of hope.
Engaging Plot
The story begins with Colton Beck, a terminally ill man with just six months to live. Colton inhabits a future world where the Angor, an extraterrestrial species, have established a presence on Earth, offering new technologies and opportunities to humanity. When the Angor propose a new colony world, Colton seizes the chance to explore another planet before his time runs out. With the help of his old friend Indie Hart, now the most powerful human on Earth, Colton joins the Expedition to Dicore. They access the River, an alien technology that allows near-instantaneous travel between worlds. This cutting-edge tech sets the stage for the crew’s thrilling and perilous journey. As they uncover the mysteries of Dicore, Colton must navigate the unknown and confront the many obstacles thrown their way.
Rich, Multifaceted Characters
Nathan Hystad excels in creating complex characters that are both relatable and multidimensional. Colton, despite facing his mortality, exhibits bravery and determination, making him a compelling protagonist. Indie Hart's strength and resourcefulness add another layer of depth to the narrative. The dynamic between the human characters and the Angor adds intrigue and heightens the stakes, pushing the characters to grow and adapt.
Immersive World-Building
The world-building in "First Life" is top-notch. Hystad meticulously crafts a future Earth transformed by alien technology and cooperation. The detailed descriptions of life on Earth and the new colony world of Dicore provide a vivid backdrop for the story. The introduction of the River technology not only expands the scope of the narrative but also introduces an element of awe and wonder.
Satisfying Blend of Genres
The audiobook masterfully blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and adventure. The central themes revolve around survival, hope, and the quest for meaning in a vast universe. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Hystad’s ability to balance action with introspection ensures that the story remains engaging and thought-provoking.
Narration by Christopher Ryan Grant
Christopher Ryan Grant's narration brings the story to life with his dynamic voice acting. His performance captures the essence of Colton Beck's journey, conveying the character's emotions and the story's suspense effectively. Grant's versatility in voicing different characters adds depth to the listening experience.
Overall Impression and Rating
"First Life" is a great listen for science fiction enthusiasts. The audiobook combines a well-crafted plot, intricate world-building, and captivating characters to create an enthralling experience. Nathan Hystad’s imaginative storytelling, coupled with Grant’s excellent narration, makes for an unforgettable journey. It offers a thrilling adventure into the unknown with a perfect blend of science fiction and human drama. It's a story of courage, exploration, and the relentless pursuit of hope.
February 6, 2025
Once you understand that nothing you are told means anything in the long term, you start to read the story plot details and just dump that "knowledge" and plod on. There are plenty of twists and turns but very little you can't see coming a mile off.
The overall plot is basically sound, but after a while I found myself disengaging from it mainly because I got fed up with keeping track of what fact we knew and what we thought we knew. It's not that I don't like mysteries or thrillers, but I didn't like this one.
By a coincidence and sheer bad luck, this is the third book on the trot I've read which pits humans against huge killer scorpion type creatures that attack in swarms. I'm done with this trend for alien creatures.
Strange things happen that seem to defy logic. For example, the remains of a fortified alien colony buildings, that the settlers move to; they know nothing of the race that built it but no one queries the fact that the dimensions of doorways, passages, room sizes, type of light supplied, etc is a perfect match for what they want. No one says "these aliens must be very similar to us".
Overall, this was a disappointing read.
The overall plot is basically sound, but after a while I found myself disengaging from it mainly because I got fed up with keeping track of what fact we knew and what we thought we knew. It's not that I don't like mysteries or thrillers, but I didn't like this one.
By a coincidence and sheer bad luck, this is the third book on the trot I've read which pits humans against huge killer scorpion type creatures that attack in swarms. I'm done with this trend for alien creatures.
Strange things happen that seem to defy logic. For example, the remains of a fortified alien colony buildings, that the settlers move to; they know nothing of the race that built it but no one queries the fact that the dimensions of doorways, passages, room sizes, type of light supplied, etc is a perfect match for what they want. No one says "these aliens must be very similar to us".
Overall, this was a disappointing read.
June 26, 2022
This is an unfair review.
I was recommended this book while searching for time-travel/reincarnation stories, and was already half way through the book by the time I realized it was neither.
