Books like 'Critical Path'
Readers who enjoyed Critical Path by Darren Wearmouth also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
sc-fi action / adventure space military, war & conflict galactic-empire aliens invasion post-apocalyptic first-contact
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Adverse Possession by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA planet in dispute. Farmers vs miners, and no one knows the full story.The Federation sends Rivka and her team to resolve a case of settlers squatting on a remote planet when the owners finally came calling.Not what it seems. Three generations of settlers and more. A planet that isn’t as welcoming as it appears. Crops coming ripe. Miners ready to dig. Tempers flare as the sides face off... -
Rise of the AI by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Singularity enters the Federation. Its citizens are AIs.And no one knows how to treat them. From collaborations to master-slave, every relationship is different, when they shouldn’t be. The AIs fight back, but on a level none of the other members understand.The fight starts slowly, but when the realization of what’s happening hits too close to home, more extraordinary measures are called for... -
The Interview by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhen the right thing goes wrong, someone has to answer.Dismantling the Blood Trade wasn’t the end, but the beginning. Everything the Magistrates do has been called into question.Do they have probable cause? Are they respecting a suspect’s right against self-incrimination? The ambassadors have questions, and they think they know the answers, but only the Magistrates know the truth... -
Blood Trade by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.75 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA crime against all – stealing one’s life blood.It prolongs life! It gives strength and power. Such exotic luxuries come at a high price. Those who have been drained? “Donors” but not quite volunteers. That’s why they’re kidnapped, never to be heard from again. Taken from their families and removed from existence... -
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She is the Principle: A Kurtherian Gambit Series by Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.83 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA teenage boy with a terminal condition, a group of school bullies, and an incognito Empress with a short temper…Kirian Larsen knows he won’t live to see adulthood. Dex and his gang only care that he’s a human living on “their” planet.Their determination to make his life harder bothers Kirian less than their efforts to do the same for their other victims... -
Deception by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLies & deceit leading to a domino of crimes.The Trans-Pacific Task Force is getting ready to deploy but they don’t have what they need. Someone’s been skimming. A contract won through mistruths. Incomplete payments limiting the army’s readiness.Colonel Marcie Walton is angry and calling anyone who will answer.Magistrate Rivka Anoa is on the job and thrown into the middle of two shooting wars... -
Dispute by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo races. One war. Perpetual hatred. And the Magistrate crash lands right in the middle of it.Rivka and her crew take a much-deserved vacation, but find themselves on a jungle planet, cut off from the rest of the galaxy. Part by design, but mostly not. Isn’t that what a good vacation is supposed to be, disconnected from the rigors of everyday life? Until no one can hear your calls for help... -
Forged in Flame by Michael R. Hicks
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis is the second book of the First Empress saga, following From Chaos Born.Keel-Tath, the child who would unite her people as foretold by an ancient prophecy, has grown to be a young warrior in the confines of the Desh-Ka temple, where she has been sheltered by her old friend and mentor Ayan-Dar from the clutches of Syr-Nagath, the Dark Queen... -
Race Rivalry by S.H. Jucha
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe sisters’ leader, Miriamal, and three mining chairpersons investigate an unexplored wormhole for possible economic expansion. Aboard the Dominance, they exit the wormhole and are stunned to find the nearby system inhabited. More troubling, technologically advanced warships hold station above the system’s exoplanet... -
The Academy by Nathan Hystad
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Academy is a galaxy-class school, created to train the next generation of Gatekeepers. Jules Parker is attending the Academy, alongside her best friend Patty. When the Kold threaten everything her father and his friends have spent years building, she must reveal that her Iskios abilities are stronger than ever... -
Combust by Tana Stone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Drexian warrior is brooding and mysterious--and he's claimed me as his tribute.When I don't marry his nephew, I have no idea I'm still promised to Zoran's clan. Imagine my shock when the dark and imposing alien informs me that he will be taking me as his tribute bride--and taking me back to the Drexian home world with him... -
Excalibur Lost: a Space Opera Novella by Glynn Stewart
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA broken speciesA broken manA lost legend…Only dreams and stories remain of the worlds humanity once called home, but scattered refugees live in the corners of the empire of their conquerors, the Sacred Council of Races... -
Old Enemy by Nathan Hystad
