Writing Excuses 4.14: Brainstorming Science Ideas

In 'A Fire Upon the Deep', Vernor Vinge explores a vast universe divided into 'zones of thought' where the potential of intelligent life varies greatly. The story begins with a human expedition that awakens a destructive artificial intelligence, the Blight, which threatens to destroy entire civilizations. Two children, Jefri and Johanna Olsndot, escape the initial destruction but are captured by the Tines, an intelligent dog-like alien species with a hive mind. Meanwhile, Ravna Bergsndot, an intergalactic librarian, and her companions embark on a perilous rescue mission to save the children and recover an artifact that could stop the Blight. The novel is renowned for its complex world-building, unique alien cultures, and blend of hard science fiction and high drama.

Set in a future where humanity is threatened by the Formics, an insect-like alien species, the novel follows Ender Wiggin, a child prodigy who is drafted into Battle School at the age of six. Ender undergoes intense military training, including zero-gravity battles and psychological manipulation, to prepare him to lead the human fleet against the Formics. The book explores themes of war, leadership, and the moral complexities of using children as soldiers. It is known for its deep and complex sensibilities, and its ability to pose profound questions about the nature of war and humanity.

The Culture series by Iain M. Banks is a collection of science fiction novels that explore the intricacies of a utopian, post-scarcity society. The Culture is a civilization composed of humanoid aliens, artificially intelligent sentient machines, and other sentient life forms. It is characterized by its advanced technology, lack of scarcity, and absence of money, leading to a largely hedonistic society. The series delves into themes such as the ethical dilemmas faced by an advanced civilization when interacting with less advanced societies, personal trauma, and the moral ambiguities of intervention and manipulation. Each novel is self-contained but contributes to the broader narrative of the Culture's interactions with other civilizations and its internal societal dynamics.

Noble House, set in 1963 Hong Kong, is a novel by James Clavell that follows Ian Dunross, the 10th tai-pan of the Struan's trading company, as he attempts to rescue the company from financial ruin. The story is intertwined with espionage, high-stakes business deals, and the complex socio-political landscape of Hong Kong. Dunross must navigate a hostile takeover by his rival Quillan Gornt, deal with Soviet spies and Hong Kong's criminal underworld, and manage personal and professional alliances. The novel explores themes of greed, power, and the complexities of international business, set against the backdrop of natural disasters, bank runs, and stock market upheavals.