Richard Anderson has created a franchise filled with meaningful characters that explores a very possible and frightening human future—but ultimately one with hope.

Readers who appreciate themes of AI and robotic interactions will find compelling the ways human activities are augmented and affected by their own creations… ["Meta Mars" is] a story embracing philosophical and social reflection, intrigue, and new possibilities for human life on Mars.

It is rare to see both fictional and nonfictional work from the same author and reading "Outbound" and "Evolution in tandem or in sequence is fascinating, and a credit to the time, effort, and intelligence the author has invested in his work. One thing is for certain—the future is fast upon us and some form of what Anderson envisions in these books will undoubtedly unfold. It will be interesting to see where fact and fiction ultimately meld.

[In the book, "Outbound",] Richard Anderson literally created a new universe. As a historian, it’s hard for me to project into the future and he did an amazing job of creating a credible reality. And fiction is a whole new ballgame.

Libraries that chose "Outbound" to enhance their sci-fi holdings will find these stories especially highly recommendable to book clubs of ‘cli-fi’ genre readers. The collection stands out from the crowd with its extraordinary settings and especially wide-ranging examination...Richard M Anderson has put together an admirable series of scientific, political, and social interactions. Together, they form the nexus of a powerfully thought-provoking read.

In a little more than three hundred pages Mr. Anderson deftly compresses the nearly fifteen billion years of cosmic history. With an almost encyclopedic grasp of science-physical, biological, and social, the author tracks humanity’s trajectory from the universe’s explosive beginning to its emergence, on this small obscure planet. One cell life to the evolution of complex multicellular life forms to the emergence of intelligent human consciousness to a plausible near-future of space colonies scattered throughout our solar system.

Richard M. Anderson's book, "The Evolution of Life," takes readers through his way of answering the question, starting with the concepts of the evolution of organic molecules from the then prevailing inorganic elements and continuing to the appearance of intelligent humans. I suggest that one reads this book very slowly and thinks carefully to appreciate the scientific basis of the evolution of Mr. Anderson's thought process.

"The Evolution of Life: Big Bang to Space Colonies" has clear connections between science and human nature and its conclusion of the uniqueness and accompanying responsibility that humanity has towards its habitat and its other residents makes for an important message that needs to be heard and discussed.

A thought-provoking and refreshing read on where we came from and where we could be headed as a species. Full of fascinating insights and intriguing possibilities for future civilization, Richard Anderson has written a timely and important book.

I’m a statistician by training, but have always struggled with science (physics in particular!). This is why “The Evolution of Life” was so perfect for me. It is incredibly informational and it's obvious that the author not only knows his material but *loves* it. The book is also extremely accessible and entertaining which is important for a reader such as myself. Overall, I can see this book bringing these issues of evolution into the public mainstream consciousness much as Freakonomics did for statistics. If you end up loving it too, let me know. Perhaps we can form a book club 🙂

A must read for any science fiction enthusiasts! "Islands in the Void" presents a unique approach to our future survival as a species. The graphics are a welcome feature helping piece together the ideas and concepts behind the narrative. A fun read!

This is more than just a sci-fi tale, it’s a reflection on resilience, ethics, and what it means to protect both planet and people. Anderson’s background in science shines through, grounding the fiction in a deeply credible reality while still igniting the reader’s imagination. "Outbound" is a timely, urgent, and ultimately hopeful read that will resonate long after the final page.

Evolution of the human species is an interesting subject. Many books have been written about this topic, but few, if any, combine this scientific knowledge of the past with the possibilities of colonizing celestial bodies in the future. Intelligently written and well-edited, this book is one that will stick with me for a while.

A fascinating look at the far future. Richard Anderson captures all the fascination of science fact and suspenseful fiction. I loved the illustrations. "Outbound" is a great read. Highly recommended.

Author is definitely passionate about educating everyone who isn’t aware of our world. A great read for any newcomer.

What sets "Outbound" apart is its ability to blend hard science with a compelling narrative. Anderson crafts a vision of the future that feels both aspirational and grounded in current scientific possibilities. While the stakes are high and the challenges immense, the story maintains a sense of hope and determination, offering profound reflections on humanity's resilience and ingenuity.

It’s not just a “sci-fi adventure”; it’s a story about what it means to be human and how far we’ll go to survive and thrive. I finished the last page feeling inspired and oddly optimistic about the future. If you enjoy books that combine believable science, deep characters, and an adventurous spirit, this one’s absolutely worth your time.

A richly imagined piece of near-future speculative fiction that balances hard science with compelling human drama. The scenarios feel plausible, the stakes feel real, and the story delivers both intellectual satisfaction and narrative momentum.

An engaging, thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s post-Earth ambitions. The blend of engineering realism, political complexity, and intimate personal stakes makes this a rewarding read for fans of grounded futurism.

Smartly written and surprisingly moving. What begins as a technical look at life beyond Earth evolves into a layered story about survival, risk, and what it means to build a life in inhospitable places.

Equal parts cautionary and hopeful, this narrative offers a vivid window into possible futures without sacrificing character or pace. It manages to spark imagination while keeping both feet in scientific reality.

Impressive for how effortlessly it teaches while entertaining. The science never overwhelms, yet the worldbuilding feels credible and earned. A standout example of future fiction done right.

There are so many interesting developments in technology in the space colonies that they alone would provide enough reason to read this book. A very hopeful and excellent book, and I recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.