Popular recent science fiction books usually have complex characters. In 'Project Hail Mary', the main character has to face numerous challenges alone, which makes his character development very interesting. The settings are often very imaginative. Take 'The City in the Middle of the Night' as an example, its world with different day - night zones and cultures is quite extraordinary. And they often blend different genres. 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet' combines elements of adventure, character - driven stories and science fiction in a great way.
One characteristic is the exploration of advanced technology. For example, in 'Ready Player One', virtual reality is a central element. Another is the creation of unique and diverse worlds. 'The Three - Body Problem' shows a very different view of the universe compared to our normal perception. Also, many recent popular science fiction books often deal with social and ethical issues. In 'Annihilation', questions about human nature and the impact of scientific exploration on the environment are raised.
One characteristic is diverse themes. Recent popular fiction books cover a wide range, from mystery like in 'The Silent Patient' to coming - of - age stories. Another is strong character development. For example, in 'Educated', the main character's transformation is very well - portrayed.
One characteristic is innovative concepts. For example, in 'The Three - Body Problem', the idea of a three - sun system and the resulting chaotic planetary orbits is quite novel. Another is diverse characters. In 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet', the crew is made up of various species with different cultures and personalities. Also, recent great science fiction often has a strong sense of realism in terms of scientific principles, like in 'The Martian' where the scientific details of survival on Mars are well - researched.
Many recent award - winning science fiction books often feature complex world - building. For example, in 'The Three - Body Problem', the author creates a detailed and mind - boggling alien civilization. They also tend to explore deep philosophical questions, like the nature of humanity in 'Ancillary Justice'.
'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline is also suitable for beginners. It combines science fiction with elements of 1980s pop culture. The story is set in a virtual world where the main character has to complete challenges to inherit a huge fortune. It's a fast - paced and exciting read.
One of the very popular ones is 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It has attracted a large number of readers around the world with its unique and imaginative view of the universe.
Many recent fiction books are highly influenced by modern technology. Some use social media as a plot device or explore the impact of the digital age on relationships. Also, the writing styles can be quite experimental. Writers are playing with different narrative structures, like non - linear storytelling or multiple points of view. Another characteristic is the focus on identity. Authors are delving deep into how individuals define themselves in a complex and changing world, which can be seen in books like 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Recent hard science fiction also tends to have complex world - building. Take 'The Expanse' series, for instance. It creates a detailed future solar system with different political entities, cultures, and technologies. This world - building is based on scientific projections of how humanity might expand into space and develop over time. Moreover, the characters in recent hard science fiction are often faced with real - world - like problems but on a much grander scale, such as resource management on a galactic level or dealing with the ethics of new technologies.
One characteristic is the blurring of genre boundaries. Recent works might combine elements of mystery, thriller, or even romance with science fiction. For instance, some books have a love story set in a post - apocalyptic science - fiction world. Also, there's a greater emphasis on character development. Characters are not just tools to move the plot forward but have their own internal struggles and growth, as seen in 'Station Eleven' which focuses on the lives of various characters during and after a pandemic in a science - fiction context.
The 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy by Leigh Bardugo has been extremely popular lately. It has a great blend of magic and a somewhat science - fiction - inspired world - building. 'The Poppy War' by R. F. Kuang is also very well - liked. It has a complex and engaging plot set in a fictional world with some science - fiction - adjacent elements. 'Six of Crows' which is also by Leigh Bardugo and is part of the same universe as 'Shadow and Bone' has been very popular among YA readers for its characters and heist - like story.
They often have complex mysteries. For example, the criminal's identity is usually hidden and needs to be uncovered through forensic evidence.