I think '1984' is a great starting point for influential science fiction books. It's a classic that has had a huge impact on how we view society and government control. It's not too complex in terms of its science - fictional elements, so it's easy to understand. You could also start with 'Brave New World'. It's similar in some ways to '1984' but has its own unique vision of a controlled society, and it's a thought - provoking read.
For a first read among influential science fiction books, consider 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov. It has a really interesting concept of predicting the future through a new science called psychohistory. The story is engaging and the ideas are presented in a way that's not too overwhelming. Or you could start with 'Dune'. It's a bit more complex in its world - building, but it's such a rich and immersive story that it'll draw you into the world of science fiction right away.
If you like epic fantasy, start with 'The Lord of the Rings'. It's a classic and will introduce you to a huge and immersive world. For science fiction, '1984' is a great start. It's short but very impactful.
You could begin with 'Foundation'. It's a series that has had a huge impact on the genre. The way it builds a galactic civilization with a historical arc is really fascinating. It shows how different societies develop over time and how history can repeat itself on a grand scale. Plus, the ideas in it are thought - provoking and will make you want to explore more historical sci - fi.
I'd recommend starting with 'Project Hail Mary'. It has a really exciting and fast - paced plot that will draw you in right away.
Some great ones to start with could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe, complex politics and a hero's journey. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, while more dystopian, is a classic that warns about totalitarianism in a future society. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley also offers a thought - provoking view on a future with extreme social engineering.
I'd start with 'The Road'. It's a relatively short but impactful read that gives you a good sense of the post - apocalyptic genre. The relationship between the father and son is really moving.
One great speculative science fiction book is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. It's a classic that really defined the cyberpunk genre. The story is set in a dystopian future and follows a washed - up computer hacker who gets pulled into a dangerous and complex conspiracy. Another is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe with political intrigue, unique ecosystems, and a hero's journey that spans multiple books.
The 'Neuromancer' series had an impact in 2013 as well. It's a classic that was still relevant. It dives deep into the world of cyberspace and how it intersects with human consciousness. Its ideas about virtual reality and hacking were ahead of its time and still influenced the science fiction of 2013.
Well, 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is a great one. It was one of the first to depict an alien invasion, and it created a sense of panic and wonder. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also a classic. It shows a young boy's journey in a military - like space training program, and it explores themes of leadership, morality, and the nature of war. And don't forget 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. With its complex world - building, political intrigue, and exploration of human potential, it has been highly influential in the science fiction genre.
I think 'The War of the Worlds' is very influential. It has influenced a lot of subsequent science fiction works about alien invasions. Its description of the Martians' technology and the chaos on Earth is quite memorable. Another one is 'Contact'. It popularized the idea of using radio signals to search for extraterrestrial intelligence. And 'Ender's Game' has also been highly influential in terms of how it portrays the relationship between humans and a potential alien threat, as well as its exploration of military strategy and child prodigies.
You should consider 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It has a really creepy and mysterious atmosphere. The story of a group exploring an area known as Area X is full of strange happenings and mind - bending concepts.