best first science fiction books

A good choice is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The story has elements of first contact within its complex and multi - layered narrative. It's set in a far - flung future where different characters have their own experiences related to strange and powerful beings. 'Speaker for the Dead' by Orson Scott Card is also a worthy mention. It's a sequel to 'Ender's Game' and further explores the relationship between humans and the alien species. And 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin is a great first - contact sci - fi. It presents a unique view of an alien civilization's plan to invade Earth through a complex scientific concept.

One of the best first science fiction books is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe, complex characters, and explores themes like politics, religion, and ecology in a science - fictional setting. Another great one is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It tells the story of a young boy in a military - like training for an interstellar war, and it really makes you think about leadership and morality. Also, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a classic. It's full of humor and has a really unique take on the universe, with strange aliens and wacky adventures.

One of the great ones is 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick. The first - person perspective really draws you into the mind of the protagonist as he navigates a post - apocalyptic world filled with androids. Another is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The different first - person accounts in this novel create a rich tapestry of a far - future universe. And 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is also excellent. The first - person log - style narrative makes you feel like you're right there with the astronaut stranded on Mars.

One of the best - selling science fiction books is 'The Hunger Games' trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It became a huge phenomenon with its post - apocalyptic setting and strong female lead. Another is 'Harry Potter' series which has strong science - fiction and fantasy elements. It's about a boy wizard in a magical world which has elements of alternate reality. 'Star Wars' tie - in novels also sell a great deal as they expand on the popular movie franchise's universe.

Some of the great science fiction books from 2017 could include 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an interesting concept of an interstellar empire on the verge of collapse. Another might be 'Artemis' by Andy Weir, which takes place on a lunar colony and has a great story about a woman trying to make her mark in a unique environment.

I'd recommend starting with 'Project Hail Mary'. It has a really exciting and fast - paced plot that will draw you in right away.

Some great ones to start with could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe, complex politics and a hero's journey. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, while more dystopian, is a classic that warns about totalitarianism in a future society. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley also offers a thought - provoking view on a future with extreme social engineering.

Sure. 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is a great first science fiction book. It was one of the first to depict an alien invasion, and it's still really exciting to read today. Another good one is 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle. It has a young girl as the main character who goes on an adventure through time and space to save her father. It's a great mix of science fiction and coming - of - age story. And 'Ringworld' by Larry Niven is also worth checking out. It's about a huge artificial ring - shaped world in space.

Well, 'The Terraformers' by Annalee Newitz is among the top. It explores themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and what it means to shape a planet. It's a really engaging read with interesting characters. And then there's 'Light from Uncommon Stars' by Ryka Aoki. This book combines science fiction elements with music and a touch of the supernatural, creating a very distinct and captivating story.

Some of the great science fiction books from 2016 include 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It's a military science fiction novel with complex world - building and unique strategies. Another one could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead which uses a science - fiction - like concept of a literal underground railroad in a historical - yet - otherworldly setting.