Full review:
I was recommended this book while searching for time-travel/reincarnation stories, and was already half way through the book by the time I realized it was neither.
Full review:
March 23, 2022
Nathan Hystad writes some weird science fiction and this new series falls right in-line with that behavior. Yes, it's new series and one that I will continue to read after this interesting first book. We're introduced to a seemingly unimportant and average guy by the name of Colton Beck. He's an engineering supervisor on a barge construction project in Los Angeles.
Now this is not our present day Earth. It is Earth, but after the Angor have revealed themselves to Earth by suddenly arriving in huge spaceships. It appears that these aliens are friendly, very much so. They have bestowed on Earth numerous advanced technologies that have bettered the living standards and conditions for all mankind. Wars have stopped since no one wants for basic needs any more, and while the Angor also live and work on Earth, they haven't apparently asked for anything in return for their generosity. They did make changes to our environment, changes for the better in cleaning up our polluted atmosphere and fixing a polluted ocean.
The only thing minor thing that anyone could complain about was that a few humans, very few, in fact, had contacted a new disease called Xeno. This disease is not contagious, but caused by the changes in our atmosphere that some people cannot tolerate. There is no treatment for Xeno even with the vast medical knowledge of the Angor, those afflicted with the disease will die. Most will die a painful death! The Angor have been on Earth for about 20 years now and that is about the age of our main character, Colton Beck who also has Xeno. His doctor just told him he has five or six months to live!
So, you'd think that this story wasn't going to last long if the main character dies out in fix or six months. Well, a lot happens during that time. For one, there's an announcement by the Angor that Earth will be given a colony planet for our existing and continued support of the Unity Accords. The Unity Accords apparently were a collection of agreements that were signed by the Earth's human government and the Angor soon after the Angor arrived. It apparently stated what the Angor would provided as new advanced technology to Earth, but it's never really been disclosed what Earth would give back in return. The Unity Accord documents themselves have been classified and only a very few people actually have read the entire document. Still, Earth seems to have done a good job of living within the agreement and now is being "rewarded" with this new planet.
Ten-thousand Earth humans are going to be selected to being colonizing this new planet. Colton Beck wants very badly to do this. His life on Earth is pretty boring and he's not that thrilled working for the Angor on a project for which he knows very little of its purpose. While Colton isn't anti-Angor, he doesn't completely trust his Angor friends, co-workers or his supervisor. They seem to be withholding a lot of stuff for no good reason. Still, Colton really would like to be one of the new colonist, except they are definitely not taking anyone with Xeno! But, Colton is resourceful, if nothing else. He'll get on that colony mission even if it kills him, realizing that even if he's successful, they expect to set foot on the new planet in about six months, just in time for him to die!
So, this story has a lot of twist and turns, but after you've read through this book, you'll begin to understand how things came about. There is a lot of secrets being kept by both humans and Angor. Little by little these are revealed, some almost too late. I found the story very interesting, there are just enough characters to fill the book, but not so many that it gets confusing. There is definitely some fighting and it turns out that humans are very good at warfare! I wonder if the Angor knew that when they arrived on Earth?
Book 2, "Second Chance" is available for pre-order on Amazon and will be available on 29 March 2022. I'm adding it to my reading list. It appears that there will be four books in this series, so it's got a ways to go yet.
Now this is not our present day Earth. It is Earth, but after the Angor have revealed themselves to Earth by suddenly arriving in huge spaceships. It appears that these aliens are friendly, very much so. They have bestowed on Earth numerous advanced technologies that have bettered the living standards and conditions for all mankind. Wars have stopped since no one wants for basic needs any more, and while the Angor also live and work on Earth, they haven't apparently asked for anything in return for their generosity. They did make changes to our environment, changes for the better in cleaning up our polluted atmosphere and fixing a polluted ocean.
The only thing minor thing that anyone could complain about was that a few humans, very few, in fact, had contacted a new disease called Xeno. This disease is not contagious, but caused by the changes in our atmosphere that some people cannot tolerate. There is no treatment for Xeno even with the vast medical knowledge of the Angor, those afflicted with the disease will die. Most will die a painful death! The Angor have been on Earth for about 20 years now and that is about the age of our main character, Colton Beck who also has Xeno. His doctor just told him he has five or six months to live!
