Books Like...
'Fallen Dragon' by Peter F. Hamilton is a science fiction novel set in a future where mega corporations control the galaxy and engage in 'asset realisation' missions, seen as robbery by the colonies. The story follows Lawrence Newton, a disillusioned interstellar mercenary, and Denise Ebourn, a schoolteacher involved in a resistance movement on the planet Thallspring. As the plot unfolds, it alternates between Newton's past as a corporate prince and his present as a corporate soldier, and Ebourn's tales for her students about a long-dead empire. The book explores themes of space exploration, colonization, economic constraints, and the influence of science fiction on the future, all while presenting clear and exciting combat sequences and technological skullduggery.
If you liked Fallen Dragon, here are the top 86 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Great North Road' by Peter F. Hamilton is a lengthy science fiction novel that combines elements of a murder mystery with interstellar colonization in the near future. The story follows a complex web of characters, including a police investigation led by Sid Hurst and centered around Angela, as they uncover a murder mystery involving clones and a murderous alien presence. The book is praised for its detailed world-building, cool technology, and the way various plot threads intersect in a satisfying manner.
As midnight approached, the wild neon colors of the borealis storm came shimmering through the soft snow falling gently across Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. It was as if nature were partying along with the res... - #2
Save:'Judas Unchained' is the second part of the Commonwealth Saga series by Peter F. Hamilton. The book continues the epic space opera storyline from 'Pandora's Star', featuring a galaxy-spanning techno thriller with elements of hard science fiction. The plot revolves around humanity facing a potential extinction at the hands of hostile aliens, advanced technology, and political intrigue within the Commonwealth. Hamilton's writing style is characterized by intricate world-building, a vast cast of characters, and a blend of action, mystery, and futuristic concepts like immortality, hyper space travel, and alien conflicts.
The harsh sound of ion pistol shots sizzled out of the speakers to reverberate round the LA Galactic security office. They were swiftly drowned out by the screams. Commander Alic Hogan watched the scr...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Commonwealth Saga ) - #3
Save:'The Naked God' by Peter F. Hamilton is the final volume in the Night's Dawn trilogy, a space opera on a grand scale. The book explores themes of religion, politics, government, social stratification, and the threat of possession by souls returning from the beyond. The story is intricate, thought out, and brilliant, revealing all secrets and bringing the Kiint alien race into the spotlight. However, some readers found the book overly long with too many characters and plot threads, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying and predictable ending.
Jay Hilton was sound asleep when every electrophorescent strip in the paediatric ward sprang up to full intensity. The simple dream of her mother broke apart like a stained-glass statue shattered by a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night's Dawn ) - #4
Save:'Misspent Youth' by Peter F. Hamilton is a sci-fi novel set in a near future England where government control and surveillance have gone too far. The story revolves around Jeff Baker, a philanthropist and inventor, who becomes the first person to undergo a rejuvenation treatment that reverses his aging process. The book explores the impact of this treatment on Jeff, his family, and society at large, focusing on themes of rich people gone wrong, technology progression, and the consequences of newfound youth.
The writing style of 'Misspent Youth' is described as high on character building, focusing on the interpersonal relationships and conflicts within the story. The plot delves into the repercussions of Jeff's rejuvenation, his questionable actions, and the societal implications of advanced technology, all set against a backdrop of a future Europe subordinated to federal control.
THERE WAS A PARTICULAR DAY that Timothy Baker always remembered whenever he thought back to his childhood: the air tattoo at RAF Cottesmore when he was six years old. It was one of the rare events his... - #5
Save:In 'Deepsix', part of 'The Academy' series by Jack McDevitt, readers are taken on a thrilling space adventure where pilot Priscilla Hutchins and her crew are sent to explore Maleiva III, a planet about to be obliterated by a gas giant. The story is filled with suspense as the team faces numerous challenges and unexpected disasters while racing against time to uncover the mysteries of a previously unknown civilization. The narrative is a blend of xenoarcheology, lost civilizations, and human conflicts, keeping readers engrossed in a tale of survival and discovery.
