Ever imagined the classic Canterbury Tales taking place in space? Well, that is exactly what the much hyped novel Hyperion is about. Seven travelers set out to find a killing machine named Shrike on the planet of Hyperion.
The catch is: Shrike will grant a wish to any one of the seven pilgrims. And kill the rest of them. Ouch!
If you liked this soft science fiction by Dan Simmons, then here are nine more similar titles for you.
9 Nanopunk Books Like Hyperion
01# The Diamond Age
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- Author: Neal Stephenson
- Genre: Science Fiction, Nanopunk
The Diamond Age is a beautiful story telling by Neal Stephenson. This book is one of a kind because it will make you nostalgic for a place that somehow exists in the future. The stunning multi fractioned city of Shanghai resembles the multiple time lines of Hyperion.
Stephenson’s vivid description of the city lights and the dim valleys makes the book an adventure to read. Also the combination of futuristic technology with a Victorian society is portrayed exceptionally well.
If you liked the soft science fiction book Hyperion then you will also love The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson.
02# Xenocide
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- Author: Orson Scott Card
- Genre: Science Fiction, Nanopunk
Xenocide, published in 1991, is a science fiction novel by American author Orson Scott Card. It is also the third book in the Ender’s Game series. This book is set on Lusitania where human beings, creatures called “pequeninos”, and the Hive Queen can live side by side.
However, in Lusitania also resides a deadly virus that kills everyone except the pequeninos. These creatures require the virus to mature into adulthood. However, as the majority of Lusitania is affected by the virus, they decide to destroy the place. Hence, Xenocide is inevitable.
If you liked the soft science fiction book Hyperion then you will also love Xenocide by Orson Scott Card.
03# Aurora
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- Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
- Genre: Science Fiction, Nanopunk
Set in the year of 2545, this book shows us the journey of a man made starship. It started its journey from the Solar system to a star named Tau Ceti. The narrator of the story is Aurora, who begins narrating just ten years away from the new destination that will be a new home for humans.
During its long journey, the ship has seen many people die and live on its rings. And now all it seeks desperately is a habitable planet that can host human lives. However this new planet is not free from deadly obstacles as well.
Written by multiple award winner Kim Stanley Robinson, Aurora is a masterpiece. If you liked the soft science fiction book Hyperion then you should also check out Robinson’s Aurora.
04# Zoe’s Tale
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- Author: John Scalzi
- Genre: Science Fiction, Opera, Military Science Fiction
Zoe’s Tale is another stunning nanopunk book in this list written by John Scalzi. The plot of this story is character driven with a first person narrative. The narrator describes the initial stages of a new colony’s establishment.
From the story, we can also get to see nasty side effects of biased politics alongside the Sci-Fi. This politics involves the military and a lot goes around without immediately answering us “why”.
For example, out of nowhere an entire ship filled with resources is destroyed and the cause behind this comes after two pages. Hence, this book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you are looking for books similar to Hyperion, then you should check out Zoe’s Tale by John Scalzi.
05# The 100
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- Author: Kass Morgan
- Genre: Science Fiction, Nanopunk, Young Adult
With a fantastic premise and a very interesting plot, this novel was soon made into a series on CW. Filled with tightened character development, strong world building, and slow burn romance – The 100 is a page turner.
The story begins with 100 teenagers who are sent to the earth to check if it’s still habitable after a nuclear war. This book begins with a literal big drop from the space to earth. The story of each of the characters –Clarke, Wells, Bellamy, Octavia – will leave you spell bound.
There are also several flashbacks in the book that show how people survived in spaceship for three centuries. Hence, if you are looking for nanopunks related to Hyperion, do not forget to check out The 100.
06# The Forever War
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- Author: Joe Haldeman
- Genre: Science Fiction, Military Fiction, War Story.
Winner of 1975 Hugo and Locus awards, author Joe Haldeman’s The Forever War is a masterpiece. This book is more than just a futuristic war themed book. It goes deep and shows the industrial crisis of complex military situations.
It also shows a fluid dynamic socio economic culture which unfolds in a slow burn manner. The main protagonist of the book is William Mandella. He belongs to an elite military team. However, by the end of the book we see this elitist get drained out of his soul after fighting so many wars.
What makes this book more impactful is that the author himself is a Vietnam War veteran. So seeing his perspective on a futuristic war is quite fascinating. So, The Forever War is an excellent choice if you are looking for a book similar to the Hyperion.
07# The Awakening: Fate in Motion
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- Author: Suzanne Boisvert
- Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Science fiction and fantasy when combined together can produce amazing work of art. Suzanne Boisvert’s The Awakening is such an example. The book is eerie with a lurking darkness throughout the book. You feel the presence of something ominous but do not know what.
The book surrounds the presence of an evil force that was banished from the earth years ago. But now, it is on its way to get back and destroy everything. The name of this evil force is Sar. He wants to get back to reclaim his lost love as well as take revenge for his banishment.
This book is a great read with plenty of plot twists and world building that are much likeable. If you liked Hyperion by Dan Simmons, then you will also like The Awakening by Suzanne Boisvert.
08# Atlantic Island
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- Author: Fredric Shernoff
- Genre: Science Fiction
If you like time travelling books, then you should definitely check out Fredric Shernoff’s Atlantic Island. Because this book proposes a serious question: Can you ever go back in time and change your past? If yes, should you even try?
These are the exact questions 32 years old Dan Wells asks himself. At present, he is stuck in a painful job he hates. Moreover, his married life lacks bliss as well. To get away from all these troubles, he considers time traveling as he has this gift.
This leads to a page turning, thought provoking journey between multiple realities. It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. If you liked the Hyperion by Dan Simmons then you will also like this time travel story by Fredric Shernoff titled Atlantic Island.
09# As Our World Ends
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- Author: Jack Hunt
- Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction
The first novel of a trilogy, As Our World Ends is a beautiful science fiction that becomes hard to put down once you start. In addition to that, it is very easy to read as the story does not drag itself too much.
Within these limited pages, the author presents brilliant actions of time travelling. If you are a fan of the time travelling genre, then you should definitely check this one out.
It also has several similarities with Hyperion. Hence, if you liked the Hyperion by Dan Simmons, then you will also like As Our World Ends by Fredrick Shernoff.
Final Thoughts:
Even if fictional, reading soft science fictions or nanopunk can prove to be really pivotal for the betterment of the world. That is because, they will show us several possibilities of ways that could harm our world. So, reading these books and understanding the writing can help you in ways that you perhaps cannot imagine.
Hence, reading books like Hyperion is highly recommended as they all talk about situations that could harm our current discipline. So, which book from this list will you read first?
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