Scalzi or Corey?

[Tierney]

Obviously the answer is both- and that’s certainly the goal. But as I’ve finished most of the Sci Fi essential and am looking for some newer material, I’m wondering which of the two authors I should be reading next in quarantine. They seem similar? Or is that totally off the mark? Thoughts and insight much appreciated!!

[Chris]

I never would have thought of the two as being similar.

The Expanse is space opera at its best. Read Leviathan Wakes and see whether you agree.

I've only read a few standalones by Scalzi. They were mostly forgettable, with an emphasis on one-line jokes. Maybe his series are better.

[Cheryl]

Neither? Children of Time or Semiosis or The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. If you like any of them, there are 'sequels' but they also stand alone.

I suppose the first question I'll ask you is which 'essentials' you've liked best. If you say Asimov's Foundation or Heinlein I have nothing for you except I'll want to check which classics you've missed out on.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

They're short! Do both! I'd start with Collapsing Empire for Scalzi and obvs, Leviathan Wakes!

[CBRetriever]

Andre Norton for me

[Anna]

I wouldn't call Andre Norton "newer" though?

edit: Tierney, you have a lot of Allison's favorite books on your favorites shelf, so go with her rec and read The Collapsing Empire! :)

[Paul]

I recommend the Noumenon series by Marina J. Lostetter. Great generational saga. I really enjoyed the first two books, looking forward to upcoming book 3.

[CBRetriever]

Anna wrote: "I wouldn't call Andre Norton "newer" though?

edit: Tierney, you have a lot of Allison's favorite books on your favorites shelf, so go with her rec and read The Collapsing Empire! :)"

her books are part of the essentials though

[Anna]

Yes, and the original request is for "newer material" :)

(Thanks Paul for alerting me to Noumenon #3, I didn't know it was coming!)

[Anna]

Tierney, please let us know if you're happy to receive recommendations for all kinds of scifi, or if you're just looking for an answer to your original question!

[MadProfessah]

Definitely Corey!!

[Gabi]

It would be Corey for me as well. Scalzi's prose feels to general for me

[Soo]

Between Scalzi and Corey, I would recommend Scalzi. Scalzi has a nice range of light to serious concepts in his writing. I find the duo writers for Corey to hint at bigger elements and fail to delivery in a satisfying manner within the world they have created. Corey have good characters and cool ways of expressing what it's like to live in space (ship, station, etc), but they're not as good with political themes. Politics is a big part of the Expanse series and I find that aspect to be lacking.

[Phillip]

I'm team Scalzi

[Monica]

Both are enjoyable. I've read more Scalzi. Scalzi is very talky and brings some big ideas and concepts in small packages (his books are generally shorter). I've only read 2 Corey but I intend to continue though they are more of an investment of time and attention. The good news is that they are not mutually exclusive. You can read both and more!!

[John]

Sounds like you are looking for others and have read a bunch of Scalzi and Corey. Some others to consider after a quick glance at your read list. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson Demon by John Varley The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

[Don]

it depends on my mood. If I looking for a little humor, mixed up in my science fiction, I'm going to go with Scalzi. if I want my science fiction harder more gritty then I'm definitely going to go with Corey.

[Micah]

Don wrote: "it depends on my mood. If I looking for a little humor, mixed up in my science fiction, I'm going to go with Scalzi. if I want my science fiction harder more gritty then I'm definitely going to go ..."

That's about the size of it. Scalzi always writes with a smirk and I've found it quite enjoyable. And he hits on a lot of different themes and styles of story, touching on military SF to light social commentary SF.

Corey … well I've only read Leviathan … is much more action/adventure space opera. And since the two authors joined to write the one long set of stories, they're likely to be pretty much one-note. Not as varied.

Basically I wouldn't call them similar at all.

Scalzi is more pop-culture/humorist … Closer to James K. Morrow (Towing Jehovah, City of Truth) or maybe a bit of Kurt Vonnegut. Corey is closer to Alastair Reynolds (Revelation Space) or Iain M. Banks (Consider Phlebas).

Those aren't perfect analogies of course but might give you a sense of their tone.

[Tierney]

Anna wrote: "Tierney, please let us know if you're happy to receive recommendations for all kinds of scifi, or if you're just looking for an answer to your original question!"

I mean I'm always a HUGE fan of recs of all kind so more than happy with those and always love how great this community is for that. Everyone's given awesome insights on the original question as well- honestly I think bc I heard of their collab I figured writing styles would be different. Obviously not! Hoping to still do both but have Corey sitting next to me as we speak. Scalzi's waiting for me next on my desk!