Picked by Burning Sands fans

Here are 4 books that Burning Sands fans have personally recommended once you finish the Burning Sands series. Shepherd is a community of authors and super-readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

Book cover of Eon

Mike Waller Author Of Falcon's Call

From my list on scifi humanity’s future in space and time.

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

Mike Waller Why Mike loves this book

The main thing that impressed me about this book was the sheer originality of the story. Greg Bear has created a world unlike any I have read. 

A giant asteroid appears above Earth and is hollow. Inside is a world beyond imagining, a world without end and a path to the future. I was inexorably drawn into the story from the very first page. I especially loved the way all of this is grounded in the very human characters and described in terms to which the reader can easily relate.

Bear is a master of descriptive writing, an author I cannot read enough of. Highly recommended.

By Greg Bear ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Eon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the New York Times–bestselling author of War Dogs: A novel that “may be the best constructed hard SF epic yet” (The Washington Post).
 
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.
 
To prevent this future from coming to pass, theoretical mathematician Patricia Vasquez must explore Thistledown and decipher its…


Book cover of Crisis on Centaurus

Lauren Patzer Author Of Dissonance Junction: A Year of Stories

From my list on sci-fi to face the end of the world with.

Why am I passionate about this?

Reading has been a passion of mine since I first learned how. Consuming books like a ravenous wolf, I explored worlds beyond my own imagining with a simple purchase of a bound novel (or lending from a library.) It gave me the one thing I couldn’t do in real life – escape from reality. In many ways, I’m only sane because I was able to remove myself from the horrific events of my upbringing. It put my feet in two camps – that of science fiction and of horror. I like to think of what could be and bring my readers to that alternate reality to delight or terrify depending on the genre.

Lauren's book list on sci-fi to face the end of the world with

Lauren Patzer Why Lauren loves this book

I read all of the initial series of Star Trek books, and this one stood out to me due to the violent terrorist occurrence and the devastating outcome of the evil use of emerging technology. The event in the book left a profound effect on me as a human being. That one person would commit carnage of such an unimaginable level to accomplish their terrorist agenda shocked me. I never looked at the “innocence” of technological advancements the same way; nor did I ever believe again that humanity had only good intentions for itself and others.

By Brad Ferguson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crisis on Centaurus as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Massive computer malfunctions are plaguing the Enterprise(t) when Kirk suddenly receives a shocking message from Star Fleet Command: Centaurus has been bombed and annihilated; thousands are dead. Give whatever help you can. Centaurus is a beautiful, peaceful planet, home to many humans -- including McCoy's daughter Joanna. The crew risks beaming down to investigate. But Kirk is thrown into a deadly struggle between violent enemy terrorists and vengeful Centaurians. Now Lt. Uhura, left alone in command, must jeopardize the cripple Enterprise(t) to save Centaurus, Kirk -- and Joanna McCoy!


Book cover of The Wilk Are Among Us

Lauren Patzer Author Of Dissonance Junction: A Year of Stories

From my list on sci-fi to face the end of the world with.

Why am I passionate about this?

Reading has been a passion of mine since I first learned how. Consuming books like a ravenous wolf, I explored worlds beyond my own imagining with a simple purchase of a bound novel (or lending from a library.) It gave me the one thing I couldn’t do in real life – escape from reality. In many ways, I’m only sane because I was able to remove myself from the horrific events of my upbringing. It put my feet in two camps – that of science fiction and of horror. I like to think of what could be and bring my readers to that alternate reality to delight or terrify depending on the genre.

Lauren's book list on sci-fi to face the end of the world with

Lauren Patzer Why Lauren loves this book

This is one of the first science fiction books I read growing up. I distinctly remember being amazed by the world-building that took place. There was also the strange biological construct of the different alien species and how they interacted with humanity that I found mind-blowing. It was a foundational text for both my science fiction and horror writing. I haven’t read it since, but surely a book that made such an impression on a 10-year-old mind has to be included.

By Isidore Haiblum ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Wilk Are Among Us as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

210 pages, science fiction novel of an explosion on another planet that results in interplanetary travel of Leonard and a brace of wilk, a nill, a hunter and a Being who appears out of nowhere


Book cover of Foundation

J.D. Rasch Author Of The Quasi-Crystal

From my list on science fiction to challenge your moral compass.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am interested in social justice issues, and the books in my list deal with these issues. My background is in finance, but I’ve tried to use this knowledge to help others. I serve on the board of two not-for-profit organizations, one a dance company that works with at-risk teens in various countries, and the other is an animal sanctuary that takes in farm animals that have been abused. I consider myself very fortunate and privileged, and it's important to remember not everyone has had the opportunities I have had. I feel it’s crucial to connect with others, understand where they’re coming from, and help if you can.

J.D.'s book list on science fiction to challenge your moral compass

J.D. Rasch Why J.D. loves this book

I like the psychological nature of this book. It pits human beings against an idea–a computer model of society. Having a degree in economics the concept particularly intrigued me.

It showed no matter how big and important we think we are there are forces outside of our control. This was one of the most innovative books I have read.

By Isaac Asimov ,

Why should I read it?

13 authors picked Foundation as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION, NOW STREAMING • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
 
For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings…