Books matching: faster than light travel
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- #1
'Macroscope' by Piers Anthony is a classic science fiction novel that explores the concept of a device called the Macroscope, which allows individuals to see details at incredible distances. The plot involves the Macroscope receiving an alien signal that poses a threat to intelligent beings' minds, leading to a journey through space, time, and various dimensions. The writing style of the book combines elements of psychological character development, complex scientific theories like faster-than-light space travel, and a mix of adventure and morality play.
Ivo was a slim young man of twenty-five with short black hair, brown eyes and bronzed skin. He could have merged without particular notice into the populace of almost any large city of the world. At ... - #2
'Physics of the Impossible' by Michio Kaku explores common themes in science fiction and assesses their viability in the real world through a popular writing style. The book delves into the physics behind wondrous and fantastic technology seen in science fiction stories, such as time travel, energy weapons, invisibility, extraterrestrials, and more. Kaku categorizes these impossibilities into Class I, II, and III based on their likelihood of becoming reality in the future, providing detailed explanations and examples to make complex concepts understandable to a general audience.
Kaku's writing style is engaging and approachable, making difficult concepts in physics accessible even to readers with minimal background in the subject. The book is structured in a way that explores various scientific topics through the lens of science fiction, discussing the real science behind seemingly impossible technologies and inventions. Kaku's passion for the subject shines through as he takes readers on a journey to explore different kinds of impossibilities, from force fields to time travel, and presents them with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
So vital are force fields in Star Trek that the tide of the battle can be measured by how the force field is holding up. Whenever power is drained from the force fields, the Enterprise suffers more an... - #3
'The Two-Space War' is a unique blend of science fiction and naval warfare, where characters use sailing ships to travel through Two Space, a dimension where technology is limited to a Victorian Edwardian level. The story follows Lt. Thomas Melville as he rises to command his ship, seeking vengeance and getting entangled in interstellar conflicts. The narrative combines elements of Horatio Hornblower and Middle Earth, creating a fascinating mix of C.S. Forester and J.R.R. Tolkien's styles. Despite the attempt to portray a gritty war story, the premise of Victorian sailing ships traveling through the second dimension adds a touch of wackiness to the plot.
delves into the effects of combat on characters, providing detailed insights into their psychological and physiological reactions. The narrative also explores the concept of Two Space, where the only way to travel faster than light is through shortcuts in the second dimension. The author infuses true-to-life aspects into the science fiction setting, creating a compelling and engaging story that touches on themes of warfare, revenge, and societal choices.
They were the glory of the race of rangers, Matchless with horse, rifle, song, supper, courtship, Large, turbulent, generous, handsome, proud, and affectionate, Bearded, sunburnt, drest in the free co... - #4
In a not too distant future when climate change has made Earth almost uninhabitable, humans have figured out faster than light travel and they've found a distant planet that has good conditions for human habitation. Women's rights have eroded, and even though there are many women who are highly qualified to fly in space, a group of men is going to be the first to go to the new planet. However, a crew of women steal the spaceship and plan to go to the planet first. The mastermind behind this plot is a rich entrepreneur imagine a female Elon Musk. The book is narrated by her adopted daughter, Naomi, who has dreamed of space flight her whole life and has worked hard to achieve that goal. The book is the story of their spaceflight, interspersed with flashbacks to the deaths of Naomi's parents, being raised by her adoptive mother, and her difficult space career. Naturally the crew of the spaceship start to encounter difficulties they're in big trouble on Earth for stealing a spaceship, they discover that there's a cryogenically frozen crew of men on board, the ship's life support systems have problems and these create some moral dilemmas for the crew. This is an engaging thriller, with just enough foreshadowing to keep you guessing. The two main characters are very well developed. The other characters are a bit flat, but the book is really about the psychological tension between Naomi and Valerie.
Goldilocks is set in the future where women are being forced out of their jobs to stay home and take care of the one child they can have before paying a steep child tax on any additional children they may have. The climate is ravaging the earth and scientists best guess is that Earth may have another 30 years before it has been completely exhausted of resources and mankind most likely will not survive. Naomi is a botanical researcher who specializes in growing plants that can survive on other planets. She is working in Scotland when her estranged mother,Valerie Black, the owner of a prestigious science company that is making a ship to travel to Cavendish. A planet in what is knows as the Goldilocks zone. An area that isn't too hot or cold and has potential to be a new home for the human race. Valerie wants to steal the ship Atalanta with 4 other women scientists and travel to Cavendish. When things start going wrong once they are in space Naomi starts to question Valerie's motives on what she hoped to accomplish on this journey. Overall I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the world building was believable and quite scary. The way the world was being run by governments is eerily similar to what is going on in the world today. If you liked The Martian or dystopian books like The Handmaid's Tale will enjoy this cautionary tale about the delicate balance of our planet and the choices we have to make.
