This review was written by Eugene Kernes
Genre = Novel, Science
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Elaborate Description
Overview:
Humanity was nearby eradicated with a previous alien
encounter. The Merkiaari retreated, but
expected to return. During this more
peaceful time, humans have made their own conflicts, but also sent out distant
survey missions. As the ships would be
out of contact for prolonged periods of time, survey missions were considered
hard duty. During Captain Colgan’s
survey mission, they encounter a signal from an alien species. The crew needs to properly observe the
species, known as Shan, without creating a potential conflict. The efforts of first contact are expressed
from various perspectives such as military, civilian, scientist, human, and
Shan. This is a story of the many
difficult sacrifices that may become needed to initiate friendly contact. The curiosity and danger of what an unknown
species can bring. There is much that the
Shan and humans can teach each other.
But there is a danger of conflict, which can bring about another
extermination type event. How will the
humans and Shan make first contact?
Caveats?
There are some perspectives in the book that seem not to have a connection to this book. Although they do add a layer to an understanding of the politics and life of the times. The perspectives are possibly important for this book’s sequels.
Questions to Consider while Reading the Book