So, you'd think that this story wasn't going to last long if the main character dies out in fix or six months. Well, a lot happens during that time. For one, there's an announcement by the Angor that Earth will be given a colony planet for our existing and continued support of the Unity Accords. The Unity Accords apparently were a collection of agreements that were signed by the Earth's human government and the Angor soon after the Angor arrived. It apparently stated what the Angor would provided as new advanced technology to Earth, but it's never really been disclosed what Earth would give back in return. The Unity Accord documents themselves have been classified and only a very few people actually have read the entire document. Still, Earth seems to have done a good job of living within the agreement and now is being "rewarded" with this new planet.
Ten-thousand Earth humans are going to be selected to being colonizing this new planet. Colton Beck wants very badly to do this. His life on Earth is pretty boring and he's not that thrilled working for the Angor on a project for which he knows very little of its purpose. While Colton isn't anti-Angor, he doesn't completely trust his Angor friends, co-workers or his supervisor. They seem to be withholding a lot of stuff for no good reason. Still, Colton really would like to be one of the new colonist, except they are definitely not taking anyone with Xeno! But, Colton is resourceful, if nothing else. He'll get on that colony mission even if it kills him, realizing that even if he's successful, they expect to set foot on the new planet in about six months, just in time for him to die!
So, this story has a lot of twist and turns, but after you've read through this book, you'll begin to understand how things came about. There is a lot of secrets being kept by both humans and Angor. Little by little these are revealed, some almost too late. I found the story very interesting, there are just enough characters to fill the book, but not so many that it gets confusing. There is definitely some fighting and it turns out that humans are very good at warfare! I wonder if the Angor knew that when they arrived on Earth?
Book 2, "Second Chance" is available for pre-order on Amazon and will be available on 29 March 2022. I'm adding it to my reading list. It appears that there will be four books in this series, so it's got a ways to go yet.
February 3, 2022
Colton Beck is the key to the Angors' plans for Earth
Colton Beck was young when the Angor arrived on Earth and changed the world's future forever. Joining the Angor's Unity Accord brought vast improvements to life on Earth. Diseases are cured, famine and pestilence are relegated to the past. The only thing they couldn't fix was afflicting Colton. Xeno is a condition that afflicts a tiny percentage of humans, a side effect of changes the Angor made to Earth's atmosphere. Colton has been told that he would be dead in six months. His best friend from his childhood, Indie Hart, had moved to Florida when her family had been given important positions working for the Angor.
The next step of the Accord was a colony on another world. Ten thousand were chosen to travel the River to their new planet, Dicore. The River is a passage between the stars connecting the Angor with their allied races. The humans would help the Angors build the connection of Dicore to the River. Indie Hart was to be the leader of the ten thousand on Dicore. Colton managed to become part of the colonists even though no one with Xeno was allowed on the journey. He knew he would be dead shortly after arriving on Dicore, but knew it was worth it to see the new world with his own eyes.
The truth of the Unity Accord becomes known to Colton and Indie. Much more is involved with the agreement than they'd been told or even imagined. Much more is the role of the Dicore colony than is expected. The Xeno condition's role in the Unity is a secret that will change everything.
Outstanding characters and a building storyline brings amazing twists and turns. What you think you know changes every few pages! Now I can't wait to read the next installment of this series. Outstanding!
Colton Beck was young when the Angor arrived on Earth and changed the world's future forever. Joining the Angor's Unity Accord brought vast improvements to life on Earth. Diseases are cured, famine and pestilence are relegated to the past. The only thing they couldn't fix was afflicting Colton. Xeno is a condition that afflicts a tiny percentage of humans, a side effect of changes the Angor made to Earth's atmosphere. Colton has been told that he would be dead in six months. His best friend from his childhood, Indie Hart, had moved to Florida when her family had been given important positions working for the Angor.
The next step of the Accord was a colony on another world. Ten thousand were chosen to travel the River to their new planet, Dicore. The River is a passage between the stars connecting the Angor with their allied races. The humans would help the Angors build the connection of Dicore to the River. Indie Hart was to be the leader of the ten thousand on Dicore. Colton managed to become part of the colonists even though no one with Xeno was allowed on the journey. He knew he would be dead shortly after arriving on Dicore, but knew it was worth it to see the new world with his own eyes.
