Another classic by Larry Niven. The Empire of Man is vast, and has not encountered any of species among the stars. Having wormhole technology, human ships are able to enter a region of space, The Mote, after seeing a bright flash and the remnants of a star sail come out of it. The aliens they will meet, the Moties, are some of the most original I have come across in my readings.

RATINGS
10/10
clburke
9/10
aaronoliver | Calvin | xanomon
8/10
chris_k
7/10
couturij | ergates | fionna | jmh
6/10
Gryffyd | Phil | Rich
3/10
aurelius