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.
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.
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.
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.
Some science fiction fantasy books worth reading are 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It tells a multi - layered story with a group of pilgrims on a journey, filled with elements of time travel, artificial intelligence, and strange alien species. 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is also a classic. It deals with concepts like psychohistory, which is a fictional science for predicting the future of large populations, and the building of a galactic empire.
Some great ones include 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic fantasy with a richly detailed world, epic battles, and memorable characters. Another is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, which combines science fiction elements like advanced technology and interstellar politics.
Pure science - fiction books tend to explore the implications of scientific advancements, technological breakthroughs, and their impact on society or the universe. They might be more cerebral in nature. For example, 'Neuromancer' delves deep into the concept of cyberspace. In contrast, science fiction fighting fantasy books are action - packed. They feature characters engaged in combat, whether it's with swords, lasers, or superpowers. 'Dragonlance' is a good example. It has magic - using characters fighting in a world that has some science - fiction - like elements such as dragon mounts. The pacing in fighting fantasy is often faster due to the constant battles, while pure science - fiction can have a more measured pace focused on scientific discovery.
Another one could be 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie. It's set in a far - flung future with a complex universe and interesting characters. The unique narrative style and exploration of themes like identity and power within the science - fiction framework are what make it stand out.
One of the top science fiction and fantasy books is '1984' by George Orwell. Although often considered more of a dystopian science fiction, it has elements of both. It warns about totalitarian governments and the loss of individual freedoms. Also, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a very fun and imaginative science - fiction work, full of strange aliens and absurd situations.