McDevitt's writing style in 'Deepsix' seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, planetary exploration, and archaeological mysteries, creating an imaginative depiction of an alien culture amidst a backdrop of impending doom. The story unfolds with a sense of adventure and intrigue, as characters navigate through dangerous situations and intricate plot twists, making it a compelling and engaging read for fans of the genre.
The impending collision out there somewhere in the great dark between a gas giant and a world very much like our own has some parallels to the eternal collision between religion and common sense. One ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Academy ) - #6
Save:Pandora's Star by Peter F. Hamilton is a space opera that delves into a future where humanity has built a galactic empire, exploring advanced technologies, intricate alien societies, and interstellar politics. The plot revolves around the discovery of a Dyson Sphere encasing two neighboring stars, leading to a space investigation to uncover the intentions behind this mysterious structure. With a vast array of characters and subplots, the book weaves a complex narrative that gradually converges towards a climactic cliffhanger ending, setting the stage for the sequel.
The star vanished from the centre of the telescope’s image in less time than a single human heartbeat. There was no mistake, Dudley Bose was looking right at it when it happened. He blinked in surpris... - #7
Save:'The Reality Dysfunction' by Peter F. Hamilton is a sprawling space opera novel that delves into a vast and detailed universe, exploring themes of religion, politics, government, and social stratification. The story follows multiple characters and storylines, gradually intertwining them to create a complex narrative. Despite its flaws in writing style, the book is praised for its imaginative storytelling and thought-provoking concepts, reminiscent of authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Iain M. Banks. The novel sets the stage for a grandiose space opera adventure that spans across the galaxy, blending elements of science fiction and horror.
Space outside the attack cruiser Beezling tore open in five places. For a moment anyone looking into the expanding rents would have received a true glimpse into empty infinity. The pseudofabric struct... - #8
Save:The Neutronium Alchemist, the second novel in the Night's Dawn Trilogy by Peter F. Hamilton, continues the epic space opera with the dead returning to possess the living, led by historical figures like Al Capone. The plot ranges over star systems, introducing new mysteries and challenges for the characters as they navigate a vast galactic stage. Hamilton's writing style is described as clear, engaging, and full of wonder, with a large cast of characters and intricate plot strands that gradually weave into a cohesive story.
It seemed to Louise Kavanagh as though the fearsome midsummer heat had persisted for endless, dreary weeks rather than just the four Duke-days since the last meagre shower of rain. Air from the Devil’...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night's Dawn ) - #9
Save:The Dreaming Void by Peter F. Hamilton is the first book in the Void Trilogy set in the same Commonwealth universe as the Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained. The story follows a complex narrative with multiple threads, one set thousands of years in the future and the other exploring a medieval fantasy world. Hamilton weaves together a grand space opera tale involving characters from earlier works, creating a fully realized galaxy with original technological concepts and a compelling vision of human development over 1500 years.
Aaron spent the whole day mingling with the faithful of the Living Dream movement in Golden Park’s vast plaza, eavesdropping on their restless talk about the succession, drinking water from the mobile... - #10
Save:"Woken Furies" is the third installment in the Takeshi Kovacs series by Richard K. Morgan. The book follows Kovacs as he returns to his home planet, Harlan's World, to seek vengeance and gets entangled in a complex plot involving revolutionaries, advanced technology, and political intrigue. The story is fast-paced, filled with action, violence, and well-written sex scenes, showcasing the trademark elements of the Kovacs series. The writing style is described as savage, foul-mouthed, and enjoyable, blending elements of cyberpunk, noir, and science fiction.
The wound stung like fuck, but it wasn’t as bad as some I’d had. The blaster bolt came in blind across my ribs, already weakened by the door plating it had to chew through to get to me. Priests, up ag...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Takeshi Kovacs )
