Step into the interstellar adventure of the Confluence series, where humanity’s first steps into the cosmos spark thrilling encounters with alien life! Penned by Jennifer Foehner Wells, this science fiction saga blends heart-pounding exploration, rich character arcs, and thought-provoking themes about connection, survival, and our place in the universe. From its breakout debut to its growing fanbase, Confluence invites readers to soar through a galaxy brimming with wonder.
With strong female leads like linguist Jane Holloway and a knack for weaving hard science with emotional depth, Wells’ series is a love letter to sci-fi fans who crave both action and introspection. Ready to board an alien ship and unravel galactic mysteries? Let’s dive into the Confluence universe!
How Confluence Began
Jennifer Foehner Wells, a self-proclaimed geek with a biology background, launched the Confluence series with her 2014 debut, Fluency. Inspired by her lifelong passion for science fiction—sparked by Ray Bradbury’s stories—Wells crafted a tale of first contact that rocketed up Amazon charts, selling over 80,000 copies in its first year. Her goal? To create a universe where humans and aliens forge complex bonds, not just battle lines, challenging the trope of bloodthirsty extraterrestrials.
Fluency’s success as a KDP Select All-Star paved the way for a six-book series, with Wells drawing on her scientific knowledge and love for world-building to expand the saga. Her meticulous research and knack for relatable characters turned Confluence into a fan favorite, proving indie authors can shine in sci-fi’s vast galaxy.
The Heart of Confluence
The Confluence series kicks off with Fluency, where linguist Dr. Jane Holloway joins a NASA mission to explore a silent alien ship in the asteroid belt. What starts as a scientific expedition spirals into a telepathic connection with the ship’s navigator, unveiling a galactic threat. Remanence, the 2016 sequel and Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, follows Jane as she defies NASA to return the navigator home, only to uncover a plague-ravaged world.
Inheritance (also titled The Druid Gene) shifts to Darcy, a medical student whose genetic secrets thrust her into a cosmic struggle, intertwining her fate with Jane’s. Valence deepens the saga with multiple perspectives, including Jane’s diplomatic ventures and a new character, Zara, navigating Earth’s turmoil. Themes of communication, identity, and coexistence shine through, set against a backdrop of alien cultures and advanced tech. Wells’ style—visual, fast-paced, and character-driven—makes each book a page-turner, balancing hard sci-fi with human heart.
Unlike typical space operas, Confluence avoids simplistic alien villains, instead exploring brotherhood and even romance across species. Fans compare it to Karen Traviss’ Wess’har series for its nuanced take on interstellar relationships, making it a refreshing read for those tired of clichéd conflicts.
Why Confluence Resonates
Confluence’s impact lies in its ability to merge cerebral sci-fi with emotional stakes. Wells’ diverse, authentic characters—human and alien alike—resonate with readers craving inclusive, character-driven stories. The series’ indie roots and Wells’ hands-on engagement with fans via social media have fostered a loyal community, with Fluency earning a 2015 eLit Gold Award and Remanence’s nomination cementing its critical acclaim.
By tackling big questions—how do we communicate across cultures? Can humanity rise to galactic challenges?—Confluence inspires both awe and reflection. Its blend of adventure and philosophy ensures it lingers with readers, marking Wells as a rising star in modern sci-fi.
- Publication Years: 2014–2018 (Books 1–5)
- Number of Books: 6, with Vengeance concluding the main arc
- Awards: Fluency won 2015 eLit Gold; Remanence a 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards finalist
Grab Fluency and blast off into Confluence’s thrilling universe! Whether you’re a sci-fi veteran or a curious newcomer, Wells’ galaxy of adventure and heart awaits you!