The Peace WarThe Peace War
Score Classic
What it's about
In the future, a group called the Peace Authority has used a technology that creates impenetrable force-field 'bobbles' to end war, and has taken over the world, banning advanced science. Decades later, a young genius named Wili and a group of rebel scientists try to overthrow it.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Hugo finalist. It's a smart, exciting science fiction adventure.
You'll love it if you liked
A Fire Upon the Deep
The Moon Is a Harsh MistressGood to know
It's from 1984 and the first of a trilogy.
By the numbers
- Readers40 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics44 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller11 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
- #189 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #287 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #544 of the 762 classics we rank
- #1898 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous, Thought-provoking, Dark
More by Vernor Vinge
A Deepness in the SkyA Fire Upon the Deep
Rainbows EndIf you like this, read next
The Lord of the Rings
Hyperion
The Dispossessed
Foundation
Ficciones
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the GalaxyExplore the best-of lists
All 36 best-of lists →
Quick answers
Is The Peace War worth reading?
Yes. It was a Hugo finalist. It ranks #1,898 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 64.8 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Peace War about?
In the future, a group called the Peace Authority has used a technology that creates impenetrable force-field 'bobbles' to end war, and has taken over the world, banning advanced science. Decades later, a young genius named Wili and a group of rebel scientists try to overthrow it.
How long does it take to read The Peace War?
About 9 hours (378 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Peace War?
If you liked it, try A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge or The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein.