Books Like...

'Song of Scarabaeus' by Sara Creasy is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Edie Sha'nim, a cyphertech expert who is kidnapped by renegade mercenaries to terraform planets controlled by the Crib. To ensure her compliance, she is assigned a slave named Finn who is linked to her through a lethal chip. The plot unfolds as they embark on a mission to retrieve non-working BRATs from the planet Scarabaeus, leading to a gripping tale of survival, manipulation, and complex relationships. The writing style of the book combines elements of hard science fiction with engaging character development, creating a unique universe filled with futuristic concepts like Biocyph and advanced technology.

In Sunrise Alley, Dr. Samantha Sam Bryton, a renowned researcher in biomechanical constructs, discovers an unconscious man on a raft after a shipwreck. This man, Turner Pascal, claims to have been reconstructed by an underground figure known as Charon. As Sam and Turner go on the run across the country, pursued by Charon, they seek help from an underground organization called Sunrise Alley, which is made up of rogue AIs and EIs. The novel delves into the ethical implications of evolved intelligences, the blurred line between humanity and technology, and the struggle for freedom and identity in a world where EIs are both feared and sought after for their capabilities.

Sunrise Alley combines elements of action romance and action thriller, creating a story that explores civil liberties for non-humans, similar to other science fiction tales by authors like Heinlein and Asimov. The book weaves together themes of ethics, technology, and human emotion, as Sam and Turner navigate a world where androids seek their freedom and hidden agendas lurk within cybernetic outlaws.

After the destruction of the second Death Star on Endor, Han proposes to Leia and they embark on a honeymoon aboard The Halycon, which turns into a diplomatic mission to a moon valuable to the Republic. The story alternates between Han and Leia's perspectives, delving into Leia's internal conflict about training as a Jedi and her complicated feelings towards her lineage, while showcasing Han and Leia's early relationship post-Empire defeat.

The Complete Ivory by Doris Egan is a trilogy that combines science fiction and fantasy elements, following the adventures of Theo and Ran on the planet of Ivory. The book is praised for its interesting mix of genres, great character development, and engaging storytelling. The plot revolves around Theo, a scholar stuck on Ivory, navigating through bribery, murder, and sorcery while adjusting to the exotic and challenging culture of the planet. The writing style is described as immersive, with a focus on the adventures and mishaps of Theo, providing readers with a unique perspective on a new world.

Independent trader Trilby Elliot finds herself on an uninhabited planet making repairs to her starfreighter when a Zafharin military officer, Rhis Vanur, crashes nearby. Despite their cultural differences and the looming threat of the Sko aliens, they form an unlikely alliance to survive and outsmart their enemies. The book blends science fiction worldbuilding with a touch of romance, creating a fast-paced space opera filled with adventure, suspense, and a hint of predictability.

The Outback Stars by Sandra McDonald is a military science fiction novel set in a futuristic universe where Australian astronauts discover alien technology enabling star travel. The story follows Lieutenant Jodenny Scott, who faces corruption and mysteries aboard the massive ship Aral Sea, where she is tasked with fixing issues within the crew. The writing style combines elements of space opera, romance, and intricate science fictional ideas, reminiscent of works by Lois McMaster Bujold and Tanya Huff.

In a steampunkish alternative universe where Queen Victoria and the aristocracy are vampires, werewolves, or goblins, 'God Save the Queen' follows Xandra Vardan, a half-vampire member of the Royal Guard. When her sister goes missing, Xandra embarks on a journey filled with intrigue, uncovering family secrets and navigating a world where humans coexist with supernatural beings. The book is praised for its dark and gritty tone, detailed world-building, and a strong, brassy main character who defies the rules.

In "Games of Command" by Linnea Sinclair, readers are taken on a space opera adventure filled with romance, mystery, and alliances. The story follows Captain Tasha Sebastian as she is assigned to work alongside her former nemesis, Admiral Branden Kel Paten, on a mission that uncovers mysterious deaths and a rebel threat. As they navigate through personal conflicts and external challenges, the characters must learn to trust each other and work together to save their crew and unravel the secrets of the Alliance.

The book is praised for its engaging plot that combines elements of space opera, romance, and intrigue. Readers appreciate the dynamic between the main characters, the development of the relationships, and the incorporation of sci-fi elements like cyber enhancements and mysterious space storms. With a mix of action-packed scenes and emotional depth, "Games of Command" offers a satisfying blend of adventure and romance set in a futuristic universe.

'If He's Wicked' by Hannah Howell is a historical romance novel set in the regency period, featuring the Wherlocke and Vaughn Families. The story follows Chloe and Leo, who possess special gifts of seeing the future and detecting lies, as they work for King George to spy on enemies of the crown. The plot involves romance, mystery, adventure, and betrayal, with elements of magic and darkness woven into the story. The book explores themes of family, love, loyalty, and the battle against a vengeful wife and a murderous uncle, all set against a backdrop of aristocracy and danger.

The writing style in 'If He's Wicked' is described as engaging, immersive, and captivating, with well-developed characters that are likable and endearing. The novel combines historical romance with witchy magical powers and a compelling mystery, drawing readers in with a mix of love, laughter, and intrigue. The author, Hannah Howell, introduces a fantastical world where characters with special abilities navigate through a complex web of deceit, murder, and espionage, creating a story that keeps readers hooked until the end.

Star Nomad by Lindsay Buroker is a space opera following the story of Captain Alisa Marchenko who, after being stranded on a desolate planet post-war, aims to return to her daughter by repairing an old spaceship, the Star Nomad. Along the way, she gathers a diverse group of passengers and crew, each with their own quirks and pasts, as they navigate through various challenges and encounters. The writing style is described as clean, easy to read, action-packed, and infused with dry humor, reminiscent of popular space operas like Firefly and Star Wars.