Well, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is often considered a top sci - fi novel. It explores themes of gender and society in a unique alien world. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also amazing. It weaves together multiple stories in a far - future, interstellar setting. And 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is a great read. It has a wild mix of cyberpunk elements, linguistics, and a really interesting take on a post - apocalyptic future.
I'd say 'Ringworld' by Larry Niven is a great one. It's about a huge, artificial ring - shaped world and the adventures that take place there. 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is a classic. It was one of the first to really explore the idea of an alien invasion. Also, 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein is a good choice. It delves into military life in a future where humans are fighting an alien species.
Some of the great fantasy novels include 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It creates a vast and immersive world filled with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin which has complex characters and a sprawling, politically charged plot. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a must - mention. It takes readers into a magical world of wizards and witches, with a story that follows Harry's growth from a young boy to a hero.
Some of the all - time best fantasy novels include 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It creates a vast and immersive Middle - earth with diverse races, a great quest, and complex characters. Another is 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin, known for its political intrigue, complex plotlines, and morally ambiguous characters. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a great one, which follows the journey of a young wizard in a magical world filled with magic, friendship, and battles against evil.
Some of the highly regarded science fiction novels could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex universe with detailed world - building, political intrigue, and a unique ecological system. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, while more of a dystopian novel, has strong elements of science fiction in its vision of a totalitarian future. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley also stands out, presenting a society where technology and conditioning control every aspect of human life.
Some of the 2020 best sci - fi novels include 'Network Effect' by Martha Wells. It continues the story of Murderbot, a self - aware security unit, in an exciting adventure. Another one could be 'The City We Became' by N. K. Jemisin, which is a creative take on cities coming to life in a very strange and magical way.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex universe with politics, religion and ecology all intertwined. '1984' by George Orwell, though more of a dystopian novel, is also a great sci - fi work. It warns about totalitarianism. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley which shows a future society where people are engineered for specific roles.
One of the best sci - fi novels in 2017 was 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an interesting take on an interstellar empire on the verge of collapse, with great world - building and engaging characters.
One of the great ones in 2018 was 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It has a really unique and mysterious setting. The way the environment is described makes it seem like a place that's both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Another good one was 'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal. It combines the idea of space exploration with some really interesting social and gender issues.
Some of the great ones include 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It has a complex and unique world - building with a military - focused plot. Another is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead which uses a sci - fi element in the form of a literal underground railroad to tell a powerful story about slavery and freedom.