influential science fiction and fantasy books

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.

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.

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.

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.

Well, 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a very influential science fiction book. It has a complex world-building with its desert planet Arrakis, unique cultures, and political intrigue. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also quite influential. It's a hilarious take on space travel and the universe, with its absurd characters and situations that have endeared it to many readers. Then there's 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, which delves into themes of war, leadership, and morality in a science - fiction setting.

Well, 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is really important. It was one of the first to depict an alien invasion, which has influenced countless science fiction works since. 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is also a big one. His ideas about psychohistory and the long - term development of civilizations are very thought - provoking. And then there's 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, which looks at military strategy and the nature of leadership in a sci - fi context.

I think 'Stranger in a Strange Land' was very influential. It challenged many social norms and ideas of the time, and influenced later science fiction works in terms of exploring different cultures and values.

The 'The Left Hand of Darkness' was also very influential. Ursula K. Le Guin's exploration of gender concepts was way ahead of its time. Her unique world - building and the way she incorporated deep social and philosophical ideas into a science fiction setting influenced a whole generation of science fiction writers.

A significant one is 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury. It's a collection of short stories about the colonization of Mars. Bradbury's vivid descriptions of the red planet and the human experience there are really captivating.