The First Protector

Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict #2

by James White

When he lands among the warring clans of the Irish hills, the Taelon scientist Ma'el is immediately cast into mortal danger...until he meets a young Celtic warrior who will lay down his life for the mysterious this stranger, and a druid priestess with uncanny insight. Together with the alien, they set out on an incredible journey, around the planet and to a destiny greater than the humans can possibly imagine.

For Ma'el has come to judge Earth, and their travels will have consequences far into the future--consequences that will change both humanity and the Taelon race forever . . .

Genres: Science Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

James White was a Northern Irish author of science fiction novellas, short stories and novels. He was born in Belfast and returned there after spending some early years in Canada. He became a fan of science fiction in 1941 and co-wrote two fan magazines, from 1948 to 1953 and 1952 to 1965. Encouraged by other fans, White began publishing short stories in 1953, and his first novel was published in 1957. His best-known novels were the twelve of the Sector General series, the first published in 1962 and the last after his death. White also published nine other novels, two of which were nominated for major awards, unsuccessfully.

White abhorred violence, and medical and other emergencies were the sources of dramatic tension in his stories. The "Sector General" series is regarded as defining the genre of medical science fiction, and as introducing a memorable crew of aliens. Although missing winning the most prestigious honours four times, White gained other awards for specific works and for contributions to science fiction. He was also Guest-of-Honour of several conventions.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the story of Ma'el first Taelon protector of the planet earth. It was him who first studied the human race and old cultures on the planet earth.
The story starts when a rogue by the name Declan wants to rob an old man and a boy. However hé finds himself in second place with this idea. Whereas hé was planning on taking food the others want to take all. So Declan ends up protecting the old man & the boy. In doing so hé finds employment and an education well beyond his expectations. The old man being a Taelon and the boy being a healer and most of all a woman will change his life.
this is a clear prequel to a great scifi TV show by the name of Earth final conflict and coming from the fruitfull name of Gene Roddenberry, famous because hé created Star Trek.
This book takes place in the dark history of our cultures, a more two thousand years ago when a lonely Taelon, alien from another world, searched for the value of humanity and discovered a lot more. Earth might me an invaluable ally in the future if Taelon society will not destroy it.
A nice tale and as a fan of the show entertaining enough for me.

[Scott Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A blend of sci-fi and historical fiction is right up my alley. This novel tells the story of Ma’el’s final years on Earth and the humans he entrusted his secrets to.

I would have preferred a trilogy or series of novels chronicling Ma’el’s entire time on Earth and detailing his interactions with various civilizations. Instead, we get just hints of these things. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining companion (pun intended) to the TV series.

[Wilson E. Stevens Sr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My understanding if the book is nothing like the description in Goodreads. Yes the Taelon scientist Ma'el is sent to Earth to explore and gain an understanding of the local intelligences. That he does. To assist him his gathers a young woman that is a healer, and later a warrior as a protector to assist him as he travels earths civilizations and gains an understanding and writes his report on the people of Earth. His two servants fall in love, have children, inherit a kingdom, and rule wisely. Interesting book, well written, and a joy to read like of of James White's books.

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

I'm finally going through my tv, film etc. tie in library owned book list, to add more older basic reviews. If I liked a book enough to keep then they are at the least a 3 star.

I'm only adding one book per author and I'm not going to re-read every book to be more accurate, not when I have 1000s of new to me authors to try (I can't say no to free books....)

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)