Sector 64: First Contact

By: Dean M. Cole

Narrated by: R. C. Bray

Length: 2 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

As part of the Greatest Generation, Major Anthony Spinelli, a World War II fighter pilot, flew into combat to save his family and keep them free. Two years later, he lost them in the blink of an eye, leaving Tony rudderless and without purpose. Then, on a dark, moonless night, in the skies above 1947 New Mexico, he has an encounter that will change humanity forever. However, when an accident threatens to unleash unimaginable destruction, Tony must race against time and unwinding plots to save us...and maybe himself along the way. 

"Cole tackles the first-contact scenario with bombastic flair. His vibrant prose delivers the high-resolution imagery of a Hollywood blockbuster. A technologically riveting dream for sci-fi action fans." (Kirkus Reviews) 

"Sector 64 was a highly imaginative action-packed apocalyptic assault on your mind." (AudiobookReviewer.com) 

"Sector 64 is an engaging book from the very first page to the final words of the epilogue." (IndieReader.com)

©2017 Dean M. Cole (P)2017 Dean M. Cole

Cole Does It Again with First Contact

4.5 out of 5 stars

I love a good novella and I honestly like a good prequel too. I haven’t read the full story that is supposed to be after this, but as any good prequel should do, I’m hooked. Dean M. Cole has me hook, line, and sinker in his other series Solitude — but now he’s going to have me in two different series? How is that fair!?

I said it in my review of Solitude, Cole knows how to write and Sector 64: First Contact was no different. The main character was both likable in a Tom Cruise in Top Gun kind of way, and also in a really relatable kind of way too. He just seemed a lot like (a military version of the) “every man”.

First Contact is just that — a novel about first contact, but it felt like it was a little different. Sure there are some of the same “learn the language” and similar first contact-y type storylines in this, but because it’s such a short novella Cole didn’t have a ton of time to mess around with all the typical niceties. And sometimes you feel like you’re missing something from a story that’s shorter like this. First Contact doesn’t feel like it’s missing anything. I cannot wait to dig more into this series.

RC Bray could narrate anything and I would listen to it. He has such a great voice, especially for science fiction novels like this one. Bray is easily one of the best in the business and makes any book he adds his sultry voice to better.

I received a free copy of this book. It has not affected my review of my opinion.

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4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Well written story coupled with amazing narration

Would you listen to Sector 64: First Contact again? Why?

Absolutely. The writing and performance make this one worth listening to again and again.

What does R. C. Bray bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Some narrators read words. Some tell a story. R.C. Bray grabs you by the ears takes you on a journey. His skillful transition between fully fleshed out characters brings an entire cast to life and places the listener right there beside them.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Are you sure you're ready?

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Another one hit out of the ball park

Would you consider the audio edition of Sector 64: First Contact to be better than the print version?

I do not know since I rarely read books.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the Erra and being a fan I knew some of the stories towards the end and it was great to see some of the characters again. It makes more sense now and I love it.

Which character – as performed by R. C. Bray – was your favorite?

Tony, though he is probably in my top 2 favorite Readers and my number one is Gene Engene so I am always happy to hear Bray's voice

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I can't give that away but let us just say tiny robots

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. Truth be told I was planning on buying this book and when I was offered it for free I jumped for joy and snatched it up. Read the whole series you won't be disappointed

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A great start to a well received series

“Sector 64: First Contact” is a short but intense prequel novella in the acclaimed Sector 64 series written by Dean M. Cole. The book is masterfully performed by well-known narrator R. C. Bray; who voiced The Martian and Solitude to name just a few of the hundreds of books he had voiced. Both the writing and narration comes together to create a wonderfully crafted science fiction story that in its small form-factor packs a lot of punch. I may be one of the few who have not yet listened to the Sector 64 series, however after listening to the prequel, it will be one of the next series I intend to tackle. If you enjoy fast-paced and well-written stories involving aliens, nanotechnology, or if you have already listened to the Sector 64 series, I highly recommend you pick up this book to continue the journey.

The book opens with powerful action and excitement. It quickly envelopes and shrouds you in mystery and questions of what is about to happen. Some of this may not be new to people who have already listened to the series, but for a newcomer like me, I was hooked from its start to its finish. The book includes topics involving aliens, nanotechnology, telepathy, glimpses of new and exciting worlds, and what some would call an abduction. The story left me feeling like I had just watched an X-Files episode and afterwards wanted more. I enjoyed the authors use of similes to better assist me in understanding some of the stranger technologies. I also thought there was a good balance between hard-core science and a great piece of fiction. Even if you are not a science fiction fan, I think you will enjoy this novella. However, if you do enjoy this genre of book, you will find this one is right up there with some of the better ones. There are also aspects of friendship, loss, and the desire to fulfill one’s orders.

Let me move to the narration of the book which is done by R. C. Bray. This man is a veteran when it comes to published audiobooks. At the time of this review, he has nearly two-hundred and fifty works available; and many of them are award-winning pieces. Although this piece is rather short at only 2 hours and 23 minutes, the attention to detail is what makes him a professional in his industry. The narration was clean and the narrator’s voice was rich; giving depth to the story. For some, having the same narrator for a series is important and gives a consistent feeling. Be aware that only the prequel is performed by Mr. Bray. The rest of the series is narrated by Mike Ortego. As this is a prequel of the series, I do not think it will be an issue for most, but I did want to call it out in this review.

In all of my reviews I include a section for parents and younger readers alerting them to books containing anything that may be of concern to this age group. I do have to mention that this book includes some very light use of vulgar language, but apart from that, the book lacks any other potentially objectionable content. This is only relating to the prequel and is not speaking to the complete Sector 64 series.

To summarize, the book was a good toe-dip into a much bigger series called “Sector 64”. If you are like me, the prequel is enough to whet your appetite for the remaining books in the series. The author even has a boxset available on audible for those who want to pick up the rest in the series and have over 22 hours of audio to listen too. This is a recommended read.

Disclaimer: I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

excellent.

always happy when I'm listening to R.C. Bray and a very good story to boot. enjoyed it immensely

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

so good

narrator perfect as always! story perfect as always. characters perfect too! I can't wait for the next exciting chapter

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love the way the author uses Roswell as a start.

Thourouly enjoyed every minute. The way Dean uses Roswell and its mysterious Area 51 to begin this series. The moment the book ended we moved right into the next installment. Thanks Dean and keep them coming.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Epic

You have definitely not heard a first contact like this! So clever and unique! Well done sir! Looking forward to Ambush 🐒

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great listen

In anticipation of Ambush being released soon, I picked up this one. I have found a love for short stories lately and this one did not disappoint. If you haven't listened to anything by Dean M. Cole yet, grab Planetside and prepare for a great ride. This books premise has been written a thousand times, but this is a unique spin on it. R.C.Bray is the second best narrator out there (after Ray Porter) and he shows his mastery of the craft as usual. I highly recommend anything by Dean M. Cole. And you can't go wrong with just about anything narrated by R.C. Bray either.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good so far...

Short but good so far. A new twist to the whole Area 51 conspiracy. Will purchase the next one to see where this series is going.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A great starting point, what happens next?

When I first started listening to this it made me think there was nothing new to be found here but I was pleasantly surprised. What you get here is an interesting beginning to events what starts off as a standard issue Roswell like alien encounter story becomes a well written and tense at times introduction to this setting. A post-WWII alt history with added aliens and action

The characters seem well written their reactions seem believable and consistent with their personalities.
In the short time we get with them I find myself wanting to learn more about them and what happens next. I will definitely pick up the other books in this series to find out. The character reactions seem believable and consistent with their personalities.

The narration is good, easy to listen to and clear and helps with the keeping things tense and the listen invested in the story. Each character has a unique sound which helps keep things clear.

My one problem with this book is how short it is, but if this is a typical example of Dean M. Cole’s writing and R. C. Bray narration I would happily listen to more books by this pair.

This is a good but short story and would recommend listening to it.


I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

"As good a day as any."

Any additional comments?

There is a feel of authenticity to Dean Cole's prequel to the two part Sector 64 series that had me reaching for the Audible 'purchase' button to get the omnibus edition as soon as I had finished listening. As indicated in the title, this book is a first contact story, set in the latter part of the 1940s, two years after the first nuclear detonation. An alternative history, it focuses on the flight of Tony, a pilot whose recent loss has left him almost inconsolable, and his experiences at that eventful time.

Read by R.C.Dean, the story comes alive, his slightly gravelly voice capturing Tony's personality, his incredulity at what was happening to and around him, and recording the unfolding events almost like a documentary. Excellently done.

If the remainder of this series lives up to the promise of this shorter prequel, this will be a series to enjoy. Watch this space (ha, ha!)

Promising start, left me wanting more!

This short prequel does a great job of whetting your appetite for the sector 64 series.

It starts packed with action and it carries on. Even in this short intro the characters are well written (both male and female) and even though as with all sci-fi you do have to suspend disbelief, they feel real.

Even though this book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review, I will be purchasing the rest of the series.