The Fountains of Paradise

By Arthur C. Clarke,

Book cover of The Fountains of Paradise

Book description

A science fiction novel first published in 1979.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Fountains of Paradise as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I know I’m not supposed to double-dip, but Arthur C. Clarke is a man of many masterpieces, and this is another one. The idea of the space elevator is brilliant and believable. But it is Clarke’s handling of "first contact" that has me recommending the novel. Without spoiling anything, he crafts a scenario wholly different from his other books, yet equally believable and fascinating. 

From Dylan's list on sci-fi to pique your sense of wonder.

Falcon's Call

By Mike Waller,

Book cover of Falcon's Call

Mike Waller Author Of Falcon's Call

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I lived in a small valley sheltered from the night city lights. I could see the stars, and from that time, that is where my imagination dwelled. As a teenager, I read several of the books I have listed here, and from that point, I was inspired to read more and also to write myself. I sincerely believe that despite our current problems, humanity will outlive its troubled childhood and reach for the stars. We are destined for the stars, and only in the works of science fiction writers is that future explored. The books below helped me to become a successful author in my own right.

Mike's book list on scifi humanity’s future in space and time

What is my book about?

An alien starship appears in the Solar System! Humanity faces a glorious future, or total extinction, and only Joe Falcon can make the choice. Never would Joe have imagined it would fall to him to make the decision that would alter the destiny of two worlds, launching humanity towards a glorious future, or to extinction.

Falcon's Call is an action packed dive into the unknown, written in the style of the great, classic, science-fiction stories. If you like surprising plot twists, compelling characters and a hero who actually cares, you must read this new novel by Mike Waller.

Falcon's Call

By Mike Waller,

What is this book about?

Reader's Favorite Gold Medal winner 2019
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree 2019
Chill With A Book Premier Award 2019

In a heart-pounding battle for humanity's survival, one man holds the key to a glorious future or utter extinction.

In a race against time, Earth and Mars race to claim a derelict alien ship as it enters the Solar System, both aware that whichever planet succeeds might in so doing achieve technological advantage over the other. But who should they send? Joe Falcon, an unlikely candidate, never saw himself as the "right" person. Accompanied by a crew of misfits, each fleeing their own…


Want books like The Fountains of Paradise?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Fountains of Paradise.

Browse books like The Fountains of Paradise

Book cover of Rendezvous with Rama
Book cover of I, Robot
Book cover of Mars

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,351

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in dystopian, the blues, and earth?

Dystopian 621 books
The Blues 48 books
Earth 315 books