Books like 'Ascending'
Readers who enjoyed Ascending by Meg Pechenick also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
sc-fi space military, war & conflict aliens space-opera slow-burn enemies-to-lovers space-travel exploration invasion
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No Retreat by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen things are going to plan, check to see what you’re missing.Admiral Jack Romanoff and his crew are trapped inside the Confederation proper and facing an unknown number of alien attack ships. They’d thought the Tardan military was defeated, but they’d been wrong. Now they were trapped in a fight they couldn’t lose.When everything seems exactly as you’d hoped, figure out what you’ve missed... -
![Under Siege by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon]()
Under Siege by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOnly one world in the cluster remains in enemy hands.Admiral Jack Romanoff and his crew have one remaining nut to crack before they can turn their attention to the people that overthrew the Confederation. The Vesuvius system has become a fortress, so it won’t be an easy fight, but it is one they cannot lose and survive.When force alone won’t do the trick, add guile... -
![Paladin: Age of Expansion by Natalie Grey, Michael Anderle]()
Paladin: Age of Expansion by Natalie Grey, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBarnabas has traced the influence of the Yennai Corporation from High Tortuga to their secret base, which he has destroyed, killing both heirs to the company. Who hasn’t he killed? Koel Yennai, the patriarch and founder…who has sworn vengeance on Barnabas for killing his children and destroying his legacy... -
![Messinants by S.H. Jucha]()
Messinants by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPyre is a volatile planet. Its surface belches heat and noxious gases, forcing downsiders to inhabit domes. But Pyre’s instability isn’t limited to its geology. The colonists, who were marooned in the system hundreds of years ago, have endured a tumultuous history.Exploring Triton, Pyre’s third moon, spacers inadvertently activate an alien dome...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
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![Elvians by S.H. Jucha]()
Elvians by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsTwo crises challenge the Omnians. Alex Racine’s fleet draws a first-contact conflict, which faces the Ollassa, a symbiotic flora race. The Omnian fleet sails from alliance space in an effort to interdict an alien ship that arrives at the Worlds of Lights, the Ollassa system. Soon after arriving, the alien ship deploys machines to scour asteroids for resources in the system’s far belt...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Jatouche by S.H. Jucha]()
Jatouche by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPyre’s humans suffer multiple cultural shocks. They discovered the Messinants dome, an ancient construction that houses a quantum-coupled gate. More shocking, they find that sentient alien races utilize a network of these domes to journey between their far distant worlds in pursuit of alliance matters... -
![SADEs by S.H. Jucha]()
SADEs by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDangerous forces are at work across galactic space that the Omnians are attempting to stabilize, but their resources are severely strained. The SADEs, self-aware digital entities, express to Alex Racine and Renée de Guirnon their desire to know the method of their creation. Alex and Renée, the Omnian co-leaders, want to obtain the knowledge for the SADEs, who are humans’ closest allies...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Veklocks by S.H. Jucha]()
Veklocks by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA triumvirate of Veklocks, emissaries of the Tsargit, the alliance governing body, negotiates with Harbour, the Pyrean envoy, about critical projects the Pyreans need. But it’s possible that the Veklocks ask for too much in return. The Veklocks require the Pyreans to explore the extent of the Colony’s usurpation of domes. The Colony is composed of two insectoid species, the grays and the reds... -
![Nua'll by S.H. Jucha]()
Nua'll by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Omnian expeditionary fleet sails for the faraway place they call “the wall.” The worlds of humankind have consolidated their resources to create a powerful armada to confront the alien federation.During the Omnians’ previous encounter with an alien fleet at the wall, the Nua’ll comm sphere spoke to them in multiple languages...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Delphi Diversion by Bob Blanton]()
Delphi Diversion by Bob Blanton
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsCatie is on her way back to Earth after having settled the Fazulan slaves when the wormhole her ship is traveling in collapses. They are diverted to another system where big chunks are flying around. They rescue a ship and find themselves in the middle of a series of mysteries...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact space-opera space-travel action-adventure audiobook book -
![Earth Ascendant by Raymond L. Weil]()
Earth Ascendant by Raymond L. Weil
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author Raymond L. Weil comes the second book in a new military science fiction series.The war between the seven alien races of the Confederation and Earth heats up as the two come into direct conflict over the former Human Empire. The people or Earth are determined to free it, and the Confederation is determined to keep it under their strict control... -
![Artifice by S.H. Jucha]()
Artifice by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe great spheres and probes of Artifice, humankind’s enemy, haunt every inhabited world near and far. The Omnians’ long and arduous search for Artifice has ended. They’ve located Artifice’s lair in the Talus system. The sentient digital entity rules a vast swath of worlds, known as the federacy, through ruthless intimidation... -
