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Terminal World by Alastair Reynolds is a standalone story that draws on the steampunk genre without fully embracing it. The novel is set in a world divided into zones of different technological advancements, allowing for a mix of science fiction subgenres and characters. The protagonist, Dr. Quillon, starts off as an intriguing character but gradually loses appeal as the story progresses, leading to some mixed opinions among readers.

If you liked Terminal World, here are the top 58 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 58 
  1. #1

    Century Rain by Alastair Reynolds
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    'Century Rain' by Alastair Reynolds is a science fiction novel set in a future where Earth has been destroyed by a technological catastrophe known as the Nanocaust. The story follows Verity Auger, an archaeologist exploring the wastelands of Paris, who becomes involved in a dangerous mission involving time travel and alternate realities. The book combines elements of noir romance, transhumanism, and space technology, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Reynolds' writing style is described as smooth, with deft characterizations and a tone that seamlessly shifts between different timelines and settings.

    The river flowing sluggishly under Pont de la Concorde was flat and grey, like worn-out linoleum. It was October and the authorities were having one of their periodic crackdowns on contraband. They ha...

  2. #2

    House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds
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    'House of Suns' by Alastair Reynolds is a space opera novel that explores a vast and ancient human culture spread across galaxies over millions of years. The story follows the Shatterlings, a line of clones who travel the universe and gather knowledge, facing themes of AI, machine life, and the consequences of creating sentient beings. The narrative alternates between different characters, including machine intelligences, providing a blend of mystery, action, and exploration of human and non-human perspectives.

    We were sitting by the beach, enjoying wine on a warm evening. Night on the Centaurs’ world was not the same as on most planets. Since the world orbited a star heavy in ultraviolet radiation, Scapers ...

  3. #3
    Chasm City
    Book 2 in the series:Revelation Space

    Chasm City - Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
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    Chasm City is a standalone novel set in Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space universe. The story follows Tanner Mirabel, a man seeking revenge against the killer of his former employer, as he navigates through a complex and gritty world filled with body modifications, a cyber biotic plague, and mysterious memories induced by a virus. The narrative weaves together multiple plot threads, exploring themes of memory, identity, and shared pain in a future society. The book features intricate world-building, unexpected twists, and a mix of space opera and cyberpunk elements.

    "And that's a problem?" I brought our wheeler to near-halt, then parked it amongst a motley row of vehicles lining one side of the street. I dropped the stabilisers, the overheated turbine smelling li...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space )

  4. #4

    Absolution Gap - Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
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    Absolution Gap, the third and final book of the Revelation Space trilogy by Alastair Reynolds, is a hard science fiction space opera filled with big ideas, imaginative storytelling, and a mix of religion and science fiction. The book follows a complex storyline involving various alien races, a fight against the Inhibitors, and the introduction of a new generation of characters who must navigate through a universe filled with technological advancements and moral dilemmas. Reynolds' writing style is detailed and poetic, with a focus on hard science fiction concepts and intricate world-building that immerses readers in a vast and intricate universe.

    Scorpio kept an eye on Vasko as the young man swam to shore. All the way in he had thought about drowning, what it would feel like to slide down through unlit fathoms. They said that if you had to die...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space )

  5. #5
    Inversions
    Book 6 in the series:Culture

    Inversions - Culture by Iain M. Banks
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    'Inversions' by Iain M. Banks is a unique addition to the Culture series, offering a multi-layered narrative that can be enjoyed as a standalone fantasy novel or as a deeper exploration of the Culture universe. Set in a medieval-like world filled with court intrigue and political games, the story follows two main characters, a female doctor and a male bodyguard, who subtly manipulate the politics and history of their respective kingdoms. Despite the lack of explicit references to high technology, hints of the advanced Culture civilization are interwoven throughout the narrative, creating a compelling contrast between the medieval setting and the futuristic society of the Culture.

    The writing style in 'Inversions' is somber and subdued, distancing itself from the grandiose space operas of previous Culture books. Banks skillfully intertwines the two narrative threads, focusing on the characters' actions and motivations rather than elaborate technological descriptions. The novel's exploration of power dynamics, gender roles, and moral ambiguity adds depth to the story, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for both fans of the Culture series and newcomers to Banks' writing.

