What is she, where does she come from? And how do we get her home?
Like the other Dryden books, this short story is a space opera full of action and adventure, with a romance thrown in.
About the book
No ordinary rock…
When history professor Drew Torson buys a thunder egg at a market, he expects a pretty rock for his collection—not for it to hatch. What emerges is no ordinary creature, and Drew isn’t the only one who wants it. After a violent attack leaves him bleeding in an alley, his mysterious new friend Neyru flees—and finds help in the unlikeliest place.
Freighter captain Afra Abrussen doesn’t do heroics. She’s got cargo to haul, debts to pay, and no time for trouble. But when a shimmering, sentient being begs for her help, she’s drawn into a chase across the stars.
With ruthless hunters closing in, Drew and Afra must uncover what Neyru truly is and how to get her home—before their enemies catch up. There’s just one complication neither of them planned for: falling in love.
This story first appeared in Pets in Space 6 in 2021. It is a novella-length space opera.
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FAQ
Genre and details
- Space opera with science fiction romance elements
- Action, political tension, pirates
Is this the first book in the series
It is a stand-alone novella which first appeared in Pets in Space 6
Who are the Yrmaks
The Yrmaks are an alien species with its own culture and traditions. They tend to be warlike, fighting amongst themselves. They are often pirates and slavers. Read more here.
Is there romance?
Yes. Drew and Afra’s unlikely romance develops over time as they try to take Neyru home
Is there sex
Yes, but the scenes are non-specific and focused on emotion and character.
Is this hard science fiction
The science is realistic but the story focuses on character, action, and political tension. Readers who enjoy smart SF with heart tend to settle in quickly.
What themes does the book explore?
- Discovery and responsibility
- Found family
- Courage in ordinary people
- Protection and compassion
- Identity and belonging
What formats is it available in
Ebook. Audiobook status depends on future plans.
Tropes and elements
- Ordinary person finds something extraordinary
- Alien creature with a secret origin
- Reluctant heroine drawn into danger
- Chase story across multiple worlds
- Scholar meets starship captain
- Slow burn romance shaped by shared risk
- Protecting a vulnerable being from ruthless hunters
- Mystery surrounding an alien lifeform
- Forced teamwork between two very different people
- High stakes pursuit with personal consequences
Reader praise
“I loved this engaging story full of mystery and romance and the background that is painted in. It was fun having Drew being a man with a head full of knowledge, but not much street sense and Afra hiding a big heart behind the pain and past experience that life has brought her. Definitely want more of the series.”