Stuff Your Kindle Day: Discover books made free by authors for a limited time
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$0.99 with 90 percent savings
Print List Price: $9.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Nick Snape
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Return Protocol: A First Contact Military Sci-Fi Thriller (Weapons of Choice Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Nick Snape (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 246 ratings

An abandoned space station, a hostile, alien planet, and a lost squad eighteen hundred light years from Earth.
How far would you go for that one chance to get home?

After the world-shattering events of Hostile Contact, Finn's squad leave Earth and the Solar System behind, travelling 1800 light years in an instant, as the Haven space craft activates the Return Protocol.

The ship's Artificial Intelligence, accepting them as crew, co-operates with Finn, Zuri, Smith and Noah as they encounter the remnants of the Haven race on an advanced Space Station and Havenhome, the aliens' home planet.

Pitted against huge odds, the squad need to rapidly gain the knowledge and skills required to use their alien technology as they desperately fight for survival on the hostile, high gravity planet, where everything wants to eat you or kill you, not caring which comes first.

In the midst of battle, revelations arise about the ancient aliens' plans for humanity and, with the horrifying realisation about how the Haven fell from their technologically advanced pinnacle, Finn and his team question their place amongst the stars.

With Finn continuing to combat both inner and outer demons, Zuri, the strong-willed female gunner, and Smith, his deceased but digitally copied Corporal, rise to the challenge as the squad take on the might of the Haven Masters, who crave their old but powerful technology.

And, in a last-ditch attempt to recover the lost pathway home, the squad embark on a harrowing mission where they face a devastating decision that will change their lives forever.

Come for the action, stay for the characters in this 'fast-paced, character-driven novel that seamlessly blends military sci-fi and alien first contact.'

Aliens, they are more like us than you think.

'Snape excels at creating realism with a far-flung premise, making the story immediately visceral where you can feel the action along with the characters' Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½

'This series comes highly recommended. Return Protocol Delivers Action-Packed Sci-Fi Adventure' Good Reads ★★★★★

Also available as part of the Weapons of Choice Box Set Vol.1 Bks 1-4 priced at $4.99 / £4.99

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 2 of 8
    Weapons of Choice
  2. Print length
    209 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    March 30, 2023
  6. File size
    2.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 8 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  3. Pain and Glory (Expansion Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  4. Battlestations (The Iron Fleet Book 1)
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  5. Redline Corps: Expendable
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  6. Nexus Empire: Star Nexus (Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  12. Archangel: Fallen
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  15. Conscript
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  19. The Starship In The Stone
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  21. Starship Thunder
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  24. Veterans Code
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  25. Shadow Watch: Kethurg War
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  30. The Forever World
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
Next page
Loading...

From the Publisher

Cover

Return Protocol

If you were eighteen hundred light years from Earth, how far would you go for that one chance to get home?

Finn knew...he'd go as hard and as far he needed to keep his squad mates safe and find the pathway home.

But from some places you can't return...can you?

covers

Weapons of Choice - a thought-provoking, sci-fi thriller series

Join Finn, Zuri and Corporal Smith (deceased) as they face hostile Alien Contact.

Propelled at a blistering pace into strange solar systems desperate for warriors, liberators, and their newly acquired alien technology, Delta Squad evolve from modern-day soldiers into full-fledged Space Marines.

From the forests of Scotland to the stars, they walk the fine line between self-sacrifice and vengeance, with the help of an alien ship and its Artificial Intelligence on a personal journey of their own.

The Weapons of Choice Series explores rich themes of ethical intervention, genetic manipulation, and moral courage, set against a diverse background of political impotence and pitiless alien lifeforms who see humans as food or tools to manipulate.

Read the enthralling series that reviewers have described as ‘superlative’, ‘compelling’ and ‘an outstanding piece of sci-fi story telling’.

It may be ‘eccentric, creative, and thought-provoking’ and ‘rich in character development’, but it’s also one heck of a ride.

'Stunning Series. Highly recommended.' Good Reads

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Return Protocol, the second mind-bending installment of Nick Snape's Weapons of Choice series, a trio of battle-hardened heroes shifts the battlefield to a hostile alien home world. Armed with new light-speed tech, and a pacifistic AI ally, Noah, Zuri, and Finn bring their guns-blazing style of diplomacy to Havenhome, but they'll need to embark on a harrowing mission to an ancient data repository, while outsmarting the dangerous predators and manipulative Masters along the way, if they ever hope to return to Earth from the immortality-obsessed planet. This is an eccentric, creative, and thought-provoking novel boasting original characters, futuristic sci-fi action, and military-grade detail. As with the first book of the series, Snape excels at creating realism with a far-flung premise, making the story immediately visceral where you can feel the action along with the characters." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½

