If you're not familiar, White also writes fantasy, and there's a bit of a slight fantasy vibe to her sci-fi. I've read her other series, but there's something about this series that I keep coming back to.
I don't want esoteric or overly erudite sci-fi, I don't want anything overly saturated in techno babble, or anything that's like space Conan the Barbarian (by which I mean a male warrior, with objectified female). I do like a bit of Space Opera. I like books with world building, but that doesn't give you a overly complicated cast or setting to start, in other words it eases you in and builds lore and cast over time. I am not opposed to romance elements, but I typically prefer a dash of it, instead of it being a 'romance' book.
I do prefer female heroines. But I'm ok with male protagonists too.
I like vivid characters whose personality shines through. While I'm not expecting a laugh fest, I do want a few moments where I'm left chuckling.
I tend to read fantasy (epic, urban fantasy, etc.). While that does sometimes include some romantasy (Empyrean is the most recent stand out there as it has great world building, plot, and character personality), I'm not really wanting a plot driven by romance. I want plot, sweeping action, and then sometimes a dash of character romance.
I have read a range of sci-fi through the years some of the more distinctive ones coming to mind were from Arthur C Clarke, Herbert's Dune, Crichton's Jurassic Park, Weir's The Martian, David Weber's Honor Harrington. Anne McCaffrey.
I've also watched a lot (and sometimes that includes reading associated book tie ins). Ironically I watch more sci-fi then I read, and read more fantasy then I watch.
Star Trek (DS9 is my fave), Star Wars (original trilogy, Rebels/Ahsoka), Babylon 5, Legend of the Galactic Heroes (this one while I enjoy can be very political, dry and bogged down in too many characters so i have to be in the mood for it), Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Stargate, various Gundam series, etc. Yet I cannot get into the Expanse. I also don't mind some pop corn entertainment when it's fun and cheesy like the original Independence Day movie. I'll watch the more creature feature/horror vibe sci-fi too (Alien, Predator, Pitch Black), but it's a rare thing for me and not what I naturally gravitate towards. And yes I've seen Dr Who too, but with it constantly re-inventing itself while I appreciate some stories and associated arcs, others I dislike.
Someone already recommended Audrey Sharpe's Starhawke books (and I can definitely see the sort of similar vibe to White's Firebird) it was a pleasant read, but I didn't love it. Too many characters were empathic, and it's a bit more romance heavy than I prefer. I wanted more action, less feelings. I also was recommended some Jessie Mihalik's books, which many are sci-fi romance, and I did enjoy her Polaris Rising in particular, it was a fun romp, good action, and characters with strong vivid personalities.
I'm a fan of Ilona Andrews, the husband and wife duo is one of my go to authors. From their urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, to the intergalactic Bed and Breakfast of the Innkeeper Chronicles.
So all that being said do you have any recommendations? And maybe if based on my above ramblings there's another series you think I might enjoy that maybe isn't of a comparable vibe to White's Firebird?
by KCHulsmanPhotos
2 Comments
Check out Adrian Tchaikovsky. He’s written a ton, in both fantasy and sci-fi, and most of it is worth reading. I’d highly recommend **Children of Time**, a fast-paced, epic sci-fi/fantasy novel, filled with adventure, interesting characters, rich world building, and a compelling and creative sci-fi premise at the core of a great story.
Another really cool one by him is the novella **Elder Race** which plays with the perspectives of both sci-fi and fantasy in fun ways.
The Star Wars IP has a plethora of books both Legends and Canon. I’ve read a few here and there that I would recommend, but there’s such a broad range of books covering so many different timelines that it’s difficult to say what might pique your interest.
Do you have a particular focus in that IP? You mentioned Ahsoka and Rebels so I would imagine you lean more towards the Age of Rebellion rather than the prequels or the Old Republic.
The *From a Certain Point of View* trilogy may fit the bill, it’s a collection of short stories about the OT from other character’s perspectives.
I’ll think of some more recommendations.