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A New World #2
Conviction
A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It's home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice.
Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband.
After the attack on San Jose, Todd is appointed to Special Envoy for Terran Affairs by the nentraee, a position many world leaders question. Undeterred Todd wants to build bridges between both people. However, this new position brings with it a new set of problems that not only he, but his new allies Mi’ko and Mirtoff must overcome. Will the humans and nentraee learn to work together despite mistrust and threats of more attacks by a new global terrorist group, or will the terrorists win? Will this bring an end to an already shaky alliance between nentraee and humans?
Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband.
After the attack on San Jose, Todd is appointed to Special Envoy for Terran Affairs by the nentraee, a position many world leaders question. Undeterred Todd wants to build bridges between both people. However, this new position brings with it a new set of problems that not only he, but his new allies Mi’ko and Mirtoff must overcome. Will the humans and nentraee learn to work together despite mistrust and threats of more attacks by a new global terrorist group, or will the terrorists win? Will this bring an end to an already shaky alliance between nentraee and humans?
ebook
Published March 25, 2019
About the author
M.D. Neu
23 books117 followersM.D. Neu is an award-winning inclusive gay Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.
Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.
When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of twenty plus years.
Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.
When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of twenty plus years.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 28, 2019
This book is an amazing continuation of Contact. And boy, does the action keep up at the same pace. I was excited to see where this would go and MD Neu didn't disappoint. I'm on the edge of my seat for the next installment.
November 5, 2023
I adore M.D. Neu's science fiction series, A New World. In book one, Mister Todd Landon witnesses the arrival of an alien species to Earth. He's an every man kind of gay man who just happens to save one of the aliens during an attack. He's asked to be an envoy. He's criticized because people don't think he's qualified. But as we learn more about him, we realize the reason he was chosen by the alien race is because of his sincerity, compassion, loyalty, and morality. In book two, he continues to prove simply by living his life that he's one of the good guys, making him a perfect choice for his job. And we get to witness his life as it moves on after his personal tragedy. He finds a new life on one of the spaceships and a new connection to Mi'cin, one of the adult children of his boss. I adore Todd and these stories. Can't wait for Neu's next book to come out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2019
Have you ever wondered what life might be like if one morning you wake up to news reports saying that beings from another planet have arrived? If you have (I can’t be the only one) then you may enjoy M. D. Neu’s A New World series.
NineStar Press was kind enough to send me a copy of book one so I could read it in anticipation of book two, Conviction, which was is to be released into the wild on March 25, 2019.
The short blurb bit: Contact and Conviction are the first two installments in a science fiction series called A New World. Todd Landon is living a happy life with his husband, Jerry when things take a bizarre turn. Todd’s estranged brother, Brad shows up out of the blue one day to let them know that alien vessels are approaching earth. First contact with an alien species is about to happen.
The is a great ride through a sci-fi world of aliens, political intrigue and relationships.
The descriptive bit: In the first book of this series, Contact, the reader is introduced to Todd Landon and his partner, Jerry. They’re living a pretty normal silicon-valley life until one day, Todd’s brother shows up to tell them that aliens are coming. Naturally, Todd and Jerry find it difficult to believe that first contact is about to happen, but Todd knows his brother – in spite of their differences over the years (because Todd’s family didn’t approve of him being gay). In a very short period of time, all that Brad has predicted comes true and the US is faced with the daunting task of first contact with an alien race.
The other-worldly visitors are the Nentraee. They’re a humanoid race looking for a new world to call their home. As always, there are people on Earth who are threatened by things they don’t understand, and the initial meetings don’t go as well as planned.
As a member of a crack team of technology specialists, Todd finds himself meeting with the Nentraee. They meet, discuss technology and other human/Nentraee curiosities then head out late to the official function. One moment, Todd is driving to meet his husband at the meet and greet and then he’s fighting for his life after a terrorist attack. Without concern for himself, Todd protects the Nentraee at great personal cost, saving the life of Mi’ko. Days later when Todd awakens it’s to the devastating news that his husband, Jerry was killed in the attack meant to derail all the negotiations.
Mi’ko, the Vice-Speaker for the Nentraee, saved by Todd’s act of bravery is moved by such a selfless act. Despite his concern that humans may be too volatile a species, he chooses Todd to become Special Envoy for Terran Affairs.
The second book, Conviction, begins with Todd in his new position and battling all the backroom wheeling and dealing as the Nentraee and humans try to work out how their two civilizations can fit together.
The conspiracy to destroy the fragile alliance between the Nentraee and Earth continues and Todd is put in the unenviable position of trying to ensure the safety of the Nentraee and his family and friends. The conspiracy seems to be embedded all around Todd and he has to learn who he can trust and continue to be the person that the Nentraee feel he is.
To help with his position, Todd agrees to move on to one of the Nentraee ships. It’s overwhelming at first but he relies on his honesty and integrity to get him through uncomfortable situations.
There’s resistance to the Nentraee/human alliance from both sides and it’s a tangled web of deceit and political maneuvering.
General Gahummed of the Nentraee remains resistant to being involved with any humans, Vi-Narm seems neutral and Mi’Cin seems to be forward-thinking. But the Nentraee are difficult to read and Todd’s instincts leave him confused about their motivations.