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen all new threats are dealt with, old enemies emerge from the shadows. Dean Parker has brought his wife home, and he’s looking forward to relaxing and having a future with his family on New Spero. The Iskios vortex is gone, vanquished by the Hero of Earth, but unforeseen enemies linger in the universe. The Bhlat send a warning to the humans, one that suggests the Kraski may not all be dead...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult apocalyptic -
The Art of Smuggling by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.69 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsWhy would anyone steal art? Who can you sell it to? The High Chancellor puts Rivka on the trail of serial art thieves. Dismantle the ring. Recover the art. Put the thieves behind bars, thieves who stay one step ahead.Insiders? Or maybe outsiders with inside knowledge? No suspects. No clues... -
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Reprisal by Charles Tillman, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.68 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAncient Warrior—Vampire—Queen’s Bitch...Akio accepted his Queen’s charge to stay behind and protect humanity from the Forsaken scourge.She never said it would be easy.An isolated police report about an island overtaken by feral, red-eyed creatures savaging humans spurs Akio to investigate... -
Confederation by Michael R. Hicks
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn the second book of the In Her Name science fiction & fantasy series, Reza Gard has been banished from the Kreelan Empire and is once again a stranger in a strange land as he returns to the human Confederation. Befriended by a marooned Confederation naval officer leading a desperate fight against the Kreelans on a distant colony world, she reunites Reza with Nicole Carré...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult book -
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... -
Acheron Redemption by Ken Lozito
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSentinel warships were the answer to the Federation Wars. They brought peace and stability....or so they thought.The Sentinels are a menace, terrorizing spacers across the galaxy in their hunt. But change is coming, and spacers across the galaxy will have to choose whether to fight for their future or not...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure adult book colonization -
Revikk by Alana Khan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCan their love survive his deepest secrets? Dawn is immediately attracted to bad boy Revikk and surrenders to her fiery impulses. Confident and skilled, Revikk satisfies. But with every layer Revikk reveals about his past, Dawn must decide whether it spikes her attraction or her fear. Dawn A year ago, I never would have dreamed I’d approach a male like Revikk for a fling...Categorized as:
first-contact aliens invasion galactic-empire space action-adventure paranormal colonization -
Tarrex by Alana Khan
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAfter praying for death for years, Tarrex finds both freedom and love on the day he decides his life has a very clear, very near expiration date. Tarrex I didn’t just ask for death, as a gladiator-slave I was ready to embrace it. My owners forced me to kill in the arena, but my empathic abilities compelled me to endure every moment of my opponents’ agony...Categorized as:
first-contact aliens invasion galactic-empire steamy space action-adventure psychics -
Junkyard Raiders by Jamie McFarlane
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDumped on a backwater planet, heroic old vets will risk everything to take a stand against vicious alien invaders.On the pastoral, backwater planet of Fimil Alpha, something or someone is eradicating the tribespeople of the Gauder Plains. Back on Earth, Albert Jenkins and his crew are enjoying the short-lived fame that accompanied their last adventure...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure adult book colonization -
Challenges by Natalie Grey, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTabitha has one night to challenge her past, and her belief in herself. Normally, a person would fail. However, Tabitha has an ace in the hole. A female vampire with hundreds of years of life and wisdom and she is willing to protect Tabitha and tell her the truth. Whether Tabitha wants it, or not. And whether the Vampire wants to hurt others is not in question... -
War Eternal, Books 1-3 by M.R. Forbes
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings3 books. 1000+ pages. Over 100,000 unbundled copies sold. Book 1: Starship Eternal A lost starship... A dire warning from futures past... A desperate search for salvation… Captain Mitchell “Ares” Williams is a Space Marine and the hero of the Battle for Liberty, whose Shot Heard ‘Round the Universe saved the planet from a nearly unstoppable war machine... -
Void Horizon by J.N. Chaney, Christopher Hopper
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAn enemy with otherworldly powers. A war fueled by insatiable bloodlust. No one will be spared. Following their first victory against a rogue unit of Repub Marines, Magnus finds his newly trained gladias pinned down by a squadron of Talons... -
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Lucky Revenge by Joshua James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe universe if FUBAR. Just when things couldn't get any worse, humanity finds a way. The invasion force is in shambles. The universe is on fire. An ancient enemy is about to end mankind for good. Sgt. Lucky Lee Savage saw it all coming. He warned all the right people. He took all the right steps. Look what that got him... -
Lucky Empire by Joshua James
