The Top 10 Co-Written Sci-Fi Books of all Time!

"Just about every collaboration I've done has been done because I believed that the final product would be stronger in some ways than either of us would have produced on his or her own. The fact that the final book will be stronger in some ways doesn't necessarily mean that I expect it to be stronger in all ways, but it does mean that my collaborator and I are each going to be bringing different strengths to the table with us." —David Weber

It’s always fascinating to get a glimpse inside an author's writing process, be it solo or collaborative, and these words from Weber confirm that the best collaborative writers are choosing a collaborative path because they believe—for a variety of reasons—that, for some stories, it’s the way toward a stronger book.

The books in this week’s top 10 list are an indication of success in that aim, the two selections co-written by Weber included. Curious to see how each of these 10 co-written books ranked? Read on to see and let us know if you agree! 

Without further ado, based on the combined nominations and votes here on the Discover Sci-Fi blog and the Facebook group, here are the top 10 co-written sci-fi books of all time! 

10. Ruins of the Galaxy by J.N. Chaney and Christopher Hopper

“Absolutely masterful storytelling cadence that you two gentlemen have learned how to write and play off of each others style... It has been rare that I have enjoyed a book as immensely as I did this one.” —Eugene Hunter

Whether it’s the nominated series, Ruins of the Galaxy, or Ruins of the Earth, or Resonant Son, Eugene Hunter’s words ring true: Chaney and Hopper do an incredible job of playing off each one another, each of their strengths as writers and storytellers shining though. If you haven’t read anything by this duo, Ruins of the Galaxy is a really great place to jump in. 

The mission is simple. Escort an emissary to an intergalactic peace summit. Try not to get in the way. But when an explosion rocks the tower and sends everyone into a panic, Magnus and his asset find themselves cut off from the rest of the team.

Worse still, a dying alien chieftain gives them a priceless drive of intel, marking them for death.

The mission has officially changed.

With enemies on all sides, Magnus must do everything in his power to protect the emissary and escape the tower. There is no back up. There is no chance for failure.

The fate of the entire galaxy now lies in the hands of a Republic Marine and a diplomat.

All they have to do is survive.

Pick up Ruins of the Galaxy here on Amazon

9. A Time Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter

What could be better than a collaboration between one of the most esteemed sci-fi writers of all time and a serious, talented up-and-coming hard-science fiction writer? Stephen Baxter had several titles under his belt before his collaboration with Arthur C. Clarke, but the A Time Odyssey trilogy they wrote together remains a fan favorite. If you haven't read this one yet, start with Time's Eye. 

In an instant, Earth is carved up in time and reassembled like a huge jigsaw puzzle. Suddenly the world becomes a patchwork of eras, from prehistory to 2037, each with its own indigenous inhabitants. The explanation for this cataclysmic event may lie in the ancient city of Babylon, where two groups of refugees from 2037—three cosmonauts and three U.N. peacekeepers—have detected strange radio signals. The peacekeepers find allies in nineteenth century British troops and in the armies of Alexander the Great. The cosmonauts join forces with the Mongol horde led by Genghis Khan. Both sides set out for Babylon, vowing to win the race for knowledge—as a powerful and mysterious entity watches, waiting.

Pick up Time's Eye  here on Amazon.

8. Footfall by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle

“Niven and Pournelle are one of the seamless entertainment teams that makes it look a great deal easier than it is. That is because Larry Niven is a quality writer and Jerry Pournelle was an established scientist. When they bring their talents together the effect is fantastic and, in my opinion, very re-readable.” —Jon, Goodreads

Footfall is the first of three books on our top 10 co-written by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. It introduced us to Fithp: alien invaders that resemble baby elephants with multiple prehensile trunks. The Fithp don’t sound especially menacing, but they did make last year’s list of Top 10 Most Terrifying Alien Invaders. 

It may not be the very best book to come from this team, but it’s absolutely a classic worth a reading, especially if alien invasion is your jam. 

They first appear as a series of dots on astronomical plates, heading from Saturn directly toward Earth. Since the ringed planet carries no life, scientists deduce the mysterious ship to be a visitor from another star.

The world's frantic efforts to signal the aliens go unanswered. The first contact is hostile: the invaders blast a Soviet space station, seize the survivors, and then destroy every dam and installation on Earth with a hail of asteroids.

Now the conquerors are descending on the American heartland, demanding servile surrender--or death for all humans.

Get your copy of Footfall here on Amazon.

7. 1633 by David Weber and Eric Flint

The 1632 series is a popular alternate history series. So popular it made our reader generated list of the Top 10 Historical Sci-Fi Books of All Time last September. Each book is written either by Eric Flint alone, or with one of a number of co-authors. Two of the earliest and most popular of these—1633 and 1634—were written with David Weber. The first book was written to be a standalone, so many who loved 1632 didn’t go on to read the collaborations which didn’t start rolling out until two years later. If you are new to the series, it’s recommended you start with 1632 before picking up 1633.