The second novel ends with a dramatic turn and Todd, once again, having to stand up for what he believes in.
My thoughts bit: One of the things that I noticed about halfway through the second book in this series was that the language … the Nentraee words for things were slipping into my mind. Sometimes, I find a book with an alien language a bit cumbersome to read. Neu does a fantastic job of weaving in the Nentraee language and culture so seamlessly that by the end of Conviction I found I had absorbed a lot of it.
I also thought that the way Neu wrote about Todd’s grief was insightful. Throughout Conviction Todd is still mourning the loss of his husband, in fact, he sees Jerry and speaks to him during some of his most difficult times. As Todd and Mi’Cin become friends, Todd struggles with feeling a connection to someone else. He wrestles with feeling as though he is betraying his husband, moving on too soon and disrespecting their marriage. Of course, none of that is true, but it was wonderful to see a character so fully experience grief and the strange thought-patterns we go through when processing a tremendous loss.
The book contains an interesting exploration of the damage that homophobia can cause to a person’s sense of self. As Mi’Cin and Todd become closer, Todd’s past issues with his homophobic family return to haunt him. He wonders if Mi’ko feels negatively about Todd and Mi’Cin’s relationship. Sure, Todd’s family have taken significant steps to apologize and move forward, but it’s clear that their feelings in the past were damaging and affect how Todd feels about himself and his relationship.
I loved the intrigue and the clues that Neu wrote into Conviction. It’s a convoluted journey, and yet it’s enjoyable and intriguing! I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series.
The warnings bit: Mentions homophobia, some violence, hate speech.
NineStar Press was kind enough to send me a copy of book one so I could read it in anticipation of book two, Conviction, which was is to be released into the wild on March 25, 2019.
The short blurb bit: Contact and Conviction are the first two installments in a science fiction series called A New World. Todd Landon is living a happy life with his husband, Jerry when things take a bizarre turn. Todd’s estranged brother, Brad shows up out of the blue one day to let them know that alien vessels are approaching earth. First contact with an alien species is about to happen.
The is a great ride through a sci-fi world of aliens, political intrigue and relationships.
The descriptive bit: In the first book of this series, Contact, the reader is introduced to Todd Landon and his partner, Jerry. They’re living a pretty normal silicon-valley life until one day, Todd’s brother shows up to tell them that aliens are coming. Naturally, Todd and Jerry find it difficult to believe that first contact is about to happen, but Todd knows his brother – in spite of their differences over the years (because Todd’s family didn’t approve of him being gay). In a very short period of time, all that Brad has predicted comes true and the US is faced with the daunting task of first contact with an alien race.
The other-worldly visitors are the Nentraee. They’re a humanoid race looking for a new world to call their home. As always, there are people on Earth who are threatened by things they don’t understand, and the initial meetings don’t go as well as planned.
As a member of a crack team of technology specialists, Todd finds himself meeting with the Nentraee. They meet, discuss technology and other human/Nentraee curiosities then head out late to the official function. One moment, Todd is driving to meet his husband at the meet and greet and then he’s fighting for his life after a terrorist attack. Without concern for himself, Todd protects the Nentraee at great personal cost, saving the life of Mi’ko. Days later when Todd awakens it’s to the devastating news that his husband, Jerry was killed in the attack meant to derail all the negotiations.
Mi’ko, the Vice-Speaker for the Nentraee, saved by Todd’s act of bravery is moved by such a selfless act. Despite his concern that humans may be too volatile a species, he chooses Todd to become Special Envoy for Terran Affairs.
The second book, Conviction, begins with Todd in his new position and battling all the backroom wheeling and dealing as the Nentraee and humans try to work out how their two civilizations can fit together.
The conspiracy to destroy the fragile alliance between the Nentraee and Earth continues and Todd is put in the unenviable position of trying to ensure the safety of the Nentraee and his family and friends. The conspiracy seems to be embedded all around Todd and he has to learn who he can trust and continue to be the person that the Nentraee feel he is.
To help with his position, Todd agrees to move on to one of the Nentraee ships. It’s overwhelming at first but he relies on his honesty and integrity to get him through uncomfortable situations.
There’s resistance to the Nentraee/human alliance from both sides and it’s a tangled web of deceit and political maneuvering.
General Gahummed of the Nentraee remains resistant to being involved with any humans, Vi-Narm seems neutral and Mi’Cin seems to be forward-thinking. But the Nentraee are difficult to read and Todd’s instincts leave him confused about their motivations.
The second novel ends with a dramatic turn and Todd, once again, having to stand up for what he believes in.
My thoughts bit: One of the things that I noticed about halfway through the second book in this series was that the language … the Nentraee words for things were slipping into my mind. Sometimes, I find a book with an alien language a bit cumbersome to read. Neu does a fantastic job of weaving in the Nentraee language and culture so seamlessly that by the end of Conviction I found I had absorbed a lot of it.
