The Expanse is one of the modern juggernauts of the science fiction genre books. This is in part due to the excellent space storytelling and near-realism from authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck under the pen name James S.A. Corey. However, this popularity and success are also because of the equally highly recommended TV series.
If you’re missing The Expanse these days, here are 10 science fiction books we’ve enjoyed that come the closest to capturing the grounded and darker tone of this beloved series.
Hyperion Cantos
This sci-fi series from Dan Simmons encompasses four core books and a number of short stories. It is set up well enough that half the books feel like one series while the other half feels separate but connected. Hyperion Cantos also has one of the most flexible and weird storytelling systems, with writing styles changing between novels. For instance, the first book has a Canterbury Tales-style split between main characters while the second book is told through a series of dreams. Some of these parts, especially the divided point-of-view storytelling, are reminiscent of The Expanse’s style.
Lord of Light
Roger Zelazny came out with Lord of Light in 1967 as a collection of seven different short stories following a crew of humans who mutated their bodies to gain supernatural powers to survive in their new world. The heavy imagery and symbolism make for a complex tale with several different characters and ideas to keep up with. In this vein, it feels quite a lot like The Expanse with all of the rotating characters and POVs you have to keep up with.
Dune Series
The Expanse may feel a bit more grounded in its science fiction at times than the legendary Frank Herbert’s widespread Dune series, but there is no denying the monumental Dune novels likely played some part in inspiring The Expanse’s creation. Everything from the wide set of characters to the intense focus on politics and society go together so well in both series. Not to mention, Dune has the unique benefit of both offering a novel and adaptation form, similar to The Expanse.
Remembrance of Earth’s Past Trilogy
Also known by the name of its first novel, The Three-Body Problem, this series from Cixin Liu takes place throughout human history as Earth discovers and engages with the Trisolaran alien race. That premise alone gives off The Expanse vibes. However, it is also similar in the fact it has its own ongoing TV series adaptation, which is quite engaging. Those who like both versions of The Expanse might enjoy this trilogy’s book and streaming versions.
Ender’s Game Series
The first novel in this series, Ender’s Game, gives me the most Expanse vibes compared to sequels. Its smaller focus on a group of students at a military academy in space simultaneously allows for rich character development while also still containing massive twists for the universe as a whole. In this way, this sci-fi series reminds me of some of the earlier Expanse books. But all of the novels in this series from Orson Scott Card are worth a read.
Chronicles of the Dread Empire Series
This science fiction series comprised of eight novels begins with A Shadow of All Night Falling from Glen Cook. This is a long series and an early one from the sci-fi author so it has a pretty slow pace and some awkwardness at times. However, if you get past all this, the world-building and character development is incredible, as it takes its time to truly invest the reader in its universe, much like The Expanse series.
Revelation Space
Science fiction doesn’t get more grounded than this first novel by Alastair Reynolds. With a background of a PhD in Astronomy and many years working at the European Space Agency, it masterfully bridges together three seemingly separate storylines. This is all familiar for those who like The Expanse and a highly recommended novel.
Culture Series
Iain M. Banks came out with this series, beginning with Consider Phlebas, in 1987. It focuses on the war between a utopian alien society and the other civilizations that surround it. The series spans thousands of years and each book pretty much acts as its own standalone tale within the overarching history. While it is far-reaching in its serialization, it stays just grounded enough to make everything believable in a similar vein to The Expanse.
Hainish Cycle Series
This series of sci-fi novels from Ursula K. Le Guin, beginning with the first book Rocannon’s World, takes place in a far future setting where humanity evolved in space, rather than just on Earth. This resulted in some rather wild and odd groups of people in the solar system, such as one colony that has dreams while awake. The exploration of the communication between the various societies in space leads to one of the most gripping means of storytelling in the medium.
Altered Carbon Series
While this sci-fi series is heavy on the cyberpunk aesthetic unlike most of the novels on this list, its heart and central mystery feel perfect for fans of The Expanse. The first book centers on a former soldier who investigates the murder of a wealthy man amidst a society with immortality essentially reached. There are even some surprising elements of space colonies and aliens that will be welcome for The Expanse fans.
