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The Data Collectors
Much like we observe and collect data about our environment, wildlife, and endangered species, the Data Collectors were sent here to collect and report back information about us. At one time, humans lived on many planets, in many solar systems; but now we are endangered, and currently live on a single planet … Earth. The Data Collectors are trying to determine what is causing our near extinction to save humans as a species. Meanwhile, special interest groups would rather see the human race die off sooner, rather than later. After all, if they can preserve what natural resources we have left, Earth is prime intergalactic real estate.
266 pages, Paperback
Published August 25, 2020
24 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 15, 2025
The book was really engaging and full of different layers. Well written and extremely interesting.
Read
December 1, 2020It is an engaging tale where space opera meets magical realism, populated with a cast of multidimensional characters who develop and grow during the course of their adventures. There’s a fun chemistry between them, full of humorous banter and camaraderie, and the quirky individuality of each character makes for a colorful crew.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2020/11/30/shape...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2020/11/30/shape...
December 7, 2020
I read this book in paperback. It was a quick read with intriguing characters. Sometimes I had to sort out the jumping timeline but it is clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter. Looking forward to the second in the series.
September 24, 2020
Complex Interesting
Requires following character history and a timeline. Very catching but more thoughts than I want in recreational reading. Nice plot overall.
Requires following character history and a timeline. Very catching but more thoughts than I want in recreational reading. Nice plot overall.
June 17, 2025
A Quiet Revolution in Sci-Fi Storytelling
I didn’t expect this book to affect me the way it did. Most science fiction I read is action-heavy, tech obsessed, or dystopian. The Data Collectors is none of those things and that’s its strength. It’s intimate. It’s introspective. We begin not with a spaceship battle, but a devastating storm and two brothers in a boat and what unfolds feels more like a cosmic spiritual awakening than a typical alien invasion story.
Lucene, the protagonist, isn’t flashy. She’s observant, introverted, even wounded. She carries trauma and strangeness in equal measure marked by lightning, guided by dreams, and slowly waking up to the idea that her fate is connected to beings from another world. Her friendship with Fatima is one of the most wholesome and joyful parts of the story, reminding us that even in stories about galaxies, what matters is connection.
And then there's Morphinae a shapeshifter who is more emotion than form. His quiet power left an imprint on me. I kept asking: What does it mean to keep balance in the universe? Palli seems to ask that question without offering easy answers. You have to feel your way through this book, like Lucene does.
I didn’t expect this book to affect me the way it did. Most science fiction I read is action-heavy, tech obsessed, or dystopian. The Data Collectors is none of those things and that’s its strength. It’s intimate. It’s introspective. We begin not with a spaceship battle, but a devastating storm and two brothers in a boat and what unfolds feels more like a cosmic spiritual awakening than a typical alien invasion story.
Lucene, the protagonist, isn’t flashy. She’s observant, introverted, even wounded. She carries trauma and strangeness in equal measure marked by lightning, guided by dreams, and slowly waking up to the idea that her fate is connected to beings from another world. Her friendship with Fatima is one of the most wholesome and joyful parts of the story, reminding us that even in stories about galaxies, what matters is connection.
And then there's Morphinae a shapeshifter who is more emotion than form. His quiet power left an imprint on me. I kept asking: What does it mean to keep balance in the universe? Palli seems to ask that question without offering easy answers. You have to feel your way through this book, like Lucene does.
July 31, 2025
Aliens, Empaths, and a Lightning Girl Count Me In
This book was like walking into a whimsical sci-fi art gallery where every corner is filled with a quirky mystery or emotional punch. The Data Collectors kicks off the trilogy with a storm literally and what follows is this layered, thoughtful introduction to a world where aliens aren't just visitors; they’re caretakers, researchers, and sometimes uninvited guests.
Lucene is such a wonderfully odd protagonist. She’s got lightning scars, mysterious abilities, and absolutely zero patience for office tech (honestly, same). Her friendship with Fatima stole my heart their hospital room conversations felt real in a way that grounded the otherwise cosmic setting.