The truth of the Unity Accord becomes known to Colton and Indie. Much more is involved with the agreement than they'd been told or even imagined. Much more is the role of the Dicore colony than is expected. The Xeno condition's role in the Unity is a secret that will change everything.
Outstanding characters and a building storyline brings amazing twists and turns. What you think you know changes every few pages! Now I can't wait to read the next installment of this series. Outstanding!
January 7, 2022
When an alien spaceship lands next to a baseball field, the saga begins - 5 Stars
This imaginative story starts off in Arkansas and moves to other worlds after a 20-year span of humans becoming acclimated to the aliens. Our near-hero, Colton Beck, initially learns that he has a never-before illness and is quarantined to a hospital bed shortly after the Angor spaceship arrived. He won't play baseball again.
In the course of the tale, Colton observes the improvements in the world - end of global warming, universal medicine, and the end of hunger. The only downside is that the Angor have set up a few rules and opposition to their rule is life extinction - death. There is a group of people who actively rebel but their communications have to be outside the technology; all human satellites and digital communications have been removed and replaced by Angor technology.
After two decades, 10,000 volunteers are asked to go on an interstellar journey, purportedly to establish a new beginning for mankind. People are trained in teams and prepared for a new life. There is an adventure of settling on a new world after traversing a "river" that allows faster than light travel. The new planet is not hospitable. The Angor, sponsors of the expedition, hold back critical information.
The end result is that "First Life" is the first of a series that is a well-thought-out adventure; it has good people being bad as well as bad people being good - a very nice first saga in a world-class science fiction.
This imaginative story starts off in Arkansas and moves to other worlds after a 20-year span of humans becoming acclimated to the aliens. Our near-hero, Colton Beck, initially learns that he has a never-before illness and is quarantined to a hospital bed shortly after the Angor spaceship arrived. He won't play baseball again.
In the course of the tale, Colton observes the improvements in the world - end of global warming, universal medicine, and the end of hunger. The only downside is that the Angor have set up a few rules and opposition to their rule is life extinction - death. There is a group of people who actively rebel but their communications have to be outside the technology; all human satellites and digital communications have been removed and replaced by Angor technology.
After two decades, 10,000 volunteers are asked to go on an interstellar journey, purportedly to establish a new beginning for mankind. People are trained in teams and prepared for a new life. There is an adventure of settling on a new world after traversing a "river" that allows faster than light travel. The new planet is not hospitable. The Angor, sponsors of the expedition, hold back critical information.
The end result is that "First Life" is the first of a series that is a well-thought-out adventure; it has good people being bad as well as bad people being good - a very nice first saga in a world-class science fiction.
May 13, 2022
It’s kind of disappointing because this book is so highly rated. (shrug) First Life is just 2 bill-stars for me.
There are two BIG problems here. First, the pace is way too slow. Things pick up in the final quarter of the book or so, but it’s too late. Second, our first-person narrator is unappealing. Colton Beck is uninteresting and negative from start to finish. He complains about: the aliens, his parents, his job, the Xeno affliction he has, and even his high school sweetheart breaking up with him. My personal fave: He still carries the note his girlfriend left him as a teenager, unopened and unread, years later!?! Boo hoo hoo. (ha) It’s really tough to enjoy a book with such a negative (nasal-y, whiny) voice ringing in my ears.
QOTD
I’d lived my entire life anticipating my next move. The only real surprises had been the Angor ship materializing over my small city when I was fifteen years old, and the day I was told the Xeno would kill me. Everything after those events became twenty years of monotony. A blur of working, sleeping, eating, and dreaming of a different opportunity.
- Colton Beck, monotony expert, First Life
The plot is tried and true, and I have no problem with that. Aliens show up on Earth promising goodies...but instead shenanigans ensue. As I said, the pace is slow. And even the aliens (the Angors) really aren’t that distinctive and are kind of bland. There are some cooler aliens at the end, but...oh well.
