I love space. I find the concept of it so interesting. The vast starry black just fascinates me. I especially love books that are set in space. Whether it’s on a planet or on a spaceship, whether it’s realistic science fiction, or theoretical science fiction, I love it. If the book is set in our solar system, or fictional galaxies far, far away, I am definitely interested. I’ve compiled a list of 5 books set in space, the first three of which I have read, the next two books I have yet to read. Otherwise, these books are in no particular order. The ones I’ve read have to be some of my favorite space books, anyways:
1. The collapsing Empire- John Scalzi
This is a book where humans have found an extra-dimensional field called the Flow. We can access it in certain parts of space and it transports humans to other stars, other worlds. Humanity moves away from Earth, and the new empire, the Interdependency, requires that no human outpost can survive without the others. But the Flow is changing, and it is cutting off worlds from the rest of humanity. This story follows three individuals, a scientist, a starship captain and the Empress of the Interdependency. They are all in a race to discover what, and if, anything can be done to salvage the interstellar empire. I loved this book. I read it in one sitting while I was flying home to Florida from Maine. It was engaging and kept me really hooked the whole time.
2. The Martian- Andy Weir
I think most people have heard about this book, or have at least watched the movie. It’s about Mark Watney, one of the first astronauts to walk on Mars, and now he is sure that he is going to be the first to die on Mars. A dust storm almost killed him and forced his crew to evacuate, stranding him as they thought he was dead. Mark uses his ingenuity and engineering skills, with a relentless refusal to quit to confront one obstacle after the next. He gets word to Earth and so begins their tireless efforts to rescue him. I loved this book. I can’t say that the science is… COMPLETELY… legit, but it was pretty sound. There were explanations of what Mark was doing to save himself and all the science was well explained, but it wasn’t over-complicated. it as also very action packed and kept you needing to read more, until you can finish it. The movie was also really good. I highly recommend reading the book and then watching the movie.
3. Skyward- Brandon Sanderson
Humans are on the brink of extinction, living underground, constantly being attacked by mysterious alien star fighters. Spensa, longs to be a pilot. She is the daughter of a traitor and has many obstacles in her way to get there. When she discovers the wreckage of an ship, she realizes that she has a chance, if she can repair the ship while also trying to navigate flight school, and more importantly persuade the strange machine to help her. I loved this book, and have been really excited to read the sequel but I just don’t seem to have the time these days! This book was really intense, and the action scenes were SO well written. I love Brandon Sanderson’s action scenes. They’re so fluid and easy to follow, while also keeping the stakes. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get into YA sci-fi.
4. Velocity Weapon- Megan E. O’keefe
I have not read this one, but something about the cover really called to me. It’s about Sanda and Biran, two siblings that were destined for greatness. Sanda is a high-flying sergeant who has the skills to take down any enemy combatant. Biran is a savvy politician who aims to use his political position to prevent conflict from escalating. However, on a routine maneuver, Sanda loses consciousness when her gunship is blown out of the sky. She awakens 230 years later on a deserted enemy warship controlled by an AI who calls himself Bero. The war is lost. The star system is dead. Ada Prime and it’s rival Icarion have wiped each other form the universe, and so starts our story. Separated by space and time, Sanda and Biran must fight to set things right. This is one that I am super excited for!
5. Sky without stars- Jessica brody & joanne rendell
I have not read this book either, but if seems like it is based on the French Revolution, but in space? Say no more! It went directly on my TBR after this. It’s set on the planet of Laterre, which is governed by an extravagant elite class. The poor are starving, and rebels are resurfacing. We have three characters, a thief, an officer and a guardian. All three roles have some role to play in this dangerous game of revolution, and together they will shape the future of a planet. I’m super excited to read this one!
Those are some books that are set in space. Obviously there are soooo many more, but these are just three that have been some of my favorites and then two that are on the top of my TBR list.
What are some of your favorite space books?
~Cam
Cosmic Lattes and Books 