Caffeinated Reviewer

I was super excited to dive into First Contact by Kim Harrison. This is the first audiobook in the Eclipsed Evolution trilogy released on audio first. Narrated by Xe Sands, Harrison explores our first contact with a paranormal realm. A riveting story that fed my inner nerd with rich characters. I cannot wait for more!

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…

Wow, this was fantastic. Harrison not only introduced us to a paranormal alien species, but shared the sharp contrast between scientists and military reactions and attitudes.

At just under six hours, this was a tight, engaging tale. We meet Dr. Renee Caisson, who is studying the “Neighbors,” for contagions that might impact humans. I immediately liked Renee, who admits to a questionable past. She quickly comes to understand and respect these intelligent creatures, who only wish to find plants to save their planet. I loved watching them interact with each other as Renee attempts to communicate.

The Neighbors are highly intelligent, with abilities beyond our scope and are not aggressive. In contrast, the military has them caged, and are performing tests. There is a romance, but it is secondary to the story. It involves humans and added layers to the characters. I would say it is character driven story, as the focus is Renee’s engagement with the leader of the Neighbors.

Xe Sands is a wonderful narrator, and I quite enjoyed her voices and tone. This is an audio first trilogy, the books won’t release until summer.

Amazon | Audible

About Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison, author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, was born in Detroit and lived most her her life within an easy drive. She's currently working on the Peri Reed Chronicles, and when not at her desk, is most likely to be found landscaping her new/old Victorian home, in the garden, or on the links.

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About Xe Sands

Xe Sands is an award-winning narrator known for her authentic characterizations and intimate delivery. She has more than a decade of experience bringing stories to life through narration, performance, and visual art, including recordings of Wonderland by Stacey D'Erasmo, The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro, and Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman. Sands has also been recognized for her engaging romance narrations and was named Most Impressive Narrator Discovery for titles such as Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins and On Thin Ice by Anne Stuart.

Twitter | Instagram

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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