Books like For Love and Glory by Poul Anderson

Lissa, a human Earth woman, and her partner Karl—a giant alien researcher resembling a tyrannosaur—are interstellar archaeologists tasked with studying the remote, uncharted planet Jonna. While investigating the terrain, they stumble upon an immense artifact that appears to have been left by the ancient Forerunners, a mysterious pre‑galactic civilization that vanished before any known starfaring culture. The discovery does not go unnoticed. Lissa and Karl soon encounter two freebooters, whose motives for the relic extend beyond pure science. The unlikely team must navigate competing interests as they contend with the best-preserved Forerunner relic yet unearthed, whose power could reshape technology and attract vast financial rewards. With the freebooters eyeing the treasure, Lissa and Karl find themselves alone as the guardians of Jonna’s most valuable secret.

First publish date: 2003