📖 Overview
Emma Newman is a British author who writes across science fiction and fantasy genres, gaining recognition for both her novels and audio work. She has published eleven novels and a short fiction collection, with her Planetfall series earning particular acclaim.
Newman's work has received multiple award nominations, including the British Fantasy Award for "Between Two Thorns" and the Arthur C. Clarke Award for "After Atlas." Her Planetfall series was nominated for the 2020 Hugo Award for Best Series.
Beyond writing novels, Newman is an accomplished audiobook narrator and podcaster. She co-created the Hugo Award-winning podcast "Tea and Jeopardy" with her husband Peter Newman, featuring interviews with creators mixed with comedy elements.
Newman narrates audiobooks in the science fiction and fantasy genres, including her own works such as Planetfall and From Dark Places, as well as books by other authors. She currently resides in Somerset, England.
👀 Reviews
Readers value Newman's complex character development and atmospheric worldbuilding, particularly in her Planetfall series and Split Worlds novels. Many cite her portrayal of mental health struggles and anxiety as authentic and relatable.
Likes:
- Psychological depth and exploration of trauma
- Immersive science fiction settings
- Blend of fantasy with technological elements
- Strong female protagonists
- Audiobook narration quality (Newman performs them herself)
Dislikes:
- Pacing issues, especially in series midpoints
- Some found endings unsatisfying or abrupt
- Character relationships can feel underdeveloped
- Split Worlds series loses momentum in later books
Ratings:
Goodreads averages:
- Planetfall: 3.7/5 (7,800+ ratings)
- Between Two Thorns: 3.5/5 (2,900+ ratings)
- After Atlas: 4.0/5 (2,400+ ratings)
Amazon averages across all books: 4.2/5
Common reader quote: "She excels at depicting anxiety and mental illness in a way that feels real rather than stereotypical."
📚 Books by Emma Newman
Planetfall
A woman helps establish a colony on a distant planet while harboring a secret that could destroy everything she's helped build.
After Atlas A detective investigates the death of a cult leader in a near-future Earth where most of humanity struggles under corporate control.
Before Mars A geologist arrives at a Mars research station and begins to question her memories and reality itself.
Atlas Alone A gamer aboard a colony ship seeks revenge for Earth's destruction while trapped in an immersive gaming environment.
Between Two Thorns In a world parallel to our own, a young woman rebels against her family's plans while supernatural forces threaten both realms.
Any Other Name The magical and mundane worlds collide as politics and ancient powers compete for control of the Split Worlds.
All Is Fair Tensions escalate between the magical Fae-touched families and those seeking to reform their society.
A Little Knowledge The barriers between worlds begin to break down as revolutionary forces challenge the established order.
All Good Things The final confrontation between conservative and progressive forces determines the fate of the Split Worlds.
After Atlas A detective investigates the death of a cult leader in a near-future Earth where most of humanity struggles under corporate control.
Before Mars A geologist arrives at a Mars research station and begins to question her memories and reality itself.
Atlas Alone A gamer aboard a colony ship seeks revenge for Earth's destruction while trapped in an immersive gaming environment.
Between Two Thorns In a world parallel to our own, a young woman rebels against her family's plans while supernatural forces threaten both realms.
Any Other Name The magical and mundane worlds collide as politics and ancient powers compete for control of the Split Worlds.
All Is Fair Tensions escalate between the magical Fae-touched families and those seeking to reform their society.
A Little Knowledge The barriers between worlds begin to break down as revolutionary forces challenge the established order.
All Good Things The final confrontation between conservative and progressive forces determines the fate of the Split Worlds.
👥 Similar authors
Ann Leckie writes character-driven space opera with deep explorations of consciousness and identity through AI perspectives. Her Imperial Radch trilogy examines similar themes to Newman's Planetfall series regarding cultural isolation and the impact of technology on human society.
Adrian Tchaikovsky creates science fiction that blends hard science concepts with complex social dynamics and evolution. His work, like Children of Time, shares Newman's interest in how humans adapt to and interact with alien environments and civilizations.
Becky Chambers focuses on hopeful science fiction narratives that examine human relationships and cultural adaptation in space settings. Her Wayfarers series parallels Newman's emphasis on psychological depth and interpersonal dynamics in science fiction contexts.
Claire North combines speculative elements with intricate character studies across multiple genres and realities. Her work shares Newman's talent for weaving complex narratives that bridge science fiction and fantasy while maintaining psychological realism.
Martha Wells writes about artificial intelligence and human-machine relationships with a focus on character development and identity. Her Murderbot Diaries series explores themes of consciousness and belonging that align with Newman's examination of human nature in technological contexts.
Adrian Tchaikovsky creates science fiction that blends hard science concepts with complex social dynamics and evolution. His work, like Children of Time, shares Newman's interest in how humans adapt to and interact with alien environments and civilizations.
Becky Chambers focuses on hopeful science fiction narratives that examine human relationships and cultural adaptation in space settings. Her Wayfarers series parallels Newman's emphasis on psychological depth and interpersonal dynamics in science fiction contexts.
Claire North combines speculative elements with intricate character studies across multiple genres and realities. Her work shares Newman's talent for weaving complex narratives that bridge science fiction and fantasy while maintaining psychological realism.
Martha Wells writes about artificial intelligence and human-machine relationships with a focus on character development and identity. Her Murderbot Diaries series explores themes of consciousness and belonging that align with Newman's examination of human nature in technological contexts.