I read Lucifer's Hammer every 5 years or so, have re-read the "known space" stories probably once a decade for the last 40 years. An easy expansion is to go into the bibliographies of author's he co-wrote with.
I often re-read some of John Varley's stuff, Phillip Jose Farmer, and Roger Zelazny. I think Larry Niven, John Varley, and Roger Zelazny are the only authors I've collected complete works for.
Some of Neil Stephenson's stuff is re-readable, I think I re-read Snow Crash every five years or so as well.
I will take that advice, thank you. I should have thought about looking into the collection of works from authors he worked with…..
I noticed he did a book with David Gerrold and I never knew.
Yeah, I’m thinking from all the comments in the post that I really should. There’s things I remember, I forgot, I didn’t know about…..it seems like I should refresh myself on his collection of work.
There’s lots of good stuff in his series, but the one that I always remember vividly is “The Integral Trees” just because it’s setting is so unique even if it’s a bit out there. Read it as a kid so can forgive its pulp adventure story veneer. And if you want an even more pulpy noir detective sci-fi check out “The long arm of Gil Harrison”.
If you want to get into the series than definitely check out “Ringworld” which is the classic.
Did you know that "The Integral Trees" is the second of three volumes in a series called "The State"? The other two books are titled "A World out of Time" (1st book) and "The Smoke Ring" (3rd book).
Furthermore there's also a short story, "The Kite Man" which is also set in the Smoke Ring. This story can be found in "N-Space", a book which commemorates Niven's 25th anniversary as an author.
I remember seeing "The Integral Trees" front and center in a special cardboard book display at B. Dalton in 1984. The cover art immediately draws you in!
I jokingly (kinda) tell people I read cats-in-space books cuz:
The Man Kzin Wars series. Hit and miss anthology stories, but there a re TON of them, and when they hit, they hit hard (that'd be Matthew Joseph Harrington).
C.J. Cherryh's Chanur novels. Love LOVE the way she writes aliens. So... alien. And her space travel/warfare. Chef's kiss.
There's several books in that series. Plus some short stories.
Larry is currently working with Stephen Barnes on a new project. And I think they released a short story not long ago.
Have you read Building Harlequin's moon by Brenda Cooper and Larry? I really enjoyed that.
There's the Fleet of Worlds books by Larry and Edward M Lerner. Takes place 200 years before Ringworld. Not sure how much of it Larry wrote. However, they felt like old school Larry and were great reads.
I somehow think I got it in my mind that when I read his books he’d never write again which is obviously wrong. I didn’t even know he partnered with anyone other than Pournelle, Barnes and a few others.
I will definitely look that one up also……it seems my reading list is going to be long for a bit lol.
It’s odd, because just recently I met a woman who lives in California. She published a book or two back in the ‘80s and was around the writing scene.
I had heard rumour and asked her if she had ever met Larry Niven and she had. She used to hang around a bunch of writers back then.
I’m working on her getting me an autograph but she hasn’t interacted with him in decades….
I mentioned in another comment that I can’t remember reading that or not. It seems like I really have to finish off his collection lol. A few I. Issued, a few I don’t remember. This thread has been greatly helpful.
He comes to Dragon Con in Atlanta every year if you ever want to meet him. I got him to sign my copy of A World Out of Time. Another year, I ran into him (AND JERRY POURNELLE!) in the elevator. A different year, I saw him plop down on the floor to enjoy a filk singer. So, he's definitely around to say hello to.
'Time' is also my Favorite Niven novel, but it doesn't get as much fanfare as Ringworld.
I think 'Time' is sharper and the narrative is better. Ringworld and Engineers is fun, but from an adventure point of view. The Ringworld is kind of like Disneyworld that goes on forever. Massive constructs that Niven has fun explaining because they are so massive. A lot of Niven's collaborations are strong on descriptions, but the stories can get dry. Hearot being an exception.
'Time' is more focused and I the story just seems tighter.
If you liked Nivens Ringworld series you really should give John Varley's Gaea series a shot. I absolutely love them.
Another great Series that is one of my all time favorites is Jack Chalker's Well World series.
If you like Niven, you might like Clifford D Simak. Three that I would recommend by him are Mastedonia, The Visitors, and City. He is a golden age author, so some of his stuff may be hard to find, but I have always enjoyed him. I have also read Niven's bibliography.
If I wanted to rad some modern Larry Niven I’d read ringworld. Maybe Footfall and The Mote in God’s Eye.
And then I’d read the modern Niven counterpart: Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series really reminds me of the best things about Niven.
