10 Best First Contact Science Fiction Books

” The plot twists ingeniously…an engaging, often chilling book.”– The New York Times Book Review A writer in California. A doctor in Boston. A motel owner and his employee in Nevada. A priest in Chicago. A robber in New York. A little girl in Las Vegas. They’re a handful of people from across the country, living through eerie variations of the same nightmare. A dark memory is calling out to them. And soon they will be drawn together, deep in the heart of a sprawling desert, where the terrifying truth awaits…

” Extraordinary . . . A future sci-fi masterwork in a new and welcome tradition.” — Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat A stand-alone science fiction novella from the award-winning, bestselling, critically-acclaimed author of the Wayfarer series. At the turn of the twenty-second century, scientists make a breakthrough in human spaceflight. Through a revolutionary method known as somaforming, astronauts can survive in hostile environments off Earth using synthetic biological supplementations. They can produce antifreeze in subzero temperatures, absorb radiation and convert it for food, and conveniently adjust to the pull of different gravitational forces. With the fragility of the body no longer a limiting factor, human beings are at last able to journey to neighboring exoplanets long known to harbor life. A team of these explorers, Ariadne O’Neill and her three crewmates, are hard at work in a planetary system fifteen light-years from Sol, on a mission to ecologically survey four habitable worlds. But as Ariadne shifts through both form and time, the culture back on Earth has also been transformed. Faced with the possibility of returning to a planet that has forgotten those who have left, Ariadne begins to chronicle the story of the wonders and dangers of her mission, in the hope that someone back home might still be listening.

A new ice age… and a shocking discovery… will change humanity forever. From the Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author with over FOUR MILLION COPIES sold worldwide comes an epic novel with an unforgettable twist. * Longlisted for the Wilbur Smith Award for best published novel. * In the near future, a new ice age has begun. Humanity stands on the brink of extinction. Desperate for answers, scientists send probes into the solar system to take readings. Near Mars, they identify a mysterious object moving toward the Sun. Is it the cause of the ice age? Or could it be humanity’s only hope of survival? With time running out, NASA launches a mission to make contact. But the object isn’t what anyone thought. In the dark of space, alone, the team makes a discovery that will change the course of human history–and possibly end it. Filled with real science and fascinating details, Winter World is that unique blend of fact and fiction that could completely change how you see our planet–and humanity’s future. For those intrepid souls starting this bestselling trilogy, be warned: you may well be up late into the night turning the pages. Praise for A.G. Riddle “…reads like a superior collaboration between Dan Brown and Michael Crichton.” — The Guardian on Pandemic “I finished the book fast because I just couldn’t wait…” — WIRED GeekDad on Departure “This is apocalyptic sci-fi at its best.” –Daily Mail on The Solar War An Extended Look at Winter World Each month, Earth grows colder. Snow falls in summer. Glaciers trample cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. The new ice age shows no signs of stopping. Chaos erupts. Around the world, people abandon their homes and flock to regions where they can survive. Nations prepare to go to war for the world’s last habitable zones. Scientists search the cause of the new ice age. They send probes into the solar system to collect readings. Near Mars, a probe finds a mysterious object, drifting toward the Sun. Is it responsible for the new ice age? Or is it merely an observer? Or neither? Could it be a relic from a long-extinct civilization? One thing is certain: investigating the object is humanity’s best hope of survival. As the ice age claims more lives and the world slides into anarchy, an international consortium launches a mission into space to make contact. But the first contact mission doesn’t go as planned. What the crew discovers out there is beyond anyone’s imagination. Two members of the first contact mission may hold the keys to humanity’s salvation. Dr. Emma Matthews is the commander aboard the International Space Station. For months, she has watched the world below freeze and civilization unravel. The headlines tell only half of the story. The messages from her sister tell the rest, of a world witnessing mass migrations, fighting for survival, struggling to provide a future for their children. When a catastrophe strikes the ISS, Emma faces her own fight for survival. Dr. James Sinclair is one of the greatest scientists alive. A mind before his time. Years ago, he invented something with the potential to change the world –an invention that would upset the balance of power in the world forever. Fearing that change, his enemies sent him to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. But with humanity’s future at stake, NASA asks him to join the first contact mission. His expertise is vital to the mission’s success–and to saving Emma. With the clock ticking down to humanity’s final days on Earth, James makes a decision that will change his life forever and may determine the fate of the entire human race. Available in Kindle eBook, Audible audiobook, print, and Kindle Unlimited.