Not a good read. thanks...yow, bill
January 18, 2025
Has the standard dropped in the last few years? How does stuff like this get 4 stars?!
Aliens offer to fix our planet and we have caused so much harm that we have little choice but to accept.
They cause a rare fatal disease in some people
Then there is the announcement,the aliens are inviting 10,000 people to go on one of their ships to establish a new colony planet.
He decides to go. However, they say that people with this disease can't go.
But his old GF gets him on board. Naturally, of course, despite the aliens being in charge and screening people.
The aliens are keeping a lot of secrets. They meet some other aliens that had similar help.
By now you know how this is going, right?
It's trash. It's a joke. It reads like a bad B movie script. Maybe this is the norm these days but I badly miss the old well written SF of days of old.
Sure there was crap then too, but they never got given 4 stars.
DNF and will not read more.
Aliens offer to fix our planet and we have caused so much harm that we have little choice but to accept.
They cause a rare fatal disease in some people
Then there is the announcement,the aliens are inviting 10,000 people to go on one of their ships to establish a new colony planet.
He decides to go. However, they say that people with this disease can't go.
But his old GF gets him on board. Naturally, of course, despite the aliens being in charge and screening people.
The aliens are keeping a lot of secrets. They meet some other aliens that had similar help.
By now you know how this is going, right?
It's trash. It's a joke. It reads like a bad B movie script. Maybe this is the norm these days but I badly miss the old well written SF of days of old.
Sure there was crap then too, but they never got given 4 stars.
DNF and will not read more.
August 25, 2022
Perhaps a 4.5 would be more accurate, or perhaps I'm just enjoying the post-read energy one has when a book is finished. This book is by no means great literature, but neither is it as terrible as a few reviews would have you believe. It's fun, which is exactly what I was looking for after reading a couple "heavy" non-fiction books. The characters are largely believable, and I came to care about several of them before the end came. I bought the sequel if that's any measure of enjoyment.
There are a few negative issues - relationships often don't feel "real" because there are so many mysteries floating about. Hystad really has a lot of balls to juggle in plots and subplots. But again, I was looking for the next great American novel, and so I had determined to try to be not too critical.
I looked forward to picking it up each night and reading a few chapters (until I became sleepy). I was interested in the characters and what happened next, so continuing to read wasn't a struggle.
I'd recommend it to someone who likes science fiction and can sit back and relax with a book.
There are a few negative issues - relationships often don't feel "real" because there are so many mysteries floating about. Hystad really has a lot of balls to juggle in plots and subplots. But again, I was looking for the next great American novel, and so I had determined to try to be not too critical.
I looked forward to picking it up each night and reading a few chapters (until I became sleepy). I was interested in the characters and what happened next, so continuing to read wasn't a struggle.
I'd recommend it to someone who likes science fiction and can sit back and relax with a book.
January 10, 2022
Received as an ARC, this is an honest review. From the moment the Angor and their mysterious alien ships show up on humanity's doorstep, everything changes... and while the Angor's technology has been a boon in helping the once fragile Earth have a bright future; for a small pocket of humanity (which Colton Black is included), an alien disease called Xeno draws Colton's fate down a different path. When they Angor offer humanity the chance to explore a colony world, Colton is determined to be there... even if he dies there; but getting there finds Colton and those he can trust, caught in a web of secrets they Angor aren't willing to reveal. Making to Dicore, lights a fire for Colton to want to fight his disease and earn a brighter future. Harrowing adventurous and filled with complex questions, First Life is an excellent start to another riveting series by Nathan Hystad... highly recommended.
May 11, 2023
Solid Sci-Fi. In the future, an alien race called the Angor arrive on earth. They heal the sick, provide clean water (which has been lacking) and bring peace to earth....in return for servitude. They also brought a plague called Xeno that affects a percentage of the population. Colton Beck (very cool name) has Xeno and only 6 months to live. He is the maintenance supervisor for some large barge construction project for the Angor. When the opportunity pops up for him to travel to a distant planet, he jumps at the chance to go. With the help of ex GF, Indie Hart, he heads to space. In space, the 10,000 volunteers learn they have to clear the new planet of giant scorpions and "hell rats." Bummer. Colton and a small group of his allies lead the humans to victory. Turns out they have been set up and the intrigue / backstabbing is just beginning. Great story.