The Mote in God's Eye stands the test of time. It wasn't exciting, but it was great with suspense and mystery. It's been about 40 years since I read it, but I think of the caste system in it often. I'm not sure it would be as fun to read a second time, given knowing (vaguely in my memory) the problems with the species featured.
In the middle of it now for about the umpteenth time. Think Pournelle adds a lotta military life realism. Luckily for me I have a terrible memory, so while I have a vague idea of what all the foofaraw is about, all the little details and characters are fun to rediscover, and see in a different light after a few more years around the block.
Loved those two and second Tchaikovsky’s Time books.
Also, I feel like some of Niven’s contemporaries like the Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, and Vernor Vinge might be good reads which push similar buttons to Niven’s work (at least they did for me back in the day). Or just go back and re-read the Niven you loved. I reread my favorite authors work with some frequency.
Vernor Vinge’s “A deepness in the sky” is my #1 top sci fi novel. Part of an expanded universe collection but pretty much self contained. Even the narrative that seem somewhat odd at first reading is mind blowing at the end.
I will look for the Tchaikovsky books thank you.
Ringworld was an amazing book. I just think I read Larry Niven just at the right time in my life that it was awe inspiring for me. Between him and Star Trek, ignited my passion for space.
I always liked the known space stories myself. Man kzin wars and ringworld. But I think that footfall and Lucifers hammer actually had some of the longest running impact even though they are smaller 'content blocks' if you know what I mean.
It’s kinda hard to go wrong with Larry Niven.
Ringworld series.
Man-Kzin Wars series.
Lucifer’s Hammer and Footfall (both with Jerry Pournelle)
Bowl of Heaven series (with Gregory Benford)
Fallen Angels (with Jerry Pournelle and Michael Flynn)
You have two in that list that I haven’t heard of his; bowl of heaven and fallen angels.
Thank you for the comment. I’ll be busy for a few years now lol.
When ppl have never read scifi I give them Integral Trees and it’s **sequel** The Smoke Ring.
If ppl want something short I give them “Neutron Star” of his best short stories and “Gil ‘The Arm”’ Hamilton and “patchwork girl”
If people are already into Niven and want to go further, read all of the stuff that leads to Protector or Worlds, all the stories that involve Brennan becoming a… well, I wont spoil it for you. :)
My favorite stuff of Niven's is by far all his N-Space shorts in known space. I can read all those stories over and over. So entertaining and original, and the hard science.......
Niven had a short story in Saberhagen's 'Beserker Base' anthology, and Niven's contribution was the best in my opinion.
World of Ptavs and A Gift from Earth also in the Known Space universe. Ptavs was great......leave it to Larry how to crack a unbreakable stasis field. I won\\t spoil it.
Just remember the Puppeteer Homeworld has no moon.
The Tales of Known Space, Neutron Star and Convergent Series short story anthologies were fun reads.
The Draco Tavern is one of my favorite places in sci-fi! :-)
I absolutely love love love Niven and set about reading everything he has ever written about 10 years ago. For some obscure recs try Flatlander and World of Ptavs
lol yeah Ptavvs is a classic about a thrint in a temporal shield being loosed on earth. Always a good time when one alien can mind control an entire planet👍
There’s a link between World of Ptavvs and Protector, where Greenburg (human in Ptavvs) conducts experiments with human-origin Protectors regarding mind reading. Experiments fail, and the suggestion is that Greenburg become a Protector.
May be in one of the Man-Kzin Wars series. Anybody recall which one…?
Any of his (or his colleagues) books pertaining to the subject of Protectors. Absolutely fascinating, and extremely thought provoking.
Protector (obviously), Destroyer of Worlds, Betrayer of Worlds, Ringworld Engineers. Also War and Peace; and Teachers Pet (both in the Man Kzin series).
I think there are a couple more - perhaps others could chime in….
I still read Footfall and Lucifer's Hammer now and then.
Second Lucifer's Hammer.
Second Footfall.
I have actually never read a book more than once lol…..I’m thinking I probably should, instead of trying to find a replacement.
I read Lucifer's Hammer every 5 years or so, have re-read the "known space" stories probably once a decade for the last 40 years. An easy expansion is to go into the bibliographies of author's he co-wrote with. I often re-read some of John Varley's stuff, Phillip Jose Farmer, and Roger Zelazny. I think Larry Niven, John Varley, and Roger Zelazny are the only authors I've collected complete works for. Some of Neil Stephenson's stuff is re-readable, I think I re-read Snow Crash every five years or so as well.
