For this list, we will take a look at 100 of the best science fiction books of all time. These 100 works were chosen for their historical significance, their legendary status as classics, their interesting subject matter within the genre, and their entertainment value. Pure fantasy novels such as “Lord of the Rings,” were omitted from this list. Fantasy is sometimes included as science fiction due to the fictional species and alternative sciences of magic found in the stories.
For this list, we will stick to a basic definition of science fiction. The stories must include some concept of real science and how it may be applied in the future, fictional scientific ideas and theories, imagined future science and technology, or major environmental changes. Science fiction stories can take place at any time period and on earth, on alien worlds or nearly anywhere the author decides to take us.
A Matter Of Taste
While this is a list of the 100 best science fiction books, we will not be giving a definitive ranking among the 100. Each of these books is great for different reasons. It would be near impossible to make a call on one of these books being better than the next. One may be more historically significant while another may appeal more to readers due to the relatable characters. Who can say what criteria makes one truly better than the next for individual readers?
Science fiction challenges the reader to contemplate serious topics. These topics can range from ethics and morality to the meaning of life and what it is to be human. They can challenge us to move boldly towards a future of innovation. Many inventions were first imagined on the pages of a science fiction novel. Indeed, science fiction has not just predicted future technologies but has also directly inspired them.
This genre captures the imagination like no other. It can also work as a cautionary tale of what the future may be like if we do not heed the author’s particular warnings. Science is fun and exciting, but technologies can also be used for evil as well as good. Last of all, science fiction is just plain old fun. It sparks the imagination and takes you to whole new worlds. Without further ado, here are 100 of the greatest science fiction books of all time.
The 100 Best Science Fiction Books Ever Written
1. [easyazon_link identifier=”0486282112″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Frankenstein by Mary Shelley[/easyazon_link]
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Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” was published in 1818, making it one of the oldest books on this list. This timeless masterpiece is considered a classic in two genres. It’s a staple in the collection of science-fiction fans as well as lovers of horror. It deals with ethics in science and what happens when mankind goes too far from ambition and curiosity.
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2. [easyazon_link identifier=”0451524934″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell[/easyazon_link]
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Some of the best science fiction takes a look at the possible future and how it could be negatively affected by technology. “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” tells of a dystopian future where government lies and propaganda rule the day. Few books have had such an impact on the culture and psyche of the human race as this still-relevant, cautionary tale by George Orwell.
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3. [easyazon_link identifier=”0441172717″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Dune by Frank Herbert[/easyazon_link]
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“Dune,” is just one of many novels on this list that have been adapted for the silver screen. This epic space saga is filled with political intrigue, mysticism and adventure. Herbert created a coherent and complex universe for this grand space opera to take place in.
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4. [easyazon_link identifier=”1505852595″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Time Machine by H.G. Wells[/easyazon_link]
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This seminal work by H.G. Wells is the foundation and inspiration for almost every time-traveling story since 1895. It tells the story of a time traveler who goes to the future to find a world in ruin. There is no advanced society, only a dying planet, war and a mysterious race called the Morlocks.
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5. [easyazon_link identifier=”0451530659″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells[/easyazon_link]
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“War of the Worlds,” was one of the first science-fiction books to deal with the concept of alien invasions. It set a high bar for all of the invasion novels and movies that would follow. Orson Welles’ 1938 radio presentation of this story was said to have caused mass panic from listeners who believed it to be a newscast. Panic ensued as they believed we were being invaded by beings from Mars.
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6. [easyazon_link identifier=”0060850523″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Brave New World by Aldous Huxley[/easyazon_link]
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Huxley weaves a fascinating tale of a utopian future that isn’t as great as it seems. Things seem to run perfectly thanks to genetic manipulation, a heavy dose of medication and a caste system that no one can escape from.
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7. [easyazon_link identifier=”1853260312″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne[/easyazon_link]
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Jules Verne was, in many ways, ahead of his time. His adventure stories and early science-fiction works seemingly predicted many future inventions and technological achievements. This novel tells the tale of Captain Nemo in his fantastic submarine, the Nautilus. The ship is surprisingly modern considering the 1870 publishing date of this book.
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8. [easyazon_link identifier=”1505573947″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Journey To The Center Of The Earth by Jules Verne[/easyazon_link]
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This is one of Jules Verne’s more fantastic stories. A German professor, Otto Lidenbrock, discovers a passage into the center of the planet. Along with his nephew, he discovers an amazing underground world inhabited by prehistoric creatures.
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9. [easyazon_link identifier=”055338256X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]I, Robot by Isaac Asimov[/easyazon_link]
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Asimov describes the complex nature of mankind’s relationship with his own creations. This novel affected an entire generation’s idea of what robots are and what they could be. Tropes and concepts from this novel still show up in modern-day works of science fiction.
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10. [easyazon_link identifier=”0385333846″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut[/easyazon_link]
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Author Kurt Vonnegut survived the WWII bombing of Dresden by hiding in a slaughterhouse. This was the clear inspiration for the title of his seminal novel. This strange tale follows Billy Pilgrim as he experiences his life in a non-linear way after contact with aliens.
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11. [easyazon_link identifier=”1607962748″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov[/easyazon_link]
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This masterpiece of science fiction explores deep concepts such as determinism, fate and how history often repeats itself. The book won the Hugo Award for Best All-Time Series and should be on every science-fiction fan’s to-read-list.
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12. [easyazon_link identifier=”0451457994″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke[/easyazon_link]
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Many people are more familiar with the film directed by Stanley Kubrick than they are of this novel. That’s unfortunate, because it’s a must-read for science-fiction fans. It explores the mysterious origins of the human race and their place in the universe.
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13. [easyazon_link identifier=”1451678193″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury[/easyazon_link]
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Instead of Martians invading earth, this is a collection of tales about humans traveling to and colonizing our closet neighboring planet.
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14. [easyazon_link identifier=”1451673310″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury[/easyazon_link]
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This is Ray Bradbury’s version of the totalitarian, dystopian future. If you’re a fan of “Brave New World,” and “Nineteen Eighty-Four,” this novel will be right up your alley.
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15.[easyazon_link identifier=”0765357151″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]I Am Legend by Richard Matheson[/easyazon_link]
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Only one human is left alive in the future. He is surrounded by bloodthirsty vampires and must struggle to survive. This story has one of the best twist endings in all of science fiction.
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16. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553273817″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.[/easyazon_link]
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This novel tells the story of a bleak future filled with ignorance after a nuclear disaster puts mankind back in the dark ages. This work explores how bad things can get when science is vilified.
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17. [easyazon_link identifier=”1529046521″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]To Sleep in a Sea of Stars[/easyazon_link]
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If you’re a fan of adult science-fiction, this book from Christopher Paolini will be right up your alley. Christopher Paolini is an established author that primarily writes for the young adult fiction genre. His previous works include the “Eragon” fantasy series, with the first book being adapted into a film.
“To Sleep in a Sea of Stars” is Paolini’s first foray into the science-fiction realm. The book is aimed at adults and focuses on themes of scientific discovery. Set in the year 2257, the story follows a xenobiologist set to settle down with her fiance in the fictional Sigma Draconis system.
However, her final assignment before heading home involves a crashed zone with a freshly awakened alien reliquary! The events that follow are full of action and intrigue, resulting in a riveting story worth reading.
Key Features:
- Available in paperback, hardcover, digital, and audiobook formats
- Approximately 900 pages
- Science-fiction thriller
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18. [easyazon_link identifier=”0156027607″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Solaris by Stanislaw Lem[/easyazon_link]
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“Solaris,” is both science fiction and a psychological thriller. A scientist studying an alien ocean must confront his own deep-buried memories. What is causing him to suddenly see a dead lover from his past?
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19. [easyazon_link identifier=”0393312836″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess[/easyazon_link]
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This novel is another on our list that has been translated successfully to film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Alex is consumed with violence until an experimental fix does away with his base desires. This book is dripping with dark comedy and satirical social commentary.
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20. [easyazon_link identifier=”0156030306″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes[/easyazon_link]
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Science fiction is often thought provoking and makes us question the morality of how and when scientific advances should be used. This novel by Daniel Keyes is a great example of this. In this tale, a developmentally disabled man is offered a treatment to change him into a genius.
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21. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345391802″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams[/easyazon_link]
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This cult classic is one of the best science-fiction comedies of all time. It’s smart, funny and filled with social commentary in a way that will make you laugh as much as it makes you think. Arthur Dent goes on an adventure with an oddball cast of characters once the earth is demolished to make room for an intergalactic highway.
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22. [easyazon_link identifier=”0312367546″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle[/easyazon_link]
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This novel is a timeless children’s book that is an enjoyable read for all ages. Meg and Charles are two children who go on a trip through time, space and other dimensions to find their missing father. One part science fiction and one part fantasy, this tale deals with some heavy themes such as religion, family and the value of individuality.
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23. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345538986″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton[/easyazon_link]
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This is another science-fiction story that deals with ethical questions of science and the concept of playing god and messing with ecosystems. If you enjoyed the big budget, blockbuster movie, do yourself a favor and read the novel by Michael Crichton.
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24.[easyazon_link identifier=”1501197983″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Contact by Carl Sagan[/easyazon_link]
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Few people have done as much to popularize science as Carl Sagan. Sagan was an astronomer, astrophysicist and cosmologist. This novel by Sagan explores what it might be like for humanity to come into contact with a more advanced alien species.
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25. [easyazon_link identifier=”0441478123″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin[/easyazon_link]
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This novel is groundbreaking for its thought provoking look at issues of gender and feminism. The book was first published in 1969, making it ahead of its time in tackling some tough subjects. On the planet of Ekumen, there lives an alien colony that has no set genders.
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26. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345335465″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey[/easyazon_link]
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This novel may seem more like fantasy than science fiction due to its use of dragons, a royal family and other fantasy tropes. It is, however, set on an alien world with no shortage of science-fiction technology and concepts.
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27. [easyazon_link identifier=”0307947300″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Stand by Stephen King[/easyazon_link]
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This long novel comes from Stephen King, the master of horror. It has elements of horror as well as fantasy. The science fiction elements come in the form of an influenza strain that was developed for use in biological warfare. Good and evil collide in a post-apocalyptic world.
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28. [easyazon_link identifier=”0312536631″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Forever War by Joe Haldeman[/easyazon_link]
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War is a popular topic within science fiction. “The Forever War,” deals with the topic masterfully. far off in outer space, young women and men are drafted into an intergalactic war. Upon returning to earth, the soldiers barely recognize their own home planet. Written towards the end of the Vietnam conflict, this novel is still relevant today.
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29. [easyazon_link identifier=”0425188809″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Watchers by Dean Koontz[/easyazon_link]
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Koontz does here what he does best with a story of shady government institutions and questionable uses of science and technology. This early work by Koontz tackles the subject of unchecked genetic manipulation.
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30. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553283685″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Hyperion by Dan Simmons[/easyazon_link]
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Dan Simmon’s weaves a tale of pilgrims on a journey to a far away planet. A mysterious being called the Shrike may be able to provide the answers they seek. This science fiction adventure is based on the “Canterbury Tales,” by Chaucer.
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31. [easyazon_link identifier=”0307275434″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Children of Men by P.D. James[/easyazon_link]
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“The Children of Men,” was written in 1992 and is set in the near future of 2021. In this mysterious science fiction story, humanity hasn’t seen a real live birth in a decade. This novel offers some top-notch world building. This leads to a believable story even with the fantastic plot elements.
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32. [easyazon_link identifier=”0439023521″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins[/easyazon_link]
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Like the previous entry on this list, “The Hunger Games,” succeeds due to fantastic world building by the author. This is a well thought out universe. In a dystopian future, contestants are chosen for a contest where they must fight for their lives to survive. The initial book was followed by a whole series that is well worth reading.
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33. [easyazon_link identifier=”0307346617″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]World War Z by Max Brooks[/easyazon_link]
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This is science fiction meets the zombie apocalypse genre. The trend continues to move zombies away from the supernatural creatures of horror that the once were. In this novel, like so many other modern zombie tales, the creatures are the result of science and technology gone awry.
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34. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553418025″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Martian by Andy Weir[/easyazon_link]
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This novel has often been likened to the movie “Castaway.” Instead of being stranded on an island, the protagonist is stranded on the planet Mars. This story presents the triumph of the human mind and spirit, even in the most dire of situations. It also presents some realistic science and space-travel scenarios for a work of fiction.
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35. [easyazon_link identifier=”0765334798″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Redshirts by John Scalzi[/easyazon_link]
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This is science-fiction comedy at its best. Redshirts is a term that references the TV and movie series, Star Trek. Lower ranked crew who wore red shirts on those shows often never made it back from their adventures. In this comedic story, a new starship crew member realizes that his colleagues seem to die at an alarming rate.
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36. [easyazon_link identifier=”034553980X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Red Rising by Pierce Brown[/easyazon_link]
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This story involves a caste system in the future where most things are color-coded to fit into their designed niche. The protagonist, Darrow, is a lowly “red,” and does manually labor in the mines of Mars to make the planet habitable. Once he realizes that his work is in vain, he starts to question things.
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37. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345404475″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick[/easyazon_link]
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This is a brilliant novel that deals with artificial intelligence and what it means to be human. Like so many other science-fiction books, it asks tough questions about the ethics of science and mankind’s responsibility to our own creations. It was the basis of the cult-classic film, “Blade Runner.”
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38.[easyazon_link identifier=”0812550706″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card[/easyazon_link]
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Ender was genetically created to be a genius hero for earth. Believing himself to be playing a simulation game, Ender finds himself in the middle of a real war with an alien force bent on the destruction of the human race. This novel kicked off a series of books as well as a movie adaptation.
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39. [easyazon_link identifier=”0441569595″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Neuromancer by William Gibson[/easyazon_link]
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This may be the quintessential work of cyberpunk science fiction. A hacker is hired to take control of a virtual-reality network called the Matrix. Does that sound familiar? This book took on the topic of virtual reality way back in 1984.
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40. [easyazon_link identifier=”1338232037″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Exo by Fonda Lee[/easyazon_link]
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This thoughtful story explores what it means to be under rule of a foreign power and what peace is really worth. In this novel, the world has been colonized by an alien race, The humans and this invading species have been coexisting peacefully for a century.
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41. [easyazon_link identifier=”038533348X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut[/easyazon_link]
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Vonnegut explores the consequences of the bombing on Hiroshima to end WWII, but he does so in his own distinct way. This is not a book set during the actual events, but a story of a man named John who wishes to write a book about those events.
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42. [easyazon_link identifier=”1524759791″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Recursion: A Novel[/easyazon_link]
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“Recursion” is an action-packed novel full of mystery and intrigue. The story revolves around what seems like a pandemic-level disease sweeping across the world. But this disease is unlike anything humans have ever encountered before. In addition to bleak physical ramifications, this disease plagues sufferers with memories of a life they’ve never lived.
The origins of this mysterious plague start to unfold when neuroscientists realize it’s not a disease at all. Instead, it’s just the first of many world-changing discoveries that are poised to change the trajectory of time-space entirely.
This book is a fantastic read that perfectly marries the realms of mystery, science-fiction, and thrillers into one unique work.
Key Features:
- Available in paperback, hardcover, digital, and audiobook formats
- 336 pages
- Science-fiction thriller
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43. [easyazon_link identifier=”0312863551″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein[/easyazon_link]
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This is an interesting take on a future human society that lives on both the earth and the moon. Libertarian ideology is explored in this story of a revolt from moon colonies against being ruled over by earth.
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44. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345347951″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke[/easyazon_link]
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An alien invasion leads to decades of utopia on earth, but at what cost? This is another science fiction look at what may happen if the human species is confronted by a superior, more advanced species. It comes from the same author that gave us “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
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45. [easyazon_link identifier=”1932563407″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Buck Rogers In The 25th Century 1: The Complete Sundays: 1930-1933[/easyazon_link]
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Buck Rogers was one of the first space-explorer heroes to capture the imagination of children and adults alike. The imaginative designs for creatures, spacecraft, technology and alien landscapes inspired generations of science-fiction comics, movies and literature.
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46. [easyazon_link identifier=”0525559477″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Midnight Library: A Novel[/easyazon_link]
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Goodreads hands out several book awards every year and gave The Midnight Library its Choice Award for Fiction. Matt Haig takes you on a journey to explore a library placed on the outskirts of the universe. Each book held on the shelves tells the story of an alternate reality or parallel universe. The writers of those books are the ones responsible for what happens in their worlds. The book asks what you would do if you had the chance to view all of your decisions and how different moments changed you.
Haig bases the story on Nora Seed, a woman given the chance to visit the Midnight Library and view her life in different universes. She discovers how her decisions affected her and have the chance to decide whether to stick with her life or step into a new world. Haig will leave you wondering what you would do in her place. By the time you learn Seed’s decision and reach the end of the book, you may wonder what you would do in her position.
Key Features:
- Hardback edition
- Reached The New York Times Bestseller List
- Includes more than 300 pages
- Winner of the Choice Award for Fiction
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47. [easyazon_link identifier=”B002C7IXYE” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Action Comics Issue 1 by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster[/easyazon_link]
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This entry may seem strange to science-fiction fans, but hear me out. Keep in mind that this list is for the best books and not just novels, therefore a comic-book could qualify. This single issue introduced Superman to the world in 1938. This story about an alien with super-human powers was written by two teenagers from Cleveland, Ohio.
Superman’s origin story created an entire sub-genre of science fiction that is still massively popular in comics, TV and film today. Obviously, one can no longer purchase the single issue unless they’re a millionaire, but you can still read it in a compilation book titled: “Superman: The Golden Age Vol. 1.”
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48. [easyazon_link identifier=”1779501129″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons[/easyazon_link]
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While Superman popularized the idea of heroes with powers, the graphic novel, “Watchmen,” deconstructs the idea of superheroes and deals with complex political and moral ideas. This graphic novel is often cited as a turning point in the perception of comic books as serious literature.
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49. [easyazon_link identifier=”0380788624″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson[/easyazon_link]
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This unique novel is a mix of science fiction, techno thriller and historical fiction. It deals with a group of WWII-era code breakers and a second group of decoders from the 1990s. Historical figures from Winston Churchill to Ronald Reagan show up in this complex drama. Concepts such as digital-monetary systems and cryptography are explores in realistic detail.
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50. [easyazon_link identifier=”0307387895″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Road by Cormac McCarthy[/easyazon_link]
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A father and his son must travel across a decimated America in this post apocalyptic tale. The story is filled with the usual dangers of such a situation including roving bands of desperate thieves and marauders. This is a story with a lot of heart that explores the power of love as well as the darker side of humanity.
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51. [easyazon_link identifier=”0425286622″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist[/easyazon_link]
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The Saga is actually a collection of novels that mix the genres of science fiction and fantasy. In this universe, there are humans and creatures of magic that can create rifts to connect distant planets.
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52.[easyazon_link identifier=”1476764832″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger[/easyazon_link]
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This is both a science fiction story and a love story. It deals with a man who has an odd problem. He randomly jumps through time. His loving wife must learn to cope with his frequent disappearances and unpredictable reappearances throughout her linear timeline.
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53. [easyazon_link identifier=”0765348276″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Old Man’s War by John Scalzi[/easyazon_link]
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This science fiction war novel follows the military career of a soldier named John Perry of the Colonial Defense Forces. The novel is filled with great world building, creative technologies and a slew of interesting alien races.
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54. [easyazon_link identifier=”0593135202″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Project Hail Mary: A Novel[/easyazon_link]
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Matt Damon gained a new legion of fans and picked up several awards as the star of The Martian. Fans of the book used as the basis of the film along with anyone who loves reading about space exploration will want to pick up Project Hail Mary from the same author. Andy Weir tells the story of Ryland Grace who is the last man standing after his ship crashes. When he wakes, he finds two corpses on his ship and no memories of his life. Grace is tasked with trying to remember where he came from and what he needs to do.
Those who love stories that pull them deep into books will like this one. Weir does a good job of making you care about Grace and his mission while also keeping you guessing about the world around him. Just when you think you have it all figured out, he throws a new twist at you. Covering almost 500 pages, Project Hail Mary will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Key Features:
- Written by the author of The Martian
- Includes nearly 500 pages
- Hardback edition
- Classic space exploration story
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55. [easyazon_link identifier=”0061054887″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin[/easyazon_link]
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The twin planets of Urras and Anarres have vastly different political and economic systems. One is a capitalist society that struggles with inequality. The other is an anarchist’s and socialist’s dream utopia. The main character is a scientist named Shevek who accidentally starts a revolution.
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56. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553296124″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn[/easyazon_link]
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Great science fiction novels often inspire movie adaptations. In this case, the Star Wars film franchise came first and inspired these novels. Many novels came after “Return of the Jedi.” These kept the franchise alive during the gap between the original film trilogy and the modern movies. The best books of the bunch were the three novels that became known as “The Thrawn Trilogy.”
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57. [easyazon_link identifier=”1451678185″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury[/easyazon_link]
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Ray Bradbury is a true legend among science fiction authors. “The Illustrated Man,” is a collection of 18 different short stories. Common themes pop up in most of the stories such as human psychology and the sterile coldness of technology.
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58. [easyazon_link identifier=”0812515285″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]A Fire Upon The Deep by Veror Vinge[/easyazon_link]
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This 1992 novel is an epic space opera. It deals with themes such as love, betrayal, human relationships and genocide. It’s also filled with imaginative alien races and technology. Superhuman intelligence and variable physics are explores as well.
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59. [easyazon_link identifier=”0008277761″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Caves Of Steel by Isaac Asimov[/easyazon_link]
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Asimov shows up as the author on this list quite a few times. This is for good reason. He believed that science fiction can be combined with any other genre in literature. Here, Asimov combines science fiction with an old-fashioned detective story. far into earth’s future, hyperspace travel has been conquered and planets are being colonized.
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60. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553560735″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson[/easyazon_link]
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“The Mars Triligy,” is often considered to be Kim Stanley Robinson’s crowing achievement. This is actually a collection of three novels that were titled: “Red Mars,” “Green Mars,” and “Blue Mars.” The main theme is the colonization of Mars. These novels span over 200 years and detail the earth’s political structure, technology and social issues connected to the colonization.
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61. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553562738″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Doomsday Book by Connie Willis[/easyazon_link]
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This book won both the Nebula and Hugo awards. Kivrin is a young lady who is studying past ages of humanity. She gets stuck in time at a particularly dark period and becomes an unlikely source of hope as her peers struggle to rescue her.
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62. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345443020″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Perdido Street Station by China Mieville[/easyazon_link]
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This is a dark and unique tale of an eccentric scientist working on some unusual research. The book takes place in the city of New Crobuzon which is built within the remains of an ancient beast. The scientist, Isaac, has an encounter with a bird-like alien that will change his life forever.
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63.[easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZAT776G” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis[/easyazon_link]
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C.S. Lewis is well known for his fantasy novels featuring a certain lion named Aslan. What is less known is that he also penned some fascinating science fiction. “The Space Trilogy,” is about a philologist by the name of Elwin Ransom. Upon journeying to Mars, Ransom finds out that Earth has been exiled from the rest of the solar system.
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64. [easyazon_link identifier=”1613743416″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky[/easyazon_link]
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Red Schuhart and his friend Kirill travel into the Zone to salvage things left behind by aliens. A robust black market exists around these alien artifacts. The Zone starts dominating Red’s life and he journeys back there again and again to find the answers that he seeks.
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65. [easyazon_link identifier=”0807062995″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Female Man by Joanna Russ[/easyazon_link]
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Four different versions of one person from alternate dimensions meet in this witty science-fiction novel. This book is a classic among feminist literature and a fascinating piece of science fiction that delves into the concept of gender roles.
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66. [easyazon_link identifier=”044900094X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy[/easyazon_link]
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A woman in her 30s is able to communicate with the future. Connie can specifically connect to the year 2137. The warnings from the future have serious relevancy for today, but of course Connie is simply deemed insane by current-day society.
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67. [easyazon_link identifier=”0756405505″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Downbelow Station by C.J. Cherryh[/easyazon_link]
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This story is notable for its unique and realistic characters. It is set on a vulnerable space station and during a war. It’s not about fantastic technology or alien races, but instead takes a more real-world look at what a space station might be like. Then, it creates a suspenseful story set in this well-designed world.
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68. [easyazon_link identifier=”0307887448″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Ready Player One by Ernest Cline[/easyazon_link]
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This is another science-fiction work that deals with virtual reality. It was turned into a big-budget, special-effects extravaganza film directed by none other than Steven Spielberg. The novel tells of a utopian virtual reality known as the Oasis. This book is known for its fun inclusion of a ton of pop-culture and video-game references.
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69. [easyazon_link identifier=”059331817X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Klara and the Sun: A Novel[/easyazon_link]
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Kazuo Ishiguro landed on The New York Times Bestseller List with Klara and the Sun. The author of hit books such as The Remains of the Day and Never Let We Go created a new tale that focuses on Klara. Unlike similar stories about human characters, the author wanted to tell a story from the point of view of an artificial intelligence being. Klara sits in a retail store and looks at all of the people who walk by on the street and those who come into the store with the hope that someday, one of them will choose her.
As the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Ishiguro knows how to pull readers into a story and keep them guessing about what will happen next. Klara keeps you wondering whether anyone will choose her and whether she will get the love she deserves. It might leave you questioning what love means and looking at the love in your life. With more than 300 pages, Klara and the Sun will keep you interested until the very end.
Key Features:
- New York Times Bestseller List book
- Hardback edition
- Includes more than 300 pages
- Compelling and interesting story
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70. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345452380″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Ammonite by Nicola Griffith[/easyazon_link]
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A virus nearly wipes out an earth colony on the planet Jeep. Only a few women survive the ordeal. After generations of change and adaptation, the humans lose touch with the roots of their humanity, until some fellow Earthlings arrive on the planet.
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71. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345549341″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord[/easyazon_link]
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When a proud alien race has its home planet destroyed, they must learn to coexist with another race on their new, adopted world. The task of preserving their race may come at the expense of losing their very culture and identity.
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72. [easyazon_link identifier=”0140433724″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Blazing World and Other Writings by Margaret Cavendish[/easyazon_link]
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There is often debate on what is the earliest work of science fiction. This book certainly has a strong case for it. Written in 1666, this is the oldest work to make it on this list. This is a feminist masterpiece from a time when you would hardly expect such a thing. A woman is stranded on another world and becomes its leader. She uses her new power to get rid of war and sexual discrimination.
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73. [easyazon_link identifier=”034549752X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The City & The City by China Miéville[/easyazon_link]
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This novel is both science fiction and a police procedural. It takes the unique concept of two cities that actually occupy the same space, and it combines this with a good old murder mystery.
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74. [easyazon_link identifier=”345435249″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Darwin’s Radio by Greg Bear[/easyazon_link]
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Kaye Lang is a biologist with a disturbing theory. She believes that long-gone diseases are coded into human DNA. Worse still is that they could potentially be brought back into the world to reek havoc on the human population. When a virus hunter discovers a new strain, she fears that her theory has become a reality.
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75.[easyazon_link identifier=”0375706682″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany[/easyazon_link]
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Time, space and physics are no longer making any sense after a mysterious disaster plagues the town of Bellona. This novel has a very “Twilight Zone,” feel to it, as weird occurrences bewilder the people of Bellona. Two moons appear in the sky, buildings are damaged only to reappear intact and time is no longer consistent.
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76.[easyazon_link identifier=”1796356301″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Fifth Science[/easyazon_link]
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This book contains 12 short stories that revolve around one central theme. In this sci-fi world, the human race has turned into the Human Galactic Empire. Throughout a hundred millennia, humans used four pillars of science to spread throughout the cosmos. However, the fifth science ended the flourishes empire for good!
“The Fifth Science” explores the aftermath of humankind’s collapse. The stories all take place after the burgeoning empire’s downfall, covering a wide range of themes. Every story is unique. However, they all reflect the dangers and pitfalls of human ambition.
Key Features:
- Available in digital and paperback formats
- 336 pages
- Compilation of 12 stories
- Multiple themes and genres
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77. [easyazon_link identifier=”142095170X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs[/easyazon_link]
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This novel from the creator of Tarzan is one in a whole series about the hero named John Carter. Carter is a Civil War-era soldier who finds himself on Mars. He ends up as a sort of “reverse Superman,” being an alien on another planet who then becomes a powerful hero. A Disney movie was made about John Carter that didn’t fare too well at the box office. That’s unfortunate, because this novel is a brilliant piece of science fiction.
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78. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553447475″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Fold by Peter Clines[/easyazon_link]
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This novel is like a mix of a Sherlock Holmes mystery within a science-fiction setting. It features one of the bets twist ending on this list of books. Mike Erikson has unique gifts and is asked to travel across country to investigate a device discovered by DARPA scientists that can fold dimensions.
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79. [easyazon_link identifier=”0399167501″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch[/easyazon_link]
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This is a science-fiction thriller and detective story rolled into one. The heroine, Shannon Moss, works for Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Shannon must come to terms with her past as she searches for a missing girl in this tale of time travel, mystery and military intrigue.
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80. [easyazon_link identifier=”0307739457″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu[/easyazon_link]
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Charles Yu weaves a science-fiction story that explores the father and son relationship. It also deals with the themes of life, linear time, human memories and how we create an identity for ourselves.
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81. [easyazon_link identifier=”0553499114″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff[/easyazon_link]
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Kady awakes one morning with nothing on her mind besides her relationship with Ezra. That same day, the earth is invaded by aliens. This book deals with war, large corporations and how they often profit from those wars with little thought about the consequences to the little guy caught in the middle.
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82.[easyazon_link identifier=”1594746745″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters[/easyazon_link]
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Detective stories and mysteries keep popping up in this list of science fiction. This is yet another one that brilliantly blends the two genres. In a world preparing for an near-future asteroid impact on earth, a detective must work to solve a murder mystery. The death has been officially ruled as a suicide, but the detective suspects foul play.
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83. [easyazon_link identifier=”014242207X” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Legend by Marie Lu[/easyazon_link]
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Part of the old United States is now a militaristic republic, perpetually at war. June is a young genius from an elite, wealthy family. She is being trained for military service in the republic. Her world is changed forever when she runs into Day, a young criminal who was born into poverty.
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84. [easyazon_link identifier=”0385721676″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood[/easyazon_link]
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Margaret Atwood’s brand of science fiction is sometimes called “speculative fiction.” She might even be called a futurist. This is someone who looks at trends in politics, culture and especially technology. They then try to predict what the future may hold. To some degree, most science-fiction authors do this. In “Oryx and Crake,” Arnold has crafted a romantic adventure.
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85.[easyazon_link identifier=”0886777631″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Otherland: City of Golden Shadow by Tad Williams[/easyazon_link]
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This is a cautionary tale about the dependence people have on technology, especially being connected to the internet. In a future South Africa, a teacher realizes something is wrong with the kids she knows. They seem more caught up than usual with their online lives.
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86. [easyazon_link identifier=”1509868577″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Pandora’s Star by Peter F. Hamilton[/easyazon_link]
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In the year 2380, an Commonwealth is developed to connect multiple worlds. They span 400 light years and are all connected via wormholes. When a distant star mysteriously vanishes, a ship is sent out to investigate the anomaly.
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87. [easyazon_link identifier=”0425282392″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Planetfall by Emma Newman[/easyazon_link]
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Renata Ghali travels deep into the stars in search of a planet that is free of war and poverty. The planet was seen in a vision by Lee Suh-Mi. It may even hold the answers to the origin of earth and life on our planet. This novel deals with the idea of keeping secrets and the consequences that can stem from it.
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88. [easyazon_link identifier=”0345333926″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Ringworld by Larry Niven[/easyazon_link]
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Aliens discover an enormous object that is dubbed the artifact. Everyone is apprehensive about encountering the race that could have built such a massive, technological wonder. Two humans and a band of exotic alien explorers seek out answers to this mystery in the fun adventure.
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89. [easyazon_link identifier=”0006547192″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Shikasta by Doris Lessing[/easyazon_link]
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This 1979 novel was the first in an epic series called the “Canopus in Argos,” series. Shikasta is also known as Colonized Planet 5. The book uses the structure of a history lesson filled with documents, research papers and journal entries to describe a planet that is actually the earth from the viewpoint of others.
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90. [easyazon_link identifier=”1101886714″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel[/easyazon_link]
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A small girl named Rose is riding her bike when she falls down a shaft. The rescuers are met with an alarming discovery. She seems to be in the grasp of a giant metal hand. This is an intriguing thriller that will keep you engaged til the end.