I also thought that the way Neu wrote about Todd’s grief was insightful. Throughout Conviction Todd is still mourning the loss of his husband, in fact, he sees Jerry and speaks to him during some of his most difficult times. As Todd and Mi’Cin become friends, Todd struggles with feeling a connection to someone else. He wrestles with feeling as though he is betraying his husband, moving on too soon and disrespecting their marriage. Of course, none of that is true, but it was wonderful to see a character so fully experience grief and the strange thought-patterns we go through when processing a tremendous loss.
The book contains an interesting exploration of the damage that homophobia can cause to a person’s sense of self. As Mi’Cin and Todd become closer, Todd’s past issues with his homophobic family return to haunt him. He wonders if Mi’ko feels negatively about Todd and Mi’Cin’s relationship. Sure, Todd’s family have taken significant steps to apologize and move forward, but it’s clear that their feelings in the past were damaging and affect how Todd feels about himself and his relationship.
I loved the intrigue and the clues that Neu wrote into Conviction. It’s a convoluted journey, and yet it’s enjoyable and intriguing! I’m looking forward to the continuation of this series.
The warnings bit: Mentions homophobia, some violence, hate speech.
September 19, 2020
*I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review of this book.
Conviction depicts life after paradigms shift and tragedy strikes. It's about continuing to live, with all the small conversations and interpersonal politics involved therein, even/especially when your new co-workers are from another planet.
It has a winding pace as a budding romance is side-by-side with Todd adjusting to a new life on a spaceship and the new duties of his position, punctuated by very real danger as a group of humans are murderously unhappy about the presence of the Nentraee. The first book, Contact, was about grief and anguish, and this one is driven by remembrance, contemplation, and continuing on as the ones who are still here. The slow pacing is punctuated by terrorists plots, but while a thriller-style book might focus on the plotters, instead there are waves of conversations and clues which slowly build the feeling that something is going wrong, somewhere, and it will need to be fixed, as soon as Todd can figure out how, and get someone to listen. The whole thing has a very bureaucratic feel, conveying the feeling of helplessness and futility that arises from being very sure that there's a problem, but that certain thresholds will need to be met, hoops jumped through, and people convinced, just to get to the stage where we can think about figuring out how to know what's happening.
I love the inter-species romance. It's shy and tender, full of all the awkwardness of a new relationship, including spending a very long time figuring out if the other person is even interested. Their different histories are portrayed as a strength for this new relationship, instead of as a source of tension. It was very calming to have this storyline as an exploration and a fun throughline amidst tragedy. I love the way it's a source of growth and healing for both of them. Any small misunderstandings, once discovered, are dealt with as they arise, rather than festering just to drive the plot or produce conflict.
If book one felt like the first half of something grander, book two feels like it could be enough. If there weren't any more books, I'd understand, but I want there to be. Part of that feeling is that the urgent threat left over from book one is addressed pretty well in book two, and while the layers of conspiracy have room to go deeper, this would be okay as the ending to the story. On the other hand, given how the immediate threat was resolved, there's definitely room for either new dissonance, or for additional layers of plans from the same antagonistic group in a future book. The ending feels more finished than book one (which had a cliffhanger leading into book two), but the in-story plans announced at the end make me want to have more here.
CW for terrorism, death.
Conviction depicts life after paradigms shift and tragedy strikes. It's about continuing to live, with all the small conversations and interpersonal politics involved therein, even/especially when your new co-workers are from another planet.
It has a winding pace as a budding romance is side-by-side with Todd adjusting to a new life on a spaceship and the new duties of his position, punctuated by very real danger as a group of humans are murderously unhappy about the presence of the Nentraee. The first book, Contact, was about grief and anguish, and this one is driven by remembrance, contemplation, and continuing on as the ones who are still here. The slow pacing is punctuated by terrorists plots, but while a thriller-style book might focus on the plotters, instead there are waves of conversations and clues which slowly build the feeling that something is going wrong, somewhere, and it will need to be fixed, as soon as Todd can figure out how, and get someone to listen. The whole thing has a very bureaucratic feel, conveying the feeling of helplessness and futility that arises from being very sure that there's a problem, but that certain thresholds will need to be met, hoops jumped through, and people convinced, just to get to the stage where we can think about figuring out how to know what's happening.
I love the inter-species romance. It's shy and tender, full of all the awkwardness of a new relationship, including spending a very long time figuring out if the other person is even interested. Their different histories are portrayed as a strength for this new relationship, instead of as a source of tension. It was very calming to have this storyline as an exploration and a fun throughline amidst tragedy. I love the way it's a source of growth and healing for both of them. Any small misunderstandings, once discovered, are dealt with as they arise, rather than festering just to drive the plot or produce conflict.
If book one felt like the first half of something grander, book two feels like it could be enough. If there weren't any more books, I'd understand, but I want there to be. Part of that feeling is that the urgent threat left over from book one is addressed pretty well in book two, and while the layers of conspiracy have room to go deeper, this would be okay as the ending to the story. On the other hand, given how the immediate threat was resolved, there's definitely room for either new dissonance, or for additional layers of plans from the same antagonistic group in a future book. The ending feels more finished than book one (which had a cliffhanger leading into book two), but the in-story plans announced at the end make me want to have more here.
CW for terrorism, death.
