Startide RisingStartide Rising
Score Classic
What it's about
Startide Rising is a novel of David Brin's Uplift universe, in which older races raise younger species to intelligence. A starship crewed largely by uplifted dolphins makes a discovery that sets powerful enemies in pursuit.
Why it's worth reading
It won both the Hugo and Nebula awards. It's one of the most celebrated science fiction adventures of the 1980s.
You'll love it if you liked
Hyperion
Ender's Game
The Forever WarGood to know
It's the second Uplift novel but stands on its own. Expect a big cast, with dolphins as main characters.
By the numbers
- Readers52 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics80 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller20 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #63 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #94 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #226 of the 762 classics we rank
- #708 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous, Thought-provoking
More by David Brin
The Uplift War
The Postman
Earth
Brightness ReefIf you like this, read next
The Lord of the Rings
Foundation
Ficciones
Rendezvous with Rama
The Left Hand of Darkness
The Gods ThemselvesExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is Startide Rising worth reading?
Yes. It won both the Hugo and Nebula awards. It ranks #708 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 76.0 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Startide Rising about?
Startide Rising is a novel of David Brin's Uplift universe, in which older races raise younger species to intelligence. A starship crewed largely by uplifted dolphins makes a discovery that sets powerful enemies in pursuit.
How long does it take to read Startide Rising?
About 12 hours (498 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has Startide Rising won?
Hugo Award winner (1984); Nebula Award winner (1983).
What should I read after Startide Rising?
If you liked it, try Hyperion by Dan Simmons, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card or The Forever War by Joe Haldeman.