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sci fi – space opera

Epic sci fi takes that take place across an empire of stars – think Star Wars or Star Trek. Return to general Sci Fi

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Word Count: 489,500

Summary: In this Rainbow Award-winning space opera/military sci-fi series, Earth is a dead planet, dark for thousands of years; lost for so long no one even knows where the solar system is. Her last known colony, Albion, has grown to be regional galactic power in its own right. But its drive to expand and found colonies of its own has threatened an alien race, the Maess, against whom Albion is now fighting a last-ditch battle for survival in a war that’s dragged on for generations. Taking Shield charts the missions and adventures of Shield Captain Bennet, scion of a prominent military family. Bennet, also an analyst with the Military Strategy Unit, uncovers crucial data about the Maess to help with the war effort. Against the demands of his family's 'triple goddess' of Duty, Honour and Service, is set Bennet’s relationships with lovers and family—his difficult relationship with his long term partner, Joss;  his estrangement from his father, Caeden, the commander of Fleet's First Flotilla; and Fleet Lieutenant Flynn, who, over the course of the series, develops into Bennet’s main love interest. Over the Taking Shield arc, Bennet will see the extremes to which humanity’s enemies, and his own people, will go to win the war. Some days he isn’t able to tell friend from foe. Some days he doubts everything, including himself, as he strives to ensure Albion’s victory. And some days he isn’t sure, any longer, what victory looks like.

Taking Shield Complete Series - Anna Butler
Taking Shield : The Complete Series
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Word Count: Information not available

Summary: War has engulfed the Burning Suns. As the Templars reconquer their ancient empire, driving the Changelings and the Terrans from system after system, the Assembly is on the brink of tearing itself apart. With each new squabble over vendettas, vengeance, and injured pride, the long-held accords of galactic unity are cast further into the void. Shanghaied back into the Marauder military, former mercenary Jen Bronwen is keeping a low profile, dodging enemy patrols while awaiting the opportunity to free herself from the Marine Corps’ grasp. Meanwhile, Changeling intelligence agent Keera Naraymis is on the diplomatic front line, assigned to the Assembly’s capital to hold together as many alliances as she can. When tragedy strikes, Jen is recruited by the Guardians for a desperate mission to salvage the smallest sliver of hope from the wreckage. Caught between two destinies, she must decide between obedience and insurrection, even as an ancient enemy stirs in the far reaches of the galaxy. The wrong choice might condemn every soul beneath the Suns. But obedience has never been Jen’s strong suit…

Burning Suns - Lisa Wylie - Insurrection
Burning Suns: Insurrection (Book One)
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Word Count: Information not available

Summary: When fire and steel meet flesh and bone, a soldier learns a hard truth: you’re not fighting for Glory and Honor, but for survival, for you and your comrades, and you will be damned if you’re going to leave any of them behind. Join us for twelve tales of military heroism and courage in the face of a hostile enemy. With stories by Brenda Cooper, Bud Sparhawk, David Sherman, Robert E. Waters, Jeff Young, James Chambers, Lisanne Norman, Robert Greenberger, Aaron Rosenberg, Christopher M. Hiles, Eric V. Hardenbrook, and Danielle Ackley-McPhail

In Harm's Way Anthology
In Harm's Way
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Word Count: 43000

Summary: Shax can't walk away from an abandoned, hungry kitty. The fact that she can eat him in three bites is irrelevant. Someone abandons a pedigree hellcat right where Shax can conveniently claim her and sets off a cataclysmic domino line of events. It's time for the other shoe to drop since the Brimstone has a shadow cabal after them—partly due to Shax's own, er, interesting decisions and partly due to the presence of Agent Julian Parallax onboard. As ship security officer, Ness has a lot on his mind—a dangerous new pet, even more dangerous criminals tracking the Brimstone, and yet another unexpected rescued guest. The last thing he needs is a distraction and Julian, who confuses and confounds him more every moment, is exactly the distraction he doesn't need. Between Shax's reckless gambits and Julian's disregard for his own safety, how is Ness supposed to keep anyone safe? The Brimstone and her intrepid crew do all they can to stay one step ahead, but this time the hunters are closing in.