A grumpy alien warrior. A pregnant librarian. A ready-made family? Wanda has never hankered after excitement – or romance. A quiet life as a small town librarian suits her just fine. But while she doesn’t need a man, she does want a child. Just as her hard-earned dreams come true, she is abducted by aliens. Now she’s been abandoned by her captors and assumed responsibility for two orphaned children, a pregnant alien, and a misplaced socialite. When their lifeboat is intercepted by a very large, very green, and disturbingly attractive alien, she isn’t sure if her situation has gotten better or worse. Knowing that his race is doomed, Mganak has built a peaceful, solitary life for himself. When the lifeboat he salvages turns out not to be deserted after all, he is determined to pass on the responsibility for its inhabitants – no matter how much the curvy little female and her brood arouse his protective instincts. But Wanda’s alien captors are hot on their trail, his ship is damaged, and the more time he spends with Wanda, the less he wants to let her leave. Could it be that his quiet life is not so perfect after all? Each book in the Treasured by the Alien series can be read as a standalone romance. This sweet and steamy HEA is intended for mature readers.

The greatest mystery of all time… the history of human origins… will be revealed. In Antarctica, researchers discover a mysterious structure, buried in ice. In a lab in Jakarta, an autism researcher identifies a revolutionary treatment that could change everything. But these two incredible discoveries aren’t what they seem. They will set off a race to unravel the deepest secrets of human existence–and an event that could change humanity forever. Experience the novel that started it all: The Atlantis Gene is the first book in A.G. Riddle’s bestselling Origin Mystery trilogy–a series that has sold over THREE MILLION copies worldwide (in twenty languages), received 30,000+ reviews on Amazon, been rated 20,000+ times on Audible, and garnered 120,000+ ratings on GoodReads. The trilogy is now in development to be a major motion picture. The product of years of research, The Atlantis Gene is filled with real science and history that will change how look at human origins–and humanity’s future. Like millions of other readers, you’ll be up late turning the pages, promising yourself, just one more chapter. Praise for A.G. Riddle “…reads like a superior collaboration between Dan Brown and Michael Crichton.” — The Guardian on Pandemic “I finished the book fast because I just couldn’t wait…” — WIRED GeekDad on Departure “Riddle… keep(s) the focus on his characters… rather than the technological marvels” — Publisher ‘s Weekly on Departure “Well-constructed and tightly-wound as a fine Swiss watch– DEPARTURE has non-stop action, an engaging plot and, of course, wheels within wheels.” –Diana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Outlander An Extended Look At The Atlantis Gene 70,000 years ago, the human race almost went extinct. We survived, but no one knows how. Until now. The countdown to the next stage of human evolution is about to begin, and humanity might not survive this time. Off the coast of Antarctica, a research vessel discovers a mysterious structure buried deep within an iceberg. It has been there for thousands of years, and something is guarding it. Could it be the fabled city of Atlantis? Or is it something more dangerous? At the same moment, in Jakarta, Indonesia, a brilliant geneticist named Kate Warner has just discovered a breakthrough treatment for autism. Or so she thinks. What she has found is far more deadly–for her and for the entire human race. Her work could unleash the next stage of human evolution. It might also hold the key to unlocking the mysterious structure off the coast of Antarctica. On the other side of Jakarta, Agent David Vale is racing to uncover a conspiracy with far-reaching implications. But he’s out of time. His informant inside the conspiracy is dead. His own organization has been infiltrated–and his enemy has turned the hunt on him. Now he’s on the run. But when he receives a coded message related to an imminent attack, he risks everything to save the one person that can help him stop it: Dr. Kate Warner. Together, Kate and David race to unravel a global conspiracy and learn the truth about the Atlantis Gene… and human origins. Their journey takes them to the far corners of the globe and into the secrets of their pasts. Their enemy is close on their heels and will stop at nothing to obtain Kate’s research and force the next stage of human evolution–even if it means killing 99.9% of the world’s population. David and Kate can stop them… if they can trust each other. And stay alive. NOTE: this novel is available as an eBook on Kindle Fire and Kindle eReader, an Audible audiobook, and in print (paperback and hardcover). It’s also in Kindle Unlimited where subscribers can read for free.

