A really funny one is 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' by Mark Twain. It's an oldie but a goodie, where a modern - day person gets transported back in time to the days of King Arthur, creating all sorts of comical situations. Then there's 'The Long Earth' by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. It has a very imaginative concept about parallel Earths and some really funny characters and their adventures across these different worlds. 'Redshirts' by John Scalzi is also great. It's a hilarious take on the often - doomed red - shirted characters in Star Trek - like scenarios.
One of the books could be 'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin. It has a unique world - building with a post - apocalyptic setting and elements of magic and geology combined in an interesting way.
I think 'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu was also quite popular. It has a great blend of Asian - inspired mythology and science fiction elements. It's about kingdoms and power struggles in a world that has some advanced technological aspects.
The 'Artemis Fowl' series by Eoin Colfer is quite funny. It features a young criminal mastermind dealing with fairies and other magical creatures in a modern - day, yet science - fictional world. Another good option is 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. It has some light - hearted and funny moments as the kids discover the hidden world of faeries around them. 'How to Train Your Dragon' by Cressida Cowell is also great for young readers. It has a lot of humor in the relationship between the boy and his dragon.
One great science fiction fantasy book is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has a richly detailed world, with elves, dwarves, hobbits and more. The story of the Fellowship's journey to destroy the One Ring is full of adventure and magic. Another is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. Set in a far - future universe, it has complex political intrigue, unique cultures, and a hero's journey. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin also fits the bill. It has a large - scale world filled with different kingdoms, magic, and a complex web of characters and their motives.
Funny characters are also a big part. They often have strange quirks or behaviors. In 'Ready Player One', the avatars of the players in the OASIS can have really wacky appearances and personalities that add to the humor. These characters get into comical situations, like when they're competing in the various challenges in the virtual world. Also, the dialogue in funny science fiction books is usually witty and full of pop - culture references or clever wordplay, which makes the readers laugh.
'The Stainless Steel Rat' series by Harry Harrison is great. The main character, Slippery Jim DiGriz, is a lovable rogue in a science - fictional universe, getting into all sorts of comical and dangerous situations.
Well, 'Ancillary Mercy' by Ann Leckie is also a notable one. It's part of a great series. The story is complex, involving interesting characters and a far - reaching space - based civilization. It has elements of artificial intelligence and political intrigue.
One well - known book could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It's a classic in the genre, with a richly imagined desert planet, complex political intrigue, and a hero's journey.