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMankind's luck has run out... As humanity rushes toward universal slaughter, the last Marine standing in the way of extinction is the least qualified one around — just ask him. With the conspiracy now fully in power, Lucky & Co. have turned into fugitives within the Empire... -
Fratricide by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.66 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSafety takes a back seat to profit. Until it crosses the line. Shipyard deaths. Labor complaints. Fear. Intimidation. Rivka gets called in to sort things out, investigate the safety issues, mediate the dispute.What she finds isn’t a negotiation at all. She puts on her Magistrate hat and gets to work sorting out crimes made to look like accidents... -
Formation (Forgotten Space Book 2) by M.R. Forbes
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAfter narrowly escaping destruction, Nicholas and his crew find themselves flung far across the universe with no way home. When a distress call from a nearby planet catches their attention, they decide to investigate with the hope the signal is somehow connected to their arrival.It isn’t long before the truth of Foresight’s mission comes into clearer focus, and Nicholas doesn’t like what he sees... -
Arena 2 by Logan Jacobs
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy fellow Americans, we are here for one reason: the fact that I picked Marc Havak to represent us in the crucible of carnage. Now, before we talk about how fantastic I am at making world leader decisions. Let’s talk about how great this sequel is. I've read many sequels, and all were bad. Very very bad. But this one? It's the best. And not just because I'm in it. No. Well, yes... -
Adventures of the Starship Satori: Book 1-6 Complete Library by Kevin McLaughlin
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsCollected together for the first time, read the opening six-book arc of USA Today Bestseller Kevin McLaughlin's epic starship Satori series! Dan Wynn thought he was grounded forever, but was given one last shot at the stars. Beth Wynn figured she'd never see her ex-husband again, until the adventure of a lifetime brought them back together... -
The Alliance by Raymond L. Weil
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA mission to free a world from the Kleese has gone terribly wrong. Lieutenant Ryan Nelson and his Marines are trapped with no hope of rescue. On the Kleese home world, a division grows between the regular Kleese and the militaristic Zaltule. The war against the Kleese intensifies as the human led Alliance attempts a daring attack against the heart of the Kleese Empire...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult book -
Insurrection by Raymond L. Weil
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe final battle between the Humans and the Zaltule is drawing near. However, the Arachnids have a secret that will ensure victory and allow them to wipe out the Human race once and for all.In the Strell Empire, former Supreme Overlord Xatul plans his return. He has amassed a fleet to take back control of the Kleese Empire...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult book -
Your Life Is Forfeit by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsRed has a price on his head. Rivka is determined to find those who put it there. Criminals commit crimes. Career criminals do it in secret. They are good at hiding.Rivka’s latest case has her hunting fugitives. Red is on a mission to find them and make them pay for what they’ve done.Her search leads her through dark warrens of political intrigue and ecological disasters...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure audiobook book fiction -
Legend of the Sword by Michael R. Hicks
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSix months after the alien Kreelan Empire launched its invasion of human space, the Confederation of Humanity is rapidly growing. The planet of Saint Petersburg, however, would rather see the Confederation destroyed. With a secretly built navy, they have lured the Confederation fleet into a trap, even as the Kreelans prepare another devastating attack...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult book -
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Losing Mars by Peter Cawdron
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsDisaster strikes in orbit around Mars. A Chinese spacecraft is disabled, stranded near Phobos. Well over a hundred million miles from Earth, their only hope for rescue comes from the American base on the edge of the Vallis Marineris on the surface of Mars... -
Destroy The Corrupt by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.52 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNo one runs a racket and gets away with it. Not in the Federation and not when it steals business from The Bad Company. Punish the interlopers! But justice must be served. Is it a racket? Or are they just better at business?Send in the Magistrate to investigate and apply the law. What will Rivka uncover? What justice will she deliver?Keep pulling the threads. See what unravels...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure audiobook book fiction -
Final Battle by Michael R. Hicks
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFollowing Confederation, Final Battle is the last book in the saga of Reza Gard. Reza is caught up in a daring plot to assassinate the Confederation President, even as something goes terribly wrong in the Empire and its warriors lose their will to fight. Reunited with Tesh-Dar, Reza and his friends fight to save the woman he loves, with the fate of the Empire and Humanity hanging in the balance...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult book -
Serial Killer by Craig Martelle, Michael Anderle
