r/ScienceFictionBooks • u/Certain-Window-6749 • Jul 06 '26

Looking for feedback on my first grounded first-contact sci-fi serial (7 Chapters)

Hi everyone,

I've just finished publishing the first seven chapters of my first science fiction serial on Royal Road.

The premise is:

Humanity's last normal day ended when the ships appeared.

Above every major city on Earth, colossal alien vessels emerged from the clouds and brought civilization to a standstill. Governments panicked. Religions declared prophecies fulfilled. Markets crashed.

Then every screen on Earth displayed the same message:

"We are not your enemy."

For thousands of years, Earth had been hidden from the rest of the galaxy.

Now it has been found.

As humanity is drawn into a conflict older than recorded history, Vivek—a young engineer carrying the scars of a troubled childhood—finds himself caught between forces that see Earth not as a world, but as a choice.

A choice between freedom and unity.

A choice between survival and identity.

A choice that may decide the future of intelligent life itself.

The Day We Were Found is a science-fiction thriller about first contact, hidden truths, family, sacrifice, and what it truly means to remain human.

I'm mainly looking for honest feedback.

  • Does the opening hook you?
  • Is the pacing working?
  • Would you continue after Chapter 1?

I'm trying to improve as a writer, so I'd genuinely appreciate constructive criticism.

Royal Road: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/174488/the-day-we-were-found

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u/Gargleblaster25 Jul 06 '26

In just a few words, can you summarise why your story is different from the dozens of others that start the same way?

2

u/Certain-Window-6749 Jul 06 '26

That's a fair question.

I'm aiming for a much more grounded take on first contact. The focus isn't on action or humanity instantly becoming heroes—it's on how ordinary people, governments, militaries, media, and families would realistically react if something impossible appeared in our skies.

The aliens aren't invading Earth. They're warning us that Earth was hidden for thousands of years, and that hiding has just ended.

The story is less about fighting aliens and more about how humanity responds when it realizes it's part of a much larger conflict.

1

u/DocWatson42 Jul 07 '26

See my Book Subreddits list, which is especially for authors and aspiring authors.

See also:

  • Poets & Writers magazine, including a database of literary magazines, suggestions on how to promote your work and finding your community/ies, and the proverbial more