What surprised me was how gentle this book was. It’s not crash-boom sci-fi. Instead, it’s built on relationships, empathy, and this underlying question: what would happen if another planet actually gave a damn about Earth? The politics of the IPP, the shady vibes of the Royals, and the quiet power of characters like Cepheus and Morphinae give the book a layered depth that keeps building as it goes.
And yes, I now fully believe all intergalactic peacekeepers should have cat shaped mascots and travel through space wearing sweater vests.
This book was like walking into a whimsical sci-fi art gallery where every corner is filled with a quirky mystery or emotional punch. The Data Collectors kicks off the trilogy with a storm literally and what follows is this layered, thoughtful introduction to a world where aliens aren't just visitors; they’re caretakers, researchers, and sometimes uninvited guests.
Lucene is such a wonderfully odd protagonist. She’s got lightning scars, mysterious abilities, and absolutely zero patience for office tech (honestly, same). Her friendship with Fatima stole my heart their hospital room conversations felt real in a way that grounded the otherwise cosmic setting.
What surprised me was how gentle this book was. It’s not crash-boom sci-fi. Instead, it’s built on relationships, empathy, and this underlying question: what would happen if another planet actually gave a damn about Earth? The politics of the IPP, the shady vibes of the Royals, and the quiet power of characters like Cepheus and Morphinae give the book a layered depth that keeps building as it goes.
And yes, I now fully believe all intergalactic peacekeepers should have cat shaped mascots and travel through space wearing sweater vests.
December 3, 2024
A Sci-Fi Journey of Survival, Empathy, and Intergalactic Intrigue
Danielle Palli’s The Data Collectors is a refreshing and thought-provoking addition to the sci-fi genre, blending interplanetary intrigue with a deep exploration of humanity’s fragility and resilience. The novel introduces a universe where humanity’s existence is threatened, and shapeshifting aliens—known as the Data Collectors—are tasked with observing and reporting on Earth’s inhabitants to understand their near-extinction. However, not everyone in the galaxy sees humanity as worth saving, and darker forces seek to eliminate the human race for their own gain. This gripping narrative is the first in The Data Collectors Trilogy, promising a rich tapestry of mystery, conspiracy, and empathy.
A creative and intelligent sci-fi adventure that challenges readers to think deeply about humanity’s place in the universe and the choices that shape our future.
Danielle Palli’s The Data Collectors is a refreshing and thought-provoking addition to the sci-fi genre, blending interplanetary intrigue with a deep exploration of humanity’s fragility and resilience. The novel introduces a universe where humanity’s existence is threatened, and shapeshifting aliens—known as the Data Collectors—are tasked with observing and reporting on Earth’s inhabitants to understand their near-extinction. However, not everyone in the galaxy sees humanity as worth saving, and darker forces seek to eliminate the human race for their own gain. This gripping narrative is the first in The Data Collectors Trilogy, promising a rich tapestry of mystery, conspiracy, and empathy.
A creative and intelligent sci-fi adventure that challenges readers to think deeply about humanity’s place in the universe and the choices that shape our future.
December 16, 2021
With humans as an endangered species, the Data Collectors try to determine what is causing our near extinction and save the human race. But they face some opposition from those who would prefer the humans to die off, leaving Earth, prime real estate in the galaxy, up for grabs. Will they succeed or will the human race perish?
This book was a really entertaining and enjoyable read. The prose is easy to digest and flows nicely, making reading a breeze. World-building is excellent and the premise is unique and interesting. The characters are likeable and unique. There are multiple threads to follow as the book is written from several character’s perspectives. The pacing throughout the book is good as is the story.
If you like science fiction and futuristic space operas, you’ll enjoy this engaging read. I would recommend the book and enjoyed the read very much.
This book was a really entertaining and enjoyable read. The prose is easy to digest and flows nicely, making reading a breeze. World-building is excellent and the premise is unique and interesting. The characters are likeable and unique. There are multiple threads to follow as the book is written from several character’s perspectives. The pacing throughout the book is good as is the story.
