Books Like...
If you liked The Last Astronaut, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Atmospheric, quick, and creepy - a popcorn space horror that's perfect for fans of 'Event Horizon' or Lovecraft in space, but might disappoint if you're after groundbreaking ideas or rich characters.
The Void by Brett J. Talley is a science fiction horror novel that delves into the perils of deep space travel and the unknown terrors lurking in the darkness. The story follows the crew of the spacecraft Chronos as they awaken prematurely from warp speed, only to find themselves dangerously close to a black hole and a seemingly abandoned ship called the Singularity. As they explore the eerie vessel, they encounter a terror beyond their worst nightmares, leading to a suspenseful and chilling journey through the depths of space.
The author, Brett Talley, employs a distinctive writing style that keeps readers on edge, blending elements of cosmic horror and sci-fi to create a gripping narrative. Through skillful storytelling, Talley weaves together fragments of history, dream sequences, and suspenseful pacing to build a compelling plot that explores themes of existential dread and the unknown forces that lurk in the void of space.
Aidan Connor woke to light. It was white and blinding and pure, but provided no heat. It held him, that light, and he wondered if he had died. He thought he had and that this place was Heaven. But his...July 2012•250 pages - #2
A dark, thoughtful space horror story with rich characterization and chilling atmosphere - best suited for readers who like their sci-fi mysterious and their endings open to interpretation.
'Ship of Fools' by Richard Paul Russo follows the starship Argonos as it navigates through a universe where Earth has become a toxic wasteland. The crew discovers a planet where all inhabitants have been brutally murdered, leading them to a haunted starship with unanswered mysteries. The narrative is driven by the protagonist Bartolomeo's intimate perspective, providing clear insights into his thoughts and emotions. The story explores themes of religion, corruption, and the struggle for power aboard the ship, culminating in a revolution and the discovery of a devastated new land.
The writing style of 'Ship of Fools' is described as brisk and engaging, with well-developed characters like Bartolomeo. The novel balances science fiction elements with horror and explores deep philosophical questions about faith, humanity, and the unknown, keeping readers invested in the unfolding events on the starship Argonos.
WE had not made landfall in more than fourteen years. One disastrous choice of a star after another. The captain viewed this string of failures as absurdly bad luck; the bishop, as divine intervention...December 2001•411 pages - #3
A creepy, cinematic sci-fi thriller with strong horror vibes - tense, thought-provoking, and perfect for fans of haunted spaceship tales, though it may leave some wanting a bit more from its characters and ending.
Salvation Day by Kali Wallace is a space horror science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has undergone a Collapse, leading to a divided society between the privileged living under the United Councils of Earth and the outcasts in the wastelands. The story follows the hijacking of a space shuttle by a cult led by an insane zealot, aiming to reach and take over a quarantined exploration vessel known as the House of Wisdom. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Zahra, one of the hijackers, and Jas, the sole survivor with a dark past connected to the abandoned ship, revealing mysteries, political complexities, and psychological fallout in a well-rounded and compelling manner.
Outside the broad windows of the loading area, the long shaft of Civita Station tethered the port to the ground. As they waited their turn to board the shuttles, the passengers gaped at the Earth, exc...July 2019•320 pages - #4
A creepy, cinematic ghost ship thriller in space that hits the right notes for sci-fi horror fans, though it may not reinvent the genre. If you love spooky tension and don’t mind a little melodrama, it’s absolutely worth the trip.
'Dead Silence' by S.A. Barnes is a sci-fi horror novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey aboard the Aurora ship, where a crew faces terrifying events while dealing with corporate competition and greed. The book combines elements of space travel, ghost ships, and mind games, creating a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of movies like Event Horizon and Ghost Ship. The story unfolds with a blend of horror, mystery, and themes of corporate exploitation, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through a narrative full of twists and turns.
The writing style of 'Dead Silence' has been described as atmospheric and detailed, with a focus on creating a sense of dread and tension throughout the story. Readers have praised the author, S.A. Barnes, for her ability to weave together various elements such as space horror, romance, and critiques of corporate influence, resulting in a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
My head is throbbing again, a white-hot line of pain from the back of my skull down to the right side of my jaw, and a dead man is signaling me from across the common room. His hand waves frantically...February 2022•351 pages - #5
Original, intense, and gruesome - The Hematophages blends space adventure with gnarly horror in a corporate dystopia. It isn't flawless, but for fans of sci-fi horror, it's an absolute treat.
"The Hematophages" by Stephen Kozeniewski is a thrilling sci-fi horror novel that follows the journey of Paige, a brave and ambitious woman who joins an expedition to salvage a mysterious lost seedship. As the story unfolds, readers are introduced to a world where an all-female society rules the galaxy, and where corporate greed and bureaucratic dystopia create a tension-filled backdrop. The plot builds up gradually, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Paige navigates through a series of horrifying events and encounters with alien life forms. The writing style is engaging and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of a future where blood-drinking creatures and corporate espionage intertwine to create a chilling narrative.
