Books matching: near future hard science fiction
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- #1
"Seveneves" by Neal Stephenson is a science fiction novel that starts with the sudden destruction of the moon, leading to catastrophic events on Earth. The book follows humanity's struggle for survival as they plan to escape to space by building a Cloud Ark centered around the ISS. The story delves into intricate technical details, orbital mechanics, and the challenges faced in preserving a sliver of humanity. The narrative is divided into two parts, with the first focusing on the immediate aftermath of the disaster and the second part jumping 5000 years into the future, exploring new characters and genetic determinism.
An amateur astronomer in Utah was the first person on Earth to realize that something unusual was happening. Moments earlier, he had noticed a blur flourishing in the vicinity of the Reiner Gamma form... - #2
'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a thrilling science fiction novel that follows the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is mistakenly left behind on Mars after his crew believes he is dead. The plot revolves around Watney's incredible survival journey as he uses his ingenuity, humor, and scientific knowledge to overcome challenges, from building a potato farm to contacting NASA for a rescue mission. The writing style is engaging, filled with details and technical know-how that immerse the reader into the world of space exploration without being too tedious, making the character of Watney well-fleshed out and likable.
For the record…I didn’t die on Sol 6. Certainly the rest of the crew thought I did, and I can’t blame them. Maybe there’ll be a day of national mourning for me, and my Wikipedia page will say, “Mark W... - #3
'The Ministry for the Future' by Kim Stanley Robinson is a speculative fiction novel that presents a possible future where humanity works together to combat climate change and avert catastrophic scenarios. Set in a near future where the planet is heating up, the book follows various characters dealing with the effects of climate disasters, inequality, and the urgency of implementing solutions. Through a mix of character drama and idea-driven narrative, Robinson explores themes of ecological disaster, political activism, and the potential for change in the face of impending crises.
Frank May got off his mat and padded over to look out the window. Umber stucco walls and tiles, the color of the local clay. Square apartment blocks like the one he was in, rooftop patios occupied by ... - #4
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin is a hard science fiction novel that delves into the discovery of another race in our galaxy, challenging the basic principles of modern physics. Set in China during the Cultural Revolution, the book follows Chinese astrophysicist Ye as she tries to prevent a global catastrophe with possible extraterrestrial origins. The writing style incorporates elements of Chinese culture and history, offering a fresh perspective on sci-fi and blending imaginative scientific concepts with societal reflections.
The Red Union commander was anxious, though not because of the defenders he faced. The more than two hundred Red Guards of the April Twenty-eighth Brigade were mere greenhorns compared with the vetera... - #5
'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Ryland Grace, a man who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he is there. He soon discovers that he is on a mission to save humanity from an alien infestation that is consuming the sun. The book combines elements of suspense, science, and adventure as Ryland navigates challenges, solves scientific problems, and forms unexpected alliances with alien lifeforms to unravel the mystery and find a solution to save Earth.
The writing style of 'Project Hail Mary' is described as fast-paced, humorous, and engaging. The author, Andy Weir, expertly weaves scientific details into the narrative, making complex concepts accessible and adding credibility to the mind-bending events in the story. The book alternates between present-time events on the spaceship and flashbacks that provide background information, creating a well-balanced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
What’s going on? I want to find out, but I don’t have much to work with. I can’t see. I can’t hear anything other than the computer. I can’t even feel. No, that’s not true. I feel something. I’m lying... - #6
'Gravity' by Tess Gerritsen is a gripping medical thriller set on the International Space Station, where an experiment gone wrong leads to a deadly virus infecting the crew. As the astronauts struggle to survive and NASA races against time to provide aid, the tension escalates, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Gerritsen's writing style combines detailed medical and scientific knowledge with a fast-paced plot, creating a story that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction and suspense.
Below him yawned the watery blackness of a frigid underworld, where the sun had never penetrated, where the only light was the fleeting spark of a bioluminescent creature. Lying prone in the formfitti... - #7
Genesis by Bernard Beckett is a thought-provoking novella that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, philosophy, evolution, and history. The book is structured as an oral examination where the protagonist, Anax, recounts the history of Adam Forde, a pivotal figure in a dystopian future world. Through this examination, the book raises questions about consciousness, humanity, and the consequences of the past on the future. The writing style is clear and robust, making complex ideas accessible and engaging for readers, with a big twist at the end that leaves readers reeling from the implications.
Anax moved down the long corridor. The only sound was the gentle hiss of the air filter overhead. The lights were down low, as demanded by the new regulations. She remembered brighter days, but never ... - #8
'Gamechanger' by L.X. Beckett is set in a post-apocalyptic world where generations are trying to rebuild society using referendum voting and surveillance to determine social credit. The story follows Rubi Whiting, a virtual gameplayer and aspiring attorney, who gets involved in a case of an antisocial being that may be an illegal AI or even an alien. The novel is described as a big sprawling cyberpunk work with elements of hope in a climate-ravaged world, but some readers found it challenging to connect with the characters and the complex storyline. Despite its flaws, the book explores themes of AI-mediated trauma, transhuman family dynamics, and the aftermath of disaster and dystopia.
She was in a chic Parisian neighborhood with a view of the Eiffel Tower, waiting on a meeting. When @Interpol showed up in her pop-in conference room, she’d been sending pings to a no-show client for ... - #9
"The Three-body Problem" by Catherine Shaw is a historical detective novel set in Cambridge in the 1880s, featuring Vanessa Duncan, a young schoolmistress who becomes involved in solving the mysterious deaths of mathematicians at Cambridge University. The narrative is presented in the form of letters written by Vanessa to her twin sister, detailing her experiences and investigations as she navigates the academic world where women have limited opportunities. The story intertwines mathematical puzzles, historical events, and themes of women's education and empowerment against the backdrop of a murder mystery involving the n-body problem competition sponsored by the King of Sweden.
The plot of the book revolves around Vanessa's quest to prove the innocence of her love interest, Arthur Weatherburn, who is accused of the murders. As she delves deeper into the case, Vanessa uncovers the complexities of academic rivalries, historical mathematical competitions, and societal challenges faced by women in the Victorian era. The narrative combines elements of mystery, mathematical intrigue, and historical context to create a unique blend of detective fiction with a mathematical twist.
- #10
In 'Rendezvous with Rama,' written by Arthur C. Clarke, a mysterious alien spacecraft named Rama enters the solar system, sparking a thrilling exploration mission by a select group of individuals. The novel delves into the awe-inspiring discovery and investigation of this enigmatic ship, focusing more on the impact of the situation and technology on the characters rather than heavy technological details. Clarke's writing style captivates readers with vivid descriptions, realistic science-based explanations, and a sense of mystery that keeps the narrative intriguing from start to finish.
Sooner or later, it was bound to happen. On 30 June 1908, Moscow escaped destruction by three hours and four thousand kilometres—a margin invisibly small by the standards of the universe. Again, on 12...