book cover of Level Six
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Level Six

(2012)
(The first book in the Level Six series)
A novel by

 
 
Humans have spread out across the stars and the Coalition ship Magellan has come to the alien planet of Kiana to study the inhabitants and their potential for resources and trade. The inhabitants appear willing enough to let the humans onto their planet, even to the extent that the humans establish a government, drive their machines all over, dig in the ground and spread their ideas and culture to the Kians.

The native Kians are similar to humans, but with differences. They are covered with a pelt of short fur that often has interesting tattoos. Otherwise, they can speak and communicate and have their own developed culture. They worship the goddess Ki and are amazingly docile, but intelligent. The culture appears simple and primitive. There are no signs of advanced weapons, energy powered vehicles, or advanced technology. As the story develops, it becomes apparent that they are hiding deep secrets concerning their origins, their alien nature and their past.

The story contains a wide variety of characters from the human Danny Gordon who falls in love with a native Kian, to the arrogant ship's captain who calls them "monkeys." An intricate tapestry of relationships develops, both on board the Magellan and on Kiana.

Stoker Payne heads up that part of the human exploration team that tries to unearth the secrets of Kiana's past through archeology. He finds little until he reaches level six and there a startling find holds the key to the history and unique powers of the Kian people.

Stoker Payne becomes romantically involved with Melanie Frasier, an astronomer, who gets booted off the starship Magellan down to Kiana by her bad ass boss. There, while looking through a telescope, she discovers an incoming comet. It turns out that every 800 years an unusual comet sweeps in and alters the planet and the people....and now it's eight hundred years later and its coming back.

For me the story began slow as it established the various characters, and the initiating action. As I read, things heated up until I couldn't put down the reader. The story line is exciting, the characters believable, and the action builds to a climatic end. If you like science fiction, interesting alien cultures and apocalyptic events...this one's for you.

(Amazon review by Sheri)


Genre: Science Fiction

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