The Hut for Red Fluffy - Angel Martinez - Brimstone
The Hunt for Red Fluffy: Brimstone 6
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Word Count: 55,000

Summary: Welcome back to Charybdis Station and the crew of the Blue Solace: (Sixth Book in the series) Draif Ando started life as a slave on Vextonar. When he was fifteen, he met his best friend, Leti Ando, and life got a lot better. Now he's a Charybdis Station captain and works closely with the Lord Admiral of the Station. He is a free man, finally has a purpose of his own, and has the the best lieutenant in the galaxy by his side. If he's so content, why does he yearn for more, and why is he suddenly picturing children with his eyes and Lucas' ears and tail? Lucas Meluth knew that Draif was his life mate from the moment they met. He also knew that Draif was demisexual and wasn't attracted to Lucas. Not at first. Now, Lucas notices the way Draif's eyes follow him and the way Draif's innocent touches are suddenly not so innocent. Has the time come for their friendship to turn into more? Draif and Lucas may finally be figuring their relationship out, but their enemies are approaching and it's time to protect Charybdis Station and rid the galaxy of Humans First, once and for all.

Book Cover: The Captain's Mate
The Captain's Mate
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Word Count: 93000

Summary: The danger threatening the Valespian Pact could tear Zeus, Dargon, and Alpha apart.   The peaceful respite for which Zeus and his intended, Dargon and Alpha, had been hoping for is shattered when Zeus is unexpectedly drawn into the Waters of Poseidon and told that the safety they've been promised is a trap.   But the Fal'Amoric aren't the only important cargo on the Oethra 7, and countless others are depending on the success of their mission. If Zeus hopes to break the silent siege on Valespia and protect those most precious to him, he will need not just powerful allies but the fortitude to survive overwhelming odds.   **Striker is a 93k sci-fi romance that has mature themes and content as well as a polyamorous relationship. This 2nd edition has been re-edited and 5k words added to add clarity.

Striker - Lexi Ander - Valespian Pact
Striker
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Word Count: 52000

Summary: Has kidnapping Zeus ruined Dargon and Alpha's chance at love?   The sole survivor on a science vessel adrift in deep space, Zeus was adopted by the Emperor and Empress of the Mar'Sani, though he is both human and blind, and seen by many as unfit to join the royal family. Though they were able to repair his vision, Zeus does not trust his eyes, and the nobles of his parents' court refuse to ever trust a frail and treacherous human.   Dargon Kal-Turak, along with his symbiote and lover, Alpha, command one of the most dangerous ships in the stars. After narrowly escaping a trap, they dock in a space port to make repairs but find that the Psionics hunting them are closing in fast. In desperation they kidnap the port's master mechanic, unaware that the man they've brought on board is more than he seems and will bring far more upheaval to their ship, their lives, and the stars than any of them could have imagined.   **Alpha Trine is a 52k sci-fi romance. It was re-edited July 2018 and some concepts were expanded upon. Neither the plot nor characters were changed.

Alpha Trine - Lexi Ander - Valespian Pact
Alpha Trine
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Word Count: Information not available

Summary: Discover ten planets, joined through music-based magic and an immense sentient crystal. This anthology contains ten stories from the popular Dissolutionverse universe! Journey with a new majus as he investigates the Pixie homeworld and tries to avert a war. Learn how to change the Symphony during a search for a majus' lost brother. Find a new relationship on an island at war! Travel with merchants in an old war train transporting suspicious cargo. Fly with the first majus in space! Discover the food and culture of the ten species. Uncover what lurks in the basement of the House of Potential. Investigate magic, mystery and murder when a miscreant attacks the secret Society of Two Houses! Confront other-dimensional entities alongside an ancient being. Climb to the top of a miles-high wall with a crew riding a giant steampunk beetle! If you like space opera, fast-paced adventure, music-based magic, and complex, diverse characters, then you’ll love this collection of stories from William C. Tracy’s Dissolutionverse. Pick up Tales of the Dissolutionverse to discover the music today! There’s more adventure in 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

Tales of the Dissolutionverse William C. Tracy
Tales of the Dissolutionverse
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Word Count: 56,000

Summary: Welcome back to Charybdis Station and the crew of the Blue Solace: (Fifth Book in the series) Beck Brackenstone is a simple Grell. He loves his family and friends and enjoys tinkering in his shop. His greatest dream is to meet his life-mate, settle down, and raise a bunch of babies. When he finally does meet his mate, he realizes how completely unprepared he really is. How do you court an assassin? How do you keep your brain from melting when your mate smiles? Guild Master Beol is not a simple man. He runs one of the most prominent assassins guilds in the galaxy and has a troubled past. He has responsibilities and contracts to worry about and no time for a mate. When he meets Beck, that all changes. His Grell completely bewitches him and sparks something inside him that he thought died a long time ago. The problem is that Beck has secrets that even his most trusted friends don't know, and Beol has some major trust issues. The two men may appear to be a horrible match, but in truth, they are perfect for one another. Unfortunately the Crellic Queen and Humans First are terrorizing the galaxy and Charybdis Station is their next target. They will need to trust in one another and their friends to end the Queen's path of destruction once and for all.

Book Cover: The Engineer's Mate
The Engineer's Mate
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Word Count: 72000

Summary: Go big or go home. For privateer Captain Magdalene Landon, it's all about going big. For Kay Ellis, it's about getting home. Together, they're about to architect the most daring heist in the galaxy. Kay knows too much. She knows it’s a matter of time before a Conglomerate hitman finds her. She’s desperate for safe passage back to Union space. Then Magdalene shows up, promising a way home in exchange for that information. It’s a risky bet, but Kay is out of options. So she strikes a deal: the heist of the century for her freedom. Kay is playing a dangerous game, and she knows it. She’s made herself Enemy Number One of the Conglomerate. She’s relying on privateers for her safety. It’s a fool’s game. But the worst part is, her fool’s heart is starting to warm to the enigmatic captain. And that’s a risk for which she hadn’t planned. (Cover by May Dawney Designs) 2019 Sci-Fi Lesfic Bard award winner

Safe Passage - Rachel Ford
Safe Passage
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Word Count: 103900

Summary: A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It’s home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice. Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband. After the attack on San Jose, Todd is appointed to Special Envoy for Terran Affairs by the nentraee, a position many world leaders question. Undeterred Todd wants to build bridges between both people. However, this new position brings with it a new set of problems that not only he, but his new allies Mi’ko and Mirtoff must overcome. Will the humans and nentraee learn to work together despite mistrust and threats of more attacks by a new global terrorist group, or will the terrorists win? Will this bring an end to an already shaky alliance between nentraee and humans?

Conviction - M.D. Neu - A New World
Conviction
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Word Count: 86000

Summary:

Eight hundred years ago, the Zhen Empire discovered a broken human colony ship drifting in the fringes of their space. The Zhen gave the humans a place to live and folded them into their Empire as a client state. But it hasn’t been easy. Not all Zhen were eager to welcome another species into their Empire, and humans have faced persecution. For hundreds of years, human languages and history were outlawed subjects, as the Zhen tried to mold humans into their image. Earth and the cultures it nourished for millennia are forgotten, little more than legends.
One of the first humans to be allowed to serve in the Zhen military, Tajen Hunt became a war hero at the Battle of Elkari, the only human to be named an official Hero of the Empire. He was given command of a task force, and sent to do the Empire’s bidding in their war with the enigmatic Tabrans. But when he failed in a crucial mission, causing the deaths of millions of people, he resigned in disgrace and faded into life on the fringes as a lone independent pilot.
When Tajen discovers his brother, Daav, has been killed by agents of the Empire, he, his niece, and their newly-hired crew set out to finish his brother’s quest: to find Earth, the legendary homeworld of humanity. What they discover will shatter 800 years of peace in the Empire, and start a war that could be the end of the human race.