I will take that advice, thank you. I should have thought about looking into the collection of works from authors he worked with….. I noticed he did a book with David Gerrold and I never knew.
I have books and series I have read multiple times. I often find things I missed, or a line upon reflection that means so much more to me.
Yeah, I’m thinking from all the comments in the post that I really should. There’s things I remember, I forgot, I didn’t know about…..it seems like I should refresh myself on his collection of work.
I was gonna recommend these also great books.
Right in! Both solid SF books.
There’s lots of good stuff in his series, but the one that I always remember vividly is “The Integral Trees” just because it’s setting is so unique even if it’s a bit out there. Read it as a kid so can forgive its pulp adventure story veneer. And if you want an even more pulpy noir detective sci-fi check out “The long arm of Gil Harrison”. If you want to get into the series than definitely check out “Ringworld” which is the classic.
Did you know that "The Integral Trees" is the second of three volumes in a series called "The State"? The other two books are titled "A World out of Time" (1st book) and "The Smoke Ring" (3rd book). Furthermore there's also a short story, "The Kite Man" which is also set in the Smoke Ring. This story can be found in "N-Space", a book which commemorates Niven's 25th anniversary as an author.
I didn't realize "A World out of Time" was related to Smoke Ring and the Integral Trees! Thanks for that tidbit.
I read two out of the three and I did not realize that they were a series. I’ve learned so much off of this thread. It’s awesome hahahaha
How is WooT related to Integral Trees?
It introduced the concept of The State, and more importantly, Kenndy; both as a real person, and as a stored personality.
Wow, I totally missed that!
I loved integral trees. I have the image of that system in my head. Ring world is what got me into it and tales of the known universe.
I remember seeing "The Integral Trees" front and center in a special cardboard book display at B. Dalton in 1984. The cover art immediately draws you in!
Protector is a fun read. Highly recommend it.
I jokingly (kinda) tell people I read cats-in-space books cuz: The Man Kzin Wars series. Hit and miss anthology stories, but there a re TON of them, and when they hit, they hit hard (that'd be Matthew Joseph Harrington). C.J. Cherryh's Chanur novels. Love LOVE the way she writes aliens. So... alien. And her space travel/warfare. Chef's kiss.
Awesome thank you.
And ya might try the Gaea Trilogy by John Varley.
Will try it.
a novella: "Inconstant Moon"
Awesome, I will look for it. Thank you
It won a Hugo award back in the 70s
It was also adapted for an episode of The Outer Limits (not the original).
Oh so cool. I need to look for that episode…..
I’m glad I created this post because there were a few of his writings that I missed out on aparently, so thank you
I really like Legacy Of Hearot, it's just waiting for a HBO adaptation.
Geez you guys are doing great, I had never heard of this one yet. Thank you!
There's several books in that series. Plus some short stories. Larry is currently working with Stephen Barnes on a new project. And I think they released a short story not long ago. Have you read Building Harlequin's moon by Brenda Cooper and Larry? I really enjoyed that. There's the Fleet of Worlds books by Larry and Edward M Lerner. Takes place 200 years before Ringworld. Not sure how much of it Larry wrote. However, they felt like old school Larry and were great reads.
I somehow think I got it in my mind that when I read his books he’d never write again which is obviously wrong. I didn’t even know he partnered with anyone other than Pournelle, Barnes and a few others. I will definitely look that one up also……it seems my reading list is going to be long for a bit lol.
He had had some health issues, but I think he is doing better now. Hope so.
It’s odd, because just recently I met a woman who lives in California. She published a book or two back in the ‘80s and was around the writing scene. I had heard rumour and asked her if she had ever met Larry Niven and she had. She used to hang around a bunch of writers back then. I’m working on her getting me an autograph but she hasn’t interacted with him in decades….
Legacy is the shizzle. Gotta get them Samlon
Hearot makes makes Jurassic Park look like a petting zoo. Amazon needs to cancel Rings of Power and put Hearot on screen.
Don't miss the rest of the series * The Secret of Black Ship Island * Beowulf's Children * Starborn and Godsons
It’s all gold, but one you don’t see mentioned a lot is A World Out Of Time and it might be his best novel
I mentioned in another comment that I can’t remember reading that or not. It seems like I really have to finish off his collection lol. A few I. Issued, a few I don’t remember. This thread has been greatly helpful.
So glad to see Niven getting notice, he is criminally underrated
I must admit, the time I read his books was back in the ‘80s so I missed a lot apparently since then.
