It should come as no surprise that Catherine Asaro writes such compelling science fiction novels. After all, the author holds a PhD in chemical physics and is the daughter of Frank Asaro, the nuclear chemist whose discoveries led to the theory that an asteroid killed the dinosaurs.
When she isn’t writing, Asaro teaches math, physics, and chemistry all while advocating for girls to become more involved in STEM. She has long challenged gender roles both in life and fiction, and works as a member of SIGMA, a thinktank of speculative writers who advise the government on potential future trends that could impact national security.
All of those talents and interests are apparent in Skolian Saga, the series she is most well-known for. The novels, novellas, and novelettes all revolve around the power struggle between the Skolian Empire and the Eubian Concord. Filled with physics, bio-enhancements, virtual computer networks, and mathematics, the characters face political intrigue, romance, and military conflict. Here are four books from the Skolian Saga (and one standalone) to get you started.
The Quantum Rose
Marrying the arrogant leader of a neighboring province is Kamoj Argali’s chance to save her people from starvation. She’s made peace with the match… until Havryl Lionstar claims Kamoj as his wife. The mysterious visitor is viewed as a beast to Kamoj’s people. After all, his claims have brought nothing but chaos to their already destitute land. But as Kamoj deals with the upheavals he brings, she learns that the universe is far larger than she ever imagined.
Lightning Strike
When Tina Pulivok is on her way home, she’s attacked in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood. Luckily, she’s saved by a stranger, but he seems more lost than anything. Turns out, “lost” is an understatement. Althor is not just from a distant galaxy, he’s from a different timeline and an alternate universe. But before she can figure out what to make of him, they both find themselves on the run as both the police and military come after them when they capture his damaged starship.
The Spacetime Pool
After graduating from MIT, Janelle Aulair decompresses by hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains. The last thing she expects is for a man to ask her for help. He came out of nowhere and when she steps back in surprise, she falls through a portal and lands in another universe. The man follows and reveals that she is part of a prophecy. If she marries him, his kingdom will prosper. If she doesn’t, his evil brother will become a tyrant and kill him. But when she finds out that despite not even having electricity, this civilization learned how to travel the stars centuries ago, she is determined to find out what happened. Perhaps it holds the key to an entirely different future.
The Last Hawk
When Kelric crash-lands on the forbidden planet of Coba, he isn’t too worried. After all, he’s a member of the powerful Skolia imperial family. But Coba has been keeping secrets. Secrets she’d rather the Empire not know about. That means Kelric soon finds himself prisoner. Only, the longer he remains prisoner, the more the women of Coba are drawn to him… and one-by-one, they fall in love with him.
Ascendant Sun
It’s been 18 years since Kelric was imprisoned by women of Coba. His cage has been gilded, but it’s still a cage. When a chance comes to escape, he takes it. Now, he finally returns to Skolian space. But the Empire has struggled under the Radiance War and is now controlled by the Allied forces of Earth. He’s forced to work on a merchant ship only to find himself in another horrifying situation when they’re attacked. Now, he’s being subject to torture and sex so that the Eubans who control him can obtain their ultimate telepathic emotional drug.
