Larry Niven - The Mote in God's Eye

Pros: Well thought out, fascinating concepts, fun read.
Cons: None come to mind.

When it comes to science fiction accounts of man’s first contact with an alien species, the common theme seems to be that they will come to us. Think about. The War of the Worlds, Independence Day, The Day The Earth Stood Still, ...

Pros: Both readable and thought-provoking. Great exploration of alien society and first contact situation.
Cons: Slight, momentary weaknesses in pacing and characterization.

This book seems pretty well covered here at epinions. But you haven't read it yet, have you? Well let me add my voice to those already recommending it: if you read just one science fiction book ever, this would probably be among the three I would...

Pros: "Hard" science fiction. Thought-provoking. Believable characters.
Cons: I have no serious complaints to make.

Of course, Heinlein had stacked the deck, in a manner of speaking. Writers Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle, working together on their first collaborative effort in the science fiction industry (though each had written things on his own already) had shown...

Pros: Compelling, fascinating story that drags you right along with it. A real page turner.
Cons: Humans seem a little slow catching on to things, but it makes the story.

This story is great, easily the best SF I've read that has aliens in it. When I first picked it up, I thought "Oh great, some more aliens to suffer with." Most SF I've read has aliens that are either unbelievable, impossible creatures (like oversized...

Pros: Fascinating, realistic alien race; great story of discovery
Cons: Bit of a slow starter

Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle have teamed up to write quite a few science fiction books, among them "Footfall" and "Lucifer's Hammer", a novel about a comet impacting the earth and destroying civilization long before that became the...

Pros: Exciting, frightening, intrigueing, mysterious
Cons: Too short!

I am never without at least one copy of this book, and it's sequel The Gripping Hand (published as The Moat 'round Murcheson's Eye in Ireland, where I first picked it up).

In the far future The Empire of Man is vast, and...

Pros: A great SF story doing science and fiction well
Cons: Slightly contrived situation

"The Mote in God's Eye" is a novel by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle that is a solid piece of work. From the fiction end, all of the characters are well drawn, each with their strengths and weaknesses which makes it fun to see them interact....

Pros: Excellent book. You can't put it down for a minute.
Cons: You can't put it down! Sleep. Must sleep!

Reminds me a lot of Robert Heinlein's stuff. (At least plot-wise). Worth every penny. Unfortunately, the sequel does not live up to the first book. Read "Mote" and walk away with a wonderful story - don't ruin it by reading "Gripping Hand". The ...

Pros: Climaxing through the entire novel, very well written, very interesting
Cons: So good, wished it was longer

I read this book in 3 days. I just couldn't put it down! Every page held my interest, as if the entire book was at the climax. I absolutely loved it! I can't explain too much about the book, because I would hate to ruin it for you, but the story is based...