What are the common themes in 'first contact war novels'?

Technology is a major theme. It's about how advanced technology might play a role in the first contact, whether it's our technology helping us detect and reach out to aliens or the aliens' technology being far beyond our understanding. Additionally, the theme of cooperation or conflict is often seen. Will the two species work together, perhaps for mutual survival or advancement? Or will there be immediate conflict due to competition for resources or ideological differences.

Survival is a significant theme in these fanfictions. When humans and Krogan first meet in the Mass Effect setting, they are often in a situation where they need to survive together, whether it's against a harsh environment or a common enemy. Additionally, the theme of communication barriers is prevalent. The two species have different languages, cultures, and ways of thinking. Fanfictions often focus on how they break through these barriers, whether it's through learning each other's languages or finding common ground in their values.

One common theme is the cultural shock. When different species meet for the first time, there are often misunderstandings due to different values, languages, and social norms. Another theme is the exploration of new technologies. The first contact might involve the discovery of advanced alien tech that changes the course of human or other species' development.

Identity is a major theme. When humans meet aliens, they start to question their own place in the universe and what it means to be human. In 'Childhood's End', the presence of the aliens makes humans reevaluate their very nature. The theme of power dynamics is also common. Who has more power, the humans or the aliens? This is explored in 'Ender's Game' where the military strategies against the aliens are part of the story. Additionally, there's the theme of survival. In many first contact stories, like 'Hyperion', the survival of the human race may be at stake depending on how the contact goes.

Power struggle is a very common theme. It shows how Voldemort was trying to gain absolute power over the wizarding world and how the Order of the Phoenix fought against him. Another theme is sacrifice. Many characters in these fanfictions sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

One common theme is loyalty. Characters have to decide who they are loyal to, whether it's their friends, their family or a cause. Another is sacrifice. Many characters sacrifice themselves or their well - being for the greater good in these fanfictions.

Trust is also a major theme. When someone is named as an emergency contact, there is an element of trust involved. Novels may explore how that trust is built, broken or tested. For example, a character might discover that their emergency contact isn't as reliable as they thought, leading to a crisis in the story.

One great 'first contact war novel' is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's about a young boy, Ender, being trained to fight in a war against an alien race. The story is full of strategic battles and moral dilemmas.

Well, one interesting concept could be the clash of different cultures. When two species meet for the first time in a war scenario, their values, languages, and social structures collide. For example, one species might value honor in combat in a very different way than the other. Another concept could be the technology exchange or the struggle for technological superiority. If one species has a more advanced weaponry, how does the other species adapt? And also, the moral dilemmas that characters face. Do they show mercy to an alien species they don't understand? Or is it all about survival?

The 'Mass Effect First Contact War Novel' mainly focuses on the events of the first contact war in the Mass Effect universe. It details the initial encounters between humans and the Turians, which were filled with misunderstandings and hostilities.