    It was only later, in my middle-age, when she was long gone from us, that I began to suspect that the opposite is just as true. Arguably there is a sense in which selfishness is the only true virtue, ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Culture )

  6. #6

    Pushing Ice by Alastair Reynolds
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    In the middle of the 21st century, one of Saturn's moons, Janus, unexpectedly leaves its orbit and accelerates towards a distant star, revealing itself as an alien spacecraft. The crew of the comet mining ship, Rockhopper, led by Captain Bella Lind and chief engineer Svetlana Barseghian, embarks on a mission to investigate this mysterious alien artifact. As the crew delves into the unknown, they face challenges, conflicts, and time gaps, ultimately leading to a grand space opera adventure filled with alien encounters, political intrigue, and the complexities of human relationships. Alastair Reynolds weaves a narrative that jumps between subgenres of science fiction and timeframes, reminiscent of Arthur C. Clarke's Rama cycle, creating a satisfying and fast-paced read that explores the depths of the universe.

    Only a breath of thrust held fifty thousand tonnes of ship over his head. The precious mass driver was fully extended now, but still braced alongside Rockhopper. A spray of flickering blue lights near...

  7. #7

    Clockwork Angels - Clockwork Angels by Kevin J. Anderson
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    Clockwork Angels is a captivating tale that follows the coming-of-age journey of teenager Owen Hardy, who transitions from a mundane life to pursuing his dreams and embarking on an adventurous path. The storyline intricately weaves in life lessons and metaphors, creating a rich narrative that resonates with readers. The book not only explores themes of ambition and self-discovery but also delves into societal contrasts, such as order versus chaos, all within a meticulously crafted steampunk world.


  8. #8

    Galactic North - Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds
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    'Galactic North' is a collection of short stories set in the author's Revelation Space universe, spanning thousands of years and exploring various aspects of hard science fiction. The stories delve into moral dilemmas, ethical issues, interstellar piracy, political intrigue, scientific achievements, and the aftermath of a devastating plague, all within a backdrop of a vast and complex galaxy. The writing style is fast-paced, logical, and filled with world-building that captivates readers with its depth and scope.

    Nevil Clavain looked into his brother’s one good eye; the one the Conjoiners had left him with after the Battle of Tharsis Bulge. “Yes, I know,” he said. “But if there’s another war, we might all die....

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Revelation Space )

  9. #9

    Blue Remembered Earth - Poseidon's Children by Alastair Reynolds
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    In 'Blue Remembered Earth', the first book in the 'Poseidon's Children' series by Alastair Reynolds, readers are taken on a journey set in a future Earth where Africa has become the economic powerhouse. The story revolves around the Akinya clan, led by matriarch Eunice, who has been instrumental in humanity's expansion into the solar system. After Eunice's death, her grandchildren Geoffrey and Sunday embark on a quest following clues left by her, leading them to the far reaches of the solar system and uncovering a discovery with the potential to change the future. The book intricately weaves together elements of mystery, space opera, family dynamics, and futuristic technologies, creating a rich tapestry of politics, economics, and intrigue.

    He was on his way back from the edge of the study area towards the research station, just him and the Cessna and the open skies above the Amboseli basin, his mood better than it had been in weeks, whe...

  10. #10

    Aurora Rising - Inspector Dreyfus / Prefect Dreyfus Emergency by Alastair Reynolds
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    'Aurora Rising' by Alastair Reynolds is a science fiction mystery set in the same universe as the Revelation Space series. It follows the investigations of characters like Thalia Ng and Tom Dreyfus in the Glitter Band, a ring of habitats orbiting the planet Yellowstone. The story delves into the workings of a future direct democratic government called demarchy, while exploring themes of artificial intelligence, justice, and the complexity of different cultures within the habitats. The writing style is described as a blend of hard science fiction, space opera, and mystery, with a focus on complex characters and multi-layered plots.

    Thalia Ng felt her weight increasing as the elevator sped down the spoke from the habitat's docking hub. She allowed herself to drift to the floor, trying to judge the point at which the apparent forc...

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