Sci fi stories that include an alien species as a major part of the story. Return to general Sci Fi
Note: these books are currently sorted by release date, with newest first.
Word Count: 110,000
Summary: Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Winner 2019 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree 2019 Chill With A Book Premier Award 2019 In a heart-pounding battle for humanity's survival, one man holds the key to a glorious future or utter extinction. In a race against time, Earth and Mars race to claim a derelict alien ship as it enters the Solar System, both aware that whichever planet succeeds might in so doing achieve technological advantage over the other. But who should they send? Joe Falcon, an unlikely candidate, never saw himself as the "right" person. Accompanied by a crew of misfits, each fleeing their own personal demons, he questions why he should be the chosen one. But destiny calls, and he can't ignore it. When Joe's survey vessel, Butterball, rendezvous with the mysterious visitor, he encounters a ship so colossal that exploring its vast expanse is impossible. The alien craft responds to his presence in awe-inspiring and unsettling ways, yet no signs of its inhabitants can be found. Everything Joe and his team witness defies explanation, shrouded in deception and uncertainty. Joe soon realizes he and his crew are expendable and cannot take anything or anyone at face value, including the alien ship’s owners. Unbeknownst to Joe, their every move is being scrutinized and analyzed. But the true threat to humanity isn't the awe-inspiring spacecraft—it's something far more perilous. Unbeknownst to Joe, he holds the power to determine the destiny of two worlds, launching humankind into a glorious future or hurtling them towards oblivion. Immerse yourself in Falcon's Call, an electrifying journey into the unknown, paying homage to the timeless classics of science fiction. Prepare for unexpected twists, captivating characters, and a hero driven by genuine compassion. Mike Waller delivers a must-read novel that will leave you breathless. Grab your copy of Falcon's Call today and let Joe Falcon's odyssey ignite your imagination.
Word Count: 115000
Summary: Aaron Okonkwo, a Nigerian scientist, travels with a crew in the 24th century to evaluate Viridis, which proves to be a beautiful and fabulous world. There, Aaron discovers a strange, alien species and amazing machines and technology left in a vast underground complex by a mysterious race called the Creators. Aaron soon falls under the irresistible, seductive spell of Nightsong, a green alien female with ominous and bewitching powers. However, an even greater danger rises. He will be forced to fight for the planet’s survival against a ruthless invasion of many ships to conquer and enslave the planet – just as Africa itself was once enslaved. Aaron knows it’s A Senseless Act of Beauty to try to reclaim his ancient warrior heritage and fight back against such overwhelming odds, but he knows he must try.
Word Count: Information not available
Summary:
Music and magic. Steampunky science. The Dissolution is coming.
Eighteen year old recluse Sam van Oen lives with his aunt, takes online college courses, works in technical support, and tries not to remember the freak storm that killed his parents ten years ago. But anxiety and reclusion bring up memories he doesn’t want. Just as Sam gathers courage to send in his application for college away from home, the temperature drops and the sun goes dim. Ice forms in August, and a portal opens in his fireplace. This time, Sam can't run. This time he's sucked in. Now Sam must survive in the flourishing capital of ten alien species, home to thousands who can change the Symphony underlying the universe and alter reality. Sam’s anxiety attacks and fear of crowds transforms the Nether into a frightening, expansive city. To find his home again, Sam must learn to control the music inside him, while devastating voids threaten to destroy the Nether and everyone he has grown to love. "Simply Put, This is a Brilliant Book. Read it Now." -Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Blog If you're looking for an awesome ride across multiple homeworlds filled with magic, science, music, and diverse alien species, don't miss the first book in William C. Tracy's Dissolution Cycle! The Dissolution Cycle (Epic Space Opera, LGBT): Book 1: The Seeds of Dissolution Book 2: Facets of the Nether Book 3: Fall of the Imperium Book 4: Tales of the Dissolutionverse (Novella collection)
- Fantasy
- Fantasy - Heroic
- Fantasy - LGBTQ+
- Fantasy - New Adult
- Fantasy - Steampunk
- Fantasy - Weird Fantasy
- Fantasy - Young Adult
- Sci Fi
- Sci Fi - Alien Races
- Sci Fi - Aliens
- Sci Fi - First Contact
- Sci Fi - Galactic Empire
- Sci Fi - LGBTQ+
- Sci Fi - New Adult
- Sci Fi - Science Fantasy
- Sci Fi - Space Opera
- Sci Fi - Steampunk
- Sci Fi - Young Adult
Word Count: 14000
Summary: As a security officer on an interspecies ship, Growlan Raskli's experienced in heading off species-specific aberrant behaviors in order to keep the peace. But when her captain asks her to find out what's bothering their sole human crew member, Raskli's out of her depths. She hardly knows anything about humans and she's not a psych doctor. Something's definitely upset Human Jen, something to do with human holidays. The more time Raskli spends studying humans and interacting with the intriguing Human Jen, the more personal the assignment becomes. Determined to lift the dark cloud from Human Jen, Raskli will do whatever it takes—within safe parameters, of course.
Word Count: Information not available
Summary: Collection of twenty-two short fantasy and science fiction stories. A wizard seeking an apprentice won’t take no for an answer, and a would-be apprentice attempts the impossible to find a mentor. A twin discovers her sister’s new job is a lot different than she expects. And what’s the deal with the cat whiskers?
Word Count: 41900
Summary: "Solitude's End," book 1 of the thrilling "Echo's Way" series, is a captivating action/adventure story set in a distant colonial planet of the future. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Echo, a resilient seventeen-year-old girl who finds herself as the last survivor in a desperate battle against the Tolleani, a formidable alien species determined to conquer her home. For three long years, Echo has fought a solitary war, surviving against all odds and mastering the art of living off the land. But just as hope seems to fade, a beacon of humanity emerges: the arrival of the first human ship. However, her joy is short-lived as the crew is swiftly captured by the alien forces. Amidst the chaos, Ben, a member of the imprisoned crew, manages to escape and unknowingly stumbles upon Echo's hidden sanctuary. Desperate and resourceful, Echo enlists his help to break free from their captors. Yet, as they join forces, Echo discovers that Ben harbors a secret agenda of his own. Together, they must navigate treacherous terrain, and seek a way to escape their deadly enemy. Get ready for a pulse-pounding adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fans of "The Hunger Games" series will be captivated by "Echo's Way," a saga brimming with suspense, courage, and unyielding determination. Discover the beginning of an epic journey in "Solitude's End" and prepare to be swept away into a world where survival is the ultimate prize.
Word Count: 139579
Summary: When things begin to go wrong, they have a habit of going spectacularly wrong, Lord Telluris Marat discovers. Robbed of his visions and his ability to prophesy, he still has his will to fight and his ability to command an army. But the enemy he faces now commands weapons that rival his worst nightmares. Emily struggles with her own visions, and finds herself caught between worlds. Jake Montagna, the president of the interplanetary mining company, has gone off the deep end and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. If only they were in broadcast range of the authorities, Emily could do something. But Arhanna is far out of normal shipping lanes. To stop Jake, she’ll have to do it herself.
Word Count: 82516
Summary: An inhabited planet is not what an interplanetary mining company hopes to find while in search of rare mineral deposits, but the low-tech natives should be won over by a few ‘miracles’, right? Emily Nandi, the mining company’s legally mandated xenologist, isn’t so sure. The planet’s social structures are complex, fascinating and frustrating – she advocates research and caution rather than the seat-of-the-pants first contact the company president wants. Investigator Shadow is convinced ghosts are watching him until a fellow investigator disappears, plucked from his harduk’s back without a trace. When he reappears at the city gates, naked, half-frozen and ill, he brings back a harrowing tale of strangers on a ship high above the planet. From this shaky beginning, suspicion and misunderstanding fuel one culture-clash driven disaster after another, punctuated by apocalyptic prophesies from the oracle, Telluris. This is no way to get to know one’s long-lost cousins from Earth.
Word Count: 7150
Summary: In a four-gendered world where correct gender identity is law, Venk struggles with his inability to choose one sexual orientation over another. His body has matured, but he still shows the multi-colored crest of a juvenile, someone who has not yet presented proper orientation. With his family losing patience and others beginning to whisper, Venk must find a way to change his crest or be labeled an aberration. But the only choice he sees is a dishonest one.