![The Legend of ZERO: Forgotten by Sara King]()
The Legend of ZERO: Forgotten by Sara King
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIt's been 819 years since Congress abandoned humanity to a Stone Age fate on an Earth infested with man-eating monsters, and now the galactic government, in all its benevolence, has come back to force humanity back into citizen status in its great collective......Except this time, thanks to Prime Commander Dobbs, humanity has a surprise for our alien conquerors... -
![Nemesis of Mars by Glynn Stewart]()
Nemesis of Mars by Glynn Stewart
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA failed attempt on the Mage-QueenAn old friend from the gutterAn enemy that should be dead...When a kidnapping attempt on the Mage-Queen of Mars is thwarted by luck, leaving thousands dead in its wake, Prince-Chancellor Damien Montgomery returns to field operations one more time. The evidence leads to one place: Tau Ceti... -
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![Obliteration by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle]()
Obliteration by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new evil lurks in the darkness. The crew is relieved by Dejoure’s perplexing ability to soothe the monster, but that won’t keep them safe for long.Precious Galaxy Coffee Company is under constant attack. Someone wants to take out the biggest giant in the galaxy. The team goes after the other databases only to learn something that changes everything. Vance is always one step ahead of them...Categorized as:
aliens invasion exploration first-contact space-opera space-travel sci-fi genetic-engineering -
![Determination by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle]()
Determination by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new evil lurks in the darkness Bailey and Lewis are more determined than ever to find Ricky Bobby’s missing crew.Monstre Corp knows they are on the hunt, and Solomon Vance isn’t letting them get close. The monster is still out there, a threat they can’t stop. Jack decides the only way to win is to fake their own deaths. If Vance believes they’re dead, he’ll let down his guard...Categorized as:
aliens invasion exploration first-contact space-opera space-travel sci-fi genetic-engineering -
![Junkyard Spaceship by Jamie McFarlane]()
Junkyard Spaceship by Jamie McFarlane
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsWhen aliens threaten his country, one grumpy old vet will take the fight to the stars.Albert Jenkins would like nothing more than to putter around his junkyard, selling parts and working on old cars. When an alien spacecraft is shot down by US Air Defense and crash lands on his newly rebuilt home, he’s dragged back into the fight of his life...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Explorations by Raymond L. Weil]()
Explorations by Raymond L. Weil
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDisaster has struck the Human Federation of Worlds. The Eternals have finally found Earth and are preparing to destroy it and the rest of the Federation. They begin gathering a massive fleet to overwhelm and destroy all of the Human worlds... -
![Junkyard Veterans by Jamie McFarlane]()
Junkyard Veterans by Jamie McFarlane
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsWith a price on their heads, grumpy old vets will risk everything to bring alien assassins to justice.Someone is killing off the old team of vets who repelled Earth’s first Korgul invasion. With the end of a war precious few even knew was happening, life’s been peaceful... -
![Crusade by Glynn Stewart]()
Crusade by Glynn Stewart
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA newborn Alliance, forged to stop the destroyers of worldsA potential ally, with secrets hidden by a thousand liesA long-doomed star, whose ruins hold a vital answer...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Search for the Lost by Raymond L. Weil]()
Search for the Lost by Raymond L. Weil
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom USA Today Best Selling Author Raymond L. Weil comes the second book in the Originator Wars series. The Eternals have decided to conquer Originator space. All that stands between them are the Originator AIs and the Humans, or at least that is what the Eternals believe. In preparation for the invasion, they begin gathering their massive warfleet... -
![The Long Voyage of the Little Fleet by Mackey Chandler]()
The Long Voyage of the Little Fleet by Mackey Chandler
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn the first book of this series "Family Law", Lee's parents and their business partner Gordon found a class A habitable planet. They thought their quest as explorers was over and they'd live a life of ease. But before they could return and register their claim Lee's parents died doing a survey of the surface...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult book -
![Fractured Union by Craig A. Falconer, James Patrick Cronin]()
Fractured Union by Craig A. Falconer, James Patrick Cronin
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe long-awaited fourth book in the globally acclaimed Not Alone series is finally here!New to the series? Catch up on the first three books today with the best-selling Contact Trilogy box set, containing these books for one incredible price.Some doors aren't meant to be opened...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel adult alternate-history -
![Shell Game by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon]()
Shell Game by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIf you can't hide the game, conceal the pieces. Admiral Jack Romanoff and his people have located the system the Tardans are using as their command post for the invasion of the Confederation. Only they can't simply attack militarily because of the stellar terrain, so they need to improvise. When the stakes are high, leave no option unexplored... -
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![Lightning Strike by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon]()
Lightning Strike by J.N. Chaney, Terry Mixon
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn combat, speed is life.Admiral Jack Romanoff and his people have seized control of Faust and now have a base of operations, though the people of that world aren't completely pleased by his presence or actions. That's okay because he doesn't have time to worry about them. He needs to strike the Locusts before they spread even more than they already have in the wreck everything humanity has built... -
![Refuge by Glynn Stewart]()
Refuge by Glynn Stewart
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsA dying world, shattered by a broken machineA desperate flight, their only hope for refugeA robotic race, ally and destroyer alikeThe Republic of Exilium has grown in strength and confidence at the far end of the galaxy from the rest of mankind, sending out scout ships to survey the worlds around them as they try to learn more about the mysterious Construction Matrix AIs...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Omnia by S.H. Jucha]()
Omnia by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAlex Racine, who led an elite group of humans and SADEs (self-ware digital entities), left the newly discovered planet of Celus-5 under difficult circumstances. Few of the Harakens with Alex thought there was little he could do to bring peace to the embroiled planet...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Vigilance by Ken Lozito]()
Vigilance by Ken Lozito
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThey’ve spent years exploring this world, but they were living on borrowed time. Only they didn’t know it. Six months ago, Connor learned what the alien race that populated New Earth feared—a mysterious enemy who nearly brought about the collapse of an entire civilization. To help the colony prepare for this new threat, Connor rejoins the Colonial Defense Force... -
![Celus-5 by S.H. Jucha]()
Celus-5 by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFor the Sojourn’s initial mission, the Haraken explorer ship undertakes the investigation of Celus-5, a world identified by Willem, a SADE (self-aware digital entity), and his team of scientists, as the best prospect for a new colony.What should be a routine survey mission becomes a disaster. To the Harakens’ surprise, they discover, not one, but two alien species engaged in conflict...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Emergence by Ken Lozito, Scott Aiello]()
Emergence by Ken Lozito, Scott Aiello
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAs the colony grapples with the realization that New Earth is not as uninhabited as they’d once thought, tensions between the colonial settlements rise to new heights, and the Colonial Defense Force finds itself caught in the middle. When Connor uncovers evidence of a militant colonial faction secretly exploiting the NEIIS, he has to investigate...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Crystals by Jonathan P. Brazee]()
Crystals by Jonathan P. Brazee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWar with the aliens has broken out, and they seem to have all the advantages. Engineers and scientists are scrambling to develop weapons to stand up to the threat, but when all is said and done, it is the Navy fighter pilots who have to take the fight to the enemy... -
![Endure by M.R. Forbes]()
Endure by M.R. Forbes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe journey of the starship Pioneer continues in the fourth thrilling installment of the Forgotten Starship series.The ship is in dire straits, deep behind enemy lines and on the verge of capture. While Tyson fights to prepare a defense, other forces work to ensure his ultimate failure as they seek to claim one of Pioneer’s few remaining secrets... -
![Evolve by M.R. Forbes]()
Evolve by M.R. Forbes
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSeries Finale!The starship Pioneer’s voyage is coming to an end, and it won’t be like anything the passengers or crew could have imagined.If any of them survive to see it.Pioneer needs to reach the Forge, but the Forge is surrounded by the enemy’s massive fleet, which is preparing to launch an assault that could leave the station in ruins... -
![The Deadliest of Intentions by Marc Stevens]()
The Deadliest of Intentions by Marc Stevens
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Principal Investigator of the Chaalt people, has covertly enlisted the aid of Nathan Myers and the crew of the Legacy. They desperately need help gaining access to their secret Prule research station. The facility has gone dark, and the automated defenses activated... -
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![Hell's Reach by David VanDyke, B.V. Larson]()
Hell's Reach by David VanDyke, B.V. Larson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsUSA Today bestseller B.V. Larson and Dragon award finalist David VanDyke have released book six in their epic military space opera! The Breakers find a new home among the stars: Utopia. An engineered planet that is vast beyond comprehension with plenty of room to grow. They set up trade routes and work as mercenaries for their supplies… but trouble lurks. Pirates strike their merchant lanes... -
![Shout of Honor by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller]()
Shout of Honor by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCommander Vepal is a Hero. He is also the Yxtrang ambassador to the greater universe. These two facts do not make Vepal's life easy. But they do make it interesting... -
![Corruption by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle]()
Corruption by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA new evil lurks in the darkness. After an explosion, the crew of a battlecruiser mysteriously disappears.Bailey and Lewis, complete strangers, find themselves suddenly onboard the damaged ship. Lewis hasn’t worked a case in years, not since the final one broke his spirit and his bank account. The last thing Bailey remembers is preparing to take down a fugitive on Onyx Station...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure book -
