The Lonely Sea and the Sands

The Lonely Sea and the Sands is a standalone novel, and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read the previous books in the Star Sojourner series.
Jules Rammis - astrobiologist, adventurer, man of honor - with a talent for "getting into so many jams you might as well spread him on toast," has really opened a Pandora's Box this time.
The thing that was let out is the alien animal-plant Bristra, with a taste for humans and the skill to hunt them. Together with other enemies of Earth, this alien lifeform plots to conquer Earth. With the Alliance Forces out to protect Earth's interstellar colonies, Jules will have to risk life and limb to probe for chinks in Bristra's formidable defenses.
With the backup of his trusty team, Jules finds himself on a dangerous ride as Earth plunges into a dark time, with attacks on three fronts.
The Lonely Sea and the Sands is the ninth novel in Jean Kilczer's Star Sojourner series.