2024 Galactic Book Odyssey: A Science Fiction Genre Tour - hosted by nedens

First Contact
Embark on an enthralling journey of discovery with the First Contact subtopic, where you'll delve into the pivotal moments when humanity first encounters extraterrestrial life. 

These narratives explore the exhilarating possibilities and profound challenges of encountering beings from beyond our world. From the awe-inspiring to the terrifying, each story examines the impact of first contact on individuals, societies, and civilizations. 

You'll witness the myriad ways in which these encounters unfold, from peaceful exchanges to catastrophic confrontations, and the profound questions they raise about communication, understanding, and our place in the cosmos. From the cerebral explorations of Carl Sagan's 'Contact' to the suspenseful drama of Michael Crichton's 'Sphere', these tales offer a spectrum of perspectives on what might happen when we finally meet the unknown. 

Prepare for a journey that not only traverses the stars but also the vast landscape of human emotion and curiosity in the face of the ultimate encounter. 
All books added
The Last Astronaut by David Wellington

The Last Astronaut

David Wellington

364 pages • first pub 2019 (editions)

fiction horror science fiction dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Captain Proton: Defender of the Earth by Dean Wesley Smith

Captain Proton: Defender of the Earth

Star Trek: Voyager

Dean Wesley Smith

128 pages • first pub 1999 (editions)

fiction science fiction adventurous slow-paced
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

Wayfarers #1

Becky Chambers

14 hours, 23 minutes • first pub 2014 (editions)

fiction lgbtqia+ science fiction adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
Supernova by Robb Pearlman

Supernova

Star Trek: Prodigy #2

Robb Pearlman

147 pages • first pub 2023 (editions)

fiction middle grade science fiction adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor

Lagoon

Nnedi Okorafor

306 pages • first pub 2014 (editions)

fiction fantasy science fiction adventurous mysterious medium-paced
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler

The Mountain in the Sea

Ray Nayler

11 hours, 5 minutes • first pub 2022 (editions)

fiction science fiction thriller challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced
The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow

The Sound of Stars

Alechia Dow

12 hours, 23 minutes • first pub 2020 (editions)

fiction fantasy lgbtqia+ science fiction young adult adventurous emotional medium-paced
Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion by K. Tempest Bradford

Ruby Finley vs. the Interstellar Invasion

K. Tempest Bradford

4 hours, 17 minutes • first pub 2022 (editions) user-added

fiction middle grade adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Highest Score by Kem Antilles

Highest Score

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Young Adult) #8

Kem Antilles

118 pages • first pub 1996 (editions)

fiction childrens science fiction adventurous mysterious fast-paced
Doctor Who: The Sontaran Games by Jacqueline Rayner

Doctor Who: The Sontaran Games

Doctor Who: Quick Reads #4

Jacqueline Rayner

112 pages • first pub 2009 (editions)

fiction fantasy science fiction lighthearted fast-paced