April 2, 2019
I would rate this 4.25 stars.
This is book two in a series and really should be read in order. Mi’ko has made his son Mi’cin’ one of his aides and assigns him the task of helping Todd acclimate to the home they have made for him on the main ship. Not everyone is pleased by Todd being there, either amongst the Nentraee or the humans. Once Todd realizes the enormity of the actual task he has been given, it's too late. He is now firmly between Nentraee politics and Earth politics. There are people who will do anything to control the world as they see fit, regardless of what the rest of its citizens want. Knowing who to trust is crucial moving forward with the plan for the new settlement. Old friends and old enemies no longer seem to matter as people switch alliances based on those who support the Nentraee being on Earth, and those who don't. Terrorists come out of the woodwork based on fear and hate.
I liked how other countries were being included in both trade and cultural events. The Nentraee, with the Speakers House, ranking members of the House of the People, and any prominent civilians spread out across the globe in order to quell jealousies and charges of favoritism towards the United States that having Todd aboard created. It's fun to see the different ships and see Todd's reactions. The cultural exchanges here make the book more accessible with the focus on education and integration. No longer are the Nentraee going to hold themselves apart and let their enemies control the narrative, making it easier for people to fear and hate them. Humans learn about the holidays of the different clans while the Nentraee learn about Earth holidays. Todd plans a Thanksgiving dinner with his family, Mi'ko's family, Dan, and people from his old job at CRiNE. With Mi’cin’ asking uncomfortable questions in an effort to understand humans and their traditions, tensions run high. These are the first steps and there will be many awkward encounters as the Nentraee start to visit Earth and humans are allowed to start visiting the ships.
Another reason this book is much more emotionally accessible than the first book is the reader gets to know Todd better as he talks to his dead husband Jerry to help him get through tough situations. He is obviously still working out his grief and feeling lonely. Todd uses Dan and Brad as sounding blocks and touchstones to remember his humanity while he is under stress and living in an alien environment. He also grows close to Mi'cin. Watching Todd and Mi'cin date is sweet and oddly funny. I still feel this is a science fiction book rather than a romance because that is a small part and not the main point or focus. The many points of view help round out the plot; I like getting the insights. I also like the juxtaposition of the female dominated culture vs. our male dominated culture.
Trying to work out where Nentraee people will build their nation is problematic and gets solved in an unexpected way due to security issues and violence. I'll look forward to how they plan their settlement and continued integration with Earth culture. There is a bit of a plot twist with the Nentraee looking backward and forward at the same time as they worry about losing themselves and their traditions as they accommodate Earth for ease of trade and relations. I am surprised not more was done with the cádo. They are like intelligent medium sized talking dogs and considered good judges of character who pick their own providers. This seems a great way for them to help find humans to trust and work with that isn't being utilized. There is a major plot point that is a little over the top. While it gives Todd the chance to step up, again, proving the faith Mi'ko has placed in him, it also makes Todd less "everyman" and slides into action hero territory. I would also say that although the focus is Todd, the reader is given so many other points of view that I would like to see those expanded. The end leaves the reader with the sense that the danger is not over so I'll look forward to the next book.
The cover artist is Natasha Snow. This complements the cover of book one and has that space meets terran feel.
This is book two in a series and really should be read in order. Mi’ko has made his son Mi’cin’ one of his aides and assigns him the task of helping Todd acclimate to the home they have made for him on the main ship. Not everyone is pleased by Todd being there, either amongst the Nentraee or the humans. Once Todd realizes the enormity of the actual task he has been given, it's too late. He is now firmly between Nentraee politics and Earth politics. There are people who will do anything to control the world as they see fit, regardless of what the rest of its citizens want. Knowing who to trust is crucial moving forward with the plan for the new settlement. Old friends and old enemies no longer seem to matter as people switch alliances based on those who support the Nentraee being on Earth, and those who don't. Terrorists come out of the woodwork based on fear and hate.
I liked how other countries were being included in both trade and cultural events. The Nentraee, with the Speakers House, ranking members of the House of the People, and any prominent civilians spread out across the globe in order to quell jealousies and charges of favoritism towards the United States that having Todd aboard created. It's fun to see the different ships and see Todd's reactions. The cultural exchanges here make the book more accessible with the focus on education and integration. No longer are the Nentraee going to hold themselves apart and let their enemies control the narrative, making it easier for people to fear and hate them. Humans learn about the holidays of the different clans while the Nentraee learn about Earth holidays. Todd plans a Thanksgiving dinner with his family, Mi'ko's family, Dan, and people from his old job at CRiNE. With Mi’cin’ asking uncomfortable questions in an effort to understand humans and their traditions, tensions run high. These are the first steps and there will be many awkward encounters as the Nentraee start to visit Earth and humans are allowed to start visiting the ships.
Another reason this book is much more emotionally accessible than the first book is the reader gets to know Todd better as he talks to his dead husband Jerry to help him get through tough situations. He is obviously still working out his grief and feeling lonely. Todd uses Dan and Brad as sounding blocks and touchstones to remember his humanity while he is under stress and living in an alien environment. He also grows close to Mi'cin. Watching Todd and Mi'cin date is sweet and oddly funny. I still feel this is a science fiction book rather than a romance because that is a small part and not the main point or focus. The many points of view help round out the plot; I like getting the insights. I also like the juxtaposition of the female dominated culture vs. our male dominated culture.
