PLEASE read entire post before commenting.
Looking for a scfi/fantasy book where the main character(s) are from earth and travel to an undiscovered alien planet and find the ruins of an ancient lost alien civilization.
I just recently read Star Splitter by Matthew J. Kirby and absolutely LOVED it.
I loved the wonder and exploration of an alien planet, elements of survival, especially against nature of an alien planet, space travel and futuristic tech mixed with tribal and "ancient/old world" themes, I especially love when ancient civilizations were far more advanced than humans, and have super cool tech and/or magic of their own, I loved the deep thinking ideas, in Star Splitter's case, the question of what makes you, YOU, but I also like other big thought provoking questions and ideas about ourselves and/or the universe. (in a NON religious way)
I love a lot of description and detail of alien worlds and life, especially the exploration of ruins and places lost to time. Good character development is also important to me, and honestly, the plot can be lackluster if the setting, vibe and characters are good.
I am currently reading Last Day on Mars by Kevin Emerson. So far its okay, I like the world building, but it feels a little juvinile, which isn't a bad thing necessarily, I just would like something a bit more mature, ideally.
I'm looking for similar vibes as:
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
Zodiac series by Romina Russell
Revenger series by Alastair Reynolds
Terranova TV series
The 100 TV series, primarily later seasons after they get into more space travel (NOT the books – they were atrocious)
Content warnings:
I will not read books with on-screen explicit sexual content of any kind. I don't mind off-screen as much, but I'd really prefer none of this content at all if I can avoid it.
PLEASE don't be rude about this. I have very good personal reasons that I don't read this type of material and I don't need to be criticized for it. I don't care what you like to read, so please don't care what I like to read. I appreciate your empathy.
Also bonus to you if you specifically give an audiobook rec, as it is the primary way that I read 😁
by GhostieInAutumn