# A fragile truce hides a deadly deceit. INCLUDES THE COMPLETE LEGACY OF WAR SERIES PLUS A SNEAK PEEK AT THE NEW SERIES! A century ago, an alien fleet attacked Earth. After decades of bitter war, a truce was struck. The aliens disappeared. Humanity stood down. But the captain of the aging battleship Walker Pierce will never forget. He has spent the last months in disputed space, against the wishes of his superiors and many of his weary crew, looking for proof of alien treachery and afraid of what he might find. Because this time, if the aliens attack, humanity won’t be so lucky. Legacy of War is an enthralling tale of humanity on the edges of the unknown, perfect for fans of Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet and David Weber’s Honorverse. Includes all 3 books in the series: * First Encounter * Enemy Lines * Invasion Force Five star reviews for First Encounter, book 1 in the series: ★★★★★ “Action from the beginning to the end. I could not put it down!” ★★★★★ “Great start to a military space opera.” ★★★★★ “Good plot, believable characters. Lots of action. … A binge worthy series.”

Can humanity survive on a new world? On Eos, the last survivors of the Long Winter face their greatest challenge yet–and race to unravel the deepest secrets of the grid. It’s a journey across space and time and into humanity’s past and future–with a twist you’ll never forget. NOTE: The Lost Colony is a full-length novel (384 pages in print). It is the third and final book in The Long Winter trilogy, which began with Winter World. Don’t miss the thrilling conclusion to this Wall Street Journal bestselling trilogy. Selected Praise for A.G. Riddle “…reads like a superior collaboration between Dan Brown and Michael Crichton.” — The Guardian on Pandemic “I finished the book fast because I just couldn’t wait…” — WIRED GeekDad on Departure “Riddle… keep(s) the focus on his characters… rather than the technological marvels” — Publisher ‘s Weekly on Departure “This is apocalyptic sci-fi at its best.” — Daily Mail on The Solar War “Well-constructed and tightly-wound as a fine Swiss watch– DEPARTURE has non-stop action, an engaging plot and, of course, wheels within wheels.” — Diana Gabaldon , #1 New York Times bestselling author of Outlander An Extended Look at The Lost Colony The last survivors of the human race escaped a ruined Earth. Their new homeworld–Eos–seemed perfect at first. Warm. Hospitable. Safe from the grid. But everything isn’t as it seems. The first colony of settlers–from the Carthage–have disappeared. Their settlement is still there, but everyone is gone. As James digs into the mystery of the lost colony, he discovers a series of spheres, buried on Eos. Are they the key to finding the lost colonists? Or are they responsible for their deaths? Just as James is unraveling the secrets of the spheres, a storm hits Jericho City. Emma, recently elected mayor, struggles to lead her people to safety while James tries to make his way home. In the middle of the chaos, a new danger emerges–a threat no one saw coming. With time running out to save the colonists, James and Emma face their hardest choice yet. About the Author A.G. Riddle’s debut novel, The Atlantis Gene , became a global phenomenon, topping best seller charts in the US and abroad. Every year, Amazon compiles a list of the top 100 bestselling Kindle eBooks of the year (by total sales volume). The Atlantis Gene has made Amazon’s annual Kindle bestseller list an unprecedented five years in a row–every year since the book’s release (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017). Since then, Riddle has released eight more novels, selling millions of copies in two dozen languages. His books feature a unique mix of science, history, and suspense that has delighted fans of Michael Crichton, Dan Brown, Clive Cussler, and James Rollins and continues to sell year after year. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. NOTE: this novel is available in a variety of formats: as an eBook on Kindle Fire and Kindle eReader, as an Audible audiobook, and in print (paperback and hardcover). It is also enrolled in Kindle Unlimited where subscribers can read for free.

NASA finally made it. The very first human has just set foot on the surface of our neighbor planet. This is the start of a long research expedition that sent four scientists into space. But the four astronauts of the NASA crew are not the only ones with this destination. The privately financed ‘Mars for Everyone’ initiative has also targeted the Red Planet. Twenty men and women have been selected to live there and establish the first extraterrestrial settlement. Challenges arise even before they reach Mars orbit. The MfE spaceship Santa Maria is damaged along the way. Only the four NASA astronauts can intervene and try to save their lives. No one anticipates the impending catastrophe that threatens their very existence–not to speak of the daily hurdles that an extended stay on an alien planet sets before them. On Mars, a struggle begins for limited resources, human cooperation, and just plain survival.