Galaxies Collide

by Aaron L. Bratcher

What do you do when Earth's natural resources are critically low? You use a new technology to create a wormhole to a new world, of course!

Seventeen-year-old Fanar joins his father and many others on Niton to establish a colony and regularly send much needed water and other resources back to Earth.But when equipment is sabotaged, his father goes missing, and people get sick and die, what was thought to be a virgin world without intelligent life is revealed to have a secret.

Fanar must find his father and save everyone from an unexpected danger that threatens not only the colony, but also the people back on Earth...

284 pages, Paperback

Published May 10, 2024

Reviews

[Jill Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very captivating and imaginative read! It reminded me of some of the strange dreams I have had before and you wonder "Where did that come from?" I say this because the author has that widespread imagination that results in ideas that make you wonder how he came up with them. I mean this in the most positive way (notice my 5 star rating)! I found myself in suspense at times and I did not come close to guessing what transpired near the end of the book. This is usually not my chosen genre, but it was very enjoyable to read and I will be interested to read more from this series as it continues!

[Judith Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book strikes a balance between deeper themes and storytelling is what sets it apart. It's a multi-layered experience rather than just a fun read. The dialogue flows naturally, the pacing is crisp, and the setting is so vividly rendered that it nearly takes on the role of a stand-alone character. In addition, the book poses queries concerning human resiliency, choices, and outcomes. Finding a story that simultaneously makes you feel and think is uncommon. This one does both very well.

[Marjorie Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratcher creates a timeless yet novel fusion of science fiction, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. I adored how deeply human elements like Contessa's battle with illness and Rhona's will to succeed were balanced with technical details like the colony building, wormhole generator, and settlement life on Niton. The alien race, the Nitonians, were also fascinating—mysterious yet believable, with cultural depth that made them feel real. The ending left me wanting to read book two because it was so unresolved, and the pacing kept me interested.

[Penny Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great place for fans of Ender's Game or The Expanse. The characters are likable, the stakes are high, and the worldbuilding is compelling. I particularly liked how the author balanced the costs of exploration—loss, fear, and sacrifice—with optimism and fortitude. The alien encounters gave me the sense of wonder I long for in science fiction, while the colony scenes felt rooted in actual science. For anyone who enjoys both exciting action and deep narrative, I heartily recommend this book.

[Juan Dame · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amount of emotion this story evoked in me caught me off guard. Although there is a lot of science fiction action in this book—wormholes, alien worlds, and surviving against the unknown—the main themes are friendship, family, and figuring out your place in the larger universe. The things that most impressed me were Fanar's relationship with his father and his developing relationship with Oswin. Well done.

[John Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this book, not just read it. I felt as though the characters had become a part of my own world and continued to influence me long after I turned the last page. You can't help but be enthralled by the author's ability to depict emotions so vividly. At times, I found myself stopping to absorb everything. genuinely remarkable.

[Cynthia Nyquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, this book really caught me off guard! It's so much more than what I had anticipated—just another space colony survival tale. The characters—fighting siblings, anxious parents, and teenagers attempting to define themselves in a perilous world—feel like real people. I got chills from the entire "invisible Nitonian" part. Totally recommend this if you like sci-fi with heart.

[William Thorson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa, this was fantastic! I couldn't put it down because the writing was fluid and the twists were well-timed. Because it's the kind of book you want to discuss with others, I've already suggested it to my friends.

[Krystal Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic adventure! Galaxies Collide combines intense moral reflections on colonization and ecocide with science fiction adventure. The plot twists kept me on edge, and the characters are well-developed. Any fan of science fiction should read this!

[Antonio Brinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a hidden gem! The way Aaron L. Bratcher mixes mystery with coming-of-age themes reminded me of my favorite childhood reads. The unexpected ending had me gasping, can't wait for a sequel!

[Joy Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhilarating journey from beginning to end! The scenes of exploration are captivating, and the new world and its creatures are vividly imagined. Although I hoped for a little more resolution at the end, the moral quandaries add depth.

[Tracy Nees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was fantastic. I was captivated by the suspense as a teenager, and the allusions to Chesterton, Indiana, resonated deeply. The plot kept my entire family interested during our road trip, and the characters' struggles felt genuine. Strongly advised.

[Becky Dowdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galaxies Collide is an amazing science fiction story with some surprising turns. It's interesting to read how the author views the hypocrisy of using violence in the name of morality. Although some parts felt a little slow, it was still a great read.

[Carlos Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a page-turner! With intriguing mysteries that kept me wondering, the adventure develops beautifully. My child couldn't put it down; it's ideal for middle schoolers and teenagers. The conclusion? Completely unanticipated!

[Emma Kruse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a pleasant surprise. The new creatures are a highlight, and the blending of science fiction and moral exploration is flawless. It's a family-friendly adventure because it's not too frightening for younger readers.

[Marie Shingleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratcher has created a masterpiece. This is a unique science fiction book because of its complex plot and vividly rendered characters. I'm already hoping for more in this universe, and the ecological themes are relevant.

[Katrina Root · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt, well-made science fiction adventure. My favorite parts were the cave explorations and landing scenes, and the moral dilemmas surrounding colonization gave them more nuance. I'm eager to follow the story's development.

[Kathleen Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by this book. It's a brilliant blend of action, intrigue, and thought-provoking subjects. I could relate to the characters' development as a young adult, and the final twist left me stunned. Purchase it right away!

[Shirlene Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Galaxies Collide is entertaining and thought-provoking. The unexpected dangers kept me interested, and the pacing is ideal for teenagers. I'm hoping for a sequel because it's a fantastic addition to any science fiction collection.

[Walter Welch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of fathers and sons, of strangers becoming family, of stars and survival. Galaxies Collide creates a memorable experience by fusing science and spirit. Long after I put the book down, I continued to dream about alien skies.

[Jason Kotzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable story that keeps you reading on. Explore a strange, new world with the book’s characters and become immersed in their new technologies and experiences.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic! It makes you want to keep reading page after page and has fantastic turns that glue your eyes to the pages. I’m excited for the next book in the series!

[Peter Bunyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I was captivated by this book. A compelling tale that masterfully combines depth and emotion.

[Jolene Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey! Galaxies Collide's blend of peril, exploration, and emotion drew me in from the very first chapter. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!