Book picks similar to
Cascade Point by Joshua Guess


sci-fi
science-fiction
space-opera
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Resistance


Max Carver - 2017
    Rapid expansion into habitable worlds brings immense prosperity and a new age of exploration unlike any humanity has seen. WAR Conflicts over control of the colonial worlds spawn a massive, generation-long war among humans. Under a shaky armistice, humanity has just begun to crawl out of the shadows of destruction, but suspicion and bitter hostility run deep. INVASION On a rocky, desolate planet, a small band of gold prospectors find themselves making a discovery they never expected—valuable and powerful relics of the galaxy's deep past. The prospectors also discover a hostile alien species, ruthless beings who do not tolerate humans and wipe them out on sight. Humanity's first contact with intelligent aliens becomes a war for survival. The invasion has begun...but the beginning of the invasion is also the beginning of the resistance. "Resistance is a terrific space opera adventure. It combines mystery, heart-pounding action, and a good dose of humor. It's Aliens meets Tremors. I can't wait to read the sequel." -Daniel Arenson, USA Today bestselling author of the Earthrise series

The E. E. 'Doc' Smith Omnibus


E.E. "Doc" Smith - 2007
    Then the enemies are forced to become allies when everyone becomes lost in an unfamiliar region of the galaxy and must fight their way back through primative planets and against alien fleets. As always with Smith, romance and action are equally mixed. The Seaton is forced back into action to stop a menace that threatens every civilized planet in the galaxy, but to do it he must create the greatest starship ever conceived. Finally read Triplanetary, the story that helped launch the Lensmen series. A brainy man and heroic woman fight against ruthless space pirates for life and love.

Tranquil Fury


P.G. Thomas - 2014
    As they scanned the horizons they could see nothing but deserted grasslands, and had no idea of where they were, but they were not on Earth. They remembered seeing the mountains from their bus windows, and the accident, as they now stared at that evidence in the field of tall grass. And lying unconscious, Zack and Ryan. What started off as a normal school day, quickly changed into one the oddest day of their young lives. Then they see one lone traveller heading their way, and he offers his assistance to take their injured friends to the ‘healers.’ With no other choice, they accept, but their oddest day, quickly becomes even more peculiar. Their trip leads to a truly unusual forest, then to elves, and then to dwarves. And it is at the dwarven Ironhouse Mine, that the adventure truly begins. Here some of the mysteries are revealed, but others are also presented. And one of those mysteries is a six foot long sword, made by four foot tall dwarfs, but it lacks a name, and champion. In book one of the Anti-Matter Chronicles, Tranquil Fury, you will find a fresh, fast paced adventure, with unique characters, odd circumstances, unusual events, with an exceptional and original story line. Unlike most epic novels, where one character has a foreboding sense of the underlying currents, in the Anti-Matter Chronicles, the unknown has already embraced the resident characters as they wait to welcome the six new cast members. And it is with their insight, that the truth is realized, and the real threats discovered.

The Commune


Charlie Dalton - 2019
     You’re still alive. Will you be tomorrow? Ten years ago, the world ended. A virus swept the planet clean, wiping out 97% of the world’s population. Only the wary survived. We gather our resources in communes clinging to the harshest environments on Earth. Food is scarce and the well’s running dry. Our days are numbered. Then a girl staggers from the desert, her brains fried by the sun. She rambles about technology, a place of safety the Rages never reached. Only the elders recognize what she describes. A place we call the City Then the Reavers attack. They destroy our home and everything we’ve built. We wander the desert, lost, and without hope. And still the girl remembers that place. Does the City really exist? Can she lead us to it? Can we rebuild what we lost? Our journey begins, but we’re not the only ones making it. You will love The Commune, the first pulse-pounding post-apocalyptic thriller in the After the Fall series. Get it now!

ARMS War for Eden


Stephen Arseneault - 2016
    Genetically engineered and trained for war, they lack the knowledge and experience needed to live among a civilian population.Getting involved in the illegal arms trade offers the promise of working with something they know-- weapons. When the profits from their efforts run wild, they soon find out acquiring wealth so easily comes at a high cost. Will their mistakes bring a return of the Great War?Typical review for this series:Amazon Customer: Enjoyable new adventure."Great characters in a new universe! Awesome read and I can't wait for more. Bring up the Arms! Thank you."ARMS is set in the future where Earth was nearing an apocalyptic event. Two competing colony ships were built, taking five million inhabitants each through a wormhole to a pair of newly discovered planets. The planets were settled and not long after the colonies looked to the surrounding star systems for ownership and expansion, which led to a centuries long war between them. A truce was declared after the aggressor side began to lose ground.Tawnish Freely and Harris Gruberg are genetically engineered Biomarines. Their lives have been dedicated to fighting the war. They find themselves struggling to find work among a population that fears them. Work is found only by delving into the delivery of illegal arms to the outer colonies. Things go awry when they discover their illicit dealings may just be the catalyst that brings back the Great War.

