The Luna Missile Crisis

By: Rhett C. Bruno, Jaime Castle

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Audible number-one best sellers Rhett C. Bruno and Jaime Castle return with a relentless sci-fi adventure that asks: What if?

The year is 1961. The Cold War is in full swing and the space race is on. Russia aims to send humanity to space. But what if space comes to humanity instead? Yuri Gagarin’s epic flight into space is disrupted when an alien Mothership jumps into orbit, causing a cosmic car crash that defies all odds.

Everything changes. The US and USSR must quickly put aside their differences. In exchange for the Earth’s help in the rebuilding of their Mothership, the mysterious aliens, the Vulbathi, offer promises of technology beyond humanity's wildest dreams. All the while, the world asks whether the Vulbathi are saviors or conquerors.

When an alien tech counterfeiter's mistake sets off a chain reaction, the fragile peace is threatened. Connor McCoy didn't mean to upset Earth's new intergalactic neighbors. He only wanted to make some cash.

Now, Connor is the only person who can stop the doomsday clock from striking midnight. That is if his estranged brother, an agent in the new Department of Alien Relations, doesn't stop him first.

If you're a fan of District 9, The Expanse, Destiny's Crucible, or Andy Weir's Artemis, you'll love this alternate history romp across Earth and space, post alien contact.

©2020 Aethon Books (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Critic reviews

“Aliens, agents and espionage abound in this Cold War-era alternate history adventure. This is classic SF in the golden-age tradition. A wild ride!” (Dennis E. Taylor, number-one best-selling author of We Are Legion (We Are Bob))

"An alternate world that captivates the imagination and brings the reader on a thrilling adventure that will leave the devotees of classic science fiction eager for more." (Jason Anspach, best-selling author of the Galaxy's Edge Series)

“A unique, unexpected take on a sci-fi adventure. Pure fun that that had me racing through the pages!” (Nicholas Sansbury Smith, New York Times best-selling author of the Hell Divers series)

“An inventive and entertaining alternate history science fiction book set in a Cold War that became damn hot and very wild.” (Steven Campbell, author of the Hard Luck Hank series)

"A fun and fast read. I can't wait to see what happens next!" (Olan Thorensen, author of the Destiny’s Crucible series)

A Real McCoy of Science Fiction Goodness

Rhett and Jaime have truly crafted a love-letter to sci-fi fans with The Luna Missile Crisis. We’re talking alternate history, battletoad aliens with super cool guns and glowing radioactive fields full of zombies. Oh, and despite the standard disclaimers, any characters resembling persons living or dead is entirely intentional. All that and so much more is packed into this irresponsibly good story of what might have been if aliens came crashing out of the sky at the dawn of the space race.

Now, for all the campy trappings the book’s premise brings, I found myself fully unprepared for how compelling the main character proved. Connor McCoy has spent his life burning his bridges and failing at everything his perfect identical twin brother, Kyle, has succeeded at: work, women and even getting along with aliens.

It doesn’t help, of course, that the E.T.s look like nightmare versions of Kermit and were sort of responsible for killing Connor’s girlfriend. Then again, as Connor reminds himself, he could as easily blame the Soviets for starting World War 3. That move did seem a bit much when the alien mothership T-boned their first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, on his way into orbit.

Of course, it’s still life, but not as we knew it in the mid-60’s. In this world, the Beetles sing, “All You Need Are Toads”, John F. Kennedy is still president, and Neil Armstrong drives a space bus. But some things never change and that’s human nature. Many people have never reacted well to strange strangers and visitors from outer space certainly fall into that category.

So, if you like alt history sci-fi, a little post-apocalyptic flavoring and unexpectedly relatable characters, then get ready for a close encounter with this thrilling story. Oh, and did I mention the audiobook is narrated by Ray Porter? He’s kind of seriously awesome.

Enjoyed this very much.

The premise is great. I was expecting something a little different but I am glad my preconception were wrong. This is one of those stories I did not want to put down and I try to fill every free minute listening to it and a bit disappointed that it ended.

Without giving spoilers, several times I was surprised with how things played out. I like a book that keeps me guessing a little.

Characters are well done and had me cheering or worried for them.

Ray Porter did a great job narrating.

I would recommend this book for those who like an Alternative History with a Sci-fi twist.

I look forward to the story continuing

You won't regret it

Another great book by Rhett, especially if you like his Children of Titan series. On top of the great story, you add in the Porter factor, and you have a unstoppable duo!

I need more !!

This was a great story I love the Alternate Past aspect and I felt a real emotional attachment to the characters. The only disappointment is the fact I cannot wait to hear or read what happens next.

Great Story!

I absolutely loved this book. I'll not give any spoilers. I'm generally not a fan of alternative history, but this hooked me from the start and was a fun journey to the very end. It had a lot of action and adventure, character and plot twists with subtle humor throughout. I laughed when historical quotes were worked into the story, but not in the original context. Ray Porter did a great job narrating. I will certainly look for more work by Rhett Bruno and Jaime Castle. I highly recommend this book.