The Widening Gyre - Michael R. Johnston
The Widening Gyre
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Word Count: 54,000

Summary: Welcome back to Charybdis Station and the crew of the Blue Solace: (Fourth Book in the series) Sebastian Dolarnio has a past. His parents sold him into indentured servitude when he was seventeen which led him to enforced prostitution. Fortunately, with the help of some very good friends, him and his daughter are safe and have a home - a beautiful, accepting place with more family than he ever dreamed of having. Then there's his mate. A handsome, wonderful man calls Sebastian "mate" and Sebastian knows he doesn't deserve him. He has to find a way to be worthy of his new home and his new mate. A strange Crellic book provides him with the answer to his problems, but it comes with complications of its own. Alois has been dreaming of finding his life-mate since he was a kid. He knows that Sebastian is a dream come true, but how can he convince his mate of that plus fight the baggage he carries from his own past? When Sebastian begins a strange, wonderful journey, Alois knows that he has to be the loving and supportive mate that Sebastian deserves. The two men build a life together and learn to love one another, but the galaxy is in turmoil and Charybdis Station is in the middle of it all.

Book Cover: The Lieutenant's Mate (Blue Solace Book 4)
The Lieutenant's Mate (Blue Solace Book 4)
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Word Count: 71800

Summary: A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It's home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice. Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband. On the cusp of the greatest announcement humankind has ever witnessed, Todd’s personal world is thrown into turmoil when his estranged brother shows up on his front porch with news of ships heading for Earth’s orbit. The ships are holding the Nentraee, a humanoid race who have come to Earth in need of help after fleeing the destruction of their homeworld. How will one man bridge the gap for both the Humans and Nentraee, amongst mistrust, terrorist attacks and personal loss? Will this be the start of a new age of man or will bigotry and miscommunication bring this small world to its knees and final end?

Contact - M.D. Neu - A New World
Contact
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Word Count: Information not available

Summary: Civilization fell. It rose. At some point, people built starships. A millennium after the Earth was abandoned to climate change and resource depletion, Sharon Manders wakes up in a body that used to belong to somebody else, and some say she was a terrorist. She has no idea how she could be digging for Pleistocene bones in Africa one day, and crewing on a starship the next. That was just before she met the wolfman, the elf, and the sex robot. Struggling with distressingly unreliable memories, the expectations of her host body’s family and crewmates, future shock, and accusations of treason, Sharon goes on the lam to come face to face with terrorists, giant bugs, drug cartels, AIs, and lawyers. All things considered, she’d rather be back in 21st Century California.

Memory & Metaphor - Andrea Monticue
Memory and Metaphor
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Word Count: 55,000

Summary: Morgan Murray is an easy, fun-loving guy. He excels at being a soldier, but never wanted more out of life. Somehow, he ends up in a position of authority on Dru's new ship, the Blue Sparrow. Now he has to deal with what he dreads most. Responsibilities. Dru and her crew are given the task of finding Wyatt Morrick and telling him about his father's death. Along the way, Morgan soon learns that responsibility can be painful, difficult, and frightening. It can also lead to something very special. Dr. Wyatt Morrick is in trouble. Big trouble. He and his medical crew are stuck on a planet under attack. He may not be a soldier, but he has patients and friends to worry about. With very few supplies left, something has to give for them to survive. The whole planet's future is at stake and he is stuck hiding in a cave. When Morgan saves Wyatt and his friends, the two men are given a gift, each other. Their love can't stop the Concord, though, and someone has to. Morgan has to grow and accept his responsibilities, and Wyatt has to move on from his father's death. That death just happens to be a little more complicated then Wyatt expected.

Soldier's Mate - C.W. Gray - Blue Solace
The Soldier's Mate
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Word Count: 29000

Summary: Sofia Cancino is tired of her mundane life, her artificial environment and her large, boisterous family descending every holiday season. She's promised herself this year will be different and books a stay on the exclusive—and expensive--holiday-themed resort, Yule Planet. She looks forward to being pampered while reconnecting with Old Earth traditions steeped in the magic and mysticism of nature. Everything will be perfect and she'll leave as a more authentic human, better connected to her roots. Naturally, things go horribly wrong. Sofia's landing pod goes off course and instead of stepping out on the landing pad at the resort, she finds herself in the snow-swept perpetual winter of the planet's hinterlands. If that wasn't bad enough, she's "rescued" by a band of criminals on work release who run deliveries to the resort from far-flung shuttle delivery sites. They refuse to take her, a paying customer, to the resort and insist on dragging her along on their parcel run. Riding giant monsters. In frigid weather. Not to mention, Marta, who handles the monsters, obviously hates her. If Sofia survives her vacation, she's definitely yelling at someone's supervisor until she gets a refund.

