Book Review: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon (Series)

The Ice Planet Barbarians series by Ruby Dixon is a genre-defining romance saga that brought sci-fi romance into the mainstream and helped popularize common sci-fi romance tropes such as “fated mates” and “alien barbarian heroes”. It begins with a group of human women abducted by aliens and crash-landing on a frozen, hostile planet, where they meet the sa-khui, a tribe of blue-skinned, horned aliens. With the help of a symbiotic parasite called the “khui,” which ensures survival and selects fated mates on this planet, the humans and aliens forge romantic connections. Each book focuses on a different couple’s journey.

Series Grade: B+

Spice Level: HOT

POV: Dual 1st Person

Common Tropes: alien abduction, mars-needs-women, insta-love, fated mates human heroines, tortured heroines, alien barbarians, alpha heroes, tortured heroes, interspecies romance, found family, forced proximity, breeding, pregnancy, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, angst & survival.

Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians series is a laugh-out-loud romp through the icy tundra of “Not-Hoth,” blending humor, spice, and heartfelt connections. Dixon’s comedic timing is impeccable, capturing the way modern women realistically and hilariously communicate with one another—think plenty of filth, frank conversations, and laughably relatable moments. This dynamic adds a fresh, down-to-earth layer to the high-concept world of alien romance.

That said, readers should be aware that the first book contains some potentially off-putting content that might deter some (trigger warning: explicit rape of a side character and some dubious consent). However, the series quickly shifts into a lighter, sometimes angsty, tone that finds its stride as it explores the budding love stories of various human-alien couples. While the romances are undeniably fun and steamy, the sheer length of the series means not all couples resonate (see what I did there?) equally. Standouts like Vektal and Georgie, Raahosh and Liz, Rukh and Harlow, and Haeden and Josie shine bright, but others fade into the background.

Beyond the romances, what truly elevates the series is the sense of community and “found family” among the sa-khui tribe. Each book advances the overarching narrative, introducing exciting changes to the icy world and deepening the characters’ relationships with one another. The sa-khui heroes, while alpha in their possessiveness, are more “naive, loving, and devoted hunter-gatherers” than uber hardened warriors, which may disappoint readers seeking intense “touch her and die” alpha energy.

Individual book grades below!