Word Count: 102000
Summary: Dragons in space? A preposterous legend, dragons dueling with riggers. Nothing can live in the interdimensional Flux of interstellar space. But in the Flux, visions of the mind converge with reality, and visions can be perilous. When star pilot Jael defies an abusive ship's master and rigs "the mountain route to Lexis," dragons indeed appear in the night sky—and challenge her to duel to the death. Just one dragon, Highwing, offers her friendship. If she escapes, she would be wise never again to fly this route between the stars. But Jael has been caught up in an age-old struggle of good and evil, in unwitting fulfillment of an ancient prophecy of "One" from the outside who will shake the realm to its foundation. Fate has its ways, and when the currents of space once more bring her back to the dragon realm, she finds Highwing under sentence of death for the kindness he showed her. Only "the One" can intervene—and so Jael must, for the sake of one who risked his life to save hers. A genre-bending novel of the Star Rigger Universe, from the Nebula-nominated author of Eternity's End, and recipient of the Frank Herbert Lifetime Achievement Award for writing science fiction. Original print publication by Tor Books. Also available in the ebook Dragon Space: A Star Rigger Omnibus. REVIEW QUOTES: "Carver writes powerfully and clearly and has produced a book that is likely to find an audience among hard SF readers." —Booklist "An interesting and entertaining blend of genres." —Science Fiction Chronicle "Carver's prose effectively lends a spare yet evocative resonance to the draconian realm. Like a good stage performer, this story should leave its audience wanting more." —John Bunnell, Amazing Stories
Word Count: 120130
Summary: Determined to kill his father for his crimes again humanity, Pelinas resolves to live until the Duke of Korval is dead. Beyond a burning desire for revenge, though, he has no solid plan to accomplish what seems impossible. Duke Per leads a massive army, controls frightening technology, and even commands the dead. But the Duke of Korval has eleven other sons, many carrying their own dark secrets. When Telluris Marat reveals strange and terrible facts about Pelinas's heritage and his birth, new possibilities unfold. He might attain all he desires—but will the cost be too high for him, for his friends, and for the entire continent?
Word Count: 103900
Summary: Exiled and disinherited, Pelinas finds refuge with his father's enemies. But his mind holds dangerous secrets locked away, ones he fears he won't unravel before he does immeasurable harm. Starved and ill, Pelinas finds himself at the gates of Arhanna, the city of his father's enemies. He doesn't recall how he came there, though he remembers vividly his father disowning him. Luckily, the kind-hearted General Devar takes him in. Roya Intalva returns from the Academy up north to take her rightful place in the Ktar's forces only to find that her friend, Romenel, has taken on a new aide whom she does not trust and the troops are succumbing to a mysterious illness. Intrigue piles upon intrigue and when the walking dead kidnap Duke Semis, it falls to a group of green cadets, a prickly young Lieutenant and the haunted, guilt-ridden Pelinas to ride to the rescue.
Word Count: 120000
Summary: War between the stars... It was started and fought by an AI. Few humans even knew there was a war at all. But now people are dying—and the AI wants it to stop. But a war is easier to start than to stop, and the computer can't alter its course without outside help. When the Gnostic Control System searches for co-conspirators, it chooses its friends carefully. Pali: a brooding public relations director. Ramo: a flamboyant senso-dancer, who prefers a musical jamdam to serious conversation. Sage: a systems designer for whom the AI rapture-field is realer than life. And three of the alien Ell: Harybdartt, who would rather die with dignity than betray his people; Lingrhetta, who tries to unravel the meaning of human dance and music, pain and love; and Moramaharta, the binder, who must persuade his fellow decision-makers to risk everything for the sake of a fragile bridge of understanding across the stars. A thought-provoking novel from the award-winning author of Eternity’s End and The Chaos Chronicles, and recipient of the Frank Herbert Lifetime Achievement Award for science fiction writing. REVIEWS: “The story is meaty and satisfying. I enjoyed this one greatly.” —Analog Science Fiction “An absorbing, suspenseful novel of first contact and interstellar war. It’s a complex book, requiring concentration from the reader, and is well worth the effort.”—Aboriginal SF “A lively dance of ideas—first contact, interstellar war, artificial intelligence, alien culture—and it moves at a rapid pace, from Earth through cyberspace to the Horsehead Nebula, and various points between. It’s well-worth the trip ticket.” —Roger Zelazny
Word Count: 25000
Summary: Exiled to Earth for perhaps the worst failure in Irasolan history, General Teer must assimilate or die. Earth is too warm, too wet, too foreign, but he does the best he can even though human males are loud, childish louts whom he can't imitate successfully. When a grieving seaplane pilot strikes up a strange and uneasy friendship with him, he finds he may have been too quick to judge human males. They are strange to look at, but perhaps not as unbearable as he thought.
Word Count: 100300
Summary: Traveling has always frightened Marya, but when the Ktar chooses her to protect the heir on his confirmation journey, she fights panic. A prophecy concerning the heir's death, ominous dreams of a mysterious city, and news that one of the heir's companions will betray him all point to disaster. Unfortunately, the discovery of the assassin's identity is only the beginning. His menace pales in comparison to the ancient evil lurking in the mountains. When Marya is trapped and the men with her enslaved, she is faced with two choices: surrender to the alien being who offers her power, or ally with the handsome assassin she sought to thwart. One way she loses her soul, the other she may lose her heart.
