swap_horiz Mirror Dance Alternatives

1

Hyperion

Hyperion is a 1989 science fiction novel by Dan Simmons, structured after The Canterbury Tales, following seven pilgrims...

Space Opera Classic Literary Pilgrimage

9.3 Excellent

2

Exhalation

Exhalation is a 2019 collection of science fiction short stories by Ted Chiang that explores profound themes regarding f...

Philosophical Hard SF Short Stories Hugo Winner

9.2 Excellent

3

The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season is a 2015 science fiction novel by N.K. Jemisin, winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel, set on a cont...

Geological Apocalypse Hugo Winner Jemisin

9.2 Excellent

4

A Canticle for Leibowitz

This 1959 post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by Walter M. Miller Jr. won a Hugo Award and explores Catholic monastic...

Classic Religion Hugo Winner Post Apocalypse

9.1 Excellent

5

Children of Time

Children of Time is a 2015 science fiction novel by Adrian Tchaikovsky that won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for its depic...

Space Opera Uplift Tchaikovsky Hugo Winner

8.8 Great

6

A Deepness in the Sky

A Deepness in the Sky is a 1999 science fiction novel by Vernor Vinge that explores the emergence of an alien civilizati...

Space Opera Hard SF First Contact Vinge

8.7 Great

7

A Civil Campaign

A Civil Campaign is a 1999 science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold, uniquely blending space opera with comedy of m...

Space Opera Comedy Romance Bujold

8.6 Great

8

A Fire Upon the Deep

A Fire Upon the Deep is a 1992 space opera novel by Vernor Vinge, notable for its layered universe and exploration of hi...

Space Opera Aliens Vinge Zones Of Thought

8.5 Great

9

Ancillary Justice

Ancillary Justice is a 2013 science fiction novel by Ann Leckie that won the Hugo, Nebula, and Clarke awards, notable fo...

Space Opera AI Gender Hugo Winner

8.5 Great

10

A Memory Called Empire

A Memory Called Empire is a 2019 science fiction novel by Arkady Martine that won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, dealing...

Space Opera Politics Identity Hugo Winner

8.5 Great

11

Barrayar

Barrayar is a 1991 science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold that won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, detailing the e...

Space Opera Sequel Hugo Winner Bujold

8.5 Great

12

The Vor Game

The Vor Game is a 1990 science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold that won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, continuing...

Space Opera Military SF Hugo Winner Bujold

8.4 Great

13

A Desolation Called Peace

A Desolation Called Peace is a 2021 science fiction novel by Arkady Martine, serving as the sequel to A Memory Called Em...

Space Opera Sequel First Contact Hugo Winner

8.3 Great

14

The Warrior's Apprentice

The Warrior's Apprentice is a 1986 science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold that established the beloved character...

Space Opera Military SF Hugo Winner Bujold

8.2 Great

15

Ancillary Sword

Ancillary Sword is a 2014 science fiction novel by Ann Leckie and the sequel to Ancillary Justice, continuing the story...

Space Opera Sequel Gender Hugo Winner

7.9 Good

16

Shards of Honor

Shards of Honor is a 1986 space opera novel by Lois McMaster Bujold that introduces the acclaimed Vorkosigan Saga and it...

Space Opera Classic Romance Bujold

7.8 Good

17

Binti

Binti is a 2015 science fiction novella by Nnedi Okorafor, winner of Hugo and Nebula Awards, following a young Himba wom...

Space Opera Novella Hugo Winner Afrofuturism

7.8 Good

18

The Ghost Brigades

The Ghost Brigades is a 2006 military science fiction novel by John Scalzi, the sequel to Old Man's War, focusing on gen...

Space Opera Sequel Military SF Clone

7.7 Good

19

Diplomatic Immunity

Diplomatic Immunity is a 2002 science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold that follows Miles Vorkosigan as he navigate...

Space Opera Mystery Thriller Bujold

7.4 Good

20

Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen

Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen is a 2016 science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold focusing on the later life and...

Space Opera Mature Romance Bujold

6.9 Fair