Book picks similar to
Planet of the Red Dust by N. Tolman Rudolph


science-fiction
sf-planetary-romance
1-o-n-read
1st-in-series

The Last Valkyrie


Dietmar Arthur Wehr - 2016
    The last of her kind, she finds a new purpose in protecting the remaining few thousand humans from the hostile alien races called The Compact. As humanity teeters on the edge of extinction, one human male helps her to realize her destiny. She takes on a new role as the last of the mythical Valkyries who have been given the power to decide who lives and who dies. She will need all that power and her Warrior Code discipline when an old threat from the past re-emerges, a threat that this time, she must face alone. Excerpt: A double ping brought his attention back to the display. The Compact fleet had just crossed the outer boundary of the sphere. He watched as the side bar data showed her four turrets’ status which shifted from ‘Tracking’ to ‘locked on’. He shifted his gaze back to the yellow dots just in time to see them flash brightly for half a second before becoming very faint dots that were now falling behind the rest of the still advancing fleet. “Targets hit and disabled,” said Val Ky Ree. Before Ronson could say anything, she continued. “Val Ky Ree to Compact Fleet. I have disabled the three Trior ships that are carrying torsion beam weapons. If you board those ships and examine their cargo compartments, you’ll see what’s left of those weapons. I could have destroyed those ships completely, and I can destroy all of your remaining ships just as easily, but I would prefer not to do that. You are being used by the Trior for their own ends. Now that you have seen my power, you are advised to take advantage of my patience and immediately decelerate to zero velocity. If you do not do so, I will take whatever measures are necessary to defend the humans. If all humans are killed, either now or in the future, the race that is responsible for their elimination will face the same fate. This I swear as an Aesir Warrior!” Ronson held his breath as he watched the velocity data of the Compact fleet. It wasn’t slowing down. Another translated text message scrolled across the display. [The decision to destroy all humans was made by the leaders of our races. Your Aesir are gone! By what authority do you interfere in our quest for justice!”] When Val Ky Ree replied, the volume was deafening. “I AM THE LAST OF THE VALKYRIES! THE GODS GAVE US THE POWER TO DECIDE WHO LIVES AND WHO DIES! YOU HAVE DETERMINED YOUR OWN FATE. IN ORDER FOR MY HUMANS TO LIVE, YOU MUST DIE.” Keywords: Space Opera, military science fiction, space fleet, galactic empire, war

Star Nomad


Lindsay Buroker - 2016
    It should be a time for celebration, but not for fighter pilot Captain Alisa Marchenko. After barely surviving a crash in the final battle for freedom, she's stranded on a dustball of a planet, billions of miles from her young daughter. She has no money or resources, and there are no transports heading to Perun, her former home and the last imperial stronghold.But she has a plan.Steal a dilapidated and malfunctioning freighter from a junkyard full of lawless savages. Slightly suicidal, but she believes she can do it. Her plan, however, does not account for the elite cyborg soldier squatting in the freighter, intending to use it for his own purposes. As an imperial soldier, he has no love for Alliance pilots. In fact, he's quite fond of killing them.Alisa has more problems than she can count, but she can't let cyborgs, savages, or ancient malfunctioning ships stand in her way. If she does, she’ll never see her daughter again.

Starwalker


P. Jameson - 2015
    Cold and icy, Brilliette and her inhabitants exist in secret, hidden under the blazing fires of other celestials. However, stars aren’t meant to keep secrets… Cannalise is the daughter of the Fallen King. Orphaned as a child maiden, she’s survived the hard way. By being the cruellest of all the females of the star. She lives by one rule: show nothing, feel nothing. When she discovers the Fates have given her a mate, she struggles to hold on to the rule that has kept her heart safe. But it’s hard to ignore the fierce warrior that has set his sights on her. Breccken has watched his mate for a thousand years, unable to reveal himself to her. The Fates have played an ugly trick on him, giving him a female who has no room for love in her heart. But as a warrior of the Nova Guard, he has never backed down from a challenge, and plans to strip Cannalise’s soul bare if that’s what it takes to win her. When vicious threats are levelled on the citizens of Brilliette, Cannalise and Breckken must work together to keep their people safe. But as for their hearts… there’s no guarantee.

Doorways


Robert Enright - 2017
    Shielded from humanity, the Otherside is watched over by the BTCO, a highly secret government agency, whose members all possess 'The Knack', a genetic anomaly that allows them to see this other world. Franklyn 'Bermuda' Jones is the BTCO's finest agent, the only human to have passed to the Otherside and returned. Gifted with the ability to physically interact with both worlds, Bermuda reluctantly stands between both worlds, pining for the life he had to leave behind and the daughter he can no longer see. Teamed with Argyle, an enigmatic Otherside warrior, Bermuda is assigned the case of a missing woman who has vanished under mysterious circumstances.As Bermuda delves further into the disappearance, he uncovers a threat that could destroy the truce between two worlds...and finds himself in a race against time to safeguard humanity's very existence. Discover a new world in this fast-paced urban fantasy packed with thrills, action and the odd one liner.

