Alien Influences

A mesmerizing, shocking, fast-moving novel. One of the most original science fiction books ever written. The multiple award-nominated Alien Influences solidified Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s position as one of the best science fiction writers in the world.

The aliens of Bountiful, an ironically named desert planet, fascinate the children of the human colonists. The influence of the aliens leads to a terrible tragedy that affects the lives of everyone involved for years afterwards. Only a handful of survivors know how to heal the damage, and none of them talk to each other.

Until John finds them and maybe, just maybe, he can unite them. One last time.

“A well-conceived, well-executed novel.”

—The New York Times Book Review

Rusch isn’t here on this Earth to hand out easy answers. Alien Influences is, like all her work, memorable, and enthralling. 

—SF Site

[Rusch]’s examination of the heights and depths of the human spirit is what engages and ultimately satisfies.

—Publisher's Weekly