The gripping hand

Jerry Pournelle was a writer who brought us the epic space opera The Mote in God's Eye. He was known for his science fiction, often exploring military and political themes. You'll find his work a great read if you enjoy grand-scale adventures.

Laurence van Cott Niven — known as Larry Niven — is an American science fiction writer. His best-known work is Ringworld (1970), which received Hugo, Locus, Ditmar, and Nebula awards. The Science Fiction Writers of America named him the 2015 recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. His work is primarily hard science fiction, using big science concepts and theoretical physics. It also often includes elements of detective fiction and adventure stories. His fantasy includes the se...