Engage at Dawn: First Contact by Edward M. Hochsmann

The puzzling discovery of an abandoned and mysteriously destroyed ship launches a deadly race for power in Engage at Dawn: First Contact by Edward M. Hochsmann.

Primarily set onboard a Coast Guard Cutter, readers are immersed as a maritime crew come to life and seek out the unknown attacker – something from out of this world. Simmons and Ben make for a dynamic duo at the heart of this book, an unlikely team that balances duty and honor with deep respect and brotherly love. The added layers of shadowy government agencies with sinister intentions, hinted at from the first few pages, give this entire narrative a conspiratorial feel, as though it’s a true story we shouldn’t be reading.

The organic nature of the relationships and character connections onboard are oddly juxtaposed with militarily precise language and hierarchical structure, but this balance provides a fresh perspective for readers without service experience. Most of the writing is believable and authentic, particularly the sections that dive into deep Coast Guard protocol and jargon. The intensity of certain moments, the rapid-fire dialogue, and the incredibly high stakes of the plot make it difficult to put the book down, and Hochsmann knows how to masterfully draw out suspense.

Some of the passages and scenes seem unnecessarily detailed, or too thorough in terms of procedure, which can slow the pace slightly, but this is infrequent. As a whole, Engage at Dawn is an imaginative and captivating story, one that explores the nuance of brotherhood and service, along with plenty of rich twists and extraterrestrial tangles, for a uniquely compelling sci-fi thriller.