fantasy books that turn out to be science fiction

Often, they have a world - building that seems magical at first. For example, a world with flying dragons. But then, there might be a scientific explanation for these things, like the dragons being genetically engineered creatures. So one characteristic is the hidden scientific underpinning of seemingly magical elements.

Another good one is 'The Invisible Library' series by Genevieve Cogman. It starts off with a very fantasy - like premise of a library that exists across different worlds. However, as you get deeper into the series, there are aspects of time - travel, alternate dimensions, and scientific - like rules governing the library and its agents that make it more of a science - fiction story in disguise.

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 'out of this world' science fiction book is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and fascinating universe with unique ecosystems, political intrigue, and a hero's journey. Another is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It takes you into a future where children are trained for intergalactic warfare. And 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also amazing. It's full of absurd humor and strange alien species as it follows the adventures of Arthur Dent across the galaxy.

For beginners, 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins is a great choice. It has an easy - to - follow plot and engaging characters. It shows a post - apocalyptic world where children are forced to fight to the death in an annual event.

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.

I'd say 'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal is a great new science fiction book. It's set in an alternate history where a meteorite strike forces humanity to consider space travel more seriously. Another is 'This Is How You Lose the Time War' by Amal El - Mohtar and Max Gladstone. It's a beautifully written book about two agents on opposite sides of a time - war. Also, 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin is a mind - blowing newish science fiction that delves into deep scientific concepts.

Among the 10 great science fiction books, 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells is a well - known one. It shows an alien invasion in a very vivid way. 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick is another great work. It inspired the movie 'Blade Runner' and deals with the question of what it means to be human in a world with artificial life. 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is also important as it was one of the first to really explore the idea of cyberspace.

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.