Trying to work out where Nentraee people will build their nation is problematic and gets solved in an unexpected way due to security issues and violence. I'll look forward to how they plan their settlement and continued integration with Earth culture. There is a bit of a plot twist with the Nentraee looking backward and forward at the same time as they worry about losing themselves and their traditions as they accommodate Earth for ease of trade and relations. I am surprised not more was done with the cádo. They are like intelligent medium sized talking dogs and considered good judges of character who pick their own providers. This seems a great way for them to help find humans to trust and work with that isn't being utilized. There is a major plot point that is a little over the top. While it gives Todd the chance to step up, again, proving the faith Mi'ko has placed in him, it also makes Todd less "everyman" and slides into action hero territory. I would also say that although the focus is Todd, the reader is given so many other points of view that I would like to see those expanded. The end leaves the reader with the sense that the danger is not over so I'll look forward to the next book.
The cover artist is Natasha Snow. This complements the cover of book one and has that space meets terran feel.
March 21, 2019
Following the continuation of Book One “Contact” which I read last year, and really enjoyed, I was delighted to find myself approved for this book within hours of requesting it. Therefore, my thanks to the publisher Nine Star Press, and I am pleased to have read and am reviewing almost immediately within receiving it. (If only all my requests worked out this way!)
Todd Landon is recovering from the attack that took his husband, and many of the Nantreaa that had arrived at Earth last year when they had first visited San Jose. He’s still grieving the loss, but he’s determined to help these visitors of another world settle in without too many hiccups along the way. Yet others are bound and determined to prevent them staying, fear, bigotry, and outright hatred making it difficult for him to do his job as well as he can.
Then there’s Mi’cen and his family. With the political aspects of this book proving to be challenging, as well as interesting in reading, Todd’s attempt at getting to know and understand Mi’cen’s family is fascinating to read and see through his eyes. I loved Todd’s interaction with Faa, a small creature that can speak, and I also liked how everyone was their own person and unique to the story. Each character breathed life to the pages that otherwise would have seemed to be dull and overly political when dealing with an alien ‘invasion’, though really the Nantreaa are more political refugees than anything, as they are trying to find a safe place to stay after their planet was destroyed, their sun having gone supernova.
The whole situation is a bit impressive build-up, and I found myself devouring each page. I really like the author’s writing style, and he explains things reasonably well without pandering or info-dumping the reader. My one complaint was the religious aspects of the book. Granted, it wasn’t bad, and more debatable between aliens and humans which is understandable, but attempting to sway aliens over to a god that they know nothing about? No. Sorry, but I don’t think that would actually fly. Not to mention “God is mysterious, his ways of hurting people always has a reason”-I never liked nor believed that was a good line to tell worshippers. You need to have a better reason than that to make innocent people suffer. Sorry, but that’s just my opinion.
Though since the religion aspect did actually matter and come to play a part in the story-surprising me completely, actually-I actually didn’t mind it overmuch. I found it was actually helpful in the plot as well, because of course when introducing aliens to a human world, they’re going to touch base on religion at some point or another, and it seemed that much more realistic than anything else.
But I digress.
The plot was excellent. The world-building was cool, and the aliens were unique and fascinating. I would have liked to have learned more about their technology, animals, and history, but it focused more on the characters than the actual history of the Nantreaa this time around. I’m hoping that those things will be more explored in book three, or perhaps four if this is a series and not a trilogy.
Overall, I’m definitely giving this a 5/5 stars, because this was a delicious LGBT science fiction with politics, humor, some pretty hefty action towards the end, and a HEA but with enough unresolved issues that it still leaves things wide open for at least two more books. I highly recommend reading these if you like realistic characters, believable science fiction, and a fast paced plot. Book three cannot come fast enough!
Todd Landon is recovering from the attack that took his husband, and many of the Nantreaa that had arrived at Earth last year when they had first visited San Jose. He’s still grieving the loss, but he’s determined to help these visitors of another world settle in without too many hiccups along the way. Yet others are bound and determined to prevent them staying, fear, bigotry, and outright hatred making it difficult for him to do his job as well as he can.
Then there’s Mi’cen and his family. With the political aspects of this book proving to be challenging, as well as interesting in reading, Todd’s attempt at getting to know and understand Mi’cen’s family is fascinating to read and see through his eyes. I loved Todd’s interaction with Faa, a small creature that can speak, and I also liked how everyone was their own person and unique to the story. Each character breathed life to the pages that otherwise would have seemed to be dull and overly political when dealing with an alien ‘invasion’, though really the Nantreaa are more political refugees than anything, as they are trying to find a safe place to stay after their planet was destroyed, their sun having gone supernova.