![Zero Friction by Toby Neighbors]()
Zero Friction by Toby Neighbors
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe bestselling space opera is back! The crew of the Modulus Echo is stuck in service to Brigadier General Alicia Pershing in exchange for their freedom. But while working for the Royal Imperium may have its perks, it is also extremely dangerous. From space battles to rescue missions, Ben and his friends will have to use all their resourcefulness if they hope to survive...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact space-opera space-travel book fiction galactic-empire -
![Sector Seventeen by S.J. MacDonald]()
Sector Seventeen by S.J. MacDonald
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFor centuries, there have been glimpses of something very strange and very fast in the turbulent space beyond Telathor, known to spacers as the Space Monster of Sector Seventeen. Now the Fourth is sent to investigate the Phenomenon under orders never to use the M word – nobody, after all, wants to be on record as the person who sent warships to hunt for a space monster... -
![Ace by Jonathan Brazee]()
Ace by Jonathan Brazee
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAlien Crystals don't recognize human boundaries. The Navy of Humankind has to hold them back. Small fighters in the vastness of space. Joint Task Force Iron Shield stands ready. Too small to defend everywhere, they need intel so they can go on the attack. Maximize their firepower. Maximize their impact. The Crystals do not know fear. They are coming for what they want... -
![Stardust by Edward W. Robertson]()
Stardust by Edward W. Robertson
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe invaders have arrived. The last battle for humanity is about to begin. STARDUST is the final book in the Rebel Stars series...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel action-adventure adult -
![Emerge by M.R. Forbes]()
Emerge by M.R. Forbes
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAfter 100 years crossing the expanse, the generation starship Pioneer is nearly halfway to her destination. The horrors of her first few days in space have been erased by time and forgotten by the residents of the city nestled inside.But all good things must come to an end.Deputy Niko Nori finds that out the hard way... -
![Heretic by Philip C. Quaintrell]()
Heretic by Philip C. Quaintrell
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe third volume in Philip C. Quaintrell's Terran Cycle continues to span the galaxy, exploring the origins of mankind. Now a man with nothing to lose, Kalian Gaines has chosen to travel through the Conclave’s new Starforge and explore what remains of the Terran Empire... -
![Ashes of War by Kevin O. McLaughlin]()
Ashes of War by Kevin O. McLaughlin
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe alien Naga tried to destroy all life on Earth, but what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Six months ago we fought a short but devastating war against the invaders. Our ships burned, and whole cities were annihilated, but we defeated them. Now out of the ashes rises a new Space Force, led by the heroes from that final terrible battle... -
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![Delphi Envoy by Bob Blanton]()
Delphi Envoy by Bob Blanton
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsCatie finally gets to go visit all the other civilizations known to the Paraxians. She is supposed to get them to join the Delphi League. But things don't go as smoothly as she expects. For some reason, there's resistance to anything she does. Come along and help Catie uncover the secrets on Aperanje...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-travel action-adventure audiobook book -
![Destruction by M.R. Forbes]()
Destruction by M.R. Forbes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Deliverance isn’t alone.That’s not a surprise. The planet was chosen for a reason.But the situation is more dire than Caleb ever imagined. The enemy he’s encountered isn’t the enemy he was seeking, and the conflict is expanding in ways he can barely conceive... -
![Counterattack by Dean Henegar]()
Counterattack by Dean Henegar
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAdrift in an unknown sector of space, Slater and the crew of the Franklin are cut off from friendly support and surrounded by enemies on all sides.The mysterious council means to destroy him, but a derelict core is a deadly opponent, and Captain Slater will stop at nothing to get his crew home safely... -
![Earth Eternal by Daniel Arenson]()
Earth Eternal by Daniel Arenson
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe grays, terrors from deep space, overwhelm our fleet. Our starships burn. Our armies shatter. Our cities crumble. Hope is all but lost. Captains Marco Emery and Addy Linden launch a desperate quest. Against all odds, they must reach the grays' world. They must travel deep behind enemy lines. They must find the grays' source of power--and destroy it. The quest seems hopeless... -
![The Final Call by Craig A. Falconer]()
The Final Call by Craig A. Falconer
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThey came in peace. But that was last time… As the world gears up for the first anniversary of Contact Day, Dan McCarthy’s year-long effort to stay out of the limelight collapses in an instant...Categorized as:
aliens exploration first-contact invasion space-opera space-travel adult alternate-history -
![Retaliation by Raymond L. Weil]()
Retaliation by Raymond L. Weil
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOver 100,000 copies of the Slaver Wars series were sold in 2013. Operation First Strike is coming to an end. It has succeeded in buying the Human Federation of Worlds valuable time to prepare for the coming invasion. Now Fleet Admiral Streth needs to get his remaining warships back home to aid in the defense of the human worlds...
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