Many science fiction readers consider Rendezvous with Rama to be one of the most famous Arthur C Clarke books, and we at Daring Gravity have to agree. The sense of mystery, exploration, and suspense is amazing. Before diving into the list of novels like Rendezvous with Rama, let’s explore this sub-genre of science fiction first.
Big Dumb Object or BDO Science Fiction
Rendezvous with Rama, is a good example of “big dumb object” or (BDO) science fiction. This novel is considered a classic in the sub-genre and is widely regarded as one of the best BDO stories ever written.
BDO is a term used to describe a massive, enigmatic structure in space that baffles scientists and the characters in the story. These structures can be anything from alien artifacts to mysterious black holes, and they serve as the backdrop for some of the most exciting science fiction stories. In Rama, the type of BDO is an O’Neill cylinder type of ship.
BDOs in science fiction serve as powerful symbols of the unknown and the mysterious, and they allow writers to explore the frontiers of science and technology. They often represent humanity’s quest for knowledge and our longing to understand the universe. They can also be used to comment on humanity’s relationship with technology, as well as our fears and hopes for the future.
7 Novels like Rendezvous with Rama
Whether you are a fan of science fiction or simply curious about the unknown depths of space, one of these big dumb object (BDO) science fiction stories like Rendezvous with Rama is sure to leave you enthralled and entertained. After you’ve read these books, hopefully the Rendezvous with Rama movie will be released!
Pushing Ice by Alastair Reynolds
The Rockhopper is nearing the end of its current mission cycle, and everyone is desperate for some much-needed R & R, when startling news arrives from Saturn: Janus, one of Saturn’s ice moons, has inexplicably left its natural orbit and is now heading out of the solar system at high speed. As layers of camouflage fall away, it becomes clear that Janus was never a moon in the first place. It’s some kind of machine — and it is now headed toward a fuzzily glimpsed artifact 260 light-years away.
Eon series by Greg Bear
In a supernova flash, the asteroid arrived and entered Earth’s orbit. Three hundred kilometers in length, it is not solid rock but a series of hollowed-out chambers housing ancient, abandoned cities of human origin, a civilization named Thistledown. The people who lived there survived a nuclear holocaust that nearly rendered humanity extinct—more than a thousand years from now.
Ringworld series by Larry Niven
Louis Wu, accompanied by a young woman with genes for luck, and a captured kzin – a warlike species resembling 8-foot-tall cats — are taken on a space ship run by a brilliant 2-headed alien called Nessus. Their destination is the Ringworld, an artificially constructed ring with high walls that hold 3 million times the area of Earth. Its origins are shrouded in mystery.
Marrow series by Robert Reed
Now one of those secrets has been discovered: at the center of the Ship is . . . a planet. Marrow. But when a team of the Ship’s best and brightest are sent down to investigate, will they return with the origins of the Ship–or will they bring doom to everyone on board?
The Ship has traveled the universe for longer than any of the near-immortal crew can recall, its true purpose and origins unknown. It is larger than many planets, housing thousands of alien races and just as many secrets.
Noumenon by Marina J. Lostetter
In 2088, humankind is at last ready to explore beyond Earth’s solar system. But one uncertainty remains: Where do we go?
Astrophysicist Reggie Straifer has an idea. He’s discovered an anomalous star that appears to defy the laws of physics, and proposes the creation of a deep-space mission to find out whether the star is a weird natural phenomenon, or something manufactured.
Artifact by Gregory Benford
A small cube of black rock has been unearthed in a 3500-year-old Mycenaean tomb. An incomprehensible object in an impossible place; its age,its purpose, and its origins are unknown. Its discovery has unleashed a global storm of intrigue, theft and espionage, and is pushing nations to the brink of war. It is mystery and madness — an enigma with no equal in recorded history. It is mankind’s greatest discovery … and worst nightmare.
It may have already obliterated a world. Ours is next.
Beyond the Blue Event Horizon by Frederik Pohl
The story begins when the hero of Gateway finances an expedition to a distant alien spaceship that may end famine forever. On the ship, the explorers find a human boy, and evidence that reveals a powerful alien civilization is thriving on a transport ship headed right for Earth….