Relentless


Robin Parrish - 2007
    There's another man in the world wearing his face and living his life. What's more, the man he sees in the mirror is a stranger.Somehow, he's been Shifted -- his whole life fundamentally altered, in the space of a single breath. But the changes don't stop at skin-level. Inexplicably, he's able to affect objects around him by simply thinking about them. And as he soon learns, he's become the central figure in a vast web of intrigue that stretches from an underground global conspiracy to a prophecy dating back over seven thousand years, that tells of his coming. Enemies and allies find him at every turn, but one thing they all learn very quickly is that you don't want to push Grant Borrows too far...Can destiny be undone?The players are ready. The game is in motion. And the pace is Relentless.In the allegorical tradition of Tolkien and Lewis comes a powerful new myth for a new generation.

Dinosaurs Vs Aliens: Free Issue, Issue 0


Barry Sonnenfeld - 2014
    Is that thunder? Or voices? Or the opening chords for the end of worlds? The monsters are coming. A special free preview edition of the new graphic novel. From the minds of acclaimed filmmaker, Barry Sonnenfeld (director of the, Men In Black films) and superstar graphic novel creator, Grant Morrison (Batman, The Invisibles, Action Comics, 18 Days), comes Dinosaurs Vs. Aliens, from Liquid Comics. The story focuses on a secret world war battle that was never recorded in our history books. When an alien invasion attacks Earth in the age of the dinosaurs, our planet's only saviors are the savage prehistoric beasts which are much more intelligent than humanity has ever imagined.

Infinity Lost


S. Harrison - 2015
    Blackstone has the impunity to destroy—or create—as it sees fit.Infinity “Finn” Blackstone is the seventeen-year-old daughter of Blackstone’s reclusive CEO—but she’s never even met him. When disturbing dreams about a past she doesn’t remember begin to torment her, Finn knows there’s only one person who can provide answers: her father.After Finn and an elite group of peers are invited to Blackstone’s top-secret HQ, Finn realizes she may have a chance to confront her father. But when a highly sophisticated company AI morphs into a killing machine, the trip descends into chaos. Trapped inside shape-shifting walls, Finn and her friends are at the mercy of an all-seeing intelligence that will destroy everything to get to her.With no hope of help, Finn’s dream-memories may be the only chance of survival. But will she remember in time to save her own life and the lives of those around her?

Rex


Ashley L. Hunt - 2017
    The girl next door. Is the universe against them?Rex The Tribal Elder of Campestria, one of eleven kingdoms on the planet Albaterra. His blue skin, fierce warrior prowess, and dedication to his race are all in keeping with the A’li-uud species, but his free-thinking ideals have others on the Elder Council wondering if he is capable as a leader.Tabitha A young, talented chef aboard the Paragon. She is at a point in her life where she just wants to escape Earth and start over, and the space exploration mission was the answer to her prayers. Behind her quiet exterior, she is a feisty, strong-willed soul, and she quickly finds out that those traits will be the ones to save her life.When the Paragon crashes on Albaterra at the hands of the A’li-uud Elders, Rex finds Tabitha at the scene of the wreckage, and thus begins a whirlwind of secrets, battles, and unpredictable emotions. Morality is called into question and forces both the alien king and the starry-eyed human to make choices that could either bring them everything they ever wanted or bring about the total destruction of everything they love.Is it possible for two beings of different species to keep their worlds intact while falling in love, or will they be forced to decide between love and life?Find out by reading this eventful, heart-pumping, romantic and sultry space adventure!Rex is the first of the Albaterra Mates series of science fiction romance novels. The book is standalone but should be read in order for maximum enjoyment.Expect steamy scenes, mysterious aliens, deadly planets and the love story between a beautiful curvy woman from Earth and a sensationally hot alien warrior.A full-length romance novel with no cliffhangers and a happy-ever-after ending! EXCLUSIVE INCLUDED: New Book by Ashley L. Hunt YET to be published and only available through this box set!If you love Bella Forrest, Ruby Dixon, Celia Kyle, Christopher Greyson, K.F. Breene, Grace Goodwin these series will be your next read because it is inspired by those awesome authors!