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsAlien ambassadors are dying. The locals are in over their heads. Or are they turning a blind eye?The Magistrates band together to learn about the law, each other, and even themselves. They still need outside help to solve the case. Who do they call? And Barnabas stops by to refuel and spin a tale. More training for the Magistrates. But duty takes them away...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure audiobook book fiction -
Attack Plan Alpha by Jay Allan
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA battle is coming, the greatest the Rim has seen in ten thousand years, a fight for freedom, for the future, for the very survival of all humanity holds dear. Tyler Barron and his comrades are ready for their greatest test, but even as they prepare to hold the line at Fortress Striker, to turn back the Highborn’s imminent attack, the enemy have opened another front, one far to the rear...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion post-apocalyptic action-adventure adult book -
An Alliance Reforged by J.N. Chaney, Jonathan P. Brazee
Rated: 4.49 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThis is a new kind of war.The MDS and allies have withdrawn from the CoH, and they now want to become the center of gravity for humankind.The goal is to obtain localized wins, draw in more allies, and achieve victory no matter the cost.With the alliance undone, Rev must fight a seemingly unwinnable war.But Marines never quit. They never falter. They never give up... -
Cause for War by Michael Atamanov
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Army of Earth is being sent on its first tour of duty. Its fifty thousand proud and valiant troopers are the best of the best, full of hope for brilliant victories and spoils of war that can help Earth's humanity along in its development.There's just one little problem though... -
Interstellar War by G.P. Hudson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA homeland in ashes. A merciless ancient enemy. A vicious new foe. A galaxy convulsing with war. With humanity on the brink of annihilation, only one option remains, Interstellar War. Can Jon Pike achieve victory, and revenge, for himself and humanity? Find out in Interstellar War, Book 5 of The Pike Chronicles...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure adult book colonization -
Ronin by Edward W. Robertson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe Hive has survived their first fleet action against FinnTech. But in the process, they've lost the Hive itself. With their manufacturing base in Finn's hands, it's only a matter of time before they're outnumbered and destroyed. As Rada searches for a path to victory, she stumbles on a horrifying secret: the aliens who've kept humanity confined to the Solar System are about to make their move... -
Vartan by Alana Khan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBorn in space. Raised as a pet. LyraI’ve never worn clothes, held a fork, or made a decision in my life. When my old master dies, I’m put up for auction and sold to the highest bidder. I expected my life to continue in the way it had always been—kneeling at my master’s feet—but instead, I’m told I’m now free.I should feel grateful, but I’m terrified. Pleasing him becomes my new desire... -
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Star Force: Scorpion by Aer-ki Jyr
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsKara's fate is determined along with the revelation of the Zak'de'ron's true nature, forcing Star Force to list the Dragons as a future enemy while pretending all is normal in the present...Categorized as:
aliens first-contact galactic-empire invasion action-adventure book fiction military -
Abraxx by Alana Khan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAbraxx, a recently-freed gladiator, risks his newfound freedom in a daring attempt to rescue Juno. They have an immediate attraction even though he hides his alien body in a robe that covers everything except his eyes—and shields his neglected heart... -
Prize by Tana Stone
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe twin Dothvek warriors are searching for mates. Catarina is looking for a way off their planet. Teaming up is about to take on a whole new meaning!Cat's journey aboard the luxury space cruiser isn't going well, but things go from bad to worse when she's forced to abandon ship. When her escape pod crashes onto a desert planet, she hopes for a rescue...Categorized as:
aliens invasion galactic-empire first-contact sci-fi steamy survival action-adventure -
Stranded by the Alien Bride Lottery by Margo Bond Collins
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHe's not the warrior I wanted. But now we're stranded together, and I can't quit thinking about him.I made it all the way through the Alien Bride Games without being chosen by a Khanavai male, even though I'm certain it's the only way I'll ever find anything resembling love... -
Starship Waking by C. Gockel
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOn an icy, barren world, a starship dreams of doom… Throughout the galaxy, the reclusive alien race known as The One are incapacitated by terror. On the planet Luddeccea, wolf-human hybrid Volka harbors a terrible secret…a secret that must explain her nightmares... -
Devourer (Reality Benders Book #8): LitRPG Series by Michael Atamanov
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe aggressive invaders from another galaxy cannot be stopped. The Composite keeps capturing system after system wiping out everything in its path, and there is no sign of a force capable of standing up to it.In the search for allies, Gnat embarks on a long journey aimed at uniting the various branches of the human race...
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