First Contact

Eclipsed Evolution: Phase 1

By: Kim Harrison

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 5 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

In the wake of the solar eclipse, a portal between our world and a paranormal realm opens—and a scientist’s life will never be the same, in this thrilling serialized adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hollows.

Dr. Renee Caisson knows there are worse things than an attractive man in uniform drafting her into a secret government project—especially when Major Jackson makes it clear that he isn’t bothered by her questionable past. But when her labs come back with decidedly odd results, the Major is forced to come clean over who the government is actually studying. Renee is shocked to learn her subjects are demonic-looking beings who call themselves “Neighbors”—refugees from a dying world, who arrived during the nation-wide solar eclipse.

The Neighbors’ technology is unlike anything Renee’s ever encountered. At first, she dismisses an injury that inexplicably heals as “just one of those things”. And surely August, the most gregarious Neighbor, begins to speak English overnight because of the team linguist’s skills?

Not until August begins evolving in real time to withstand Earth’s brighter, dryer atmosphere does she admit that the Neighbors’ “tech” feels less like science and more like magic—the same magic that brought them here in the first place, and the same they’re trying to rekindle with a mysterious labyrinth in order to return home and save their world.

At least, that’s what August claims they came for…

©2024 Kim Harrison (P)2024 Penguin Audio

I loved this.

so great. best new story I've listened to in a while! can't wait for the next one. Kim Harrison is the best.

Addicting?

This is the first installment of the serial story and definitely worth listening to. I was initially a sceptic of what seemed to be a common first contact plot however the characters drew me in quickly. This concept is going to cost me some money. Can't wait for Part 2.

Great new story!

Narrator was a miss for me. She whisper talks and I had to have my volume up ridiculously high in order to understand what was being said most of the time. On top of that, most the characters sounded like they were 80 years old, I'm sure partly due to the whisper talking. Sometimes it got to the point of distracting enough that it took me out of the story. That said, I enjoyed this new concept from KH, it was interesting and I was hooked so it got frustrating when the narration took me out of the story. I'm looking forward to more from this series, though I may get the books if the audiobook is read by the same narrator.

Very inventive, hoping for a series

love the characters & can't wait for the next installment. I really hope this becomes a series.

For the "Rocky" sized hole in your heart

I have searched for a book similar to Weir's Project Hail Mary for years now, and I can confidently recommend this book to all who have done the same. At first I wasn't a fan of the narrators voice/accent and if you feel that way too just give it more time, she uses that accent for a reason.

story telling by a great Dou

Too short, but probably because it was so compelling. Xe Sands brings Jim Harrison's worlds to life

Great story - performance miss

Great story line from Kim Harrison - hoping for a different narrator on the next. I couldn't understand the breathy mumblings with all character parts and the intonations were unfortunate.

The narration was great

I ❤️ loved the story it was exciting all the way through. Would definitely recommend.

Well written, Fast paced

First Contact is well written and fast paced. The characters are relatable and real.
I look forward to the release of part 2!

Different than typical alien encounters

Overall it is a good book however I do agree with other reviewers that the narrator and sound level did detract from the story. The beginning part was extremely hard to hear clearly as the voice actress was very breathy and soft which seems to be part of the story. Also the voice trembles frequently throughout the story. However it did negatively impact in my review as I have listened to other audiobooks by Kelly Armstrong and had no issue.