Brightness Reef by David Brin

The Uplift Trilogy Book 1

In a universe where species uplift others to sentience, three distinct races—humans, dolphins, and a native species called the Jijoans—seek refuge on the forbidden planet Jijo, hiding from the galactic authorities. As they strive to coexist peacefully, their fragile harmony is threatened by the arrival of a mysterious starship, bringing with it the potential for discovery and the unraveling of their secret sanctuary. The inhabitants must navigate complex alliances and confront their pasts to protect their future, all while grappling with the moral implications of their existence in a universe governed by strict evolutionary hierarchies.

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