Step into the high-flying world of Stephen Coonts’ Saucer series, where ancient alien technology sparks a whirlwind of adventure, intrigue, and cosmic wonder! This thrilling trilogy blends science fiction with pulse-pounding action, following seismic surveyor Rip Cantrell as he unearths a 140,000-year-old flying saucer buried in the Sahara. With governments, billionaires, and extraterrestrial secrets in play, the Saucer books deliver a rollercoaster ride for fans of speculative fiction and techno-thrillers.
Coonts, a master of suspense known for his military thrillers like Flight of the Intruder, takes a playful leap into sci-fi with this series. Its lighthearted yet gripping tone, memorable characters, and imaginative exploration of alien technology make it a standout in his catalog. Ready to blast off? Let’s explore the Saucer series’ origins, stories, and lasting charm!
How Saucer Began
Stephen Coonts, a former naval aviator and Vietnam veteran, built his career crafting meticulous military thrillers. But in 2002, he ventured into uncharted territory with Saucer, inspired by his fascination with UFO lore and the possibilities of extraterrestrial technology. Drawing from his aviation expertise, Coonts envisioned a story where ancient alien tech intersects with modern ambition, blending hard science with speculative wonder. The result was a trilogy that balances edge-of-your-seat action with a wink at classic sci-fi tropes, like Area 51 and ancient aliens.
Published by St. Martin’s Press, the series kicked off with Saucer in 2002, followed by Saucer: The Conquest in 2004 and Saucer: Savage Planet in 2014. Coonts’ shift to sci-fi surprised fans but won them over with his knack for fast-paced storytelling and relatable heroes, proving his versatility beyond the cockpit.
The Heart of Saucer
The Saucer series spans three books, each escalating the stakes and expanding the cosmic scope. In Saucer, Rip Cantrell discovers a prehistoric flying saucer in the Sahara, triggering a global chase as governments and a greedy billionaire vie for its secrets. With test pilot Charley Pine by his side, Rip takes the saucer on a wild ride across continents and into space, dodging danger with wit and grit. Saucer: The Conquest ups the ante when Charley uncovers a lunar plot involving alien tech from Area 51, pitting her and Rip against a megalomaniac threatening Earth’s survival.
The trilogy concludes with Saucer: Savage Planet, where a second saucer surfaces from the Atlantic, funded by a pharma tycoon hunting an anti-aging drug. Rip and Charley team up with Adam Solo, an alien stranded on Earth for a millennium, facing a choice: stay on Earth or venture into the universe. The series weaves themes of human ambition, the ethics of technology, and the allure of the unknown, all set against a backdrop of high-stakes action and interstellar intrigue.
Coonts’ style is accessible and fun, with snappy dialogue and characters like Rip, Charley, and the quirky scientist Uncle Egg. The series leans into sci-fi adventure without overexplaining the tech, letting readers revel in the thrill of discovery. Its blend of humor, suspense, and optimism echoes the spirit of 1950s sci-fi epics, making it a nostalgic yet fresh read.
Why Saucer Resonates
Though not as famous as Coonts’ Jake Grafton novels, the Saucer series has carved a niche among sci-fi and thriller fans for its unpretentious charm and imaginative scope. Readers praise its fast-paced plots and likable heroes, with reviews calling it “pure, unadulterated fun” and a “rip-roaring adventure.” Its exploration of humanity’s place in the cosmos, paired with real-world tensions like corporate greed and global power struggles, keeps it relevant.
The series’ optimistic vision—where humans and aliens collaborate to face universal challenges—offers a refreshing escape in today’s often grim sci-fi landscape. For fans of authors like Clive Cussler or classic UFO tales, Saucer delivers a unique blend of action and wonder that lingers long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2002, 2004, 2014
- Number of Books: 3
- Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure
Grab Saucer and blast off into Stephen Coonts’ thrilling sci-fi universe! Whether you’re a UFO enthusiast or just crave a fun, fast read, this series promises a wild ride through the stars.