AMERICAN FREEDOM AND JUSTICE VS. SEVENTEENTH CENTURY TYRANNY

The new Confederated Principalities of Europe-an alliance between Gustavus,king of Sweden, and the West Virginia town, led by Mike Stearns, which was hurled back through time to the thirty years war - has big problems. As the greatest naval war in European history erupts, Cardinal Richelieu has created an alliance to destroy the CPE, and only American technology can save Gustavus from ruin.

Start reading 1633 here on Amazon.

6. Extinction Cycle: Dark Age by Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri

“The absolute acme of achieving an amazing co-written book is quite simply that the readers and the diehard fans don't realize that it is in fact a co-written book. A smooth transition from each writer's talents and co-editing efforts must ultimately come together to provide not necessarily a much better work than either have presented before but again a seamless and fresh take on what has come before. And for me, the "Extinction Cycle: Dark Age" books by Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri do just that. Of course I had read the heart-pounding books that NSS produced before but honestly, if I didn't have the cover 'credits' in front of me, I would have never noticed that the Dark Age books were being co-written. Instead, I would have just lived on in blissful ignorance, enjoying a fresh and just as exciting take on what was already a universe that I had become literally addicted to!” —Ziggy, DSF Reader

“Holy Cow my mind is just destroyed. What kind of book do you get when you combine Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J Melchiorri. A freaking barn burning , stomach churning , head exploding , heart pounding roller coaster ride from Hell.” —Billy Barfield, Goodreads

We couldn’t have said it better! Nicholas Sansbury Smith and Anthony J. Melchiorri are an incredible team. Fans of Smith's tense, emotional and high-action Extinction Cycle Universe might have picked this one up with some trepidation, wondering if the addition of a co-author would hurt the flow, depth and impact of storytelling, but anyone who knew Melchiorri's previous work, either that which he wrote alone or his previous collaboration with Smith (Orbs VI: Exodus) knew there was nothing to fear. The combination of these two writers is absolute fire! While we think everyone should read Extinction Cycle at some point, if you haven't you can still jump right in here with Extinction Shadow as Extinction Cycle: Dark Age works well as a standalone series.

Eight years ago, an engineered virus ravaged the globe, infecting and transforming humans into apex predators called Variants. Billions died, civilization collapsed, and the human race teetered on the brink of extinction. 

Nations banded together and heroes rose up to fight these abominations. On the front lines, Captain Reed Beckham and Master Sergeant Joe "Fitz" Fitzpatrick of Delta Force Team Ghost fought against the Variant hordes. With the aid of CDC Doctor Kate Lovato, they helped lead humanity to victory. 

Now, almost a decade after the end of the war, civilization has slowly clawed toward recovery. In the Allied States of America, survivors live in outposts where they have rebuilt industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The remaining Variants are believed to be dying off under destroyed cities and the abandoned frontier. 

But evil and intelligent forces dwell in the shadows with the starving beasts, scheming to restart the extinction cycle and end humanity forever. And once again, Beckham, Fitz, and Kate will rise to fight them, joining forces with new heroes to try and save what's left of the world.

Grab Extinction Shadow here on Amazon.

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5. Empire of Man by David Weber and John Ringo

“When March Upcountry published in 2001, David Weber was well-established in Military Science Fiction, with nine books of his Honor Harrington saga plus an additional 10 novels published. In short, he was a Military SF brand name. John Ringo, his ‘apprentice’ partner in crime for March Upcountry, was a relatively new writer, having published the first two books of his Legacy of Aldenata/Posleen War series. For Ringo the rest, as they say, is history.” —Robert H. Bedford

John Ringo and David Weber have each written with other authors, but the series they wrote together Empire of Man really helped establish Ringo as a household name in science fiction. Pick this one up next time you’re looking for a fast paced, military sci-fi adventure, starting with book 1, March Upcountry. 

Roger Ramius MacClintock was young, handsome, athletic, an excellent dresser, and third in line for the Throne of Man. It probably wasn't too surprising that someone in his position should react by becoming spoiled, self‑centered, and petulant. After all, what else did he have to do with his life? Then warships of the Empire of Man's worst rivals shoot his crippled vessel out of space and Roger is shipwrecked on the planet Marduk, whose jungles are full of deadly predators and barbarian hordes with really bad dispositions. Now all Roger has to do is hike halfway around the entire planet, then capture a spaceport from the Bad Guys, somehow commandeer a starship, and then go home to Mother for explanations. Fortunately, Roger has an ace in the hole: Bravo Company of Bronze Battalion of The Empress' Own Regiment. If anyone can get him off Marduk alive, it's the Bronze Barbarians.

Get your copy of March Upcountry here on Amazon.

4. Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle

“Every collaboration is different… Jerry and I trade scenes and choose characters, and so forth.” —Larry Niven

As well as his solo efforts, Larry Niven is known for his collaborations with other authors, a process he describes as being unique each time. Lucifer’s Hammer is one of his earlier collaborations with Jerry Pournelle and it’s interesting to read his comments on working with Pournelle, to read how they “trade scenes.” Keen readers have noted that it is pretty easy to determine which writer is responsible for which scenes (maybe especially true with Lucifer’s Hammer), but even with the obvious difference in style, the books work. 

The gigantic comet has slammed into Earth, forging earthquakes a thousand times too powerful to measure on the Richter scale, tidal waves thousands of feet high. Cities were turned into oceans; oceans turned into steam. It was the beginning of a new Ice Age and the end of civilization

But for the terrified men and women chance had saved, it was also the dawn of a new struggle for survival—a struggle more dangerous and challenging than any they had ever known….

Dive into Lucifer's Hammer here on Amazon.

3. The Expanse by James S. A. Corey

“‘I was trying to write enough story for a $100 million dollar MMO, which never happened,’” Franck elaborates, “‘but you wind up creating as much content as you possibly can.’” 

Abraham then stepped in and pulled Franck’s rich background into the setting for a longer narrative. Abraham explains, “‘I said, ‘You’ve done all this research; I’ve written some novels. I know how to do that. Let’s put these two together – it’s already done.’” —Excerpts from Michael Ahr’s interview with Franck and Abraham at Comic Con for Den of Geek 

In just 10 years The Expanse series by James S. A. Corey— aka writers Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck—has become a wildly successful franchise with eight books (so far), three novellas, and a popular T.V. series adapted from the novels, not to mention the Hugo nominations and, as of 2020 a Hugo win for best series. Not too shabby! Not sure where you’ve been if you haven’t heard of this one but if you haven’t or have but haven’t picked it up, start with Leviathan Wakes to see what the buzz is about! 

Jim Holden is XO of an ice miner making runs from the rings of Saturn to the mining stations of the Belt. When he and his crew stumble upon a derelict ship, the Scopuli, they find themselves in possession of a secret they never wanted. A secret that someone is willing to kill for—and kill on a scale unfathomable to Jim and his crew. War is brewing in the system unless he can find out who left the ship and why.

Get your copy of Leviathan Wakes here on Amazon.

2. The Mote in God’s Eye by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle

“I had 4 kids to get through college. So I do journalism and write articles -- or did, until we hit the bestseller list. I told Niven stick with me and I'll make you rich and famous. He was already rich.” —Jerry Pournelle

The Mote in God’s Eye was the first in the three book Moties series and, relevant to this poll, the first of many collaborations between longtime friends Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle. True to Pournelle’s prediction, the work they produced together eventually made both of them rich (and famous) and this, their first joint effort, was lauded by Robert A. Heinlein as being “a very important novel, possibly the best contact-with-aliens story ever written.” Not a bad way to kick off a partnership!

In 3016, the 2nd Empire of Man spans hundreds of star systems, thanks to faster-than-light Alderson Drive. Intelligent beings are finally found from the Mote, an isolated star in a thick dust cloud. The bottled-up ancient civilization, at least one million years old, are welcoming, kind, yet evasive, with a dark problem they have not solved in over a million years.

Start The Mote in God's Eye here on Amazon.

1.Galaxy’s Edge by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole

“Jason came to my attention because his writing is outstanding. He really loves the art of the story. And he’s got an excellent narrative voice and one of the most agile minds I’ve encountered. He’s the David Spade to my Chris Farley.”  —Nick Cole

And so began one of the most kick-ass modern day sci-fi collaborations. Readers of Jason Anspach and Nick Cole’s Galaxy’s Edge quickly turn into die-hard fans: fans, who are richly rewarded as this writing duo manages an incredible publishing schedule, turning out book after book, each as fast-paced and engrossing as the last. If you haven't read the series yet, begin at the beginning, with Legionnaire.

The Galaxy is a Dumpster Fire.

A hot, stinking, dumpster fire. And most days I don’t know if the legionnaires are putting out the flames, or fanning them into an inferno.

A hostile force ambushes Victory Company during a reconnaissance-in-force deep inside enemy territory. Stranded behind enemy lines, a sergeant must lead a band of survivors against merciless insurgents on a deadly alien world somewhere along the galaxy’s edge. With no room for error, the Republic’s elite fighting force must struggle to survive under siege while waiting on a rescue that might never come.

Grab Legionnaire  here on Amazon.

What did you think of the top 10 selections as decided by your fellow Discover Sci-Fi readers? Any you strongly agree or disagree with? Any you're eager to pick up now that weren't on your radar before? Share you thoughts in the comments here on the blog, or visit us here in our Facebook group and make sure to check out our most recent poll while you're there!

*All book-related copy in this post was pulled from Amazon, Goodreads & Wikipedia, unless otherwise credited.