REVIEW: Contra Alliance: Shadows of the Past by Tom Kolega (Kindle Edition)

Contra Alliance: Shadows of the Past by Tom Kolega
Publishing information: Kindle
Publisher: State of the Art Entertainment, LLC; 9 October 2010
ISBN 10: 9780615302027
ISBN 13: 978-0615302027
ASIN: 0615302025
Series: The Contra Alliance Trilogy Book One
Copy: Provided by Author
Reviewer: Tyson

Synopsis: "The year is 2035. America's preeminence has withered. Global warming, scarce resources, and conflict have pushed the world to its breaking point. Throughout the increasing turmoil, a rogue group called The Revolution has risen to prominence seeking domination over humanity.

Shadows of the Past explores the adventures of a NATO Counter-Revolutionary (CONTRA) Strike Force as it battles against the mysterious organization. Elite Special Forces operators use advanced military technology to hunt The Revolution, finding its feared wickedness is worse than imagined. When secrets of the enemy's origin threaten accepted reality, dangers intensify.

Disturbing evidence exposed by CONTRA uncovers stunning truths about the galaxies. A covert faction of extraordinary messengers race to save Earth. Legends of the past and visions of the future collide when a long-dormant evil resurfaces to challenge the most powerful space alliance in the universe. The course of human history irrevocably alters, setting the world on an unforeseen path.

When Time Unlocks The Truth to History . . . The Epic Begins."

When I received Contra Alliance I could not help but think about the classic video game. However, after a few chapters in I knew that it was not the case. Contra Alliance deals with a highly secretive branch of operators working for the United Nations and two powerful alien races who are secretly waging a secret war on Earth.

The biggest obstacle is that there is a huge cast of characters, nations, and abilities to juggle. Many of which really don't play a major factor in the story or the characters abilities, at least at this point in the story. But it truly is an international group, and to a degree, interstellar force. While the setting takes place in the near future not much has happened in the way of weapons. Lasers have started to make an appearance on the battlefield, as well as battle suits that augment the person wearing them. We are told that the United States has lost its grip on being the ultimate superpower yet they are still at the forefront of every altercation, still have the best equipment, and continue to play a major role in international affairs which left me a little confused as to how or if they had truly fallen.

Contra Alliance has two plot lines going: the evil plan of the Revolution that plans to use earth for their personal revenge against their ancient enemies and the constant, well-planned and oftentimes violence from radical groups, and the second plot is the newly formed UN's Contra force must assist in bringing order out of chaos. There is a third plot, where earth's alien protectors must keep their involvement and identities secret but it is a minor plot point.

There is a lot of action and the way Kolega weaves them is quite good. They are quick and the results felt well into the final pages of the book. No one is really safe from injury or death except for a few key players that will be obvious from the start. Contra Alliance has the feel of a novelizaton for a comic book and I could see this as a Sci-fi (sorry Syfy) television show similar in the vein of Stargate: SG1 if it ever made it to the small screen. Which I think would bring in a lot of viewers.

At the end of the day, Contra Alliance is a suprising military action story with some great characters and the potential for a great series. I know there is a plans for a prequel and its sequel should be released soon. While not the deepest story you will ever find, it is a lot of fun to read and does a great job of keeping you guessing. Had I not been asked to review the book would have missed out on a great science fiction military adventure. While it does not take place in space, there is some foreshadowing of what is to come and it has me excited to see what happens next. Contra Alliance: Shadows of the Past is the perfect read for anyone looking to escape. I am glad I was introduced to the series and hope that I have a chance to continue the adventures that Kolega started in this book.

Plot  7
Characters 7.5
Style  7

Overall 8.5/10