Against a Dark Background

Denis Villeneuve adapted a story many thought was unadaptable with his spectacular "Dune" films... but even he couldn't bring every aspect of Frank Herbert's universe to the screen. In this episode of Approaching Lightspeed, we'll explore some of the deeper context, storylines, and even characters that never made the transition.

 "The Expanse" author James SA Corey continues their generational sci-fi run with a new trilogy, "The Captive's War." In it, humanity suddenly finds itself in the clutches of the alien Carryx. Their choices: demonstrate their usefulness and find a niche within their empire, and in so doing accept an eternity of servitude... or perish. 

Martha Wells' "Murderbot Diaries" follows one of science fiction's most introverted (but also most likable!) protagonists through an alarmingly familiar corporate hellscape in an epic journey to get as far from humans as possible. 

Iain M. Banks spirits us away to a crumbling solar system where technological advancement and supremacy comes not in what its inhabitants can make for themselves, but in what they can pilfer from the ruins of the countless failed civilizations that came before. Come for the homicidal cultists and daring heists; stay for the existential dread!(Minor "spoilers" between 1:09:24 and 1:13:40).

In Alastair Reynolds' "Revelation Space" series, humanity is slowly coming to the uncomfortable realization that they might be the only spacefaring civilization around--or at least the only one that hasn't been violently wiped out. But this wasn't always the case. Who called the galaxy home in eons past, and where did they all go? Humanity might not be ready for the answers...Revelation Space Book #1 Spoiler danger zone begins at 45:55 and ends at 1:09:58.

Andy Weir's "The Martian" was a gigantic hit on both literary and cinematic fronts. So how does he keep the momentum going in his latest work, "Project Hail Mary?" Well, it has a little something to do with icy apocalypses, Jason Bourne-esque amnesia, and some super memorable aliens. More info inside...

Becky Chambers' Galactic Commons is a civilization brimming with history and intrigue... what better way to explore it than through the eyes of this universe's endearing equivalent to blue collar workers? 

The races of the galaxy were helpless to stem the Dread Empire of the Shaa's conquering tide. Today, with the ethos of their Praxis at the forefront of their society, the Shaa are the undisputed rulers of all that is known, having never lost a battle in the millennia they've existed. But perhaps that sort of efficiency has a way of coming back to haunt an empire in the end... 

An all-devouring cosmic beast to some, a shining beacon of civilization to others; Arkady Martine's Teixcalaanli Empire is the most powerful force in the known galaxy and a center of technological development, poetry, and art. But this refined facade covers up a deeply troubled regime that is fundamentally at odds with itself... 

In this episode, we pay a visit to the eerily beautiful, richly realized, and utterly alien planet of Darwin IV.