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Child of A Far Star: A Historical First Contact Novel
This is where science fiction takes a turn you’ve never traveled—climb on board!
What if Robinson Crusoe were an alien—say, a child of seven or eight? What if his island was not a distant shore, but a planet called Earth? And what if the “primitive savages” he encountered… were humans?
It is the rugged Rocky Mountains of the American West, June 19, 1883. A ship from the stars falls through a storm-lashed sky—and for those in the valley below, everything they believe is about to be challenged.
Above the towering peaks, the craft is tossed relentlessly. A simple systems failure humbles a marvel of technology, leaving it at the mercy of violent winds and incessant lightning—a storm settlers will remember for generations. Moments later, the vessel shatters across a remote summit high above the tree line—thin air, unforgiving terrain. All aboard perish—except for one small survivor.
Bendreu, a child from another world—and clearly not human—emerges from the wreckage. Injured, grieving, and stunned, he faces a brutal he is all alone. With no idea what is safe to eat, and uncertain whether the humans below will kill him—or whether he might become their next meal—he must descend from the deadly heights and risk everything to make first contact with a truly alien species—us.
Carrying the legacy of a peaceful people at home among the stars, Bendreu brings knowledge beyond human imagination and a fierce will to survive. But he also bears the burden of an ancient crime, a genocide that haunts his people to this day. For now, survival comes first. Below, the isolated Rocky Mountain town of Redemption may offer hope—or destruction.
Is the strange child appearing right after the tempest a gift from heaven? A demon from hell? Or something else entirely? Religious zealots see what they want to see. Hucksters and opportunists see only advantage—secrets to exploit and a prize to claim. With danger closing in, Bendreu must find a place between two worlds—or become the bridge between them.
Child of a Far Star is a sweeping historical science fiction novel that blends rich 19th-century detail with the wonder of first contact. Exploring themes of family, prejudice, and what it means to be human, it weaves classic historical fiction with speculative adventure in a vivid Rocky Mountain setting. Fans of The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Book of Strange New Things, and The Sparrow will find much to admire in this beautifully imagined tale of resilience and hope.
Step into a world where one small child—alone, desperate, and determined—may touch the hearts of those brave enough to shelter him, and forever change the course of history.
What if Robinson Crusoe were an alien—say, a child of seven or eight? What if his island was not a distant shore, but a planet called Earth? And what if the “primitive savages” he encountered… were humans?
It is the rugged Rocky Mountains of the American West, June 19, 1883. A ship from the stars falls through a storm-lashed sky—and for those in the valley below, everything they believe is about to be challenged.
Above the towering peaks, the craft is tossed relentlessly. A simple systems failure humbles a marvel of technology, leaving it at the mercy of violent winds and incessant lightning—a storm settlers will remember for generations. Moments later, the vessel shatters across a remote summit high above the tree line—thin air, unforgiving terrain. All aboard perish—except for one small survivor.
Bendreu, a child from another world—and clearly not human—emerges from the wreckage. Injured, grieving, and stunned, he faces a brutal he is all alone. With no idea what is safe to eat, and uncertain whether the humans below will kill him—or whether he might become their next meal—he must descend from the deadly heights and risk everything to make first contact with a truly alien species—us.
Carrying the legacy of a peaceful people at home among the stars, Bendreu brings knowledge beyond human imagination and a fierce will to survive. But he also bears the burden of an ancient crime, a genocide that haunts his people to this day. For now, survival comes first. Below, the isolated Rocky Mountain town of Redemption may offer hope—or destruction.
Is the strange child appearing right after the tempest a gift from heaven? A demon from hell? Or something else entirely? Religious zealots see what they want to see. Hucksters and opportunists see only advantage—secrets to exploit and a prize to claim. With danger closing in, Bendreu must find a place between two worlds—or become the bridge between them.
Child of a Far Star is a sweeping historical science fiction novel that blends rich 19th-century detail with the wonder of first contact. Exploring themes of family, prejudice, and what it means to be human, it weaves classic historical fiction with speculative adventure in a vivid Rocky Mountain setting. Fans of The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Book of Strange New Things, and The Sparrow will find much to admire in this beautifully imagined tale of resilience and hope.
Step into a world where one small child—alone, desperate, and determined—may touch the hearts of those brave enough to shelter him, and forever change the course of history.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
19 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 2, 2025
Humans....
The constant battle to be the one in control, to be in power, the !eader. We crave these things at the expense of our unity - our humanity.
In this story it takes a child, from another place to MAYBE point to another way. Just imagine what we could do as a society working together.
The constant battle to be the one in control, to be in power, the !eader. We crave these things at the expense of our unity - our humanity.
In this story it takes a child, from another place to MAYBE point to another way. Just imagine what we could do as a society working together.
January 17, 2026
I really loved this book! I wasn’t sure how the perspective of the child would work, but Bendreau was perfectly balanced in his child-like aspects and in his wisdom as a being from a broader perspective than the United States of the 1800’s (or now, really). I’ve rarely cared as much about a main character as I did about Bendreau. He is what we all should try to be.
September 15, 2025
Finally, a book that combines my favorite genre, historical fiction, and a subject I’ve been wishing for, a relatable alien who is in fact lovable! All of this against a backdrop of forces of good and evil and the complex grey areas in between. Definitely a good read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews