Part of Tales of the Terran Republic, book 2
First published 2014
Caine Riordan returns from humanity's first alien contact to find Earth under attack. A surprise assault destroys most of the human fleet, leaving scattered survivors to fight overwhelming odds. The non-humanoid attackers possess superior technology and sweep through the solar system's defenses. Treacherous corporations help the aliens land occupation forces on Earth itself. Caine must use his diplomatic experience and combat training against an enemy that seems unstoppable. Humanity responds with the only advantages it has: cleverness, adaptability, and determination. As the final battle approaches, Caine uncovers disturbing evidence about humanity's forgotten past. Ancient clues suggest a catastrophic interspecies war occurred long ago, erased from human memory. The aliens may not be conquering Earth but trying to prevent something worse. Their own traumatic memories of that prehistoric conflict drive them to extreme measures. They would rather destroy humanity entirely than risk repeating the ancient catastrophe. Caine realizes the invasion stems from fear rather than greed, making the aliens far more dangerous than simple conquerors.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, action, aliens
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Earth, Solar System
Period: Future
640 pages · Paperback · Baen