For me, 'The Expanse' series is top - notch. The Rocinante's battles are exciting. 'Foundation' has a grand scale of galactic conflict. And 'Leviathan Wakes' starts the journey into a universe full of space war potential really well.
Another great one is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. This book creates a complex and richly detailed universe filled with political intrigue, strange ecosystems, and the spice melange that is central to the story. It's not just about space travel but also about power struggles and survival on a desert planet in a far - flung galaxy.
Well, '2001: A Space Odyssey' is a classic in this genre. It not only explores space travel but also gives some ideas about the possibilities of extraterrestrial colonization. Then there's 'Red Mars' by Kim Stanley Robinson. It delves deeply into the scientific and social aspects of colonizing Mars, like how to build habitats and deal with different groups of colonists. And 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card has elements of colonization in a more strategic sense as it involves colonizing other planets after a war with an alien race.
One of the top ones is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and detailed universe with political intrigue, unique cultures, and a hero's journey. The story of Paul Atreides on the desert planet Arrakis is full of adventure.
One of the best is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It tells the story of a young boy, Ender, trained to fight in a future intergalactic war. The battle room scenes are iconic. Another great one is 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein. It explores the military aspects of a war against alien bugs. 'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman is also excellent. It delves into the psychological and physical toll of a never - ending space war.
Then there's 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein. It's a thought - provoking look at military life in a future where humans are fighting an insect - like alien race in space. It deals with themes of citizenship, duty, and the ethics of war in a space - faring society.
I also recommend 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's a hilarious and absurd take on space travel. It has unique characters like Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent, and it's full of witty humor and strange alien species.
A must - mention is 'Leviathan Wakes' from 'The Expanse' series. It shows how different military factions operate in a vast and complex space environment. The military technology and the political intrigue around it make for a great read. 'Altered Carbon' by Richard K. Morgan also has military - like elements in a cyberpunk - ish space setting. The way the main character deals with different military - type adversaries is quite captivating.
One of the top science fiction books is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and immersive universe with great political intrigue. Another is '1984' by George Orwell. Although it's more of a dystopian novel, it has strong elements of science fiction in its vision of a totalitarian future. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley is also a classic, which presents a disturbing yet thought - provoking view of a genetically engineered society.
Some of the highly ranked science fiction books are 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It's renowned for its complex world - building, political intrigue, and exploration of themes like ecology and human evolution. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, although more of a dystopian novel, has strong science - fiction elements in its vision of a totalitarian future. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also popular. It's a humorous take on science fiction with its absurd situations and memorable characters.
Some of the best 2020 science fiction books include 'The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water' by Zen Cho. It has an interesting blend of Asian mythology and science fiction concepts. Also, 'Remote Control' by Nnedi Okorafor is really good. It's about a girl with special powers in a post - apocalyptic African setting. There were many others, but these are worth checking out.