If you like science fiction and futuristic space operas, you’ll enjoy this engaging read. I would recommend the book and enjoyed the read very much.
June 24, 2025
An Enchanting First Encounter with the Intergalactic Unknown
Danielle Palli begins her trilogy with a quiet storm of wonder, cleverly disguised as a sci-fi adventure. From the opening scene in the hospital with Lucene and Fatima, it’s clear this isn’t your typical alien tale. What strikes the reader early on is the depth of emotion grief, curiosity, isolation all unfolding in a multi layered universe that parallels our own fractured world. Palli creates her cosmos through character relationships, not technology.
The vitally important Assembly, the elusive Morphinae, and even the storm-tossed boys in the prologue show us how deeply emotional resonance matters in a sci-fi narrative.
Danielle Palli begins her trilogy with a quiet storm of wonder, cleverly disguised as a sci-fi adventure. From the opening scene in the hospital with Lucene and Fatima, it’s clear this isn’t your typical alien tale. What strikes the reader early on is the depth of emotion grief, curiosity, isolation all unfolding in a multi layered universe that parallels our own fractured world. Palli creates her cosmos through character relationships, not technology.
The vitally important Assembly, the elusive Morphinae, and even the storm-tossed boys in the prologue show us how deeply emotional resonance matters in a sci-fi narrative.
June 19, 2025
A Soft Awakening through Sci-Fi Structure
What begins as a gentle sci-fi caper becomes a layered exploration of identity formation and suppressed consciousness. Through the lens of Jett’s “inspection,” Palli critiques the industrialized, highly conditioned framework of Earth’s psychological landscape. The book’s power lies in its structure mirroring therapeutic unpacking, dream exploration, and mystical inquiry.
The dialogues between characters aren’t just whimsical banter; they’re metaphysical dialectics camouflaged as comedy. It’s a Trojan horse of spiritual teaching inside a spaceship.
What begins as a gentle sci-fi caper becomes a layered exploration of identity formation and suppressed consciousness. Through the lens of Jett’s “inspection,” Palli critiques the industrialized, highly conditioned framework of Earth’s psychological landscape. The book’s power lies in its structure mirroring therapeutic unpacking, dream exploration, and mystical inquiry.
The dialogues between characters aren’t just whimsical banter; they’re metaphysical dialectics camouflaged as comedy. It’s a Trojan horse of spiritual teaching inside a spaceship.
June 24, 2025
Lucene and Fatima: The Childhood Bond that Defines a Universe
Lucene and Fatima's friendship is more than just a childhood anecdote it’s the spiritual spine of the trilogy. Their hospital room connection foreshadows the emotional and psychic ties that crisscross galaxies later in the series.
Fatima’s joyful irreverence, set against Lucene’s uncertainty, adds a beautiful duality to the tone. What begins as a seemingly random childhood moment blossoms into a symbolic bond that echoes through every layer of the trilogy.
Their reunion years later feels earned, not constructed.
Lucene and Fatima's friendship is more than just a childhood anecdote it’s the spiritual spine of the trilogy. Their hospital room connection foreshadows the emotional and psychic ties that crisscross galaxies later in the series.
Fatima’s joyful irreverence, set against Lucene’s uncertainty, adds a beautiful duality to the tone. What begins as a seemingly random childhood moment blossoms into a symbolic bond that echoes through every layer of the trilogy.
Their reunion years later feels earned, not constructed.
June 28, 2025
wow! wow! wow!
Five Stars
The Data Collectors is an absolute gem! Danielle Palli weaves a story that’s both clever and delightfully original, blending science fiction, humour, and thought-provoking questions about life and human nature.
I was hooked from the very first page. The characters are quirky and memorable, and the world-building is vivid and imaginative. It’s the kind of book that makes you think while also thoroughly entertaining you. I can’t wait to dive into the next instalment! Highly recommended to anyone who loves intelligent, heart-filled sci-fi with a playful twist.
