The author of the Red Rising series recommends books cloaked in myth that use fantastic adventures to explore what it means to be human.
When Pierce Brown, the acclaimed author behind the Red Rising series, shares his reading recommendations, science fiction fans take notice. In a recent feature in The New York Times article "These Science Fiction Novels Will Take You on an Epic Journey," Brown offers compelling insights into the type of storytelling that captivates both readers and fellow authors.
What Makes Science Fiction Truly Epic According to Pierce Brown
Brown's approach to science fiction book recommendations focuses on novels that transcend mere space opera spectacle. Instead, he champions stories "cloaked in myth" – narratives that utilise the boundless possibilities of speculative fiction to delve deeply into fundamental questions about human existence, morality, and our place in the universe.
The Power of Mythological Storytelling in Modern Science Fiction
The concept of science fiction novels cloaked in myth represents a powerful literary tradition that dates back to foundational works like Frank Herbert's Dune and Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness. These stories leverage:
- Archetypal characters and situations that resonate across cultures
- Universal themes wrapped in futuristic or fantastical settings
- Philosophical depth that questions what defines humanity
- Epic scope that spans generations, worlds, or entire civilizations
Why "Fantastic Adventures" Matter in Exploring Human Nature
Brown's emphasis on fantastic adventures that explore human nature reflects a sophisticated understanding of how genre fiction operates. The best science fiction doesn't just transport readers to other worlds – it uses those alien landscapes as mirrors to examine our own:
Character Development Through Adversity: Epic journeys force characters to confront their deepest fears, strongest convictions, and hidden potential, revealing truths about human resilience and growth.
Moral Complexity in Extreme Situations: Fantastical scenarios allow authors to explore ethical dilemmas without the constraints of contemporary politics or social expectations.
Universal Themes in Unique Settings: Whether it's loyalty tested in the vacuum of space or love challenged by time travel, these adventures illuminate timeless human experiences.
The Red Rising Legacy: How Pierce Brown Practices What He Preaches
Brown's own Red Rising book series exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. Set in a color-coded caste society centuries in the future, the saga follows Darrow's transformation from Red miner to revolutionary leader. While the setting is pure science fiction, the themes – class struggle, the cost of revolution, the corrupting nature of power – are deeply human and historically resonant.
The series demonstrates how epic science fiction journeys can simultaneously entertain and enlighten, using thrilling space battles and political intrigue to examine questions about:
- Social justice and systemic oppression
- The price of violent change versus gradual reform
- Leadership, sacrifice, and moral compromise
- Love, friendship, and betrayal under extreme circumstances
Finding Your Next Epic Science Fiction Adventure
For readers seeking science fiction novels that explore humanity, Brown's recommendations point toward books that offer more than escapism. Look for stories that combine:
- Mythic storytelling structures (hero's journeys, chosen ones, fallen empires)
- Philosophical depth beneath the adventure
- Complex world-building that serves character development
- Universal themes explored through speculative elements
- Epic scope that spans multiple books or generations
These elements create the kind of transformative reading experience that stays with readers long after the final page, proving that the best science fiction adventures are ultimately journeys into the depths of human nature itself.
What science fiction novels have taken you on epic journeys that changed how you see humanity? Share your recommendations in the comments below.
Pierce Brown | NYTimes Books | Disclosure
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