Fractal Softworks Forum
Starsector => General Discussion => Blog Posts => Topic started by: David on March 12, 2015, 06:33:13 PM
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The blog post in question can be found here (http://fractalsoftworks.com/2015/03/12/a-starsector-reading-list).
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Ive recently gotten to the end a long book series and was wondering what I was going to read next so seeing as these come recommended I'll be sure to give them a go. So cheers, have a double thumbs up from me!
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I wanted to do something productive over spring break, guess ill be reading instead. ;D
Also, really liking the art!
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Yeah Revelation Space was an amazing book, I read it without putting it down! After that I promptly bought and read pretty much everything else by Reynolds, but I still think Revelation Space was my favorite book.
I did not even know about Against a Dark Background (I have read the majority of the other Banks novels); it sounds right up my alley so thanks for that :D
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http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Saga_of_Seven_Suns
I really loved the Saga of the Seven Sun series for the human faction's inner tension between the fuel producing space gypsies called Roamers and the resource hungry "Hansa" League/megacorp/dictatorship.
While most of the other weird factions wouldn't fit into the no-aliens policy, there are some nice motives and backstories you could draw from them.
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Nice! I especially like the last tag...
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Nice blogpost. It's so sad that Iain Banks passed away...
My favorite recent stuff within scifi def. comes from Hannu Rajaniemi and Peter Watts. It doesn't have much similarities with Starsector in terms of plot and setting, but it's full of amazing ideas. The Jean le Flambeur trilogy features some truly insane posthuman stuff (multiple post/transhuman civilizations in one solar system) and Blindsight by Peter Watts is the most mindblowing first-contact-with-aliens story ever written due to its bone-chilling take on the nature of consciousness.
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I read a fair chunk of those ;D Actually I'm reading Absolution Gap right now and I'm loving it! I'll try Iain M. Banks when I'm finished with Reynolds.
If I may add my own suggestions, not exactly in the same type of universe as Starsector, but these are good books to get inspiration from:
The Dragon Never Sleeps from Glen Cook. Somewhat in the same vein as Hyperion with almost the same level of awesomeness. An Odyssey in a crumbling empire guarded by millennium old planet-sized ships. The other Houses of power are getting jealous of their diktat and are readying the blades to take over... It got some very epic scenes and some very epic characters! While the setting is quite different, it's effect is somewhat similar to the situation of the sector.
Altered Carbon from Richard Morgan. Dark thriller on earth in a close future so nothing to do with Starsector... Except for the fact that corporations took over, and because of a technology of mind backup, the life and body of people are now considered commodities. Very bleak but very interesting to maybe add flavor to the planets. Somewhat similar to a modern Neuromancer from William Gibson.
The Engines of God from Jack McDevitt (and the following books). Now this one is very interesting for a simple reason: it's not about huge wars and gigantic empires, but about archeology. Archeology in space, a thousand years from now to study strange artifacts from lost civilizations. It really is a breather in the genre, and maybe something interesting to pick from.
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Thanks for the blog post, I've read most of them already, but I'll have to check out the Dan Simmons stuff.
Also wanted to say that Reynolds wrote House of Suns, which is one of my all time sci-fi favourites.
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I love the blog post, and I am definitely adding a ton of books to my reading list now.
That said, I am more than a little surprised to not see the Dune series by Frank Herbert, as well as its prequels. I would highly recommend reading any or all of the zillions of Dune books, by Frank Herbert or Brian Herbert/Kevin J Anderson, as they tackle how many different societies approach multitudes of issues of the future, especially space travel.
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Sublime taste there my friend. Alastair Reynolds is an amazing author. To reinforce the blog post: I do recommend him to anyone who's got an interest in sci-fi literature at all. I unfortunately haven't read Chasm City, or the Prefect though.
Iain M. Banks I'm not quite as well read in, which is possibly why I like Alastair more. The reality that Alastair brings to his work is simply amazing. The sheer scale and scope that Alastair uses in his work blows me away. The way he has these epic tales that span interstellar space, and yet still never loses the size, the depth of space. The emptiness. Space is not tamed in Reynolds' writing, not at all. Not to depreciate Iain at all; I greatly enjoyed what I've read of the Culture novels.
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Starfire Universe title.. Insurrection comes to mind. Though long on space opera, some gritty drama woven in.
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BTW Love all the recommendations and book talk! I'm going to have so much to read after this thread, both remembering old books and learning about new ones.
The Engines of God from Jack McDevitt (and the following books). Now this one is very interesting for a simple reason: it's not about huge wars and gigantic empires, but about archeology. Archeology in space, a thousand years from now to study strange artifacts from lost civilizations. It really is a breather in the genre, and maybe something interesting to pick from.