The whole situation is a bit impressive build-up, and I found myself devouring each page. I really like the author’s writing style, and he explains things reasonably well without pandering or info-dumping the reader. My one complaint was the religious aspects of the book. Granted, it wasn’t bad, and more debatable between aliens and humans which is understandable, but attempting to sway aliens over to a god that they know nothing about? No. Sorry, but I don’t think that would actually fly. Not to mention “God is mysterious, his ways of hurting people always has a reason”-I never liked nor believed that was a good line to tell worshippers. You need to have a better reason than that to make innocent people suffer. Sorry, but that’s just my opinion.
Though since the religion aspect did actually matter and come to play a part in the story-surprising me completely, actually-I actually didn’t mind it overmuch. I found it was actually helpful in the plot as well, because of course when introducing aliens to a human world, they’re going to touch base on religion at some point or another, and it seemed that much more realistic than anything else.
But I digress.
The plot was excellent. The world-building was cool, and the aliens were unique and fascinating. I would have liked to have learned more about their technology, animals, and history, but it focused more on the characters than the actual history of the Nantreaa this time around. I’m hoping that those things will be more explored in book three, or perhaps four if this is a series and not a trilogy.
Overall, I’m definitely giving this a 5/5 stars, because this was a delicious LGBT science fiction with politics, humor, some pretty hefty action towards the end, and a HEA but with enough unresolved issues that it still leaves things wide open for at least two more books. I highly recommend reading these if you like realistic characters, believable science fiction, and a fast paced plot. Book three cannot come fast enough!
September 19, 2021
Todd speaks for so many who don’t feel like heroes, would rather steer clear of the nastiest people intent on denying other people’s rights to live and be happy, yet he steps like a hero for the denied, faces down those nasties, risking himself, and giving his very capable allies a chance to deal with them. Watching Todd cultivate his allies like V-Narm is as much of a pleasure as watching his romance with Mi’cin blossom. The date Todd and Mi’cin went on was beautiful, giving a sense of scope to the new life beyond his former world Todd was being drawn into. I enjoyed the olfactory aspects of Todd and Mi’cin’s budding attraction to each other, an attraction which involved both of their families, going much smoother and more sweetly than I would have expected. Todd himself ended up being one of the biggest obstacles and no surprise, considering everything he went through after losing his husband. All in all this was a very optimistic read, raising the best of humanity to a point where they could triumph over the worst. There was something delightfully iconic in where the Nentraee decided to settle. The Nentraee were attractively humanoid, technologically and sometimes seemed very spiritually advanced, yet they had their own extreme elements. Those elements turned out to be far more reasonable and sympathetic than the human ones, thanks to Todd’s hard work and sacrifice. Thank you, M.D. Neu, for another uplifting read.
March 16, 2019
This is the second book in M.D. Neu's space epic series, and boy was it a roller coaster ride!
Todd has been elected by the Nentraee to be a middle man of sorts between Earth and the Nentraee. This means living in outer space surrounded by people he hardly knows and customs he hardly understands.
As Todd mourns over his husband's death and begins his new life managing relations between the two races, Todd learns more about the Nentraee and the challenges they face.
However, when a new threat emerges, Todd must put his wit to the test and stop the chaos before it claims the lives of the Nentraee and the unstable peace they've maintained with Earth. Can Todd figure it out, or will he watch everything he's worked for crumble away?
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of everything. Definitely sci-fi, but also adventure, suspense, intrigue, and best of all, romance! Now, I'm not one for heavy romance, but M.D. Neu handled it perfectly. It was slower-paced and was very believable. I also like how the relationships grew between some of the characters. Very well done and worth a read!
Todd has been elected by the Nentraee to be a middle man of sorts between Earth and the Nentraee. This means living in outer space surrounded by people he hardly knows and customs he hardly understands.
As Todd mourns over his husband's death and begins his new life managing relations between the two races, Todd learns more about the Nentraee and the challenges they face.
However, when a new threat emerges, Todd must put his wit to the test and stop the chaos before it claims the lives of the Nentraee and the unstable peace they've maintained with Earth. Can Todd figure it out, or will he watch everything he's worked for crumble away?
I really enjoyed this book. It had a lot of everything. Definitely sci-fi, but also adventure, suspense, intrigue, and best of all, romance! Now, I'm not one for heavy romance, but M.D. Neu handled it perfectly. It was slower-paced and was very believable. I also like how the relationships grew between some of the characters. Very well done and worth a read!
March 26, 2019
Lovely second part of this new, sci-fi series.
Todd is now dealing with the aftermath of his husband’s death while getting more involved with the Nentraee. He’s appointed Special Envoy and his life doesn’t just become more busy, but dangerous as well.
As the anti-alien terrorists plan another attack, Todd finds himself involved deeper with the Nentraee.
There’s more action and suspense in this second part, but the writing is gorgeous as usual. Looking forwards to reading the rest.
Todd is now dealing with the aftermath of his husband’s death while getting more involved with the Nentraee. He’s appointed Special Envoy and his life doesn’t just become more busy, but dangerous as well.
As the anti-alien terrorists plan another attack, Todd finds himself involved deeper with the Nentraee.
There’s more action and suspense in this second part, but the writing is gorgeous as usual. Looking forwards to reading the rest.
March 20, 2019
I've been trying to think of how best to review this book has I loved its so much. Its a brilliant book I found the Nentraee fascinating and love learning about their culture and all little details that were put in.
