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.
For science fiction, 'Foundation' is a good start. It has interesting concepts and a well - developed universe. In the case of fantasy, 'The Hobbit' (which is related to 'The Lord of the Rings') is a great introduction. It's a more accessible story with a single main adventure that can ease you into the world of Middle - earth.
Well, you can't go wrong with 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It's set in a far - flung future with a complex ecosystem and political system. The story of Paul Atreides is both an adventure and a deep exploration of power and prophecy. 'The Foundation series' by Isaac Asimov is also excellent. It presents a grand vision of a galactic empire and the science of psychohistory that attempts to predict the future of the empire. And if you like a more cyberpunk - ish feel, 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a must - read.
I'd recommend starting with 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury. It's not only a great science - fiction story but also has a lot to say about society, censorship, and the importance of books. It's very accessible and will draw you into the world of science fiction quickly. Another good one to start with could be 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov. It has a series of short stories that introduce different ideas about robots and artificial intelligence in an engaging way.
Well, 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley is an influential science fiction book. It shows a future society where people are conditioned from birth and there is no real freedom. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin is a very popular and influential fantasy series. It has a large number of complex characters and a detailed world full of political intrigue and battles. 'Foundation' series by Isaac Asimov is also important. It introduced concepts like psychohistory which influenced the way we think about predicting the future in science fiction.
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.
You could begin with 'The Hunger Games'. It has a fast - paced plot and the concept is easy to understand. It shows a different kind of dystopian world which is a common theme in fantasy science - fiction, and it'll draw you in quickly.
You could start with 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. It's a short and engaging read that takes you on a journey through time. Wells' ideas about time travel and the future of humanity are really interesting. It gives you a good taste of what old school sci - fi is all about.
You could start with 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman. It's a short but powerful novel that combines elements of fantasy and coming - of - age. Gaiman's writing is always engaging and his ability to create an otherworldly atmosphere in a very ordinary setting is remarkable.
The 'The Handmaid's Tale' is influential in a different way. It has made people think more deeply about social and political issues in the context of a possible future. It has also influenced the way we view dystopian literature and how it can be used as a warning about the direction our society could take if certain trends continue.
In my opinion, 'Stranger in a Strange Land' was very influential. Its ideas about different cultures and social norms challenged the readers' thinking at that time and had a long - lasting impact on the science - fiction genre.
I highly recommend 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It's a fantasy romance set in a magical land. The relationship between the main characters develops in an interesting way against the backdrop of a dark, enchanted forest. Then there's 'Red, White & Royal Blue' which is more of a contemporary - ish take on a romantic relationship but has elements of political intrigue that can be considered a bit science - fiction - like in the context of high - level politics. 'An Ember in the Ashes' also has a slow - burning romance within its action - packed fantasy setting.