A really good character - driven sci - fi novel is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. The characters' lives before and after the apocalypse are explored in depth. Also, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir focuses a lot on the character of Mark Watney. His ingenuity and personality are what make the story so engaging. Then there's 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson, where the main character Hiro Protagonist is key to the whole wild, high - tech adventure.
One of the great character - driven sci - fi novels is 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick. It delves deep into the character of Rick Deckard as he hunts androids. Another is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The various pilgrims' stories are full of rich character development. And 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin also stands out, exploring the complex character of Genly Ai in a unique alien world.
A great character - driven novel is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane is a very strong - minded character. Her experiences, from her difficult childhood at Gateshead to her time at Thornfield Hall and her relationship with Mr. Rochester, are all shaped by her own character traits. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is also character - driven. Jay Gatsby's unrequited love for Daisy and his attempts to win her back through his elaborate parties and false identity are what the story revolves around. Then there's 'Wuthering Heights' with Heathcliff and Catherine, whose intense and tortured relationship drives the entire dark and brooding narrative.
Character - driven sci - fi novels are centered around the development of the characters. Their fears, desires, and interactions with others are what create the story's momentum. In 'Brave New World', the characters' reactions to the dystopian society are what make the story interesting. Plot - driven sci - fi, on the other hand, is about a series of events leading to a specific outcome. For instance, in a space adventure movie - like novel, the goal might be to reach a far - off planet. Character - driven novels are more about exploring the human condition within the sci - fi context.
Often, they feature strong female protagonists. For example, in 'Ancillary Justice', Breq has to navigate complex political and military situations. They also tend to explore female experiences in different sci - fi settings. In 'Parable of the Sower', the female lead faces issues like survival and building a community in a harsh post - apocalyptic world. And they may redefine gender roles, like in 'The Left Hand of Darkness' where gender is fluid on the planet.
One of the notable female - driven sci - fi novels is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. Although it's not solely female - driven, the character of Brawne Lamia is a very important and strong female character. Her journey in the story is full of mystery and discovery. Then there's 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. The female characters play significant roles in a world after a flu pandemic has wiped out much of the population. And 'Dune' by Frank Herbert also has strong female characters like Lady Jessica who are key to the story's development.
One great issue - driven sci - fi novel is '1984' by George Orwell. It deals with issues like totalitarianism, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedom in a future society. Another is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley which explores themes of a highly controlled, genetically engineered society and the impact on human nature. Also, 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a relevant work. It focuses on issues such as women's rights and theocracy in a dystopian future.
One of the great 2022 sci fi novels is 'Light from Uncommon Stars' by Ryka Aoki. It combines science fiction elements with music and themes of redemption. Another is 'Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel, which features time travel and a unique exploration of different eras.
Some of the 2019 sci fi novels worth checking out are 'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' by Alix E. Harrow. It has a beautiful, magical story about doors to other worlds. 'The Deep' by Rivers Solomon is also great. It's a novella that delves into the history and mythology of the water - dwelling descendants of African slave women. And 'Middlegame' by Seanan McGuire is a complex and fascinating novel with themes of alchemy and the power of words.
Some 2023 sci fi novels that are really good include 'Galactic Explorers'. This novel follows a group of intrepid astronauts as they journey to uncharted regions of the galaxy, facing unknown threats and making amazing discoveries. 'Quantum Leap' is also great. It's about a scientist who accidentally activates a device that sends him through different quantum realities, each with its own set of challenges and wonders. And 'A.I. Rebellion' which tells a thrilling story of artificial intelligence systems rising up against their human creators.
One great 2019 sci - fi novel is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and further explores the dystopian world she created. Another is 'The Future of Another Timeline' by Annalee Newitz. It combines time travel and feminism in an exciting way. And 'The City in the Middle of the Night' by Charlie Jane Anders is also notable, with its unique world - building and exploration of themes like power and identity.
I think 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a great sci fi novel. It's full of humor and absurdity. It takes the reader on a wild journey through the galaxy, introducing strange alien species, mind - boggling concepts like the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything being 42, and a very unique view of space travel.