That actually sounds like fun. There's something to the whole "investigating a mysterious thing" that's really interesting. Renedevous with Rama is the classic archetype (though it's a bit unsatisfying, which I guess is the point but, but!), and there's another that comes to mind, the first half of Greg Bear's Eon, a big chunk of Reynold's Pushing Ice and probably a zillion more.
Nice blogpost. It's so sad that Iain Banks passed away...
I know, right? Man. Definitely had a wee dram that day.
... and Blindsight by Peter Watts is the most mindblowing first-contact-with-aliens story ever written due to its bone-chilling take on the nature of consciousness.
Blindsight keeps coming up again and again, must be good! And consciousness eh? I wonder how its central conceit compares to Embassytown, but then that one is perhaps more about language.
That said, I am more than a little surprised to not see the Dune series by Frank Herbert, as well as its prequels. I would highly recommend reading any or all of the zillions of Dune books, by Frank Herbert or Brian Herbert/Kevin J Anderson, as they tackle how many different societies approach multitudes of issues of the future, especially space travel.
My first thought is that yes, I really need to read the Dune series beyond the first book (which I've read through quite a few times). Second thought is, I think the Dune-feeling in Starsector is a great deal from Ivaylo's influence. Third: But I still need to read the Dune books!
Iain M. Banks I'm not quite as well read in, which is possibly why I like Alastair more. The reality that Alastair brings to his work is simply amazing. The sheer scale and scope that Alastair uses in his work blows me away. The way he has these epic tales that span interstellar space, and yet still never loses the size, the depth of space. The emptiness. Space is not tamed in Reynolds' writing, not at all. Not to depreciate Iain at all; I greatly enjoyed what I've read of the Culture novels.
I hear you on Reynolds; absolutely!
On Banks in this context - I very much chose his non-Culture novels as they, hmm, give up some of the comfort of the Culture.
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Also, it's a shame it never got translated from French because the Omale serie from Laurent Genefort would really have appealed to you I think. It's exactly the mirror situation of Starsector: the humanity spread through the galaxy using old gates they didn't built, but one day some ships get marooned in an unknown location, completely different from the destination they were supposed to reach, and the gate close behind them. The following is quite different as that location is a Dyson sphere so they are trapped, and they aren't alone as ships from two alien species emerged from the gate too. Also they regressed to almost steampunk level of technology witch is pretty interesting.
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Maybe I shouldn't tell you that since i'm too impatient for the new features to be implemented before I play the game, but if you want something exceptional to read, you should try "The gap" serie from Stephen R. Donaldson. It got the quality to go on par with the books you talked about.
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Revelation Space was one of my all time favorite books. I think you should set up an Inhibitor trap somewhere in a remote Starsector system haha... (something along those lines is my current favorite theory of what happened with the Collapse, etc, right now)
Some really great reads I think you (and others) might enjoy:
Merchanter's Luck - Cherryh wrote this one ages ago and it's still great. It's just about trading in space and it's somehow captivating.
Souls in the Great Machine - a bit of a rare book, but quite an entertaining read (both from a humor and story standpoint), the original Mayorate writing was based off those guys
Also, read Ancillary Justice yet?
Hannu Rajaniemi's books (The Quantum Thief/The Fractal Prince) are fantastic, but definitely an acquired taste (the writing is amazing but quite dense)
Also I like the blog tags. What are they even for anyways haha... ?
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The Joan D. Vinge/Vernor Vinge Zones of Thought universe, comprising:
by her:
"Media Man"
"Fool's Gold"
The Outcasts of Heaven Belt
by him:
"The Blabber"
A Fire Upon the Deep
A Deepness in the Sky
Children of the Sky
The Jack McDevitt I would have chosen is A Talent For War.
Some of Poul Anderson's work seems like a good fit, especially the Dominic Flandry stories; spy fiction set in the decline of a pan-human interstellar empire (Anderson had a highly depressive, cyclical view of history; it fits the tone of Starsector's setting).
If you like Merchanter's Luck, there's a bunch more stuff in that universe. Downbelow Station is probably the most relevant, along with Tripoint and Rimrunners, which center on various fugitive types trying to make an honest living.
Alexander Jablokov's Carve The Sky.
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The Joan D. Vinge/Vernor Vinge Zones of Thought universe, comprising:
by her:
"Media Man"
"Fool's Gold"
The Outcasts of Heaven Belt
by him:
"The Blabber"
A Fire Upon the Deep
A Deepness in the Sky
Children of the Sky
The Jack McDevitt I would have chosen is A Talent For War.
Some of Poul Anderson's work seems like a good fit, especially the Dominic Flandry stories; spy fiction set in the decline of a pan-human interstellar empire (Anderson had a highly depressive, cyclical view of history; it fits the tone of Starsector's setting).
If you like Merchanter's Luck, there's a bunch more stuff in that universe. Downbelow Station is probably the most relevant, along with Tripoint and Rimrunners, which center on various fugitive types trying to make an honest living.