Fluency


Jennifer Foehner Wells - 2014
    They kept the Target under intense surveillance for decades, letting the public believe they were exploring the solar system, while they worked feverishly to refine the technology needed to reach it. The ship itself remained silent, drifting. Dr. Jane Holloway is content documenting nearly-extinct languages and had never contemplated becoming an astronaut. But when NASA recruits her to join a team of military scientists for an expedition to the Target, it’s an adventure she can’t refuse. The ship isn’t vacant, as they presumed. A disembodied voice rumbles inside Jane’s head, "You are home." Jane fights the growing doubts of her colleagues as she attempts to decipher what the alien wants from her. As the derelict ship devolves into chaos and the crew gets cut off from their escape route, Jane must decide if she can trust the alien’s help to survive.

Ruby Celeste and the Ghost Armada


Nicholas J. Ambrose - 2013
    So after dispatching his guarding henchmen, she snatches him and then flees—but not before blowing a gaping hole in the SkyPort.But unbeknownst to Ruby, Stein survives the blast. And along with the assassins now hot on her tail, she has other problems to contend with: the frail man she kidnapped and his newfound place on her ship, a pervasive series of dangerous electrical malfunctions—and what about the diary she finds on a derelict ship? Are its pages filled with the deranged words of a madman—or does it really hold the key to finding the mysterious Ghost Armada?

Claiming His Mate: Alpha Protectors


Juniper Hart - 2019
     My whole life, I wanted to be someone. I left the drudgery of my small-town life for a coveted job in New York City. But the past has a way of catching up with you. If I want to prove myself, I need to go back to Salem and wrap up some business. Running into Marcel Forrester wasn’t part of the plan, and bittersweet memories of the past have left me both frightened and intrigued. His big blues eyes, powerful position, and strong presence make me feel safe. But I can't get involved with someone like him. He has sworn to protect me against a force I didn't even know existed. However, the powerful Alpha can’t save me if I don’t want to be saved. He can’t convince me that something so perfect can last forever. If you love alpha romances, werewolves, bad boys, and paranormal shifters who know how to take charge, then you will love Claiming His Mate! Content Warning: Explicit love scenes and lots of sexy shifters. No cheating and no cliffhangers. Intended for 18+ audiences.

Royal Obsession


Cyndi Friberg - 2013
    They live in their subterranean Shadow Maze and only emerge when it's time to breed. For Varrik, that time is now.Varrik, current leader of the Shadow Assassins, knows his people are on the verge of extinction. If they cannot adapt, they will die. Yet if his son were a direct descendant of the High Queen it would secure a place for future generations. Protecting his people is his first priority, so Varrik assembles a hunting party and kidnaps the royal twins. He is determined to claim the eldest for his own.Echo, the younger princess, knows her pampered sister will never survive the sexual appetites of their virile captor. Echo doesn't understand the powerful attraction she feels for Varrik, but drawing his attention is a far better choice than allowing him to overwhelm her twin. She doesn't expect to find him fascinating or to crave the demanding passion he ignites. Can a dominating warrior and his willing captive bring light to the Shadow Maze?Note to Readers: This book contains detailed descriptions of sizzling passion only suitable for mature readers.From Cyndi: I introduced Shadow Assassins clear back in Taken by Storm. Tal mentions, almost in passing, that his mother was killed by one. Years passed as the concept churned away in the back of my mind. Who were the Shadow Assassins and what became of them after the Great Conflict? As I answered these questions, Royal Obsession was born. Then it became apparent that I didn't have one new book; I had a new series. Royal Obsession is part paranormal romance, part capture fantasy. It's hot and unapologetically sexual. Varrik simply wouldn't be tamed and Echo was more than happy to revel in his carnality. Though this story has sci-fi elements, it's less space opera than my previous books. It's always risky when an author shifts gears, but I hope you enjoy the new series!

Beyond Armageddon IV: Schism


Anthony DeCosmo - 2011
    For Trevor Stone, however, what began as a straightforward battle for survival has grown into a complex campaign against both external and internal adversaries. While his forces confront a human/alien alliance, Trevor finds that his most dangerous enemy is much closer to home. Schism is the fourth installment in the five-part Beyond Armageddon series and features massive battles over the skies of California, a conspiracy that will shake the foundation of humanity's empire, and a conversation with the gods. Get Ready. Hold on. Choose your side.

Saving Mars


Cidney Swanson - 2012
    Earth-Mars relations couldn’t be worse, and her brother is captured during the raid. Breaking rules of secrecy and no contact, Jess finds an ally in Pavel, nephew to a government official, but their friendship only makes more agonizing the choice before her: Save her brother or save her planet?

Kadin


Mel Teshco - 2017
     Grace has a special ability. She senses paranormal beings. It’s the perfect trait to have as an operative for the Paranormal Detection Agency. A pity her next target, Kadin Marres, doesn’t just trigger her paranormal senses … he triggers her lust too. Kadin has been aware of the elusive Grace for some time now and has waited patiently for her. She’s a dragon breeder, and once he finally has her, he isn’t about to give her up. Not even if it means she goes from hunter to hunted.