The Alpha Protocol: Alpha Protocol Book 1

Finally, something inventive, with a strong lead character, and very satisfying world building. Actually make that "galaxy building". Several of the other prime characters were well developed also, which made the interplay so much better. The heart of the story is the discovery of alien artifacts, sought by humans and alien beings alike, along with a few unsavory pirates. There's a large, Star Trek-ish military org. on the scene, and military issues & priorities come into play, along with the first ET contact. It's refreshing, engaging, action packed, suspenseful, and great "writing chops". For me, it filled in a long, empty place in "space worthy" science fiction stories.

Every now and again I am embarrassed to find myself reading a book that I paid 99c for but would have happily paid a lot more. This is one such book. I had never read anything by this author previously but by golly he knows how to write a gripping, unpredictable, surprises-at-every turn space adventure. It took off at 100 miles an hour and barely paused for breath. I loved the main character, a man with flaws and chequered past who had to cope as best he could when faced with an unprecedented situation.It was convincing and scary and the tension was real. I liked the science and the settings. It wasn't overloaded with characters and those who were there were relevant. There's a superbly cast wide-boy crime lord who I hope appears again. I've been reading scifi for 50 years and love it.

Oh look! The main character has found himself in another accidental humanity-changing event. Never mind that this is the fifth time this has happened since I cracked this book. The author has trouble creating characters, so he’ll just pop in another action sequence with aliens. This book is a slog.

Yeah, suspense builds pretty quickly. You'll want to know what happens. You might find yourself skimming pages due to what another reviewer calls "navel gazing." You could as well call it "naval" gazing as all the terminology and much of the physics are based on water ships, not space ships. But you will have overlooked that wanting to know what happens due to the well constructed suspense.However, you'll also be frustrated that the whole thing about shielding life signs and the artifact which plays such a large role in the beginning is overlooked by the characters and then overlooked by the author and never brought up again. Lack of consistency in the world's "rules"? I think so.Not that it's bad read, but very strange that this novel is currently number one in several SF categories. Maybe there are just a lot of boring novels out right now. I can point to several just as good but none obviously superior at the moment. Of course, as soon as they appear I read them, so maybe I'm just impatient and that's how I got into this book. No, actually I was curious about the sales ranking. The reviews are just meh. I hope only to inform you of what the book is like (beyond the preview). I'm not too concerned with the rating. That is relative to the reader.

I found myself very much into the plot and anxious to see what happens next. But I was frustrated by the amount of space devoted to the protagonist's endless dwelling on his own motivation and questioning of his own competency. Also, the "science" is abysmal. For example, in the climactic confrontation the protagonist places himself, completely exposed save for a fragile spacesuit, within a few feet of a powerful explosion but suffers no more than minor injuries. This from an explosion strong enough to utterly destroy a vessel that that previously withstood bombardment from two of he good guys' warships with nary a scratch. So I give it an "A" for storyline and an "F" for execution. Three on a scale of 1-5.

Never read this author before. I picked this from Amazon’s best seller list. Half the time I don’t like what I get, but took the chance. This author did an excellent job of providing an entertaining read! I liked the story, his characters were well rounded and had thoughts/feelings/actions that one could relate to. Great plot, very immersive story. Will keep it to re-read (yes, I am one of those). Recommended it to my husband when I was only half through reading. If you like fiction, you will love this book!

The only thing I did not enjoy about Alpha Protocol 1 was the realization there is not a Alpha Protocol 11 published as yet. I’ll be reading his fantasy novels while I wait.As evidenced in Alpha Protocol 1, Duncan Hamilton is truly an author of note. His fluid writing, superb plot structure and in depth characterization is superb. Noteworthy is his depiction of his protagonist, Lt Samson, as a human being without any stereotypical super natural power, replete with original sin and wracked with a host of moral conundrums.Alpha Protocol1 is a thoroughly enjoyable novel-a must read for sci-fi fans.

Very well-written, nuanced, imaginative sci-fi book. Great characters and technology. Not a philosophical book, rather in the military sci-fi genre, but well-done.

I'm not a sci fan generally and only picked this up as I've read all off DMH fantasy novels. I found this refreshing and not too heavy, with enough technical detail to keep you engaged and informed but not to a point that it's only there for the author to showcase his research and knowledge of the subject matter. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the second book. I'll definitely be looking at other sci books on the back of this great introduction to the genre.

Having enjoyed the author's fantasy novels (particularly the Ostia books), I was keen to read this one. It didn't disappoint. A great start to a series. The future direction is left wide open, leaving me to wonder which characters will play a role in the next book. I can't wait to find out.

A very entertaining story from this heretofore fantasy writer. A great step into sci-fi and as easily readable as his previous novels. A great way to pass a few hours in lockdown! Finishes nicely as a one-off but wide open for a sequel which will hopefully follow soon. Has comfortably switched genres.

I have enjoyed all his novels so far. Well written and intelligent. Fast pace and remarkable stories. Very good indeed.

Great story- and a nice switch to futuristic tales from his prior books. Looking forwards to reading what happens next!