Seveneves
by Neal Stephenson · first published 2015
43% recommend42% neutral15% critical
Why HN recommends it
Hard sci-fi about humanity racing to survive after the Moon breaks apart, praised for detailed orbital mechanics and tech, solid world-building, and an easy, gripping read; suits readers who like science-heavy fiction.
Common criticism: Very long, and the final third is seen as weaker
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
"What would happen if the world were ending? A catastrophic event renders the earth a ticking time bomb. In a feverish race against the inevitable, nations around the globe band together to devise an ambitious plan to ensure the survival of humanity far beyond our atmosphere, in outer space. But the complexities and unpredictability of human nature coupled with unforeseen challenges and dangers threaten the intrepid pioneers, until only a handful of survivors remain . . . Five thousand years later, their progeny--seven distinct races now three billion strong--embark on yet another audacious jo
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…[0] was quite enjoyable to read. I realize the article is about far beyond the book, but in case anyone has not read it yet, I highly recommend it as some good grade Sci-Fi. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Seveneves-Neal-Stephenson/dp/00623345...
on ““The moon blew up without warning and for no apparent reason”” ↗…large majority of the technical details. Andy Weir - Artemis. Weir managed to figure out a way for a city on the moon to make economic sense, while physics makes it almost impossible. Neal Stephenson - Seveneves. First sentence: "The moon blew up without warning and for no apparent reason." What follows is the brutally, unforgivingly hard consequences.
on “Ask HN: What things do you wish you discovered earlier?” ↗Seveneves by Neal Stephenson https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seveneves One of the few books, that when I'm finished, I just want to turn it over a start again. Covers a wide range of important and relevant topics…
on “Ask HN: Which book have you re-read recently?” ↗…here but in any case below are my highlights. Completely blew me away: - Anathem by Neal Stephenson - Accelerando by Charles Stross - Remembrance of Earth's Past trilogy by Liu Cixin Great Reads: - Seveneves by Neal Stephenson - Glasshouse, Neptunes Brood & Saturns Children by Charles Stross - Rendezvous with Rama by Isaac Asimov - Hyperion by Dan Simmons - A Deepness in the Sky by Verner Vinge The two…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2018?” ↗The topic of "Seveneves" by Neal Stephenson - which I did enjoy. https://www.gatesnotes.com/Books/Seveneves
on “Great Barrier Reef at 'terminal stage'” ↗For another take on backing on human civilization, check out Neal Stephenson's novel Seveneves. Humanity evacuates 1500 people to orbit as moon debris decimates all remaining life on the earth's surface. As a story, it's pretty dry, but as a thought experiment, it's very interesting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seveneves
on “Water Found Deep Inside the Moon” ↗…this, I had to recheck the date. Because this is such an old topic. I mean, haven't Stephenson and crew beaten it to death? And then he went and wrote D.O.D.O., which lacks even the thin edge of hope in Seveneves. Both of which I love, by the way.
on “The Rise of Dismal Science Fiction” ↗I would recommend Seveneves by Neal Stephenson on this topic.
on “The Sideways Tide” ↗…that I loved: "A Place of Greater Safety" - Hilary Mantel [French Revolution - Danton, Robespierre, Desmoulins ...] "One Summer: America 1927" - Bill Bryson "Napoleon the Great" - Andrew Roberts "Seveneves" - Neal Stephenson Reading "The Box" at the moment which is pretty interesting.
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2015?” ↗Absolutely amazing, changed the way I look at the society, will re-read: - George Orwell, Keep the Aspidistra Flying Loved: - Alastair Reynolds, House of Suns - Andy Weir, The Martian - Neal Stephenson, Seveneves - Greg Egan, Teranesia Liked: - Arthur C. Clarke, 3001: The Final Odyssey - Arthur C. Clarke, 2061: Odyssey Three - Richard Feynman, The Character of Physical Laws - Richard Feynman, The Pleasure…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2015?” ↗…One (Good, nerdy) Shadow Divers (Very good, history nerd book) Diary of Anne Frank (Very good) Unbroken (Very good, way better than the movie) With The Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa (Very good) Seveneves (good, but I'm a Stephenson fanboy) The Martian (Very good, but just watch the movie). I read a bunch of other stuff, but that's what I found really "good" this past year.
on “Ask HN: What's one book you've recently read and enjoyed?” ↗(In case anybody is wondering, these comments are referring to the excellent book "Seveneves" by Neil Stephenson)
on “SpaceX craft overshot Mars’ orbit and is headed to asteroid belt” ↗"Seveneves" by Neal Stephenson was a great read. (The last third is almost a different book and can be skipped imho). You mentioned you liked The Martian so I think you'll like this one.
on “Ask HN: What are the scientifically realistic (or accuarate) sci-fi novels?” ↗…over a lot of tech - Inception for example, never explains a single technical detail about the machines that power the dream world, instead focusing purely on the human interactions. A counterexample is Seveneves by Neal Stephenson, which focuses heavily on tech and makes a good attempt at keeping it within the realm of physics while still describing interesting ideas - however much of the theme of the book is…
on “Something Is Broken in Our Science Fiction. Why Can’t We Move Past Cyberpunk?” ↗You should read Seveneves by Neal Stephenson. The plot of that book follows the events after a primordial black hole streaks through the Moon, causing it to implode. It's packed with detail, but interesting for anyone interested…
on “What If Planet 9 Is a Primordial Black Hole?” ↗