BOOK BRIEF

The Ringworld Engineers (Ringworld, #2)

Larry Niven
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The Ringworld Engineers (Ringworld, #2)

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997

Book Brief

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Larry Niven

The Ringworld Engineers (Ringworld, #2)

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ringworld • Far Future

Theme
Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Larry Niven's The Ringworld Engineers, Louis Wu and his companions return to the massive Ringworld structure after discovering its potential destabilization. They must navigate complex engineering challenges to avert a colossal catastrophe. This science fiction sequel delves into the advanced technologies and vast constructs of Niven's Ringworld universe.

Reviews & Readership

4.1

35,599 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Readers of Larry Niven's The Ringworld Engineers appreciate its imaginative world-building and complex concepts, expanding significantly on the first book. However, some find the scientific explanations dense and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s celebrated for its creativity but may challenge readers who prefer straightforward narratives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ringworld Engineers (Ringworld, #2)?

A reader who enjoys The Ringworld Engineers by Larry Niven likely has an affinity for hard science fiction that blends complex scientific concepts with imaginative world-building. Fans of Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama will appreciate Niven’s detailed exploration of advanced technology and alien environments.

4.1

35,599 ratings

69%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Ringworld Engineers was published in 1980, a full decade after the original Ringworld novel, and was written in response to both fans and scientists pointing out technical flaws in the original book's design of the Ringworld.

Larry Niven introduced new alien species in The Ringworld Engineers, further expanding the universe he created and offering deeper insights into the complex ecologies of the Ringworld.

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The novel not only addresses the engineering challenges of the Ringworld but also delves into the concept of "luck" as a genetic advantage, raising questions about genetics and probability.

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Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ringworld • Far Future

Theme
Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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