Five Stars
The Data Collectors is an absolute gem! Danielle Palli weaves a story that’s both clever and delightfully original, blending science fiction, humour, and thought-provoking questions about life and human nature.
I was hooked from the very first page. The characters are quirky and memorable, and the world-building is vivid and imaginative. It’s the kind of book that makes you think while also thoroughly entertaining you. I can’t wait to dive into the next instalment! Highly recommended to anyone who loves intelligent, heart-filled sci-fi with a playful twist.
July 4, 2025
The Mysterious Morphinae: Symbol of Balance and Change
Morphinae is not merely a shapeshifting alien he is balance incarnate. Palli masterfully walks the line between mystic metaphor and character arc, giving Morphinae a role that’s half prophet, half cosmic witness.
His rescue of Drake and Bryce, his subtle interventions across the plotline these are not heroic in the traditional sense, but are more like course corrections of fate. He’s the trilogy’s moral gyroscope, and his presence imbues the story with metaphysical depth.
Morphinae is not merely a shapeshifting alien he is balance incarnate. Palli masterfully walks the line between mystic metaphor and character arc, giving Morphinae a role that’s half prophet, half cosmic witness.
His rescue of Drake and Bryce, his subtle interventions across the plotline these are not heroic in the traditional sense, but are more like course corrections of fate. He’s the trilogy’s moral gyroscope, and his presence imbues the story with metaphysical depth.
July 13, 2025
Grounded Sci-Fi With Real Emotion
I liked how grounded this book felt. Even with all the alien politics and tech, it focused more on human emotions than sci-fi concepts. Lucene is a subtle but strong lead. She’s quiet, damaged, and weirdly relatable. The connection between her and Fatima was real and sweet. Not everything is spelled out, but the emotional clarity makes up for it. It doesn’t rush. You have to sit with it, which I liked.
I liked how grounded this book felt. Even with all the alien politics and tech, it focused more on human emotions than sci-fi concepts. Lucene is a subtle but strong lead. She’s quiet, damaged, and weirdly relatable. The connection between her and Fatima was real and sweet. Not everything is spelled out, but the emotional clarity makes up for it. It doesn’t rush. You have to sit with it, which I liked.
July 31, 2025
Fatima Deserves Her Own Series, Just Saying
Lucene is our main character, but Fatima? She is the moment. Between the lightning scars, secret alien meetings, and quirky government conspiracies, this book had me laughing, crying, and Googling “can a cat save Earth?” I want more of this gentle sci-fi weirdness.
Lucene is our main character, but Fatima? She is the moment. Between the lightning scars, secret alien meetings, and quirky government conspiracies, this book had me laughing, crying, and Googling “can a cat save Earth?” I want more of this gentle sci-fi weirdness.
July 5, 2025
Thoughtful and Unexpected
I picked this up not knowing what to expect and ended up feeling genuinely moved The writing is subtle but powerful and the ideas stayed with me long after I finished the last page
I picked this up not knowing what to expect and ended up feeling genuinely moved The writing is subtle but powerful and the ideas stayed with me long after I finished the last page
July 14, 2025
Whimsical Wild Ride
If you are into Sci Fi at its finest accompanied by Shapeshifting Aliens you will love this book. So buckle up for a wild whimsical adventure of
BOOK ONE IN THE DATA COLLECTORS TRILOGY
D. A. Wysong author of The best selling series “Monster Hunters Of America”
If you are into Sci Fi at its finest accompanied by Shapeshifting Aliens you will love this book. So buckle up for a wild whimsical adventure of
BOOK ONE IN THE DATA COLLECTORS TRILOGY
D. A. Wysong author of The best selling series “Monster Hunters Of America”
November 3, 2025
Great find!
Glad I came across this book, captivating read. Great world building, clearly well thought out. Onto the next one. Check it out!
Glad I came across this book, captivating read. Great world building, clearly well thought out. Onto the next one. Check it out!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews