Well, 'The Stone Sky' by N. K. Jemisin is a must - mention for 2018 science fiction. It's the final book in a trilogy and wraps up the story in an amazing way. It deals with issues of power, race, and the environment in a really imaginative science - fictional context. The world - building is just spectacular, and the characters are so well - developed that you can't help but be invested in their journey.
Definitely 'The Calculating Stars'. It's not just a science fiction story but also a story about breaking gender barriers. The main character has to fight against the sexism of her time while also trying to save humanity. The world - building is excellent as it shows how Earth and its society change after the asteroid strike.
Definitely 'Dune'. It has a richly detailed universe, from the sandworms to the political intrigue among the noble houses. '1984' is a must - read as it warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. 'Brave New World' shows a different kind of dystopia where people are conditioned from birth. 'Ender's Game' is not only a great science fiction story but also delves into themes like morality in war. And 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is just pure fun and creativity.
In the realm of new historical fiction books, 'Circe' by Madeline Miller is a standout. It delves into Greek mythology in a historical fiction context. This book gives a new perspective on the character of Circe. Also, 'Pachinko' is great. It chronicles the story of a Korean family over generations, showing the impact of history on their lives.
Definitely 'The Collapsing Empire'. It's a page - turner. You'll be quickly drawn into the story of the crumbling galactic empire. The characters are well - developed, and the plot keeps you guessing as to how they'll deal with the impending doom of their travel network.
Definitely 'The Three - Body Problem'. It's not only a great science fiction story but also makes you think about deep concepts like the Fermi Paradox. It shows how different civilizations might interact in the vastness of the universe.
I think 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is a must - read. It combined elements of historical fiction and magical realism to tell the story of a slave's journey to freedom. Coates' writing is always thought - provoking.
Definitely 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas. It's a very relevant and impactful book that deals with issues of race, police brutality, and growing up in a tough neighborhood. It has been widely praised for its authenticity and strong voice.
One great new positive science fiction fantasy book is 'The Starlight Chronicles'. It has an amazing world - building aspect where different alien species co - exist in harmony. The characters are diverse and inspiring, with a strong female lead who uses her intelligence and kindness to solve problems. Another is 'The Enchanted Realms', which combines magic and technology in a really interesting way. It shows how positive values like friendship and cooperation can thrive in a complex universe.
Among the must - reads from 70s science fiction are 'Rendezvous with Rama'. The mystery and scale of the alien ship is just captivating. 'The Dispossessed' for its in - depth exploration of different social systems. And 'A Scanner Darkly' for its gritty and thought - provoking look at a future that could potentially be ours if we're not careful.
A must - read from 2019 fiction is 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates. It's a story about Hiram Walker, a slave who discovers he has a special power related to water. Coates uses his powerful prose to explore themes of slavery, memory, and freedom.