Ambassador: 1 Seeing Red: First book in a space opera thriller series

Patty Jansen

Nov 2013 · Ambassador Book 1 · Patty Jansen

About this ebook

24 October 2114: the day that shocked the world. 

Young diplomat Cory Wilson narrowly escapes death in the assassination of President Sirkonen. No one claims responsibility but there is no doubt that the attack is extraterrestrial. 

Cory was meant to start work as a representative to Gamra, the alien organisation that governs the FTL transport network, but now his new job may well be scrapped in anger. 

Worse, as Earth uses military force to stop any extraterrestrials coming or leaving, as 200,000 extraterrestrial humans are trapped on Earth, as the largest army in the galaxy prepares to free them by force, only Cory has the experience, language skills and contacts to solve the crime. 

But he's broke, out of a job and a long way from Earth.

Will appeal to readers of C.J. Cherryh's science fiction, Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles series, Lindsay Buroker, Alastair Reynolds, Elizabeth Moon and Sean Williams.

Science Fiction series, free, space opera, aliens, thriller, murder, political, Patty Jansen, Ambassador, scifi, sci fi, alien planet

Ratings and reviews

Terrific first book of a series. An addictive story with a compelling three-dimensional and complex main character in the person of Cory Wilson, diplomat, who's stuck in the middle of an assassination attempt and… no, that would rather ruin the suspense. An intricate, enthralling page-turner of a plot with some great twists. Plenty of tension, action and suspense as the various factions of this complex, well developed universe meet. Enjoyed all the characters immensely, including some unique groups of humanoid aliens, all with their own distinct culture and attitudes as well as physical attributes. This is definitely a series I'll be following; already have the next couple of books lined up!

This book was my introductiton to the author. I will definitely read more. The characters were believable and enjoyable and the story drew me in as it unfolded. Although there were alien worlds and interstellar politics the book did not feel gimmicky the way some Syfy books can. In other words, the conflict was not resolved by fairy dust or alien technology, but was resolved by character ingenuity. Nice work Patty.

Read this as part of a multi volume of authors' series openers and was thoroughly captivated. An impressive work, with fully dimensional characters, a well-structured universe, internally consistent cultures, a fast-paced plot, and a satisfying conclusion -- all in all, a thorough pleasure to read. I typically read 200 to 250 books a year: I have a feeling 8 of those for 2019 will be the Ambassador series...

About the author

Patty Jansen lives in Sydney, Australia, where she spends most of her time writing Science Fiction and Fantasy. Her story This Peaceful State of War placed first in the second quarter of the Writers of the Future contest and was published in their 27th anthology. She has also sold fiction to genre magazines such as Analog Science Fiction and Fact, Redstone SF and Aurealis.

Her novels (available at ebook venues) include Watcher’s Web (soft SF), The Far Horizon (middle grade SF), Charlotte’s Army (military SF) and Fire & Ice, Dust & Rain and Blood & Tears (Icefire Trilogy) (dark fantasy). Her novel Ambassador was published by Ticonderoga Publication in 2013.