"Return Protocol: A First Contact Military Sci-Fi Adventure (Weapons of Choice Book 2) by Nick Snape is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that seamlessly blends military sci-fi and alien first contact. The book follows the journey of ex-War Hero Finn and his team of British Army Reserve squad members as they use ancient alien technology to navigate through space, encounter the fallen Haven race, and fight for their survival on a hostile planet.
The story is brilliantly paced and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, with the characters battling both inner and outer demons as they fight their way past the Haven, who crave their old but powerful technology. Zuri, the female gunner, and Smith, Finn's deceased Corporal now AI, provide much-needed support to Finn as he struggles with guilt and navigates through the challenges presented by the Haven race.
As the squad battles on, they uncover revelations about the ancient Haven's plans for humanity, and with the horrifying realization of how the current Haven race fell from their technologically advanced pinnacle, Finn and his team question their place in the Universe. The author Nick Snape has a gift for creating an eccentric and thought-provoking novel with original characters and futuristic sci-fi action that is sure to captivate readers.
An exciting and original sci-fi adventure, "Return Protocol" continues the story begun in the first book of the "Weapons of Choice" series. The novel is fast-paced, engaging, and unique in its take on first contact with aliens. For military sci-fi fans or anyone looking for an exciting read that explores the depths of human nature in the face of overwhelming odds, this series comes highly recommended." Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth-Good Reads Author ★★★★★

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C15363WM
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 30, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 209 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Weapons of Choice
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 246 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Nick Snape

Nick Snape

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Nick Snape has been steeped in Science Fiction and Fantasy since his friends first dragged him from his schoolwork and stuck a book under his nose forty years ago. Lost to the world of imagination, he became a teacher by accident, passing on the joy of reading and writing to his pupils. Having retired after thirty years, he thought it was high time to practise what he preached. Nick's books feature everything from all out heart pounding, fast-paced action to thoughtful, character driven twists on the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Genetics to Artificial Intelligence, Artifice Dragons to Soul-Eating enemies, nothing is off the menu.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
246 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book delivers action-packed sci-fi adventure with well-developed characters. They describe it as thoroughly enjoyable, with one customer noting it keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Select to learn more

Story qualityEnjoymentCharacter development
6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's action-packed sci-fi adventure, with one customer highlighting its many twists and turns.

"...The author Nick Snape has a gift for creating an eccentric and thought-provoking novel with original characters and futuristic sci-fi action that is..." Read more

"...the aliens sufficiently alien, the characters well-developed and interesting, and the small squad-based action is incredibly captivating...." Read more

"...Military Sci-Fi Adventure (Weapons of Choice Book 2) is brilliant sci-fi book with great characters and impressive technology...." Read more

"Lots of twists and turns. This is a well thought out story. The characters are believable and emotion plays a strong role, just as in reality...." Read more

5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable, with one mentioning it keeps readers engaged from start to finish, while another notes its well-written sci-fi elements.

"...The story is brilliantly paced and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, with the characters battling both inner and outer demons as they..." Read more

"...(which was an excellent book) in almost every way...." Read more

"...It was very enjoyable and it's definitely worth the read! Great job!" Read more

"...Overall, Return Protocol: A First Contact Military Sci-Fi was thoroughly enjoyable." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...(Weapons of Choice Book 2) by Nick Snape is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that seamlessly blends military sci-fi and alien first contact...." Read more

"...The setting is unique, the aliens sufficiently alien, the characters well-developed and interesting, and the small squad-based action is incredibly..." Read more

"...(Weapons of Choice Book 2) is brilliant sci-fi book with great characters and impressive technology...." Read more

"...This is a well thought out story. The characters are believable and emotion plays a strong role, just as in reality...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Piaras
    5.0 out of 5 stars Return Protocol Delivers Action-Packed Sci-Fi Adventure.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Return Protocol: A First Contact Military Sci-Fi Adventure (Weapons of Choice Book 2) by Nick Snape is a fast-paced, character-driven novel that seamlessly blends military sci-fi and alien first contact. The book follows the journey of ex-War Hero Finn and his team of British Army Reserve squad members as they use ancient alien technology to navigate through space, encounter the fallen Haven race, and fight for their survival on a hostile planet.

    The story is brilliantly paced and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish, with the characters battling both inner and outer demons as they fight their way past the Haven, who crave their old but powerful technology. Zuri, the female gunner, and Smith, Finn's deceased Corporal now AI, provide much-needed support to Finn as he struggles with guilt and navigates through the challenges presented by the Haven race.

    As the squad battles on, they uncover revelations about the ancient Haven's plans for humanity, and with the horrifying realization of how the current Haven race fell from their technologically advanced pinnacle, Finn and his team question their place in the Universe. The author Nick Snape has a gift for creating an eccentric and thought-provoking novel with original characters and futuristic sci-fi action that is sure to captivate readers.

    An exciting and original sci-fi adventure, “Return Protocol” continues the story begun in the first book of the “Weapons of Choice” series. The novel is fast-paced, engaging, and unique in its take on first contact with aliens. For military sci-fi fans or anyone looking for an exciting read that explores the depths of human nature in the face of overwhelming odds, this series comes highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ryan Patrick
    5.0 out of 5 stars An action-packed sequel!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read a lot of self-published science fiction books, which are usually in a series. I read a lot of Book 1s, fewer Book 2s, and even fewer Book 3+s, because the magic that an author captures in their first book often is lost in the sequel.

    This is not the case here.

    Return Protocol is bigger and better than Hostile Contact (which was an excellent book) in almost every way. The small team of British reservists trapped light-years from Earth must rely on all of their skills in order to try and make their way back home. The setting is unique, the aliens sufficiently alien, the characters well-developed and interesting, and the small squad-based action is incredibly captivating. It's not treading any new ground, but it is masterfully executed and had me turning the pages quickly in order to see what came next. While it does set itself up for a sequel, the main plot is satisfactorily concluded.

    I highly recommend this - and the first book in the series - for fans of military sci-fi, especially if you (like me) enjoyed the Halo games and novels; I really feel like this series captures the feel of fighting far from home more than almost any other out there.
    Helpful
     Report
  • A Cannady
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written Sci-fi!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Return Protocol: A First Contact Military Sci-Fi Adventure (Weapons of Choice Book 2) is brilliant sci-fi book with great characters and impressive technology. I wasn't sure if I was going to get into it after the first few chapters but I really did enjoy the story and where it took us. It was very enjoyable and it's definitely worth the read! Great job!
    Helpful
     Report
  • denyce
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Lots of twists and turns. This is a well thought out story. The characters are believable and emotion plays a strong role, just as in reality. The 'heros' have their foibles, which make the story more belivable (something that not all sci-fi achieve). You can't help but root for the 'good guys'.
    Helpful
     Report
  • GM Reads
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The crew of the starship Yasuko are faced with a difficult challenge - to find their way back home in the face of a hostile reaction from an alien world. Led by brave, resourceful individuals, they must rely on their wits and strength of character to succeed - aided by the ship's artificial intelligence, who is bound by restrictions that were set 33 millennia ago.

    As they progress, more is revealed about the alien species who crafted Yasuko and their civilisation - as well as the true purpose of Yasuko's existence. Along the way, they must confront hostiles robots, aliens, and planets in order to achieve their goal - with an outcome that none of them could have anticipated, and the emergence of an unexpected, long-term threat.

    Overall, Return Protocol: A First Contact Military Sci-Fi was thoroughly enjoyable.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Mark H. Finley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me & mine survive
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I can't begin to tell you how much that phrase resonated with me. And that fact made the book much more believable. Well written, interesting and fun. I think I identify with Sargent Smith. 😱
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rover 16
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The concept of "me and mine" is very interesting, almost more personal then squad level dynamics, makes the storyline much more intense, highly recommended!!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Dinky Deb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    First off, this story has aliens! A surprise might be in how much they resemble Earth's humans but they also call themselves human. The story is well written, like the first one in this series. It reads smoothly and has raised no concerns to me in context or grammar. Mainly I loved it because it was so good!
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars And I thought it could not get better
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Read this book in one sitting during a stormy crossing of the Bay of Biscay. Could not put it down, which in hindsight was a good thing because otherwise may not have kept my lunch down. Did I mention stormy, and Bay of Biscay?
    This second instalment in the series is even better than the first.
    Edge of the seat stuff, ground battles, characters are fleshing out, aliens, adventure and non stop action.
    Yes, a bit clichéd here and there, slightly formulaic but this is a new writer just getting into his stride.
    If, like me, you enjoy a rip snorting old school Sci Fi romp through the universe then this book is for you.
    I look forward to the next book and can’t wait to see how both the story and author develop.
    Until now I never posted reviews on the basis that if you loved the book I was recommending, you would never remember who it was who tipped you off. If you hated the book? Well, you would never forget the guy who pointed you in its direction.
    But what the heck.
    For the first time, I’m willing to take the chance.
    Maybe you should as well?
    Report
  • J's reviews
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Follow Up
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Expecting a full-on scifi thriller? this book combines that and more, with an alien world full of other pitfalls, political and monstrous. Enjoyed this-and how the characters begin to flesh out.
    Report
  • Chris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, plot, concepts, real world integration woth SciFi
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    As a military SF fan this was a great series (books 1 & 2) with believable military content woven well into the sci fi plot.
    I like the main characters, narrative and depiction of military strategy and engagement.

    More please!
    Report
  • mspeacock
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 13, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Hugely entertaining and interesting. Very well written not a moment of boredom. Love it. X x x x x x
    Report
  • nozama
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another enjoyable pacey romp
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 12, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Another enjoyable pacey romp, led by brave, likeable, flawed humans, trying to stick to their principles in the face of a hostile reaction from the alien homeworld as they try find a way home.

    They are somewhat assisted by Yasuko, with the ship's AI hamstrung by the severe restrictions placed on her 33 millennia earlier.

    More is revealed about the aliens who built Yasuko, their civilisation, and about Yasuko's purpose, as they encounter hostile robots, hostile aliens, and hostile planet, all leading to an unexpected outcome and the emergence of a long-term threat.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report