Standalone

The Asterist

"The novel’s big hook isn’t the wonder-inspiring SF backdrop or the strange structure of the aliens (although both are impressive); it’s the intimate relationship that evolves between human and alien. The epilogue in particular, from the alien’s perspective, creates an unforgettable juxtaposition and will leave the reader with some deep issues to consider....Sayre creates a powerful story about compassion and sacrifice that will have readers applauding."

Kirkus

"Sayre puts his own spin on the first contact story with enjoyable results."

Publishers Weekly

"Fans of Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary (2021) will enjoy this engaging tale of a man alone in a big universe as he tries to make sense of where his new companion came from, what he can do to communicate with them, and why their condition is degrading so quickly."

Booklist

"Touching and rare. The kind of book you will think about long after you finish reading it."

Ann VanderMeer, editor and anthologist of The Big Book of Science Fiction

"Wry, relatable, but heartfelt and urgent."

Thomas Ha, Hugo, Nebula and 2x Locus Award-winning author of Uncertain Sons and Other Stories

"What a hero’s journey: to watch a grumpy curmudgeon strip off decades of bleak ennui to reveal complex layers of competence, scientific curiosity, excitement, and affection, as he learns to communicate with this wanderer in his midst. Fans of Murderbot’s blistering sarcasm and Project Hail Mary’s last-ditch problem solving will thrum to the themes of The Asterist. Pretty damned satisfying."

C. S. E. Cooney, World Fantasy Award-winning author of Saint Death’s Daughter

"A.T. Sayre has firmly established himself as a master of contemporary hard science-fiction. The Asterist is clever and funny by turns, and what I loved most was its deeply human and empathic core. This is the first-contact story we need right now, and one of the best hard SF books I’ve read in a long while."

Matthew Kressel, multiple Nebula Award-nominated author of The Rainseekers

"A relentless first-contact thriller about an average guy who never expected to accomplish much and a shipwrecked alien whose life he intends to save at any cost. I had a lump in my throat by the end."

Adam-Troy Castro, eight-time Nebula-nominated author of Emissaries from the Dead

"The Asterist is as meticulously detailed in its observations as any hard science fiction fan could want, as nail-biting in its mysteries and twists as any connoisseur of suspense could ask for, and packs an emotional wallop to boot."

Mike Allen, Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author of Trail of Shadows

"A rollicking, nail-biting, Andy Weir-style adventure that never leaves an asteroid, yet underscores how humanity is the most precious commodity in the universe."

Randee Dawn, author of Leave No Trace

“Sayre delivers a refreshing 21st century take on a classic tale of first contact.”

Lawrence M. Schoen, author of Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard

"I put off reading the last ten pages for a day because I didn’t want this story to end. The whole novel flowed with tension, with a mounting desire to learn more. This story is about decisions, the drive for communication, and a very humane desire to do the best you can when confronted with the unknown."

Karen Heuler, author of The Splendid City

"A.T. Sayre certainly delivers what you’d expect from the best hard science fiction first contact tales, but he’s equally adept at inserting humanity into the narrative. This is a story that will leave readers processing various thoughts and emotions long after the final words."

P.A. Cornell, Two-time Nebula finalist, author of Shoeshine Boy & Cigarette Girl and The Astronaut Among the Flowers and Other Stories

"THE ASTERIST is a story of survival and sacrifice...The premise is poignant and heart breaking; our hero is compassionate and empathetic."

The Reading Cafe

"This was an enjoyable read that reminded me a lot of Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary...It’s a solid piece of adventure SF"

The Skiffy and Fanty Show

The Last Days of Good People

"Sayre does a nice job exploring weighty questions such as whether it’s possible to be an impartial observer, whether conflict is a neces­sary driver of evolution, and whether cultural 'stagnation' must always be a bad thing."

Locus Magazine

"Sad, bittersweet tale with interesting characters. ... This was an excellent story and will be on my shortlist for Best Novella Hugo next year."

SF Revu

“[THE LAST DAYS OF GOOD PEOPLE] asks good questions about what “civilisation” actually means. A haunting tale."

Tangent Online

"Very Good. ... The way that [the protagonist] forms his connection to the natives is truly heartwarming."

SF Book Review

"The setting is a bit of a reminiscence of classical sci-fi, but with a slower pacing, more contemplative, but which works marvels for the character development. THE LAST DAYS OF GOOD PEOPLE is an excellent example of a cozy but impactful sci-fi novella, a thought-provoking piece perfect for readers that are not afraid of being challenged. A great debut that I hope is not the last thing I read from A.T. Sayre."

JamReads

"With intricate worldbuilding and an exciting, engrossing storyline, A.T. Sayre knocked this one out of the park. I thought I knew where it was going, but I was happily surprised where it took me."

Jonathan Brazee, author of the Sentenced to War and Federation Marines series

"Conservationism in the era of intergalactic travel isn't easy. Sayre imagines rebellion against convention to serve overlooked and vulnerable life, no matter what it costs."

John Wiswell, author of Someone You Can Build a Nest In

"An excellent example of 'just when you think things can't get worse.' I had to pause several times as the consequences grew, but found the payoff worth the delay."

Gordon Linzner, founder of Space and Time Magazine

"THE LAST DAYS OF GOOD PEOPLE is an engaging tale that harkens back to a classic style of space travel science fiction – a wondrous other world, alien contact, real science, multifaceted characters, and a moral dilemma that hits home for today’s reader. The writing is smooth and renders the unfamiliar with great imagination and clarity."

Jeffrey Ford, author of Ahab’s Return and A Natural History of Hell

"A wonderfully written novel full of Le Guin vibes! Sayre explores philosophical questions—what use is an individual’s moral compass in the face of the inevitable?—but never forgets about the worldbuilding. ... As always, sci-fi that asks big questions allows us to hold a mirror to ourselves. This stuff is simply amazing. The late, great Ursula would’ve been proud."

Yaroslav Barsukov, author of Tower of Mud and Straw and Sleeping Worlds Have No Memory.

"A.T. Sayre’s forthcoming debut novel THE LAST DAYS OF GOOD PEOPLE is a fascinating book that is more in line with the thought-provoking, cerebral meditations on society and more importantly what society could be that was synonymous with a different age of speculative fiction."

Jon Ficke