More like A Mirror for Observers

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Stranger in a Strange LandNovel
Robert A. Heinleinstandalone novel1961
First contact, about psychic powers, set in north america and near future.
Childhood's EndNovel
Arthur C. Clarkestandalone novel1953
First contact, bittersweet in tone, about technological singularity, set in near future.
Calculating GodNovel
Robert J. Sawyerstandalone novel2000
First contact, set in contemporary.
“The bulk of the novel covers the many discussions and arguments on this topic, as well as the nature of belief, religion, and science.”
from the catalogue
The FrescoNovel
Sheri S. Tepperstandalone novel2000
First contact, set in contemporary.
“The Fresco was on the shortlist for 2001 James Tiptree, Jr. Award”
from the catalogue
ContactNovel
Carl Saganstandalone novel1985
First contact and hard science fiction, about space exploration, set in contemporary.
“The Message, awaited for so long, its very possibility doubted by so many, arrives.”
from the catalogue
DuneUniverse
universe78 books1963
Space opera, set in far future and other star systems.
“The desert planet, where empire runs on a single substance: the spice melange, which folds space, prolongs life, and unlocks prescience, and which exists nowhere else in the known universe.”
from the catalogue
Start with Dune →
includes Dune, Dune Prequels, Heroes of Dune, Dune Sequels, Background of the Dune Universe