The Blue Dragon: A Claire-Agon Dragon Book


Salvador Mercer - 2015
    Seth must not only save his city from a new threat of destruction, but also navigate the politically deadly waters of high intrigue from the gathered realms.Seth soon discovers that, in the world of Claire-Agon, when dealing with a Blue Dragon, sometimes appearances can be deceiving.*****Author's Note:If you've read this far, I just want to say thank you for looking at my book and a special thanks to those of you who have purchased it. It is most gratifying and humbling to have you spend your valuable time looking at my work, and it's my sincerest hope that it brings some entertainment, and perhaps a nice unexpected twist, to your reading pleasure.The Dragon Book Series consists of five books each highlighting one of the five chromatic dragons found in the world of Claire-Agon. Each book can be read independently of each other and in no particular order however, they take place during the same time frame and involve many of the same characters and locations of the Claire-Agon world.The Black Dragon: February of 2015The Blue Dragon: November of 2015The Green Dragon: May of 2016The Red Dragon and The White Dragon: Subscribe to my newsletter to be notified when it's released.The Ranger Rising series takes place one thousand years later.Book 1, Ranger Rising: May of 2015Book 2, Dead Druid: January of 2016Book 3, Mad Mage: June of 2016Books 4-5: Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest release dates.Direct link to sign up for Salvador Mercer's newsletter: eepurl.com/benuebThese newsletters will notify you of new releases at special discounts exclusive to you

Red Dot: Contact


Eugene Linn - 2015
    The question is: will there be any humans left when the aliens arrive? NASA scientist Claire Montague is a single mother in her thirties who’s leading a special team near Washington, DC, assigned to handle the approaching spaceship and report their findings to President Al Douthart. News of the impending ET encounter spreads after a tumultuous National Security Council meeting, causing social, economic, and political upheaval around the world. Just as governments are beginning to calm the chaos of their countries, thousands of unexplained red dots appear on the ground all over the globe. As the countdown continues, Claire and her colleagues struggle to make sense of the mysterious dots and determine what the extraterrestrials’ plan is once they arrive on Earth. But as the questions go unanswered and global tensions erupt into violence, President Douthart wonders who will be more harmful in the end—humans or aliens? Red Dot is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller complete with a remarkable cast of characters and an intriguing portrayal of alien life. Expect the unexpected and you’ll still be surprised.

Unstolen: You can steal, but you can't hide


Tony Batton - 2018
    Almost.
 He returns stolen items to their rightful owners.
 For a price.

 A man has to make a living, and Jake more than most. Because he's still paying for mistakes made a long time ago. And they weren't even his.

Shot All to Hell: Bad Ass Outlaws, Gunfighters, and Law Men of the Old West


Nick Vulich - 2016
    Who hasn’t heard of Jesse James, the Dalton Brothers, Black Bart, or Belle Starr? They are as much a part of American folklore as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. There’s something about the west that has brought out the best, and the worst in mankind. The funny thing is, a cult following has developed around many of these bandits, making them out to be something they weren’t. The legend that grew up around Joaquin Murrieta was that he was just a normal guy who moved from Mexico to California, and tried to strike it rich during the gold rush. What he discovered instead, was a big sign that read, “No Mexicans Allowed.” His supporters say, that because of the Foreign Claim Tax, he was forced off his land, and into a life of outlawry. And, then to support that claim, a whole legend has been built up, about how he stole from the rich, and shared his wealth with poor Mexican families. The only problem is the facts don’t support that interpretation. The same stories developed around Jesse James. Legend has it, Jesse only stole from rich bankers and railroad men, and the reason he could disappear into thin air after pulling a bank job or train robbery was because he shared the booty with poor Missouri families. As with Murrieta, that probably never happened. Jesse James was a thief. He stole money wherever he could get his hands on it. He robbed stagecoaches, banks, trains, and you-name-it. And, last, but not least, there’s Belle Starr, one of the most badass female robbers on record. Belle called her pistols her “babies,” and ruled an outlaw kingdom based out of her home in Indian Territory. She lived by the gun, and she died by the gun. The outlaw life was almost always portrayed as a glamorous life, filled with loose women, blazing guns, and saddlebags overflowing with gold, silver, and greenbacks. What a life! The only thing is, all the movies, books, and TV shows painted a distorted portrait of life in the old west. James Dodsworth lived the outlaw life for six weeks while riding as a spy with the Doolin-Dalton Gang. He said the gang was constantly on the move. They rarely spent more than one night in any one place. Dalton and Doolin, both worried they’d end up like Jesse James—shot in the back. At night, the gang always posted at least one man on watch duty. The rest of the gang slept with Winchesters by their sides, and pistols under their heads. Every one of them were ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. And, as for those saddlebags overflowing with riches, more often than not, they were like a Charlie Brown Halloween special—filled with rocks rather than gold. Sometimes the gang would cut off the wrong car during a train robbery, and end up riding away empty handed. Sometimes a posse would chase them off a little too soon, before they could grab their booty. Other times, it was slim pickings, and there was nothing to take. The first train job the Dalton Gang pulled went totally awry. The Express man got away before they could convince him to open the safe, and in their haste to rob the Atlantic Express the boys forgot to bring dynamite to blow the safe. Black Jack Ketchum, and his gang, made off with $100,000 in unsigned bank notes. Pearl Hart’s fame rests upon a single stage coach robbery that netted her under $500, and several years in the caboose after she was captured. The sad truth is most outlaws led a short life that ended, either at the end of a rope, or with a bullet in the brain.

Outworlder


Joe Vasicek - 2012
    INSTEAD, HE GOT A GIRL WITHOUT ONE. When Jeremiah arrived at Megiddo Station, all he wanted was to make some trades and resupply his starship. He never thought he'd come away with a wife. Before he knows it, he's back on his ship, alone with his accidental bride. Since neither of them speak the same language, he has no way to tell her that there's been a terrible mistake. And because of the deadly famine ravaging her home, there's no going back. She's entirely at his mercy, and that terrifies him more than anything. Jeremiah isn't ready to take responsibility for anyone. He's a star wanderer, roaming the Outworld frontier in search of his fortune. Someday he'll settle down, but for now, he just wants to drop the girl off at the next port and move on. As he soon finds out, though, she has other plans. This series is rated T according to the AO3 content rating system.

Rumors of War


A.K. DuBoff - 2016
    and they're losing. Cris Sietinen joins the Tararian Selective Service to hone his latent telekinetic abilities, but being a TSS Agent puts him at the center of a galactic conspiracy. The TSS has been waging a generations-long war within a hidden dimensional rift against the Bakzen, a mysterious race skilled in advanced telekinesis. The only hope for victory is the prophesied Cadicle--foretold to have powerful abilities unlike any other. But the governing Priesthood has its own clandestine agenda with disastrous ramifications for the Taran Empire. With the future of their people at stake, Cris and his family must face the ultimate questions of duty and morality to save their civilization from certain destruction. This character-driven space opera epic with adventure, coming-of-age, romance, and intrigue will appeal to fans of Frank Herbert, Anne McCaffrey, and E.E. "Doc" Smith. Join three generations of the Sietinen family as they challenge destiny to win a war where enemies are not always who they seem.

The Alien Corps


P.J. McDermott - 2015
    They approach the Alien Corps to assist with their investigation.More is at stake than Earth’s trading supremacy. If this Teacher turns out to be the one the Alien Corps have been looking for so long, it could signal the end of all life in the galaxy.Commander Hickory Lace and her team are sent to investigate.If you enjoy tales of future dystopias packed with action and adventure, you'll love The Alien Corps. Mystery, adventure, psi abilities, an alien who could be the incarnation of Jesus, and a classic writing style that evokes Simak, Heinlein, and Anderson.® Registered Trade Mark of the Intragalactic AgencyAvailable in eBook, paperback and audiobook formats

The World of Adam Dunne


Tobor Eichmann - 2016
    He has a secret locked inside of him and only he holds the key. Horrifying visions haunt him day and night. As Adam unravels the mystery surrounding his past, he discovers that the world around him isn't what it seems.

Swallow the Sky: A Space Opera


Chris Mead - 2014
    Professionally edited and proofed..Swallow the Sky embodies the essence of classic science fiction: real science, adventure, high spirits, and above all, a sense of wonder.Galactic culture is still reverberating from the nanotech disaster that destroyed Earth. But this is ancient history to Carson, an inter-stellar mailman and a collector of antique technology, until he learns of the secret location of Earth’s lost treasures. Carson is not alone in his discovery and becomes embroiled with a wealthy megalomaniac determined to capture the bounty for himself. As their race across the galaxy accelerates it becomes chillingly clear that far more is at stake than ancient artifacts, leading to the protagonists’ final confrontation in the ruined kingdom of Sol."Somewhere, EE Smith, Gene Roddenberry, and Iain Banks are sitting around wishing they'd written a Space Opera as entertaining as Swallow the Sky. Intelligent world-building, strong characterization, and settings that are just rip-roaring good fun! It tells a tale the old-fashioned way - brilliantly!"Chris Garcia, Hugo award-winning editor“This book is fun, filled with machines who have sassy personalities, leviathans who enjoy a good-natured game of hide-and-seek, and sentient insects who trust that someday, humans will evolve... Carson really is a unique antique himself, and an adorable good-guy to spend time with as a reader.”Yvette Keller, Science Fiction in San Francisco Magazine

Watcher's Web


Patty Jansen - 2011
    She casts webs of power, reading the feelings of living beings and telling them what to do. Nobody knows what causes it, least of all her. Her name is Jessica, but most people call her ‘freak’.One fateful day, her ‘web’ connects with a stranger, and stray power causes the plane in which she’s travelling to crash in an alien world. An accident? The more she discovers about the world in which she has landed, the more she doubts it.She is a survivor from an ancient race that once travelled the stars. Her ancestors were powerful and dangerous, and it seems at least two people want her: the man who invades her mind, and the man who’s desperate to help her get back home. But Jessica grew up an Earth girl, and isn’t having any of this. She’ll pander to no one, thank you very much, even if her stubbornness enrages the tyrant race who hold the world in their grip.