More like Strange Relations

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The Gods ThemselvesNovel
Isaac Asimovstandalone novel1972
Hard science fiction, set in parallel universe and the moon.
EmbassytownNovel
China Miévillestandalone novel2011
First contact, about space colonization and political intrigue, set in space.
“In the far future, humans have colonized a distant planet, home to the enigmatic Ariekei, sentient beings famed for a language unique in the universe, one that only a few altered human ambassadors can speak.”
from the catalogue
Kefahuchi Tract TrilogySeries
series3 books2002
Space opera, set in space.
“M. John Harrison's Kefahuchi Tract trilogy circles a strange, physics-breaking anomaly in deep space that draws scientists, smugglers, and drifters into its pull across different eras.”
from the catalogue
Start with Light →
Babel-17Novel
Samuel R. Delanystandalone novel1966
Set in space.
“Through Rydra's effort to understand and revise it, the novel explores communication, perception, identity, and translation.”
from the catalogue
Ender's GameUniverse
universe39 books1977
Science fiction, set in far future.
“To beat your enemy you must first understand him so completely that you love him — and in the instant you love him, you destroy him.”
from the catalogue
Start with Ender's Game →
includes Ender Wiggin, First Formic War, Second Formic War, Ender's Shadow, Fleet School
Starship TroopersNovel
Robert A. Heinleinstandalone novel1959
Military science fiction, about war and coming of age, set in space.