Yule Planet - Angel Martinez
Yule Planet
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Word Count: 60000

Summary: Welcome back to the Blue Solace: (Sequel to "The Mercenary's Mate") Leti Ando and Will Hackett are certain about one thing in all the galaxy. They love one another. Now that they are mated, it's time to meet Hack's parents and settle into their new home. In a normal courtship, the two would spend time getting to know one another and reveling in their love. Normal isn't what they get. Leti struggles to understand the artifact Dr. Morrick left them, but what he's discovering is unbelievable and completely frightening. If his theories are true, then the entire galaxy is at risk. Meanwhile, he tries to adjust to Charybdis Station, deal with his parents, and worse of all, learn to cook. Luckily he has friends, old and new, to help him. Hack comes home to Charybdis Station, expecting a break from the hectic adventures of the past few months. What he gets are changes, more responsibilities, and a war with the Concord. He'll deal with it, though. All he has to do is look around him to understand why it's time to fight back. Together, the new couple must learn to stand together, to accept and support one another. Their happiness isn't the only thing at risk. Author's Note: 60,000+ words. This is a m/m love story with no angst and no cheating, just a HEA. There is lots of action, a little sex, mpreg, and a few potty mouths involved in the story. 18+ readers only, please. It is also the second book in a series that is best read in order. Read "The Mercenary's Mate" first!

The General's Mate - C.W. Gray
The General's Mate
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Word Count: Information not available

Summary: The fallout from Derrick’s union with Rhaegar and Blake’s aid in his son’s elopement has been intense, to say the least. After a blistering brawl between Blake and Davos, Davos leaves Blake, because he isn’t ready to forgive him, and most shockingly of all, he says he isn’t sure he even wants to. Blake is frightened and hurt by his actions, but terribly angry. He follows the king back to Tygeria, if only because Davos had the gall to take their two younger children with him when he left. His ship is slower than the king’s, though, and when he arrives back on Tygeria, he finds the king has left again, on a wild chase after his errant son and his pirate mate. Even worse, he makes a unilateral decision to send their son Larz to a faraway planet for military training, against Blake’s express wishes. When Davos, Derrick and Larz all go suddenly missing, Blake attempts a rescue mission, but encounters a strange wormhole in space, and is flung through it to crash on an unknown planet called Tveir. Strangest of all the planet is populated by Tygerians and their handsome king. Injured and disoriented, Blake begins to feel as if he’s trapped in some crazy story. Except this isn’t any kind of story at all—this is Blake’s life, and the plot has just taken an unexpected, heartbreaking and totally infuriating twist.

The Tyger Kings - Shannon West - Mate of the Tyger Prince
The Tyger Kings
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Word Count: 170000

Summary: The enemy hunts him, but not for the reason he thinks. How does a human survive in an alien dominated InterGalactic Community? By becoming an assassin, of course. At least, that’s what Leopold thought when he became an assassin for the elite. Pretending to be an alien known as Voidstriker, Leopold feeds his appetite for vengeance, killing aliens as well as taking their money. It's a win-win to his mind. That is, until a bounty is placed upon his head. With his true identity now revealed to the IG Community, Leopold knows it's only a matter of time before the powerful family members of his victims come for blood. Far worse is the fact that the one who put the bounty on his head, is the one he most fears. A routine job three cycles ago brought him face-to-face with Mastrodai, a prince of the powerful Mrrog Nation. Not only did Leopold—accidentally—destroy part of Mastrodai’s moon, but one glimpse of the mighty alien had him feeling desire for the first time in his life. He ran, and like predator after prey, Mastrodai never stopped hunting him. Leopold is convinced that Mastrodai wants bloody revenge.  But when he finally confronts the mrrog, he is stunned to realize Mastrodai wants something very different. Something surprisingly intimate—the one thing that scares Leopold more than torture. Reader Discretion advised: Off page torture and abuse, and aftermath of rape. While the intimacy between Leopold and Mastrodai is always consensual, there are others who wish to break Leopold into as many pieces as possible.

Leopold - M.D. Grimm - Saga of the Bold People
Leopold
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