Space Opera Fans discussion

This thread is for nominations for READER category for December 2025.

READER books need to be
* currently in print in either hardback or paperback (or both). Requiring a special order from a store or website counts, but not if the book is only available used.
* currently available in multiple ebook formats, from multiple vendors
* Space Opera, which means a spaceship has to be involved in the story somewhere.
* If it is part of a series, it needs to be suitable to being read without having read other books in the series.
* Please no blatantly erotic books, as some of our members are not full adults yet.

RULES:
* you may nominate one book on this thread.
* you may second as many nominations as you like on this thread.
* it is okay to nominate the same book on more than one nomination thread, as long as it meets the criteria
* books we already have on our bookshelf will be disqualified if they were added less than two years ago
* If a book you nominate or second is selected, you are expected to post at least one comment about it on the thread about the book.
* On the 22nd I will draw a book randomly, with each second being one raffle ticket for the book. That is, a book with three seconds (so four of us want it) will get three chances in the pool.

It is likely helpful if you know something about a book that has been nominated if you mention it in this thread, whether it is for or against the book.

What Space Opera book would you like to find under your tree when you wake up on Christmas morning? Well, treat yourself early by nominating it as our December READER pick - and share the joy!

In recent posts I've mentioned my long-standing fondness for SF short fiction, and my lack of fondness for novels tied in with game-playing.

So my obvious nomination for our READER pick for December is Exodus: The Archimedes Engine by Peter F. Hamilton - a 913 page novel, the first part of a duology, tied in with a video game which is still under development and expected to be released in 2026.

If you are remotely interested in this one, act quickly - until the 1st December Amazon (in the UK at any rate) have it on kindle special offer for 99p!

The Amazon blurb states -

Explore EXODUS, a new sci-fi action-adventure RPG coming soon from Archetype Entertainment featured in this epic novel from legendary author Peter F. Hamilton.

A fight for freedom among the stars . . .

In a past age, humanity fled a dying Earth in massive ark ships. These searched the galaxy to find a new home. Then one fleet found Centauri, a dense cluster of stars teeming with habitable planets. Now, thousands of years later, Centauri’s settlers have evolved into advanced beings known as Celestials – and their great houses rule vast star systems.

As they vie for supremacy, Earth’s ark ships continue to arrive, and humans must serve these repressive masters. But is there a better life beyond the empire? Finn is a Centauri-born human and yearns for a brighter future. So, when another ark ship arrives, previously thought lost, Finn seizes the chance to become a Traveler. These heroes explore the vast unknowns of distant space, dedicated to humanity’s survival. And they hope – one day – to find freedom.

EXODUS is an action-adventure roleplaying game from Archetype Entertainment, led by industry veterans from BioWare (Mass Effect), 343 (Halo), Electronic Arts, Naughty Dog (The Last of Us) and other AAA studios.

Exodus: The Archimedes Engine is the first book in a duology by legendary author Peter F. Hamilton. It’s an original novel set in the universe of EXODUS and explores Hamilton’s richly-imagined worlds.

Praise for EXODUS: The Archimedes Engine

‘One of SF’s most incisive voices. A perfect balance of ingenious ideas and intricate execution. Real big picture Sci-fi’ – Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Children of Time

‘A binge-worthy read from a master of science fiction’ – William C. Dietz, author of Halo: The Flood

I nominate Mindtouch by M.C.A. Hogarth. This book shows one way a multi species medical university might work, with one of the main characters being a touch telepath who is from a lighter planet. There’s an interesting discussion of how the heck they handle everyone’s holidays too.

I’ve read it several times and consider it worth rereading.

For those on a budget, this book is available on Kobo Plus, as well as purchase from multiple vendors.

Teresa wrote: "I nominate Mindtouch by M.C.A. Hogarth. This book shows one way a multi species medical university might work, with one of the main characters being a touch telepath ..."

An excellent nomination Teresa - and bringing in a "holidays" theme is ideal at Christmas.

I've only ever read one of her books - Earthrise which I rated 4 stars.

Heh… Earthrise is one I gave up on. Different tastes.

What? How could you resist pirates, slavers......and a space elf prince!???

Summary so far:
Exodus by Peter F. Hamilton. Nominated by John. Awaiting seconds.
Mindtouch by M.C.A. Hogarth. Nominated by Teresa. Awaiting seconds.

Nominations are due to close on the 22nd but we have no seconded book. Does anyone want to second one of our two nominations, or nominate a third book?

I’ll second Mindtouch! I read it a few years ago and adored it.

Thanks Caitlin!