10 Books Like ‘The Expanse’
If you are a fan of The Expanse by James S. A. Corey, you know how amazing that series is. It’s filled with political intrigue, complex world-building, and gripping characters that will have you coming back for more.
Whether you’re interested in science fiction, space operas, or just superb storytelling, or have just finished this amazing series and want more, there’s sure to be a novel out there that will scratch that same itch. So, let’s explore some of the best options out there and find your next read:
Artemis by Andy Weir
If you are looking for an adventure on our nearest celestial body, and characters similar to those on the Rocinante, Artemis by Andy Weir could be what you need. In 2080 on Earth’s first and only Luna Colony, porter and smuggler Jazz Bashara discovers a conspiracy to take control over Luna City.
If you enjoy the story of a small group of smugglers discovering something huge that could change many people’s lives, this could be the right one for you.
The Martian by Andy Weir
This is the closest you will get to the Expanse universe in another book. Set in the near future of 2035, astronaut Mark Watney finds himself stranded on Mars and must fight to survive. If you want a brutal story where everything that can go wrong will go wrong, you will enjoy this novel.
The authors of The Expanse have been quoted stating that their universe could be considered as being set in the same universe as Andy Weir’s book, set in a future where Mark Watney’s event kickstarted the colonization of Mars. They even go as far as naming a colony ship the Mark Watney. However, Andy Weir states that this is nothing more than a great reference to this character.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Yes, another Andy Weir novel but it fits so perfectly with The Expanse. This final Andy Weir book on this list looks at what might happen if we’re in danger from Alien microbes that appeared in the Solar System.
Set in another near future, middle school science teacher turned astronaut Ryland Grave wakes up to find himself 12 light years away from Earth. He needs to find a solution to a solar-diminishing event that could threaten to end humanity. Does anyone else think the microbes sound a little like the protomolecules?
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
In this science fiction novel, we follow the remnants of Earth as they take to the stars to find a new home on another planet. However, the discovery of an ancient race threatens their search. Now two civilisations are on a collision course, and it could test what each species might do to survive to claim a new home.
This novel has a look at a universe where we are not alone, a similar theme that appears in The Expanse series. However, The Expanse deals with the discovery of other types of life that is long gone, leaving just its remnants behind for us to find. By comparison, the Children in Time series deals with life that is running parallel to ours and how we would react to them.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Another one for you lovers of the Red Planet, set 700 years after humanity has colonized other planets, the ruling class implements a rigid colour-based social hierarchy with Gold ruling with an iron fist. It follows a lowborn miner who infiltrates the ranks of the elite golds. If you are looking for a story that is a mix between the story of the Belters, and their struggle with the inners, but set on Mars, this is something worth checking out.
Proxima by Stephen Baxter
With the Sol system under the control of China, people are sent to colonize the nearest system to ours, Proxima Centauri. If you like the idea of exploring new worlds and a group of people being sent to a habitable planet and fighting against each other while trying to survive, just like the Belters and the Earthers on Ilus, this could be great for you.
Across The Void by S K Vaughn
Across the Void is a sci-fi thriller that takes place in both Earth and space, with our protagonists trying to bring down a conspiracy that could change the world. Not only does a majority of this story takes place near Jupiter, and switches point of view between our protagonists, but you spent time on Earth and in space. Just like in The Expanse, you have multiple points of view and stories taking place on Earth, Mars, near and around Jupiter and near the Belt.
World War Z by Max Brooks
Set 12 years after the zombie apocalypse, this reveals what happened during the zombie war. It follows interviews with different people from all over the world and how they royally messed up during a time that people needed them to be in charge. One of the best things about The Expanse is that the nations in the books are always fighting against each other when there is a looming threat growing behind them.
Some believe they could use the looming threat as a weapon to control the system and eliminate their enemies. So, if you are looking for a book all about nations underestimating the kind of control they have and watching them learn the hard way, this book is for you.
Starship Troopers by Robert A Heinlein
If you are looking for a military sci-fi and want more about interstellar wars. Starship Trooper by Robert A Heinlein is what you are looking for. A commentary on war, this novel follows Juan ‘Johnnie’ Rico, a young man who joins the military to become a citizen of the Terran Federation as they fight against an alien species known as the ‘Bugs’. This novel is all about the harsh realities of military life, a theme that frequently pops up in The Expanse with the character of Martian Marine Bobbie Draper.
A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin
A Game of Thrones begins (the currently unfinished) A Song of Ice and Fire series. Set in Westeros, it follows the Seven Kingdoms’ fight to gain control of the iron throne. However, while they fight amongst each other, an even bigger threat is on its way that threatens the existence of all of Westeros. If you enjoyed a plot that has a looming threat, political intrigue and infighting. This is one for you, but unfortunately, the series is not finished, so enjoy the infighting.
So there we have it, our 10 book alternatives to read when you’re finished with The Expanse book series.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!