Spies in Space: The Espionage Game in Secondary Sci-Fi Worlds

A spate of recent books and TV shows feature spies/secret agents in galactic settings. Here's a few that caught my eye...

Your mission, should you choose to accept it…

I’m currently writing my second Agent Renault spy-fi novel, so I thought I’d take a look at some recent books and shows that center on spies in secondary sci-fi worlds. As a hybrid genre combining space opera/adventure with spy/espionage thrillers, galactic spy-fi provides writers with rich potential for world building and invention, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for… I’ll be writing a follow-up post about crafting thrillers in secondary sci-fi worlds, discussing the delicate balance between pacing and world building in a future post.

What are some recent examples of spies in space?

Here’s a few that come to mind. This is just a small sampler - there’s plenty more out there. If you know of other examples, please post a comment below. I’m building a list and would appreciate the additions.

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ANDOR

“Andor incorporated spycraft into the story better and more subtly than many spy shows I’ve seen, paying attention to both the quotidian day-to-day of spy work as well as examining espionage’s big moral and ethical issues.”

- Alma Katsu (author of Red Widow and former CIA Intelligence analyst)

I loved Andor. It’s probably my favorite Star Wars production of late, at least since Rogue One. The show captures the gritty and sophisticated aspects of the espionage game while keeping us firmly set inside the Star Wars universe.

Here’s a link to a discussion by author, Alma Katsu - warning (there are spoilers!)

What Andor Gets Right About Espionage by Alma Katsu (Gizmodo)

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THE GALACTIC COLD WAR SERIES by Dan Moren

Moren brings the Cold War espionage game to the stars. The allure and intrigue of classic spy stories, and cloak and dagger deliciousness, traverse a galactic empire. Tense, fast, and action-packed!

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THE BLIGHTED STARS by Megan O’Keefe

This one is on my TBR and I’m really excited about it. Not only does O’Keefe throw us into a conspiracy, but the idea of a spy being stranded with their opposition has me smitten.

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Honorable mention (outside the genre box):

THE SPARE MAN by Mary Robinette Kowal

Technically, this is not a spy/espionage novel. It’s a mystery in space. But Mary Robinette Kowal does such a great job of utilizing a galactic setting for a high society-style sci-fi mystery that it deserves a nod. The mood, settings, and luxury have a lot in common with secret agent thrillers. Not to mention, the main character is undercover (you’ll have to read it to find out how and why). There’s also a wonderful play on cocktails that conjures the glamour and glitz of many secret agent stories.

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Do you have examples of spies in galactic settings?

Drop them in a comment below.

Photo by Stefan Steinbauer on Unsplash

Keep an eye out for a follow-up post about writing thrillers in secondary sci-fi worlds.

Thanks for reading. There’s Nevair a dull moment!

-Jonathan