best contemporary science fiction

Some of the best contemporary science fiction books include 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It presents a unique view of the universe and extraterrestrial civilizations. Another great one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It weaves together multiple storylines in a complex and engaging way. Also, 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline is quite popular, as it combines virtual reality and a nostalgic look at 1980s pop culture.

Well, 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is among the best contemporary science fiction. It has a unique take on artificial intelligence and empire - building. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is a classic of modern science fiction, with a rich tapestry of stories within a story. And then there's 'Altered Carbon' which explores ideas of immortality and body - swapping in a gritty, futuristic setting.

Neal Stephenson's 'Snow Crash' is also great. It combines elements of cyberpunk, linguistics, and virtual reality. The story is set in a future where the world is divided between the physical and the virtual, and it's full of action, humor, and interesting ideas about society and technology.

One of the best is 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It presents a unique and complex view of the universe, with alien civilizations and the challenges they pose to humanity. It has amazing concepts and engaging storytelling.

One of the great ones is 'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman. It offers a profound look at the futility and absurdity of war in a science - fiction setting. The story follows a soldier through time - dilation effects of space travel, making his return to Earth a strange and alienating experience.

Contemporary science fiction typically involves stories set in the present or near future that deal with themes like artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, space exploration, and environmental issues. It reflects our current concerns and hopes through a scientific lens.

Jeff VanderMeer is a name in contemporary science fiction. His 'Southern Reach' trilogy is full of strange and otherworldly concepts. Cory Doctorow is also famous. He writes about digital rights and how technology impacts society in works like 'Little Brother'. And of course, there's Octavia Butler, who was a pioneer in exploring themes of race, gender, and power in science fiction with works like 'Kindred' and 'Parable of the Sower'.

One great contemporary science fiction short story is 'The Paper Menagerie' by Ken Liu. It beautifully blends family relationships with elements of science fiction, exploring themes of cultural identity through the use of magical origami creatures. Another is 'Exhalation' by Ted Chiang. Chiang's story delves into the concept of entropy and the nature of time in a very thought - provoking way. And 'A Martian Odyssey' by Stanley G. Weinbaum is also a classic among contemporary - ish (it was early but very influential) science fiction short stories, introducing readers to strange and wonderful alien species.

Octavia E. Butler is another important figure. Her works, like 'Kindred', often blend science fiction elements with issues of race, gender, and power. She has a unique ability to make readers think about these social issues through the lens of science fiction.

In contemporary science fiction, the issue of space exploration is prominent. With the real - world efforts to explore Mars and beyond, sci - fi looks at the potential for colonization, the discovery of alien life, and the challenges of long - distance space travel. Social inequality is also an area of focus. Some stories depict future societies where the gap between the rich and the poor has widened to extreme levels, leading to class struggles and uprisings. Additionally, the role of technology in surveillance is explored, making people question the balance between security and privacy.