September 18, 2024
First Life by author Nathan Hystad is a study in puzzling events where nothing really is what it seems.
Nothing!
Aliens are real and interactive with humans. In fact, these aliens, called the Anngor, now runs and governs Earth ...mostly behind the scenes.
Which is where Colton Beck and his youth love, Indie Hart enters the picture.. and the intrigue unfolds with the offer by the Angor of a planet, called Dicore, as a colony world for the humans.
The plot is quite devious, to say the least, constantly throwing up new twists and discoveries that put a new slant on everything. In this respect Nathan Hystad certainly is a past master, keeping the reader in constant suspense and the mind racing in surprise. It is therefore no surprise that four hundred pages plus seems to race past almost unnoticed.
Enjoy.
Nothing!
Aliens are real and interactive with humans. In fact, these aliens, called the Anngor, now runs and governs Earth ...mostly behind the scenes.
Which is where Colton Beck and his youth love, Indie Hart enters the picture.. and the intrigue unfolds with the offer by the Angor of a planet, called Dicore, as a colony world for the humans.
The plot is quite devious, to say the least, constantly throwing up new twists and discoveries that put a new slant on everything. In this respect Nathan Hystad certainly is a past master, keeping the reader in constant suspense and the mind racing in surprise. It is therefore no surprise that four hundred pages plus seems to race past almost unnoticed.
Enjoy.
January 27, 2025
What are you supposed to do when a group of extraterrestrials land on earth and tell you they are definitely here to help. But then, what are you supposed to do when their help brings with it a disease that kills off a portion of humanity. Unfortunately for Colton Beck, he is one of the few that catch the disease. The ship Palora is going to transport up to 10,000 humans to the world they call Dicore, to set up a human settlement and help to construct a River, which is a means of travel between worlds. If you already got a certain death in your very near future, then why not try to get on this flight to Dicore. But naturally, what would a sci-fi story be without lots of twists and turns. And it only gets more surprising and intriguing as the story goes along. Thank you, Nathan Hystad, for another wonderful book. Can't wait to continue with this series.
February 6, 2022
Wow!
Excellent read. This would make a great movie. Moved easily and quickly. the Angle transformed earth but at what price to humanity? Was it.worth it? Colton works on a barge as a supervisor for the past 5 years in LA. He has the dreaded disease, Xenon, that came when the Angor came to Earth, and suffers greatly from it. Diagnosed with only 6 months to.live, he volunteers for an expedition to Dicore, a new earth settlement but no one with Xenon can go, yet he gets through the physical there is a lot.going on in this book. New aliens, New worlds, old friends, New friends. Awesome read!
Excellent read. This would make a great movie. Moved easily and quickly. the Angle transformed earth but at what price to humanity? Was it.worth it? Colton works on a barge as a supervisor for the past 5 years in LA. He has the dreaded disease, Xenon, that came when the Angor came to Earth, and suffers greatly from it. Diagnosed with only 6 months to.live, he volunteers for an expedition to Dicore, a new earth settlement but no one with Xenon can go, yet he gets through the physical there is a lot.going on in this book. New aliens, New worlds, old friends, New friends. Awesome read!
April 23, 2022
I really enjoyed listening to this book, the narrator was well matched to the tone of the characters and the writing style. To be honest, I've been on a bit of a search for a sci-fi book that I liked after reading the REV Warriors series and this certainly scratched that itch. It took me about two days so not a particularly long one and by the end, I must admit I did feel as though the time was right for it to be over. It's not five stars from me but definitely a solid read. In some places, the story was a little predictable, but hey - if it makes me feel smart that I figured it out then that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 9/10
Narration: 9/10
Storyline: 8/10
Character Depth: 9/10
Narration: 9/10
April 26, 2022
While playing junior baseball the aliens finally arrive, however not all is as it seems. While the aliens seem to bring peace and employment, they also brought a disease, Xeno, which infects people randomly and ends their life. However, the aliens also promise humanity a new world and access to the stars.
The conspiracy groups are not convinced and push against the alien's plans.
