What is she, where does she come from? And how do we get her home?
The Thunder Egg is a standalone space opera novella set in the Dryden Universe. A mysterious alien lifeform draws an unlikely pair into political tension, pursuit, and a dangerous race across the stars.
Originally published in Pets in Space 6.
Reviewer says: “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.”
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
Space opera with science fiction romance elements. It combines action, political tension, pirates, and a developing romantic arc.
It is a standalone novella set in the Dryden Universe. No prior reading is required.
Yes. It first appeared in Pets in Space 6 before being released as a standalone novella.
The Yrmaks are a non human alien species with their own biology, culture, and internal conflicts. They are often encountered as pirates and slavers, but the Dryden Universe explores their society in more depth than simple antagonists. See the Dryden Universe series page for more information
Yes. Drew and Afra’s unlikely relationship develops as they work together to return Neyru to her home.
There is romance and emotional intimacy, but the heat level is closed door.
Discovery and responsibility
Found family
Protection of the vulnerable
Identity and belonging
Courage in ordinary people
No. While it was first published in Pets in Space 6, the story centers on a mysterious alien life form whose origins and significance reach far beyond a companion animal.