Alexander Jablokov's Carve The Sky.
Read all of the Cherryh and Vinge stuff. Came *this* close to adding A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky to my list. Rimrunners has been sitting on my desk for like a year, but still haven't opened it lol >_<
Not a fan of McDevitt though...
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Also, read Ancillary Justice yet?
Hannu Rajaniemi's books (The Quantum Thief/The Fractal Prince) are fantastic, but definitely an acquired taste (the writing is amazing but quite dense)
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Both Ancillary Justice and Ancillary Sword are great, and The Quantum Thief and The Fractal Prince are both absolutely excellent (although I did have to re-read a couple of sections to fully comprehend what is going on!).
I also like Neal Asher's 'Polity' series novels, and I am currently reading Orbus which I am enjoying, although I don't find these quite as good as some of the other books mentioned here :)
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Revelation Space, the series as a whole, is amazing.
Anyway I think I would like to make a few contributions myself.
The Foundation Series by Issac Asimov. While most certainly not in line with the overall Starsector theme I think it has several points of familiarity. Collapse of an empire most prevalent, obviously. Also just a damn classic. Certainly more about humanity and society than laser pewpew.
The Expanse by James S.A. Corey. While a lot of other stories deal with an already galaxy spanning empire, which is fun, The Expanse brings it all to before man has even left the solar system. Not even Mars is fully terraformed. However, it already illuminates just how much of a powder keg human civilization is. Also, at least the first book Leviathan Wakes, has a very nice noir theme as well. Also more mystery than blowing things up. Though that does happen.
Red Rising by Piece Brown. Again not totally in line with Starsector. Just as with The Expanse the story takes place in the solar system. No galaxy spanning empire here! However, there is a heavy influence from Roman myths, which is always a plus right? I mention this because of the empire the Golds have created and the collapse that they strive to keep at bay. A lot of blood generally.
Would also suggest Jack McDevitt's A Talent for War.
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Peter F. Hamilton
I've only read the Night's Dawn Trilogy, but great space opera, with a bit of metaphysical thrown in. His world just seems so... actual possible future.
Asimov's Foundation series. Definitely a favorite. The man was such a visionary. Far ahead of his time.
And can't leave out Ender's Game.
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Peter F. Hamilton
I've only read the Night's Dawn Trilogy, but great space opera, with a bit of metaphysical thrown in. His world just seems so... actual possible future.
Asimov's Foundation series. Definitely a favorite. The man was such a visionary. Far ahead of his time.
And can't leave out Ender's Game.
Love Peter F Hamilton, but I haven't read Night's Dawn yet. I love the Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained duo. The void trilogy set later in the same universe is also an interesting read. Definitely doorstopper material though, these books are huge!
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I'm trying very hard right now to get through Revelation Space. I hope it picks up soon, because the beginning is very frustrating to read.
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I'm trying very hard right now to get through Revelation Space. I hope it picks up soon, because the beginning is very frustrating to read.
Thinking back, yeah, I kind of remember that. For me, it took a little while to build up a complete-enough mental picture of the world for things to really fall into place/start making sense.
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I'm trying very hard right now to get through Revelation Space. I hope it picks up soon, because the beginning is very frustrating to read.
Thinking back, yeah, I kind of remember that. For me, it took a little while to build up a complete-enough mental picture of the world for things to really fall into place/start making sense.
Revelation Space is Reynolds' first published novel and I think it shows. I recall characters not being particularly likable and the story advancing through the setting pretty cavalierly. (Some of his short stories that are effectively a prequel to Revelation Space suffer from the same problems, I feel.) It does set up later novels which get much stronger, at least.
Speaking of: I was going to add to the blog list another book or two by Ken Macleod (another Scot) but I thought they were either a bit weird or fell apart in certain ways, thought aspects of them fit with Starsector. In particular I had in mind "Newton's Wake: A Space Opera" for the distinctive factions and swashbuckling, though I think the ending is weak. A runner-up in the Macleod list would have been "The Cassini Division" for the factions and worldbuilding, though the communism is probably laid on a bit thick for most people (he often does a communism vs. libertarianism thing) and the overall arc isn't super strong. Macleod in general seems to write books with a lot of fascinating ideas and some pretty damn funny jokes (in my opinion) that perhaps he invests a little too much in. The overarching story often fizzles a bit, unfortunately.
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Maybe I shouldn't tell you that since i'm too impatient for the new features to be implemented before I play the game, but if you want something exceptional to read, you should try "The gap" serie from Stephen R. Donaldson. It got the quality to go on par with the books you talked about.
My first post is a huge necro... but...
I have just started playing Starsector, and after maybe 50 hours or so I found myself really feeling that Gap Novels vibe. It is spot on for this game. The way business is done as well as the combat... almost everything come to think of it it's uncanny. Lore is different of course but...
I am going to read them again. Excellent books.