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Greg Bear's novels Forge of God (1987) and Anvil of Stars (1993) explore the same idea. They feel a little dated now but the first one in particular is still we
by andyjohnson0 5y ago
Greg Bear's novels Forge of God (1987) and Anvil of Stars (1993) explore the same idea. They feel a little dated now but the first one in particular is still well worth a read imo.
- detritus 5y agoHuh, I can't remember that [apparently fundamental] aspect of those two books. I'm going to see if I still have a copy of Forge of God on the bookshelf when I get home later, thanks. Last time I re-read one of his books (Eon, probably), I was quite bemused by the comically-simplistic 80s-esque Cold War perspective though!
- andyjohnson0 5y ago[spoilers] In the first book the earth is attacked by Von Neumann probes launched preemptively by a civilization that wants to destroy potential agressors before they develop the technology to become a risk. The "benefactor" civilization group organises rescue and counter-assaults as a means of pan-civilisation trust building. The second book looks at the ethics of destroying a civ based on decisions it may have taken in its distant past. Anvil has something of a young adult style, but the game theory and strategy elements are quite satisfying I think.