Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Space exploration in science fiction has always been an idea that authors and writers have discussed in many books.
Author Steven Koutz, writer of the Shadowed Stars mature sci-fi books series, has three books that revolve around the concept of space exploration. Readers follow different characters’ adventures as they venture to the corners of the vast space. Sci-fi enthusiasts will be treated to a unique storytelling and tale they most likely haven’t read before.
But aside from Steven Koutz’s book, we’ll also look at other sci-fi stories that tackle the same subject. Join us as we look at books about space exploration within the sci-fi section.
Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey
Humanity evolves from starving man-apes in the African deserts to a highly developed civilization capable of deep space exploration after the monolith, a mystery alien structure, prods the Moon-Watcher into evolution.
Arthur C. Clarke penned this ground-breaking science fiction book in 1968. Although most people assume that the film adaptation is an adaptation, Stanley Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke collaborated on the novel’s and the movie’s first ideas.
Later, Clarke released the book, and Kubrick produced the movie. The book offers excellent insight into human evolution and the possible dangers of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear weapons, and space travel. It’s a page-turning read that comes highly recommended.
Samuel R. Delany’s Babel-17
The Babel-17 is the only weapon the Invaders have to defend themselves against the Earth at a time when humankind has spread throughout the galaxy. The Alliance’s General Forester hired poet and linguist Rydra Wong to lead a crew of misfits as their starship’s only defense.
Wong’s capacity to decode and comprehend the intercepted alien transmissions to neutralize the alien danger is crucial to the human race’s continued existence.
Babel-17 contains heartbreaking character backstories in addition to spectacular galactic conflict and espionage. This book is ideal for you if you enjoy science fiction and are a language nerd.
Steven Koutz’s Shadowed Stars
The book series in the Shadowed Stars setting tells one of the most epic science fiction stories with a more mature tone. It has been an idea for a long time, with its primary goal being to compete with other franchises that are already well-established while constantly attempting to be better and distinct.
Shadowed Stars has an extremely hostile and dangerous world, home to species like the intelligent carnivorous Derths and the repressive and violent Black Guard. Every shadowed star is also home to numerous more dangers. Space exploration in science fiction is on a grand scale here.
With it being among the many mature sci-fi books, Shadowed Stars has silver linings of humor and hope, romance and horror, and it will make readers cry and shout from despair and anger. Since it contains vivid language, sex, and violence, it is intended for older audiences.
Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man
The Illustrated Man may represent the most bizarre book out of all those on this list. It is an assortment of brief narratives, some of which concern space and some of which are not. For you space enthusiasts, we have selected three of our favorites.
• The Rocket Man
His connection with his wife and son, Doug, is suffering due to his actual astronaut ardor. When he is in space, he longs for the comforts of his house. When he is at home, he longs for the stars.
He makes his kid swear he’ll never be an astronaut and embarks on his final mission to space as he juggles the celestial bodies and his family.
• The City
Once human explorers set foot inside a barren city on an unexplored planet, it comes to life and transforms into a murdering machine blazing with wrath. Unknown to the astronauts, a prehistoric culture formerly lived on the planet but was wiped out by humanity.
They built the city to avenge their deaths, should any other humans came across it with their final fireball.
• Kaleidoscope
After their spaceship malfunctioned and disintegrated, the crew were scattered across the vast expanse of space. They reflect on their lives, consider what they accomplished well or poorly, and make their final desires known as they float in complete darkness toward a terrifyingly near death.
Ray Bradbury penned this imaginative gem in 1951. There are 18 science fiction stories in the anthology The Illustrated Man. Each one is narrated by the markings of the Illustrated Man, who meets the narrator and asks for a job. The book does an excellent job blending fantasy, horror, and science fiction.
Space Exploration in Science Fiction Will Continue
With stories like Space Odyssey and mature sci-fi books like Shadowed Stars, it’s clear that space exploration in science fiction is here to stay. If you wish to read more about space exploration, you can check out what optimizing space exploration means.
Don’t forget to get a copy of Steve Koutz’s Shadowed Stars, and just click here to order one today!