Science fiction · Space opera
The Mote in God's Eye
In the far future, humanity meets its first alien species, the Moties, when a probe arrives from a nearby star. A Navy expedition tries to understand them, and slowly realises they hide something dangerous.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1974
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 598
- Format
- Book 1 of 3 in Moties
Read this if you like classic first-contact science fiction built around clever alien biology.
Skip this if you want rounded characters and modern pacing rather than ideas-first 1970s storytelling.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Mote in God's Eye
- What is The Mote in God's Eye about?
- In the far future, humanity meets its first alien species, the Moties, when a probe arrives from a nearby star. A Navy expedition tries to understand them, and slowly realises they hide something dangerous.
- Who should read The Mote in God's Eye?
- Read it if you like classic first-contact science fiction built around clever alien biology. Skip it if you want rounded characters and modern pacing rather than ideas-first 1970s storytelling.
- How long and how fast is The Mote in God's Eye?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 598 pages, first published in 1974.
- Does The Mote in God's Eye have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War.
- Can I borrow The Mote in God's Eye for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Mote in God's Eye; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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