Living spaceships are one of these recurring sci-fi concepts, changing depending on the author and the fictional world they have created; some are benign, forming loving bonds with their crews, while others are cold and calculating, cheerfully letting their inhabitants die in service of the mission. Some living spaceships are biological, either alien species, human-machine hybrids, or, in some cases, plants. Others are powered by hyper-intelligent AIs, exploring the philosophical questions about life and personhood through the medium of an artificially living ship. Some sci-fi stories have living spaceships in the background, as part of their worldbuilding, while others centre around the unique relationship between the ship and their pilot or crew. Whether you prefer epic or short sci-fi, far-reaching stories of intergalactic politics or close-focus space thrillers, these examples of science fiction with living spaceships will give readers plenty of new worlds to explore.
Bioships
AI Ships
If these suggestions for science fiction with living spaceships have whetted your appetite for all things sci-fi, build up your TBR with our list of The Most Influential Sci-Fi Books of All Time. For upbeat sci-fi stories, check out 20 Must-Read Feel-Good Science Fiction Books.
