Books matching: sentient aliens
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- #1
Titan by John Varley is the first volume in the Gaean Trilogy, exploring a world within a world inhabited by creatures out of legend, led by the goddess Gaea. The story follows a NASA mission to Saturn's moons that uncovers a giant alien being, leading to a discovery of a vast intelligence playing god within this sentient torus habitat. The book delves into themes of exploration, sexuality, strange transformations, and inner torment, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy in a unique and imaginative way. Varley's writing style emphasizes vivid descriptions, intricate world-building, and a mix of plausible science and far-fetched fantasy.
Cirocco hit the ENCODE button, then TRANSMIT, and leaned back in her chair. She rubbed her eyes. A few days ago there had been too little to do. Now she was snowed under with the status check to ready... - #2
"Mickey7" by Edward Ashton is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of human cloning and identity. The protagonist, Mickey 7, is reset over and over again, leading to intriguing and sometimes uncomfortable thought experiments. The book presents a world with sentient aliens and advanced technology, raising questions about the future and the nature of humanity. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, tension, and inventive world-building, keeping readers engaged with unique scenarios and twists. However, some readers felt that the story had slow spots and lacked in-depth exploration of certain fascinating concepts, leaving them wanting more depth and action.
- #3
In "Bone Rider," Riley finds himself on the run after discovering his boyfriend's dangerous secret as a Russian mafia hitman. The story takes a unique turn when he encounters an alien AI armor defense system that has crashed on Earth, leading to a wild and action-packed adventure. The book blends elements of fantasy, action, sci-fi, MM romance, and first contact in a refreshing and engaging way. The plot moves at a good pace, balancing intense action sequences with emotional scenes and witty humor, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.
IT WAS supposed to be a routine training exercise and missile test in a fenced-in, rarely used area of military property west of San Antonio. Heat, brush, and the occasional run-in with a disgruntled ... - #4
Ancestral Night by Elizabeth Bear is a space opera that follows Haimey Dz, an engineer and space salvage operator, along with her pilot Connla and their AI Singer. The trio embarks on a mission to salvage a derelict ship, but things take a dangerous turn when Haimey gets infected with an unidentified parasite that alters her skin and perception. As they navigate through interstellar piracy, Haimey finds herself entangled in a web of politics, relics of a lost civilization, and her own mysterious past. The story delves into themes of identity, exploration, and the consequences of encountering advanced alien technology, all while exploring a vast universe filled with diverse species and complex ethical dilemmas.
He wasn’t deemed significant enough to need a name by the authorities and registries that govern such things. He had a registration number—657-2929-04, Human/Terra—and he had a class, salvage tug, but... - #5
'Timelike Infinity' in the 'Xeelee Sequence' by Stephen Baxter is a hard science fiction novel that delves into complex concepts like time travel, alien civilizations, and advanced technology. The book follows a narrative that involves creating wormholes to bridge time and space, leading to unforeseen consequences such as interactions with a hostile alien race. Baxter's writing style is characterized by a focus on scientific accuracy and intricate world-building, with a balance between theoretical physics explanations and engaging storytelling.
Jasoft Parz had been summoned to a meeting, in orbit, with the Qax Governor of Earth. Parz scoured a mind worn into grooves of habit by his years in the diplomatic service for reasons for this summons...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Xeelee Sequence ) - #6
'Rogue in Space' by Fredric Brown is a science fiction novel that follows the personal journey of a bitter man named Crag, who is out of step with society. With the help of an alien entity, he embarks on a voyage of self-discovery and love. The narrative explores themes of self-realization, nostalgia, and change, set in a future world with elements of space travel, sentient planets, and conscious asteroids. The writing style is described as readable but with alternating levels of description, ranging from overdescribing to providing too little detail, creating a somewhat lifeless atmosphere in the story.
CALL him by no name, for he had no name. He did not know the meaning of name, or of any other word. He had no language, for he had never come into contact with any other living being in the billions o... - #7
In 'Fuzzy Nation', Scalzi revisits the classic science fiction tale of encountering a race of small, fuzzy humanoids on a planet being exploited by a large corporation. The story follows Jack Holloway, a contractor who stumbles upon these creatures and must fight against corporate greed to prove their sentience. The narrative is fast-paced, featuring elements of legal drama, humor, and engaging characters like the lovable rogue Jack and the adorable Fuzzies.
The book combines witty sci-fi storytelling with a legal thriller theme, exploring the consequences of corporate exploitation and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the discovery of sentient life forms. Scalzi's writing style is described as accessible and humorous, making the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking for readers. The plot unfolds with surprising twists, presenting complex ideas in a fluid and entertaining manner, ultimately delivering a tale that balances action, humor, and social commentary.
“I can’t believe we have to go through this again,” Holloway said. “It’s not that I don’t value you as part of this team, Carl. I do. Really, I do. But I can’t help but think that in some way, I’m jus... - #8
'Honor Among Thieves' in the series 'The Honors' by Ann Aguirre and Rachel Caine is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Zara, a determined protagonist who embarks on adventures in space aboard a sentient spaceship. introduces unique concepts like living spaceship creatures, mysterious plot twists, and a diverse cast of characters that keep readers engaged. The writing style is described as well-paced, immersive, and filled with tension, leaving readers questioning motives and piecing together the intricate plot.
MY MARK MOVED with an expensive, high-heeled strut, the kind that said she’d grown up fed with a silver spoon. That tracked with the haircut and outfit that tried to look edgy but just looked money in... - #9
Serpent's Reach by C.J. Cherryh is a science fiction novel set in the Alliance-Union Universe, where a young woman named Raen, a Sul hant Meth maren Kontrin, seeks vengeance and justice after her entire 'clan hive' is murdered. Raen, who communicates with the Majat, a sentient alien species resembling social insects, navigates through political thickets, family conflicts, and alliances with alien hives in her quest for revenge. The book intricately weaves together themes of power struggles, revenge, and the complexities of human-alien interactions, all while exploring the consequences of providing humans with potential immortality.
Cherryh's writing in Serpent's Reach is described as dense and implicative, requiring the reader to closely follow the intricate plot and character dynamics. The story unfolds with tension as Raen's journey leads her to challenge societal norms, uncover conspiracies, and forge alliances with both humans and alien species, ultimately exploring themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between friend and foe.
If it was anywhere possible to be a child in the Family, it was possible at Kethiuy, on Cerdin. There were few visitors, no imminent hazards. The estate sat not so very far from the City and from Alph... - #10
Eater by Gregory Benford is a hard science fiction novel that explores a first contact scenario with a sentient alien construct within a black hole, named Eater. The story follows Benjamin Knowlton and a team of scientists as they try to decipher Eater's intentions and the potential threat it poses to Earth. The book delves into the detailed science behind the alien entity and the psychological aspects of interacting with a vastly intelligent being, all while navigating political intrigue and the existential risk Eater presents.
Benjamin stared at the graph. In the middle of the page, a sharp peak poked up to a high level, then fell slowly to his right. He glanced at the bottom axis, showing time, and said, “So it died away i...