Books Like...

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.

'American Werewolf in Space' by Alisha Sunderland is a unique take on werewolf and alien romance genres. The book follows the story of Jack, a female werewolf rider who is a force of nature, powerful, fearless, and loyal. Jack's relationship with her alien mate, Ohem, is described as sweltering with heat, creating an apex predator duo. The plotline is engaging, filled with unexpected twists and turns, and ends on a cliffhanger that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. The writing style is irreverent, funny, and touching, with a nice balance of world-building, romance, and character development.

Grimspace by Ann Aguirre is a space opera featuring Sirantha Jax, a jumper with a special gene that allows her to travel through grimspace, guiding spaceships across vast distances. The plot revolves around Jax's journey as she navigates through interstellar wars, political intrigue, and personal challenges, all while forming relationships with intriguing characters like March. The writing style is fast-paced, engaging, and filled with world-building, romance, and action, offering a blend of adventure and character development that keeps readers hooked.

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel set in a future US controlled by corporations after wars have devastated the country. The story follows Nina, a genetically engineered clone who leads a team of information brokers known as the Mercenary Librarians, and Garrett, the leader of a squad of bio-enhanced soldiers called the Silver Devils. As they navigate a dangerous world where corporations hold more power than people, Nina and Garrett form an unlikely alliance that leads to a steamy yet conflicted romance. The book is filled with non-stop action, intrigue, cool tech, and witty banter among the characters, creating a thrilling and engaging read.

Devi Morris is a mercenary with big ambitions who takes a security job on the Glorious Fool, a dangerous ship where surviving a year could propel her career forward. The book follows Devi's journey filled with space battles, alien encounters, and uncovering mysterious secrets onboard. The writing style immerses readers in a fast-paced space adventure with a strong protagonist, intriguing worldbuilding, and a mix of action and mystery.

In "Polaris Rising" by Jessie Mihalik, Ada, a runaway princess from one of the ruling houses in the Consortium, finds herself captured and thrown into a cell with Marcus Loch, a dangerous mercenary. Despite their initial distrust, they team up to break out, forming a temporary alliance due to mutual enemies. The book combines elements of space opera, romance, and elite intrigue, with a fast-paced plot, snappy dialogue, and a satisfying conclusion setting the stage for the next book in the series. The world-building is a mix of intergalactic political intrigue, action, and a touch of steamy romance, making it an engaging read for both Science Fiction enthusiasts and those new to the genre.

'Barrayar' in the 'Vorkosigan Saga' by Lois McMaster Bujold follows the story of Cordelia Vorkosigan's marriage to Aral Vorkosigan and their struggles on the planet Barrayar. Cordelia, a transplant from a liberal society, navigates the traditionalist world of Barrayar as the wife of the planet's regent. The narrative delves into political power dynamics, assassination attempts, and a large-scale coup, portraying a mix of political and military drama. The characters in the book face absurdly horrible problems and deal with them in very human ways, striking a balance between bantering charm and deep thoughts amid fast-paced action.

In 'Barrayar,' Cordelia and Aral are not separated by loyalty to their country but are married and settled on Barrayar. Aral grapples with the weight of responsibility as the highest authority, while Cordelia fiercely protects her baby, putting her at odds with Aral's family and the nobility of Barrayar. explores themes of responsibility, guilt, and the challenges of doing the right thing in a world that can be ruthless and unforgiving, showcasing the characters' complexities and struggles within a gripping narrative.

In "All Systems Red," readers are introduced to Murderbot, a rogue cyborg struggling to navigate its identity and emotions while protecting a survey team on a routine mission that quickly turns into a complex web of conspiracy and danger. The novella delves into themes of artificial intelligence, personhood, empathy, and the blurred lines between human and non-human entities. Through Murderbot's unique perspective and wry narration, the story unfolds as a mix of action, mystery, and character exploration, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.