There would be picnic blankets laid out on the parched dirt, legs oily beneath smears of sunblock, faces shadowed by hats and hidden behind sunglasses. They’d lift their filter masks long enough to ni... 'How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy' by Orson Scott Card is a comprehensive guide for aspiring writers in the speculative fiction genre. The book covers a wide range of topics from world-building to publishing, offering practical advice and insights. Card's writing style is described as witty, down-to-earth, and informative, with examples from notable authors to illustrate his points. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific challenges of writing science fiction and fantasy, such as exposition and genre conventions.
- #6
The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein is a science fiction novel about a young man named John Thomas Stuart XI and his alien pet, Lummox. The story revolves around the trouble that ensues when Lummox, a near-indestructible alien creature, causes havoc in the neighborhood by eating roses and destroying public property. This leads to a trial where Lummox is sentenced to death, but the authorities struggle to carry out the sentence due to Lummox's unique abilities. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, interstellar relations, and societal perceptions of alien beings in a futuristic setting filled with technological wonders.
Lummox was bored and hungry. The latter was a normal state; creatures of Lummox’s breed were always ready for a little snack, even after a full meal. Being bored was less usual and derived directly fr...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Heinlein's Juveniles ) - #7
Sarah Zettel's 'Fool's War' is a space opera set in a human colonized galaxy where the main political divides revolve around computer technology and artificial intelligence. The story follows Captain Al Shei, a practicing Muslim who captains a trading ship and navigates through complex political and technological landscapes. The presence of Fools, who offer entertainment and serve as mental health officers, adds depth to the plot as their true nature is gradually revealed. The novel explores themes of tolerance, discrimination, and the consequences of human interactions with artificial intelligence.
Curran watched the man whose life he required settle onto one of the faux leather couches scattered around the station’s reception module. The monitors showed him Amory Dane, spruce, tall, and fair. D... - #8
'The Algebraist' by Iain M. Banks is a space opera set in a universe not connected to the Culture series. The story follows Fassin Taak, a Slow Seeer who is on a quest to uncover an ancient secret held by the eccentric Dwellers living in gas giant planets. The plot involves a treasure hunt narrative, galactic empires, strange alien races, and a mix of war, love, and political intrigue. Banks' writing style in the book is described as witty, imaginative, and filled with dark humor, offering a richly detailed universe with complex civilizations and alien beings.
I have a story to tell you. It has many beginnings, and perhaps one ending. Perhaps not. Beginnings and endings are contingent things anyway; inventions, devices. Where does any story really begin? Th... - #9
Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon is a space opera following Ky Vatta, a young woman kicked out of Space Academy who takes on the role of captain in her family's trading company. Despite her inexperience, Ky finds herself in the midst of a war after seizing an opportunity for profit while on a routine cargo delivery. The book is praised for its character development, realistic portrayal of military training, and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked.
One sheet of flatcopy lay in front of him, the print too small for her to read upside down. She had a bad feeling about this. On previous trips to the Commandant’s office, she had been summoned by an ... - #10
'Chaos Reigning' by Jessie Mihalik is the final installment in the Consortium Rebellion series, focusing on Catarina von Hasenberg's story. The book follows Cat as she goes on a spying mission to an enemy's house party, accompanied by her sister's chosen bodyguards, posing as her lover and visible protector. As the plot unfolds, Cat navigates through dangerous adventures, family dynamics, and political intrigue while discovering her own strengths and trusting her instincts. The story combines elements of space opera, romance, and espionage, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the series.
The writing style of 'Chaos Reigning' is described as engaging and fast-paced, with a blend of humor, action, and suspense that keeps readers glued to the pages. The book delves into themes of trust, family loyalty, hidden abilities, and personal growth, offering a mix of character development, world-building, and thrilling plot twists that elevate the sci-fi narrative.
I should not have checked my com at the party, but communication from my brother Benedict was scarce, and I couldn’t resist. Mistake. Benedict’s latest war update painted a bleak picture, and I’d stop...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Consortium Rebellion )