Naturally, two young children on the baseball field have an enduring relationship of lost love over the 20 years of the alien presence depicted in this book.
Will the new world bring peace and clean air or more danger?
The conspiracy groups are not convinced and push against the alien's plans.
Naturally, two young children on the baseball field have an enduring relationship of lost love over the 20 years of the alien presence depicted in this book.
Will the new world bring peace and clean air or more danger?
May 30, 2025
This book particularly feels like it’s jerking me around for most of it. I would say only the second half actually has plot points that are interesting and have satisfying payoffs. And it’s disappointing because the events and revelations at the later half of the book are so strong. However they aren’t satisfying as the end of the book. It’s sad when you need a whole book to just set up your story. I feel this would turn many readers away which is a shame because there is some great stuff but it takes too long to get there. This books loves secrets but unfortunately the main secret kept for too long is that there’s an actual interesting story here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2022
Another good series start that stars Colton Beck. It starts out slow as we get to know the main characters and sets the scene and makes me really wonder if the Angor are the good guys that they have played for the last 20 years. As it goes it slowly raises some interesting questions and hooks me in to try and guess what is really going on and if there is a hidden agenda. Really enjoyed the story with its mix of mystery and scifi in this futuristic believable world heading to its first human colony.
February 26, 2022
Interesting
Aliens come to earth to 'help'. They are far more advanced and cure all diseases, except for the one they brought with them which eventually kills the small portion of people who contracted it. They move the population out to the coasts where they have them building barges and domes and no one knows what they are for. Pretty much everyone seems to accept this?
A call is made for volunteers to join an expedition to another world. Why do the aliens want ppl to leave and what is their real agenda? Who do you trust? Every thing leads to more questions.
Aliens come to earth to 'help'. They are far more advanced and cure all diseases, except for the one they brought with them which eventually kills the small portion of people who contracted it. They move the population out to the coasts where they have them building barges and domes and no one knows what they are for. Pretty much everyone seems to accept this?
A call is made for volunteers to join an expedition to another world. Why do the aliens want ppl to leave and what is their real agenda? Who do you trust? Every thing leads to more questions.
November 12, 2022
Is it Help or an Invasion?
The Angor arrived. They solved most all of the problems on Earth, the only thing they brought, besides help apparently, was Xeno a disease that only effects a small percentage of humans but is eventually fatal. Colton Beck has Xeno and he's been helping the Angor. Now he's going to help colonize a new planet. But the natives aren't happy. Is the Angor lying? Is there something else going on with them? The action and drama go on. Turn the pages to find out.
The Angor arrived. They solved most all of the problems on Earth, the only thing they brought, besides help apparently, was Xeno a disease that only effects a small percentage of humans but is eventually fatal. Colton Beck has Xeno and he's been helping the Angor. Now he's going to help colonize a new planet. But the natives aren't happy. Is the Angor lying? Is there something else going on with them? The action and drama go on. Turn the pages to find out.
January 25, 2022
Really enjoyed First Life -The River Saga book 1. It's a fascinating, quick paced story that is full of mysteries that keep you guessing to the end. Lots of character development, with the use of flashbacks to add depth to the story.
A very unique take on contact with an alien race that's technologically superior and an agenda that they don't reveal. It's hard to determine if they're helping or plotting something malevolent.
Looking forward to the next edition.
A very unique take on contact with an alien race that's technologically superior and an agenda that they don't reveal. It's hard to determine if they're helping or plotting something malevolent.
Looking forward to the next edition.
January 30, 2022
Great sci fi adventure/thriler
But the body count is high, and there are a lot more questions than answers. The worldbuilding is inventive and believable, the characters are interesting, and the aliens are fascinating. A plot twist at the end had me rethinking my feelings toward one character, and I don't think rdemption is possible. However, I really like Colton, Miya, Desmond, and Franklin, so I'm looking forward to book 2.
But the body count is high, and there are a lot more questions than answers. The worldbuilding is inventive and believable, the characters are interesting, and the aliens are fascinating. A plot twist at the end had me rethinking my feelings toward one character, and I don't think rdemption is possible. However, I really like Colton, Miya, Desmond, and Franklin, so I'm looking forward to book 2.
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