REVIEW: The Metalmark Contract by David Batchelor

The Metalmark Contract by David Batchelor
Publishing information: Kindle, Paperback; 250 pages
Publisher: Black Rose Writing; 3 March 2011
ISBN 10: 1612960111
ISBN 13: 978-1612960111
ASIN: B004Y60T3E
Series: Book One
Copy: Provided by author
Reviewer: Tyson

Synopsis "The alien Metalmark offered mankind a starship and its advanced technology in a trade for the rights to planet Mercury and moon Triton. What could go wrong? But his appearance sent the nations of Earth into turmoil as many people suspected danger and a trick. Our dreams of futuristic breakthroughs made Metalmark a celebrity in the West, but inflamed the Islamic world. A scientist with the space agency and a CIA spy became two of Metalmark's defenders. Our chance to join superior beings and travel the stars depended on the clash of futurists with ancient traditions. Could he sell us the means to a quantum jump in progress? But . . . he wanted Mercury and Triton for habitats where his species could spawn . . . what did that mean?"

It has been a while since I have read a first contact novel. So, when presented with the chance to read the latest first contact novel by David Batchelor, I jumped at the chance.

The Metalmark Contract is a frustrating book. Not so much because it is poorly written, but due to the fact that many of the decisions made by mankind in the novel makes you want to stand up and shout that they are making a terrible mistake. When the alien named Metalmark comes to Earth requesting to meet with the United Nations to engage in trade, he asks for the planet Mercury and the moon Triton for spawning grounds. While our leaders first question why he requires those two heavenly bodies it is soon forgotten. They ask for as much information on the two space bodies but then quickly forget it when events start to spin out of their control. I would like to have seen some more discussion or details on the two planets and their advantages to keeping them, but once Metalmark shows Earth his amazing technology they forget that they may need Mercury or Triton. It really frustrated me as I am not sure that a contract like this would have been ramrodded into law so quickly. China seems to be the only country who is leery of what Metalmark is asking for and what he is giving in return. The President of the United States is true to form and plays the part of a puppet only it seems that the alien has managed to play the strings to perfection.

Metalmark is very interesting, without giving away too much about him (you will have to read it to find out more about him). He is very charismatic and has definitely done his homework on humanity. His true motives are hidden from everyone, he also does a great job of deflecting any and all information that humans try to glean from him about his origins or his species. It probably helps that he has a CIA agent and NASA scientist doing their utmost to shelter and protect him from any real negative publicity. While there is a medium-sized cast in this novel, they are juggled quite well and Batchelor does a great job of introducing them and keeping them interesting throughout the story. They also do a decent amount of growing as the novel continues.

The end of The Metalmark Contract leaves many questions to be answered and everyone's fate is left up in the air. But for a first novel it is quite good. It only lagged in one or two places and that was to set things up for the next event. The Metalmark Contract is an interesting premise as first contact is based on a need of commerce instead of friendship or the advancement of knowledge. There is also a lot of mystery involved in the novel as we are never fully told what "spawning" means and what it implies. Metalmark's physiology is also interesting and much different from what we usually encounter in science fiction novels. The Metalmark Contract is a fun read and sadly a quick read. You will also have to wait until the next novel is completed before you find out more about the implications of the contract forged between mankind and its latest neighbor. Recommended.

Plot 7/10
Characters 7/10
Style 7/10

Overall 7/10