My favorite books involving otherworldly encounters, awe-inspiring alien characters, and mysterious dimensions

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up I read a lot of science fiction: HG Wells, Isaac Asimov, John Wyndham; those kind of authors and their inspiring tales. In my early twenties, I penned a few short stories as I worked as an aeronautical engineer. Always being at the leading edge of technology certainly helped shape my dreams of the future. I have an interest in writing novels that place humankind within a universe [or multiverse] we are only just starting to understand. To date, I have written six novels, two of them extensive short story collections. They are light years from each other, but share the future adventures of mankind in an expansive universe as a common theme.


I wrote...

Milijun

By Clayton Graham,

Book cover of Milijun

What is my book about?

Prepare for a mind-bending journey as a momentous First Contact event looms on the horizon…

Laura and Jason Sinclair are on vacation when they are thrust into an unimaginable ordeal as ethereal beings descend upon Earth under the cover of darkness. Their world is shattered, leaving them frightened and disoriented, caught in the midst of a shadowy clash between covert Earth factions and the enigmatic alien wave. But not everything is as it seems. Could these extraterrestrial visitors harbor ulterior motives? With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, the world finds itself standing on the precipice of an interstellar revelation—whether it is prepared or not.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The House at the End of the World

Clayton Graham Why did I love this book?

Government meddling is the real monster of this story, which is hardly a surprise these days, and I was fascinated by the the alleged intention of the secretive alien life form. Whilst an engrossing read, it took a while to get to the alien persona involved and its apparent destiny and motives within our universe.

Heroine Katie is such an interesting, if conflicted, character and I would love to know how many such people exist in the real world. The advent of Libby is a much-needed catalyst to take the tale further and reach a fascinating finale.

By Dean Koontz,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The House at the End of the World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Soon no one on Earth will have a place to hide in this novel about fears known and unknown by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz.

In retreat from a devastating loss and crushing injustice, Katie lives alone in a fortresslike stone house on Jacob's Ladder island. Once a rising star in the art world, she finds refuge in her painting.

The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a secret: a government research facility. And now two agents have arrived on Jacob's Ladder in search of someone-or something-they refuse to identify. Although an air of menace hangs…


Book cover of Rainbow Mars

Clayton Graham Why did I love this book?

A time travel novel that transcends the ages and carries a strange environmental message.

The secrets of Mars are open slather in this adventurous escape to the past of the solar system. The fact that it involves the canals of Mars lends a delicious irony to this tale, which was published in 1999, after NASA's first-ever Mars rover, dubbed Sojourner, touched down in Chryse Planitia on July 4, 1997, atop the landing vehicle, Pathfinder. 

But, of course, this novel is placed in the distant past, when Martians actually existed. Is the alien tree an enemy or is it endeavoring to spread a message?

By Larry Niven,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Rainbow Mars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The year is +1108 Atomic Era. Hanville Svetz, who first appeared in Larry Niven's THE FLIGHT OF THE HORSE, is on his way back from +390, accompanied by a snake for the Secretary-General's private zoo. On his return, however, he learns that his employer has died. But his wasted journey is the least of his concerns. With the new regime comes a new role for Svetz, and hunting down extinct animals is not on the agenda. Instead, Svetz is going to be sent much further back in time. And not to Earth. For the new Secretary-General has greater ambitions. He…


Book cover of The Institute

Clayton Graham Why did I love this book?

It’s not often that I rave about a Stephen King novel, but I really loved this one.

It's long, but it does keep you interested. And you almost believe it could happen. The fact that it is about missing and mentally mistreated children lends a contemporary and a futuristic feel to the tale. 

Fans will love it, and it will bring a few more to the fold. Recommended.

By Stephen King,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Institute as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'It does everything you'd expect of a masterpiece - and it is one' Sunday Express

'Hums and crackles with delicious unease' Independent

'Captivating' The Sunday Times

'An absorbing thriller' Mail on Sunday

NO ONE HAS EVER ESCAPED FROM THE INSTITUTE.

