The 'Passenger' by Alexandra Bracken might be on the list of popular ones too. It's about time travel, which is a great science - fiction concept. The romance in it is between a girl who can travel through time and a boy she meets along the way. Their relationship is tested by the rules of time travel and the different eras they find themselves in.
Well, one characteristic is the blend of futuristic or otherworldly settings. For example, in many of these books, the action might take place on a different planet or in a post - apocalyptic Earth. This creates an exciting backdrop for the romance to unfold.
The books in this list may also show the anxieties of the era. With the Cold War going on, there could be themes related to the fear of nuclear war or the power struggles between different superpowers. At the same time, they might be exploring new ideas in biology and medicine as science was advancing in those fields at that time. For instance, some books could be speculating about genetic engineering or new ways of treating diseases in a science - fiction context.
One of the most popular is 'The Host' by Stephenie Meyer. It's about an alien species that takes over human bodies, but within this science - fiction premise, there is a very strong romantic story between the main character and another human. It's a page - turner that has attracted a lot of readers.
Some well - known books from 2015 science fiction lists might include 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It's a great story about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle to survive. Another could be 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie, which features a complex universe and unique characters.
'Gateway' is also very popular. Its exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown, along with the unique setting of the alien space station, has attracted a large number of readers. People are drawn to the mystery of the ships and the potential for discovery, as well as the well - developed characters.
Some of the books from 1992 might have been characterized by exploring emerging technologies of the time in a fictional context. For example, they could have delved into early concepts of virtual reality like in 'Snow Crash'.
'Wool' by Hugh Howey was quite popular too. It's set in a post - apocalyptic silo, and the mystery and the characters' struggles within that confined space were really engaging for readers. The story gradually unfolds, revealing more about the world outside the silo as it progresses, which kept readers hooked.
Some might have strong dystopian themes. For example, they could depict a future where society has crumbled due to over - population or environmental disasters.
I'm not sure which ones are the most popular exactly, but 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is often highly regarded. It's set in a future where the world has been transformed by a new form of technology and virtual reality, and it has a really unique and engaging plot.