The world of sci-fi is vast, with opportunities endless. Project Hail Mary has proven that, and now that you’ve seen it in theaters, you’ll need to read the book by Andy Weir. To be honest, it’s one of the books that you should read before seeing it in the theaters, but for some, it’s too late!
Now that you’ve watched the movie, it’s time to delve into the world of science fiction. Whether it’s fantasy sci-fi or regular sci-fi, there is a universe to explore. Don’t know where to start? Here are five books that I highly recommend.
‘The Expanse’ by James A. Corey
You’ve likely heard of the TV series, and maybe you even watched it without realizing that it’s based on an epic book series. Now is the time to dive into that epic series. James A. Corey is actually the joint penname of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, and both are extensively involved in each of the novels, with nine main books and 10 short stories and novellas.
The entire Expanse universe is just as the title suggests. This is a world where people on Earth, Mars, and what is known as The Belt try to coincide. Of course, some think they’re better than others, with Belters considered the bottom of the barrel, and Mars and Earth wonder why Belters want to fight back.
‘One Way’ by S.J. Mordan
If you love human-alien relationships, then you’ll want to turn your attention to One Way by S.J. Mordan. The novel follows Frank Kittridge, who is sentenced to life in prison for murder. The victim? His son’s drug dealer, and he’s not exactly sorry for his actions.
Luck seems to be on his side when he’s offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He can join a crew that is building a new station on Mars, and once he’s done that, he will be able to return to Earth a free man. Look, if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. This novel brings a mixture of sci-fi storytelling with a murder mystery, hooking you from the start.
‘Red Rising’ by Pierce Brown
For those who love the element of being on another planet and trying to survive, Red Rising by Pierce Brown is another excellent option. This has a whole universe explained, similar to The Expanse, where the societies have already been set up and lived by. However, things have to change, and that’s where we find our hero, Darrow, who is a Martian miner looking to take down the people known as the Golds.
Also like The Expanse, there are multiple books in the story — although, not as many! There are currently six books, and a seventh is currently being written. While there were talks of a TV series at one point, those talks have ended, but we’re looking forward to something more to come soon.
‘The Seveneves’ by Neal Stephenson
Instead of being trapped on Mars or lightyears away from Earth, what about a story where humanity itself is put in peril? Neal Stephenson does just that with The Seveneves when the moon explodes. Suddenly everyone has to figure out how to survive, considering just how much the moon affects on Earth.
Stephenson isn’t afraid to delve into the real science within the story. It allows us to be completely absorbed into the storytelling, and actually feel like the workaround is possible. You won’t be able to put it down once you start reading.
‘The Olympus Project’ by Zoë Routh
In a world where climate change has rendered most of the world desolate and uninhabitable, humanity looks to be on the verge of extinction. With no crops and rising seas, is there a way to survive? That’s the question The Olympus Project by Zoë Routh asks, and the title of the novel is the title of the project within it.
The Olympus Project brings up the plan to colonise the moon. Three of the best are put to the task, but the weight of the project leads to them fighting. We get a look at what can really happen in dire situations. While Project Hail Mary sees everyone trying to work together, The Olympus Project bodes the question of whether that can really happen. What is human nature really like?