It’s a stupid question. One that’s been asked at job interviews since time immemorial. Briefly, the image of a protosapient Neanderthal in a pantsuit made from leopard-hide leaps to mind, asking an ap...April 2017•326 pages - #6
Fast, fun, and scary - a speedy, popcorn sci-fi horror ride best enjoyed in one sitting. A must-try for space horror fans, but those seeking depth or originality may want more.
'The Scourge Between Stars' by Ness Brown is a novella that delves into the realm of space horror, drawing comparisons to the iconic movie 'Alien'. The story follows a generational spaceship on a perilous journey back to Earth, where passengers are plagued by mysterious deaths and a lurking malevolent force aboard the vessel. Despite its short length, the book manages to create a gripping narrative filled with tension and eerie moments, making it a quick but engaging read for fans of the sci-fi horror genre.
The writing style of 'The Scourge Between Stars' is described as fast-paced and immersive, with vivid imagery that sets the tone for a thrilling and suspenseful experience. Readers praise the novella for its ability to keep them on the edge of their seats, providing a cinematic feel that captures the essence of classic space horror while introducing fresh elements to the genre. Although some opinions note similarities to 'Alien', the book is commended for its effective portrayal of fear and survival in the vastness of space.
The Sun was a golden stitch in the black tapestry of the void, just one needlepoint among thousands visible through the Calypso’s observation deck window. It made an extra zag in the sawtooth constell...April 2023•170 pages - #7
A gripping sci-fi horror thriller with intriguing mysteries and memorable characters - just be ready for a cliffhanger and some suspension of disbelief.
'Paradise-1' in the series 'Red Space' by author David Wellington follows a crew comprising of unlikeable characters, a cop, a doctor, and an awesome robot as they embark on a mission to solve a mysterious problem at a colony that has cut off contact with Earth. The plot slowly unravels as the crew faces challenges and reveals their past, making the characters more relatable to the readers. The book is a mix of sci-fi, horror, and even a touch of romance, providing an engaging and unique storyline that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end.
The writing style of David Wellington in 'Paradise-1' is described as well-crafted, engaging, and clean. The plot is logical, explained, and free from plot holes, offering enough symbolism and foreshadowing to satisfy literary enthusiasts. The book seamlessly combines elements of action, thriller, and sci-fi horror to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked and eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
April 2023•712 pages - #8
A fun, fast-paced space horror that hits the right spine-tingling notes, but expect more chills than depth. Great for a quick thrill ride, especially if you love sci-fi monsters and aren’t too bothered by light worldbuilding.
'Parasite' by Darcy Coates is a science fiction horror novel that explores the terrifying concept of parasitic alien life forms spreading through distant outposts and colonies in space. The book follows a series of connected stories set in a shared universe where humanity faces a menacing alien menace, reminiscent of classic horror sci-fi films like 'Aliens' and 'The Thing'. The plot unfolds through different viewpoints in various space stations, each introducing new characters and revealing the escalating horror as the parasites take over.
The writing style in 'Parasite' is described as engaging and easy to read, with a focus on building tension and delivering creepy and chilling moments that evoke goosebumps. The book seamlessly transitions between different segments, each offering a unique perspective on the unfolding horror in space. Despite some criticisms about pacing and character development, readers appreciate the fast-paced plot and the suspenseful narrative that keeps them hooked until the end.
Jen snapped her helmet into place, enjoying the quiet hiss and click that told her it was locked. A lot of outpost staff complained about having to wear the thick suits during routine patrols, but Jen...August 2016•420 pages - #9
A seriously fun, refreshing zombie romp with a sci-fi twist - clunky characters aside, it’s a great pick if you want action-packed, imaginative escapism on the lunar surface.
'Dead Moon' in the 'Threshold' series by Peter Clines is a thrilling and unique story set on the moon, where a new caretaker named Cali Logan arrives to manage a vast cemetery. However, things take a dark turn when preserved corpses start reanimating and digging themselves out of their graves. As the characters on the moon face off against these intelligent and relentless zombies, they must fight, run, and pray for rescue in a fight for survival against an ancient and mysterious threat.
'Dead Moon' offers a fresh take on the zombie genre, combining elements of horror, humor, and action to create a gripping and entertaining story. keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and unexpected twists, making it a must-read for fans of Clines' work and anyone looking for a thrilling adventure in space.
Cali Washington remembered being a little girl with a big dream. She remembered the excitement and the hope and the thrill of those small, early steps on the road to that dream. Some of her best memor... - #10
A cult classic sci-fi horror hybrid - creepy, thrilling, and surprisingly deep, but with some quirky, retro flaws. Worth the trip for genre fans who love a good Martian nightmare!
The Season of Passage by Christopher Pike is a science fiction novel that follows a group of astronauts on their journey to Mars to uncover the mysteries surrounding the previous mission. The plot involves elements of horror, vampires, ancient civilizations, and a sense of impending doom. The writing style is described as creepy, cool, spooky, and suspenseful, blending space opera, horror, and high fantasy with a traditional monster. The story is set in a futuristic scenario where the characters face unknown dangers and unearth unsettling truths about the red planet.
1992•454 pages