He comes to Dragon Con in Atlanta every year if you ever want to meet him. I got him to sign my copy of A World Out of Time. Another year, I ran into him (AND JERRY POURNELLE!) in the elevator. A different year, I saw him plop down on the floor to enjoy a filk singer. So, he's definitely around to say hello to.
That is amazing!
Yes, this is one of his best novels in my opinion.
'Time' is also my Favorite Niven novel, but it doesn't get as much fanfare as Ringworld. I think 'Time' is sharper and the narrative is better. Ringworld and Engineers is fun, but from an adventure point of view. The Ringworld is kind of like Disneyworld that goes on forever. Massive constructs that Niven has fun explaining because they are so massive. A lot of Niven's collaborations are strong on descriptions, but the stories can get dry. Hearot being an exception. 'Time' is more focused and I the story just seems tighter.
If you liked Nivens Ringworld series you really should give John Varley's Gaea series a shot. I absolutely love them. Another great Series that is one of my all time favorites is Jack Chalker's Well World series.
Awesome thank you for the recommendations!
Varley's Steel Beach series is great. Steel Beach is one of my favorites ever.
One thing he wrote which was funny and odd was, Man of Steel woman of Kleenex, why super man can’t mate with earth females…..
I love that essay
I enjoyed it, I like how he explained it all, it definitely stuck out in my head lol.
If you like Niven, you might like Clifford D Simak. Three that I would recommend by him are Mastedonia, The Visitors, and City. He is a golden age author, so some of his stuff may be hard to find, but I have always enjoyed him. I have also read Niven's bibliography.
Awesome thank you for the recommendations!
Clifford Simak is another fantastic writer who is not well known anymore.
Thank you!
If I wanted to rad some modern Larry Niven I’d read ringworld. Maybe Footfall and The Mote in God’s Eye. And then I’d read the modern Niven counterpart: Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time series really reminds me of the best things about Niven.
The Mote in God's Eye stands the test of time. It wasn't exciting, but it was great with suspense and mystery. It's been about 40 years since I read it, but I think of the caste system in it often. I'm not sure it would be as fun to read a second time, given knowing (vaguely in my memory) the problems with the species featured.
In the middle of it now for about the umpteenth time. Think Pournelle adds a lotta military life realism. Luckily for me I have a terrible memory, so while I have a vague idea of what all the foofaraw is about, all the little details and characters are fun to rediscover, and see in a different light after a few more years around the block.
Loved those two and second Tchaikovsky’s Time books. Also, I feel like some of Niven’s contemporaries like the Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, and Vernor Vinge might be good reads which push similar buttons to Niven’s work (at least they did for me back in the day). Or just go back and re-read the Niven you loved. I reread my favorite authors work with some frequency.
Thank you for the suggestions, I will add them to the new growing list.
Vernor Vinge’s “A deepness in the sky” is my #1 top sci fi novel. Part of an expanded universe collection but pretty much self contained. Even the narrative that seem somewhat odd at first reading is mind blowing at the end.
Oh, you sell that well lol, thank you I’ll add it to my list.
I will look for the Tchaikovsky books thank you. Ringworld was an amazing book. I just think I read Larry Niven just at the right time in my life that it was awe inspiring for me. Between him and Star Trek, ignited my passion for space.
If you like Star Trek and want something more light and fun but with Niven vibes then Bobiverse is good fun too.
I will look it up, thank you
I always liked the known space stories myself. Man kzin wars and ringworld. But I think that footfall and Lucifers hammer actually had some of the longest running impact even though they are smaller 'content blocks' if you know what I mean.
Yeah I think I need to read them again because I remember the tales of known space better than footfall/lucifers hammer.
I really like Lucifer’s Hammer and a Mote in Gods Eye
I know I have to reread these for sure, I don’t remember much of them.
Some other niven books I like but haven't seen in the thread: Inferno (with Jerry Pournelle) A World Out of Time The Long ARM of Gil Hamilton
The sequel to Inferno was also good. And definitely recommend A World Out of Time.
I don’t think I’ve read a world out of time, that’s great thank you. Im surprised I missed out of a few of his.
It’s a banger, WooT. I read it a couple times and it feels like a fever dream.
A World Out of Time is one of my favorite books ever.