Luke Ellis, a super-smart twelve-year-old with an exceptional gift, is the latest in a long line of kids abducted and taken to a secret government facility, hidden deep in the forest in Maine.

Here, kids with special talents - telekinesis and telepathy - like Luke's new friends Kalisha, Nick and Iris, are subjected to a series of experiments.

There seems…


Book cover of Portent

Clayton Graham Why did I love this book?

A living worldwide nightmare is born and just will not go away. The signs are everywhere, and often rather abrupt. Are extreme powers about to be unleashed and something rather dark about to happen? 

A book that gets you thinking about the future and whether, in fact, we can do anything about it. The reader can sympathize with the characters and join them on their journeywith one look over your shoulder. 

For those who love their Dystopia with a hint of horror.

By James Herbert,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Portent as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It is the near future and signs of an impending global disaster are multiplying. Earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions sweep the earth. As the storms and tempests rage, a series of ominous events signal the emergence of a new and terrifying force.

While scuba-diving on the Great Barrier Reef a diver watches fascinated as a tiny light floats past him towards the surface. Moments later he is torn to pieces as the reef erupts with colossal power.

On the banks of the Ganges, a young boy pauses from his back-breaking labours, transfixed by the play of a mysterious light amidst…


Book cover of The Apprentice Storyteller

Clayton Graham Why did I love this book?

I would describe this book as a future-mediaeval tale. It is beautifully written and a joy to read.

An exquisitely compiled tale that weaves fantasy and science fiction around the lives of Viola and her mysterious young apprentice, Jo. Storytellers both, they travel along a spirited trail, on land and in space, with each hiding their own secrets. 

A superb read that takes you into the lives of these outcasts on the run. Highly recommended.

By Astrid V. J.,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Apprentice Storyteller as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Set amid an imaginative blend of sci-fi and fantasy, the novel’s fictional universe is vividly realized and will grab curious readers. The book works in thought-provoking themes that will further draw readers in." BookLife Prize

The Alchemist meets fantasy with a splash of space opera.
Viola Alerion, a renowned storyteller in the Haldrian Empire, wants to be left in peace. For years, she’s been hounded by her past, never to find a moment’s rest. Then she meets a boy who wants to become her apprentice. He refuses to take no for an answer, and she reluctantly yields, even though she…


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The Dreadwater Gate

By Lisa Cassidy,

Book cover of The Dreadwater Gate

Lisa Cassidy Author Of The Nameless Throne

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Book nerd Fantasy lover Coffee snob

Lisa's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Born Nameless. Raised in ice and snow. Destined to rule.

Arya Nameless has sidestepped her destiny in favour of joining House Ravenstrike and helping Thiara Ravenstrike become High Warlord of Dunidaen. First, Arya must ensure that Thiara’s only son, Rorin, succeeds in running the Dreadwater Gate into Khadini, a deadly rite of passage that none have survived for decades. If they triumph, Arya will be named general of Ravenstrike’s army and land a political blow against their powerful adversary, Warlord Mathas Crowtalon.

Yet Khadini holds challenges far beyond what they expected. And while Arya contends with wild jungles, fierce enemy warriors, and potential new allies, the Nightstalker continues to seek her with relentless intensity. The monsters hunting her wield a dark magic she has no way of countering. Survival relies on staying hidden, secret.

Yet, when Arya’s wyvern calls, the time for hiding is over. 

Because destiny cannot be ignored forever.

The Dreadwater Gate

By Lisa Cassidy,

What is this book about?

Born Nameless. Raised in ice and snow. Destined to rule.


Arya Nameless has sidestepped her destiny in favour of joining House Ravenstrike and helping Thiara Ravenstrike become High Warlord of Dunidaen. First, Arya must ensure that Thiara's only son, Rorin, succeeds in running the Dreadwater Gate into Khadini, a deadly rite of passage that none have survived for decades. If they triumph, Arya will be named general of Ravenstrike's army and land a political blow against their powerful adversary, Warlord Mathas Crowtalon.


Yet Khadini holds challenges far beyond what they expected. And while Arya contends with wild jungles, fierce enemy…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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