The Wrong Stars

The Wrong Stars is a space opera set in a future where humanity has expanded through the solar system using a network of wormhole gates. Captain Callie Machedo and her salvage crew discover a derelict ship containing a woman in cryogenic sleep who claims to be from Earth's first extrasolar mission centuries ago. The discovery leads Callie and her crew into contact with the Liars - aliens known for their inability to tell the truth. As they investigate the mystery of the recovered sleeper and her ship, they uncover information that challenges everything humanity thinks it knows about its place in the universe. The story combines elements of hard science fiction with cosmic horror, building tension through the crew's encounters with advanced technology and inexplicable phenomena. Space pirates, alien artifacts, and ancient threats mesh together in a fast-paced narrative. The novel explores themes of truth versus deception and humanity's response to the unknown. It raises questions about how species communicate across vast cultural and biological divides, and what happens when comfortable assumptions about reality begin to break down.

Readers describe The Wrong Stars as a fast-paced space opera with strong LGBTQ+ representation and witty dialogue. Several reviewers compare it to the TV show Firefly. Readers highlighted: - The chemistry between main characters Elena and Callie - Humor throughout the narrative - Creative alien concepts and technology - Quick pacing and action sequences Common criticisms: - Plot feels rushed in later chapters - Some character development lacks depth - Worldbuilding could be more detailed - Resolution seems too convenient Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (150+ ratings) Reader quotes: "Fun space adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously" - Goodreads reviewer "Great banter between crew members but needed more backstory" - Amazon reviewer "The aliens are genuinely alien, not just humans with prosthetics" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

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✦ This book marks Tim Pratt's first venture into space opera after primarily writing urban fantasy and sword-and-sorcery stories, including his Marla Mason series. ✦ The Wrong Stars features a unique take on first contact, with aliens known as "Liars" who earned their nickname by never telling the complete truth about anything. ✦ The novel was initially released as part of Angry Robot Books' "Robot Trading Card" series, where each book came with collectible cards featuring characters from the story. ✦ The book explores themes of transhumanism and body modification in space, with characters who have undergone extensive cybernetic enhancements to better survive in deep space. ✦ The story draws inspiration from both classic space opera and Lovecraftian cosmic horror, blending the two genres in what the author calls "optimistic cosmic horror."