Can't help comparing this to [b:The Andromeda Strain|7670|The Andromeda Strain (Andromeda, #1)|Michael Crichton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1587497243l/7670.SY75.jpg|997271], so here goes...

Better:
Feels more cinematic & technobabble delivery is smoother
Cast of characters is more diverse
I like the psychological approach to the first contact

Worse:
Characters behave unprofessionally to the point of becoming unbelievable
There's a focus on characters' behavior, but Crichton falls short in this
Diverse characters end up very stereotypical