More like Dueling Clowns

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Destiny's RoadNovel
Larry Nivenstandalone novel1997
Hard science fiction, about expeditions.
“Jemmy is descended from the original Destiny colonists, who were stranded when their landing craft deserted them.”
from the catalogue
DeathworldSeries
series4 books1960
completed
Science fiction, adventurous in tone, about survival and space colonization, set in far future and other star systems.
“The central hero is a gambler who becomes involved with colonists of an extremely hostile planet.”
from the catalogue
Start with Deathworld →
West of the SunNovel
Edgar Pangbornstandalone novel1953
About aliens.
“West of the Sun ... on the dangerous planet Lucifer.”
from the catalogue
HeorotSeries
series4 books1987
Science fiction, about space colonization, set in other star systems and far future.
“Reproduction and fertility expert Dr Jack Cohen acted as a consultant on the book, designing the novel life cycle of the alien antagonists, the grendels.”
from the catalogue
Start with The Legacy of Heorot →
Catteni SequenceSeries
series5 books1970
completed
Space opera, about slavery and aliens.
“The Catteni series is a tetralogy of science fiction novels by American writer Anne McCaffrey.”
from the catalogue
Start with Freedom's Landing →
The Songs of Distant EarthNovel
Arthur C. Clarkestandalone novel1986
Hard science fiction, reflective in tone, about immigration and exile.
“Of all of his novels, Clarke stated that this was his favourite.”
from the catalogue