Its was great to catch up with Todd and see how he was doing after everything that happen to him in the first book. So much happen and i dont want to say to much and spoil its for anyone..
I would totally recommend its becoming a favorite series of mine and i'm hoping there will be a third book.
I received this book from net galley in exchange for a honest review.
Its was great to catch up with Todd and see how he was doing after everything that happen to him in the first book. So much happen and i dont want to say to much and spoil its for anyone..
I would totally recommend its becoming a favorite series of mine and i'm hoping there will be a third book.
I received this book from net galley in exchange for a honest review.
March 23, 2019
This was a great follow up to Contact. I loved seeing more of Todd and how he was dealing with his loss. I enjoyed learning about the alien culture of the Nentraee as the two peoples try and find common ground with the alliance. I was already hooked on this series after book one, with the amazing installment I seriously can't wait to see what the next book has to offer.
October 12, 2020
A great story.
This book continues the story of the book, Contact by the same author. It is a riveting, thought provoking story, with many twists, surprises, and love; all taking place in a most unique setting.
This book continues the story of the book, Contact by the same author. It is a riveting, thought provoking story, with many twists, surprises, and love; all taking place in a most unique setting.
January 31, 2022
Neu's book is about aliens that invade earth. The aliens, the nentraee form an alliance with earth and have an earthling report to the nentraee leadership.
June 10, 2019
I’m horribly late with this review – life has decided to throw too many curveballs my way lately, and for that I have to apologize to M.D. Neu.
Regardless, and finally, here’s my thoughts on Neu’s second book, Conviction, in his “A New World” series.
Wow, wow, wow. I really enjoyed the first installment, Contact, where our hero Todd Landon, an ‘everyman’ type of guy, ends up saving the day by simply being a good person. And the action doesn’t stop in Conviction. In fact, the themes that were introduced in the first novel carry over into the second. Todd is the good guy. I don’t want to give any of it away in case you haven’t read either of the two books yet, but suffice it to say, Todd’s actions land him in a prominent position as a liaison between an alien species and the people of Earth.
There are a lot of barriers facing Todd. Politics, religion, self-doubt, sexual orientation, terrorist groups, distrust among sects of the alien race as well as his own people, and yet somehow Todd overcomes all of this through acts of honesty, bravery and just by doing ‘what’s right.’
It’s funny (not funny as in ha-ha, but funny as in odd) that what we think is ‘right’ and ‘good’ isn’t everyone’s definition. Neu has highlighted this through his tale and it accurately reflects our current state of ‘conservatism’ that is prevailing in our world right now.
Frankly, it’s neither ‘good’ nor ‘right’.
Slight Spoiler Territory Here:
The enemy in these books turns out to not be the invading alien race that is wanting the people of Earth to share our planet. The enemy comes from within – religion and extremist views. I can’t help but think several examples around the world lately where extreme conservatism is doing severe damage. LGBTQ+ people still are unable to be themselves in a vast majority of places around the globe. Sex education being rolled back to 1970’s curriculums, and Anti-abortion laws being passed in the US. Really people? What is going on? I would have thought that by now we would have moved forward. I would have hoped as a species we would have learned some basic common sense rules to live by. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just all get along?
Neu has held up a mirror for us and made us reflect on our current state with his novels. It made me kind of sad to be living at a time in our world where we’re taking steps backward instead of learning respect and compassion and moving ahead in our journey.
But on the other hand, the novel made me happy as well. There is much hope steeped into the pages, much like a good cup of Tuma. I have to give Neu much credit for creating the slow burn development of the relationship between Todd, our hero, and his burgeoning same sex relationship with Mi’cin of the Nentraee. I flew through the pages where Todd and Mi’cin are slowly learning they like each other, and how to navigate not only a new relationship, but one with someone who is so vastly different. Congrats Neu, you had me hooked and wanting more.
In the end, things work out (sort of). I know there’s a third book coming and I believe it’s due in early 2020. I can’t wait. And I promise, you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment as well.
If you like easy and accessible Sci-Fi, slow burn romances (who could possibly top that first date!) and some reflection on the state of the world as we know it, you’ll love Conviction.
2020 better hurry up and get here soon.
Regardless, and finally, here’s my thoughts on Neu’s second book, Conviction, in his “A New World” series.
Wow, wow, wow. I really enjoyed the first installment, Contact, where our hero Todd Landon, an ‘everyman’ type of guy, ends up saving the day by simply being a good person. And the action doesn’t stop in Conviction. In fact, the themes that were introduced in the first novel carry over into the second. Todd is the good guy. I don’t want to give any of it away in case you haven’t read either of the two books yet, but suffice it to say, Todd’s actions land him in a prominent position as a liaison between an alien species and the people of Earth.
There are a lot of barriers facing Todd. Politics, religion, self-doubt, sexual orientation, terrorist groups, distrust among sects of the alien race as well as his own people, and yet somehow Todd overcomes all of this through acts of honesty, bravery and just by doing ‘what’s right.’