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91. [easyazon_link identifier=”0804172447″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel[/easyazon_link]
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An odd band of Hollywood stars and actors roam the now-decimated Great Lakes region. This tale is set in the future after the collapse of civilization as we know it. The survivors are willing to risk everything for art and the human race.
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92. [easyazon_link identifier=”0756402611″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Survival by Julie E. Czerneda[/easyazon_link]
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The author of this science-fiction tale is a real-life scientist. Specifically, she’s a biologist. This is perhaps why she is so good at creating realistic and fascinating alien species. This is a story of an inter-species conflict set in a realistic, well-crafted fictional universe.
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93. [easyazon_link identifier=”0886778964″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Valor’s Choice by Tanya Huff[/easyazon_link]
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The Confederation is a government of numerous alien worlds and species. They have granted the people of earth a membership in this group, but it’s not for free. While the Confederation has evolved past war and violent conflicts for themselves, they enlist the aid of humans to fight such battles for them as the entry fee for their Confederation citizenship.
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94.[easyazon_link identifier=”1713477351″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]First Encounter (Ascension Wars)[/easyazon_link]
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“The First Encounter” is the first novel of the “Ascension Wars” series. It offers a riveting start to a more significant tale. Filled with iconic science fiction themes, the book delves into the possibilities of space colonization and what mysteries lie beyond our planet.
In this story, the fictional United Nations of Earth set a ship out to colonize a nearby planet. Upon arrival 90 years later, the ship’s inhabitants find that a thriving alien species already inhabit their target planet. The ship’s captain must figure out what these aliens are and make tough decisions that could impact all of humankind.
Key Features:
- Available in digital, paperback, audiobook, and audio CD formats
- 359 pages
- USA Today bestseller
- The first book in a series
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95.[easyazon_link identifier=”B01K2W6GMG” locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]0 Veniss Underground by Jeff VanderMeer[/easyazon_link]
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This is not just a great story, but a great example of unique story telling. The city of Veniss is explored through the eyes of three different characters. These vastly different people each have a unique voice and perspective on things.
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96.[easyazon_link identifier=”8418477016″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Last Melody: A Fiction in Three Acts About a Civilized End to the Civilized World[/easyazon_link]
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In “The Last Melody,” you’re taken to a not-so-distance future where humankind has become a spacefaring race. Interplanetary democracy keeps the peace among colonies. Meanwhile, advances in biomedical research and technology have extended human life expectancy by several decades.
While investigating a series of grisly murders, our main character uncovers a massive conspiracy that threatens the way of life for billions!
This story plays out like a mystery thriller novel. Elements of action keep you on your toes as you continue to dive deeper into this futuristic tale. With artificial intelligence and human survival themes, this novel has plenty of captivating moments to keep you enthralled.
Key Features:
- Available in digital and paperback formats
- 410 pages
- Broken into three acts
- Science fiction thriller
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97. [easyazon_link identifier=”1509835903″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Arrival by Ted Chiang[/easyazon_link]
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This novel has been previously published with the title: “Story of Your Life.” It was latter turned into the movie, “Arrival,” which ultimately lead to the book-title change. This book takes a realistic look at how a first contact with aliens might go down.
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98.[easyazon_link identifier=”1101947888″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Exhalation by Ted Chiang[/easyazon_link]
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This is a collection of science-fiction short stories from award-winning author, Ted Chiang. The stories hit on a number of subjects such as portals into other dimensions, artificial intelligence and alien scientists. They all contain realistic and relatable characters that make the stories really resonate with readers.
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99. [easyazon_link identifier=”1568658079″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe[/easyazon_link]
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This novel by Gene Wolf consistently ranks high on lists for both science fiction and fantasy books. It uses many fantasy tropes but is set in the future, millions of years from now. All that we know of history and culture is a distant, long-forgotten memory in this new fantastic world.
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100. [easyazon_link identifier=”0316452505″ locale=”US” tag=”theplanetsorg-20″]Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky[/easyazon_link]
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This is a destruction-of-earth story. The planet’s last survivors struggle to survive as they drift off among the stars. A new planet is found that offers hope for future generations. Unfortunately, it also offers plenty of dangers and obstacles that must first be overcome.
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Final Thoughts
Science fiction is one of the most fascinating genres in all of literature. It’s a diverse and exciting genre that has spawned countless sub-genres of its own. It is one of the earliest forms of fiction. This can be witnessed in this very list that contains books from as far back as 350 years ago. Science fiction forces us to take a serious look at humanity, technology and the good and bad that can flow from scientific discoveries. It can be fun and adventurous, funny, or deep and thought provoking. No matter what type of stories you enjoy, there should be plenty of books on this list to entertain you.