Books Like...

The Companions by Sheri S. Tepper is a science fiction novel set on an overpopulated Earth where humans are squished together in huge building complexes, leading to the extinction of all other lifeforms. The story follows Jewel Delis, a protagonist who belongs to an organization dedicated to saving Earth's biodiversity through purchasing Ark planets. Jewel's adventures take her to different alien planets, where she encounters both good and bad alien races, all while dealing with themes of ecology, feminism, and interspecies companionship. The narrative weaves together elements of environmental destruction, religious extremism, genetic tampering, and the complex relationships between humans and animals.

The Family Tree by Sheri S. Tepper is a captivating novel that combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and eco-treatise. The book weaves together two seemingly unrelated storylines - one set in present-day America following Dora, a police sergeant leaving a loveless marriage, and the other in a fantasy world following Opalears on a quest to fulfill a prophecy. Both stories involve strange occurrences with trees rebelling against people, leading to a clever and unexpected convergence. Tepper's writing style is described as clever, funny, and immersive, with a touch of Arabian Nights flair and a surface feel that is lighthearted despite addressing serious themes like ecology, human behavior, and patriarchy.

'Gibbon's Decline and Fall' by Sheri S. Tepper revolves around a group of six diverse women who form a close bond during their college years and reunite later in life to combat the forces of misogyny and save the world from evil. The story combines elements of fantasy and science fiction, focusing on themes of women's rights, environmental issues, and feminist ideals. The novel is praised for its strong female characters, naturalistic dialogues, and a plot that delves into second-wave feminism while incorporating magical elements.

'Way Station' by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Enoch Wallace, a Civil War veteran living in Wisconsin who is chosen to operate a way station for intergalactic travelers on Earth. Despite being over a hundred years old and not aging, Enoch must navigate his quiet life and the complexities of his role as a keeper of the station, all while facing threats to the galactic federation and decisions about Earth's future. The book explores themes of identity, humanity, and the consequences of violence through Enoch's introspective journey and interactions with various alien species.

Hellspark by Janet Kagan is a science fiction novel that explores the theme of communication and language. The story follows Tocohl Susumo, a translator polyglot, who is enlisted to help solve the death of a member of a multi-cultural survey mission on an alien planet. The book delves into the importance of body language, personal space, and cultural knowledge in communication, while also questioning the definition of sentience. Through the interactions between different human cultures and the discovery of a potentially sentient non-human race, the novel weaves a tale of mystery and exploration in a unique and inventive world.

Translation State features three key characters Enae, a dispossessed scion of a rich family who is given a make work job to hunt for a lost fugitive and decides to make something of it and really commit to the search. Reet, an adopted young man who gets into murky depths when trying to uncover his origins. Qven, an apparently alien lifeform who is coming to the end of a strange and dangerous upbringing. The threads of those three characters' lives come together, with both Reet and Qven discovering they are not what they seem, plunged into a dangerous political situation worsened by terrorist action. The novel begins with three separate storylines that converge as the novel progresses, delving into themes of consent and rape in a metaphorical sense with an alien act that isn't sex but might as well be.

Sharon Shinn's 'Jenna Starborn' is a sci-fi retelling of the classic tale 'Jane Eyre' set in a futuristic space opera setting. The story follows Jenna, a genetically engineered half citizen who becomes a nuclear technician and navigates a society with strict class divisions. Despite the sci-fi twist, the narrative closely mirrors the original 'Jane Eyre' plot, focusing on themes of love, morality, and societal inequality. Readers familiar with the classic will appreciate the faithful adaptation, while those seeking a fresh take on a beloved story may find the futuristic setting intriguing.

Decision at Doona by Anne McCaffrey tells the story of two dystopian worlds whose citizens accidentally colonize the same world. The book explores the challenges that arise when two law-abiding groups clash due to conflicting laws. Despite the confusion and political tensions, the story focuses on how these groups come together to form a new community on the planet of Doona, blending elements of first contact fiction with themes of forging new relationships and overcoming obstacles.

'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis is a captivating sci-fi novel set in 2007, where Cora Sabino, a young woman entangled in her father's whistleblowing activities, becomes the first human to communicate with an alien named Ampersand. The story delves into themes of first contact, government conspiracies, and the challenges of inter-species communication, all set in an alternate history with a touch of philosophical musings on language and love. The book's plot unfolds at a brisk pace, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and familial relationships, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked till the end.

'The Uplift War' by David Brin is a space opera novel that delves into a future universe where various alien races are uplifted to sentience by patron races. Humans, who have achieved sentience without external intervention, find themselves in a unique position that disrupts the established galactic hierarchy. The book follows the invasion of the planet Garth by the avian Gubru, seeking to hold humans hostage for information about the NeoFins and the lost fleet discovered by a dolphin ship. The plot unfolds on an interstellar scale, exploring the intricate relationships and politics between different races, with multiple twists and surprises. Brin's writing style is characterized by well-developed non-human characters, complex storylines that converge to a satisfying conclusion, and a large scope that is easy to follow.