Books like Nova by Samuel R. Delany

Set in the 31st century, *Nova* follows Captain Lorq van Ray and his eclectic crew as they embark on a hazardous interplanetary voyage to harvest Illyrion, the universe’s most prized energy. Their mission pits them against a charismatic and vicious rival leader and his federation. Compounded by the crew’s varied backgrounds—ranging from human-pet relationships to intense father-son dynamics—the journey forces each member to confront personal challenges, including the allure of dangerous obsessions and encounters with lethal threats. Amid the cosmic stakes, *Nova* blends fast‑action space adventure with mythic symbolism, drawing on motifs such as the Tarot and the Grail. The novel’s blend of interstellar travel, energetic conflicts, and deep character studies places it firmly within the tradition of American science fiction written by African‑American authors, while exploring themes of man‑machine communion, creative turmoil, and the complex interplay of personal and planetary power.

First publish date: 1968