Well, 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is still very relevant and could be considered among the best current sci - fi novels in a sense as it continues to influence the genre. Then there's 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The complex narrative and the exploration of different characters' stories in a far - flung future make it a great read. And 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson, which combines elements of cyberpunk and a unique view of a post - modern world.
One of the top current sci - fi novels is 'Children of Time' by Adrian Tchaikovsky. It's about the evolution of spiders into an intelligent species. 'The Expanse' series by James S. A. Corey is also highly regarded. It delves deep into a future where humanity has colonized the solar system and the political and social implications. Additionally, 'Leviathan Wakes', the first book in the series, is a great start. It has a really engaging plot with a mix of mystery, action, and great world - building.
One option is to visit your local library. Librarians are usually very knowledgeable about the latest and greatest in different genres, including sci - fi. They can recommend some great current novels. You could also join sci - fi book clubs. There, you'll get to discuss and discover new and excellent sci - fi reads from other enthusiasts. Plus, following sci - fi publishers on social media can keep you informed about their new releases.
One popular current sci - fi novel is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It's about an astronaut who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory and has to figure out how to save the Earth. Another is 'The Expanse' series by James S. A. Corey. It's set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system and follows various characters as they navigate political intrigue and space - based adventures. And 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, although it was first published in the 1960s, has a recent resurgence in popularity with new adaptations, and it's a classic in the sci - fi genre with its complex world - building and themes of power, religion, and ecology.
Some of the 2020 best sci - fi novels include 'Network Effect' by Martha Wells. It continues the story of Murderbot, a self - aware security unit, in an exciting adventure. Another one could be 'The City We Became' by N. K. Jemisin, which is a creative take on cities coming to life in a very strange and magical way.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex universe with politics, religion and ecology all intertwined. '1984' by George Orwell, though more of a dystopian novel, is also a great sci - fi work. It warns about totalitarianism. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley which shows a future society where people are engineered for specific roles.
One of the best sci - fi novels in 2017 was 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an interesting take on an interstellar empire on the verge of collapse, with great world - building and engaging characters.
One of the great ones in 2018 was 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It has a really unique and mysterious setting. The way the environment is described makes it seem like a place that's both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Another good one was 'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal. It combines the idea of space exploration with some really interesting social and gender issues.
Some of the great ones include 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It has a complex and unique world - building with a military - focused plot. Another is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead which uses a sci - fi element in the form of a literal underground railroad to tell a powerful story about slavery and freedom.
Some of the best 2019 sci - fi novels include 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a great follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale' with its exploration of a dystopian future. Another one could be 'The Future of Another Timeline' by Annalee Newitz, which plays with time travel and feminist themes. And 'Recursion' by Blake Crouch is also quite good, dealing with mind - bending concepts of memory and time.
'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis is also a notable 2020 sci - fi novel. It tells a story about first contact with an alien species. It explores themes like government secrecy, family relationships, and the far - reaching consequences of making contact with beings from another world. The characters are well - drawn and the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Well, 'The Martian' is a top pick. It's really gripping as we follow Mark Watney's struggle to stay alive on Mars using his scientific knowledge. Then there's 'Ancillary Justice'. The way it plays with concepts of identity through its AI - centric story is quite fascinating. Also, 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It has a really strange and alluring setting in Area X, where a team of scientists goes in to explore and things get very weird and dangerous.