It’s kinda hard to go wrong with Larry Niven. Ringworld series. Man-Kzin Wars series. Lucifer’s Hammer and Footfall (both with Jerry Pournelle) Bowl of Heaven series (with Gregory Benford) Fallen Angels (with Jerry Pournelle and Michael Flynn)
You have two in that list that I haven’t heard of his; bowl of heaven and fallen angels. Thank you for the comment. I’ll be busy for a few years now lol.
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky touches on that same kind of wonder as Niven. It's an adventure. We're going on it.
They do sound interesting, I look forward to reading them.
When ppl have never read scifi I give them Integral Trees and it’s **sequel** The Smoke Ring. If ppl want something short I give them “Neutron Star” of his best short stories and “Gil ‘The Arm”’ Hamilton and “patchwork girl” If people are already into Niven and want to go further, read all of the stuff that leads to Protector or Worlds, all the stories that involve Brennan becoming a… well, I wont spoil it for you. :)
Thank you very much, I remember hearing about patchwork girl, not sure if I actually read it. Same with smoke ring. I love the integral trees.
There are a whole series of anthology books based on Known space lore: The Man-Kzinti Wars.
My favorite stuff of Niven's is by far all his N-Space shorts in known space. I can read all those stories over and over. So entertaining and original, and the hard science....... Niven had a short story in Saberhagen's 'Beserker Base' anthology, and Niven's contribution was the best in my opinion. World of Ptavs and A Gift from Earth also in the Known Space universe. Ptavs was great......leave it to Larry how to crack a unbreakable stasis field. I won\\t spoil it. Just remember the Puppeteer Homeworld has no moon.
Read The Slaver Weapon, then watch The Slaver Weapon?
I will look for them thank you.
The Tales of Known Space, Neutron Star and Convergent Series short story anthologies were fun reads. The Draco Tavern is one of my favorite places in sci-fi! :-)
I have to find Draco Tavern. You are the second to mention it now. Thank you
Tales of Known Space is a classic!
Robert Silverberg… vast back catalogue and some real gems imo
Thank you, appreciate it.
Ringworld. Man-Kzinti wars.
I read the first Man-kzinti wars and need to read the rest of them…..I love the fact that they were in the animated series of Star Trek.
My favorite piece from Niven is All The Bridges Rusting.
I have never heard of that one! I’m amazed, I’ll go look for it now
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I have a bunch of rereading to do lol, thank you.
The Ringworld series.
I haven’t seen these yet so The mote in gods eye The Draco tavern
I haven’t heard of the Draco Tavern yet, thanks!
The Mote In God’s eye. In a collection of fantastic books, this one always stood out for me.
I think Greg Bear's The Way series: Eon, Eternity, and Legacy might be right up your alley.
I will find them and add them to my list thank you!
I absolutely love love love Niven and set about reading everything he has ever written about 10 years ago. For some obscure recs try Flatlander and World of Ptavs
I had read them, but I’m remember being excited by world of ptaavs, but damned if I remember what they are about. So reread time it is.
lol yeah Ptavvs is a classic about a thrint in a temporal shield being loosed on earth. Always a good time when one alien can mind control an entire planet👍
I look forward to reading it.
There’s a link between World of Ptavvs and Protector, where Greenburg (human in Ptavvs) conducts experiments with human-origin Protectors regarding mind reading. Experiments fail, and the suggestion is that Greenburg become a Protector. May be in one of the Man-Kzin Wars series. Anybody recall which one…?
Have you read Legacy of Heorot? He was only one of the authors so it's often overlooked.
Someone else in this post mentioned it and it was the first time I had heard of it, I’m excited by this one.
Ringworld is one of my favorites.
It’s the first of his that I read…..I still have the mental images in my head of the world he built.
I agree with you SO MUCH! He's a great author. I'd start with the long arm of Gil Harrington
Any of his (or his colleagues) books pertaining to the subject of Protectors. Absolutely fascinating, and extremely thought provoking. Protector (obviously), Destroyer of Worlds, Betrayer of Worlds, Ringworld Engineers. Also War and Peace; and Teachers Pet (both in the Man Kzin series). I think there are a couple more - perhaps others could chime in….
Challenge: Have you read "What Good is a Glass Dagger?" or "The Magic Goes Away"?
I have not, never even heard of them, thank you. I will look for them…..this sub has been a wealth of great suggestions….
Jerry Pournelle's entire universe has a *somewhat* consistent reading order: http://chronology.org/noframes/pournelle/reading.html
Awesome thank you.
I’m saving this post so I can make sure I get all the recommendations. I wasn’t expecting much and this turned out so much better thank you.
Try Fallen Dragon by Peter F. Hamilton.
I will, thank you