It’s funny (not funny as in ha-ha, but funny as in odd) that what we think is ‘right’ and ‘good’ isn’t everyone’s definition. Neu has highlighted this through his tale and it accurately reflects our current state of ‘conservatism’ that is prevailing in our world right now.
Frankly, it’s neither ‘good’ nor ‘right’.
Slight Spoiler Territory Here:
The enemy in these books turns out to not be the invading alien race that is wanting the people of Earth to share our planet. The enemy comes from within – religion and extremist views. I can’t help but think several examples around the world lately where extreme conservatism is doing severe damage. LGBTQ+ people still are unable to be themselves in a vast majority of places around the globe. Sex education being rolled back to 1970’s curriculums, and Anti-abortion laws being passed in the US. Really people? What is going on? I would have thought that by now we would have moved forward. I would have hoped as a species we would have learned some basic common sense rules to live by. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just all get along?
Neu has held up a mirror for us and made us reflect on our current state with his novels. It made me kind of sad to be living at a time in our world where we’re taking steps backward instead of learning respect and compassion and moving ahead in our journey.
But on the other hand, the novel made me happy as well. There is much hope steeped into the pages, much like a good cup of Tuma. I have to give Neu much credit for creating the slow burn development of the relationship between Todd, our hero, and his burgeoning same sex relationship with Mi’cin of the Nentraee. I flew through the pages where Todd and Mi’cin are slowly learning they like each other, and how to navigate not only a new relationship, but one with someone who is so vastly different. Congrats Neu, you had me hooked and wanting more.
In the end, things work out (sort of). I know there’s a third book coming and I believe it’s due in early 2020. I can’t wait. And I promise, you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment as well.
If you like easy and accessible Sci-Fi, slow burn romances (who could possibly top that first date!) and some reflection on the state of the world as we know it, you’ll love Conviction.
2020 better hurry up and get here soon.
June 8, 2019
The Nentraee had been traveling through space for many, many years looking for a home as theirs was destroyed. They have been traveling and living on their ship and now it is about to give up the ghost so to speak. The Nentraee need a new home and have discovered Earth as a potential new home and would very much like to make peace with the humans living there and hopefully humans and Nentraee can share the Earth and live together in peace.
But someone is not too keen on the idea of the Nentraee or humans living together. People are afraid of change and of someone different than they are. They are afraid of the unknown always jumping to conclusions and making up stuff in their own heads instead of trying to get to know someone and see what they are like on the inside or what is in their heart.
When the Nentraee and humans try to get together to discuss their living arrangements chaos sets in and lives are put into danger. Todd Landon is assigned Special Envoy for Terran Affairs by the Nentraee. Todd is the ambassador for the Nentraee and humans. He is given his own quarters aboard their spaceship so that he can work closely with the Nentraee. There are a lot of people who are not too keen on Todd’s new roll.
A group of terrorist threatens to attack the Nentraee and humans both putting lives in danger. Can the Nentraee and humans make peace with one another so they can live together? Can they stop the terrorist attacks before it is too late?
A New World – Convictions is filled with action and suspense from the first page and will keep you hooked and flipping those pages. The world building is out of this world amazing I just can’t seem to get enough of it. I can’t wait to see more of this world and the characters. I would also like to know more about the Nentraee and where they came from and the destruction of their world about what happened on their world and their lives aboard the spaceship while traveling the universe. I would also like to know more about their animals/pets. I would also like to get to know the Nentraee, more about their home life how the roles of man and woman are reversed from humans.
I highly recommend A New World – Conviction to all fans of science fiction and anyone looking for a good story.
But someone is not too keen on the idea of the Nentraee or humans living together. People are afraid of change and of someone different than they are. They are afraid of the unknown always jumping to conclusions and making up stuff in their own heads instead of trying to get to know someone and see what they are like on the inside or what is in their heart.
When the Nentraee and humans try to get together to discuss their living arrangements chaos sets in and lives are put into danger. Todd Landon is assigned Special Envoy for Terran Affairs by the Nentraee. Todd is the ambassador for the Nentraee and humans. He is given his own quarters aboard their spaceship so that he can work closely with the Nentraee. There are a lot of people who are not too keen on Todd’s new roll.
A group of terrorist threatens to attack the Nentraee and humans both putting lives in danger. Can the Nentraee and humans make peace with one another so they can live together? Can they stop the terrorist attacks before it is too late?
A New World – Convictions is filled with action and suspense from the first page and will keep you hooked and flipping those pages. The world building is out of this world amazing I just can’t seem to get enough of it. I can’t wait to see more of this world and the characters. I would also like to know more about the Nentraee and where they came from and the destruction of their world about what happened on their world and their lives aboard the spaceship while traveling the universe. I would also like to know more about their animals/pets. I would also like to get to know the Nentraee, more about their home life how the roles of man and woman are reversed from humans.
I highly recommend A New World – Conviction to all fans of science fiction and anyone looking for a good story.
April 6, 2019
When I read the first book, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to read the sequel, but I thought I'd give it a try since it is well written it's just a bit too political for my tastes. If you liked the first book, you'll like this one as it's more of the same. A lot of politics, a little bit of relationships and a crazy zealot plus some social commentary. A good read, but again, not sure if I'd read a sequel...
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