Science fiction quite literally means the literature of change; this includes all the modern day technological and scientific advancements to create an imaginative future. The sci-fi genre can be subdivided into astronomy, astrophysics, fantasy, science, time travel and so much more that it is beyond the scope of this article to discuss them all. Hence when I sit back to contemplate the top 10 of the list it is impossible not to exclude some of the ‘all-time-favorites’. The science fiction experts reading this blog might give the writer a condescending nod as I leave out their top best science fiction books, however, I’m going to take the risk and go ahead with my list.
1. Dune by Frank Herbert
As cliché as this might be (since this book seems to be the number one on every list), this book just seems to be a classic, a story that can be read over and over. Therefore Dune has turned up as the number one on my list.
The novel is set about 20,000 years ahead with Dune Leto as the main character. The plot of this novel takes some excitingly shocking twists that leave the readers in suspense. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger which will make the reader want to keep reading on. The Dune series have been a popular hit since the 1990’s coming a long way up to 2009.(Buy)
2. Neuromancer by William Gibson
This book is set in the future. About a simple cowboy who turns into a cyberpunk and gets caught up with a shadowy organization that turn out to be cyber terrorists. The novel takes some mysterious instructions to moving through cyberspace. The author captures the complex cyber technology, mystery and excitement in his novel.
Therefore if you are a ‘cyberpunk’ or and ‘IT freak’ you should undoubtedly give this novel a read.(Buy)
3. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
This must have been of one of my favorites as I was growing up when the entire idea of time travel and a time machine, to me, sounded so bizarre!
As the name suggests this book is about a time machine created by the time traveler, the star of this story. The time traveler travels through different times going from 802,701AD and making several stops after which he ends up thirty million years into the future. The story takes the reader through the different times; the reader is in a trance as travelling through with the time traveler into the whimsical world of HG Wells.(Buy)
4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
There have been so many Frankenstein stories out in the market that the audience almost wants to say ‘Yet, not another one of the Frankenstein’s monsters!’. However this novel supercedes all those novels that have not failed to saturate our brains.
This story revolves around Victor Frankenstein’s tragic story- the story of Frankenstein’s monster.
The story of Victor is told in third person by Robert Walton who narrates to the audience every detail about Victor’s life. Victor being the genius since childhood, ends up accidentally creating a monster. The monster is now dedicated to avenge his rejection from mankind from his creator and his creator’s family.(Buy)
5. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
The reader is taken into another dimension, another world, another time. In a world called Hyperion a creature named Shrike is worshiped, feared by some, and hated by the others. Due to the contradicting beliefs of the people of Hyperion the entire galaxy seems to be at war. Seven pilgrims to Hyperion hold several mysteries that are unraveled towards the end of this novel. Definitely a page turner!(Buy)
6. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Only my second novel on the list by a female author, as we know women are not well appreciated in the sci-fi genre, it was important for me to mention this outstanding author, Ursula who breaks the stereotype of science-fiction being a male oriented domain. The book deals with issues of gender crisis and identity. The characters of this story are gender-less with conflicting human characteristics. Ursula has portrayed this unique plot magnificently. This novel will give you goosebumps. A must read.(Buy)
7. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
The forever war by Joe Haldeman is a series of novels; here’s a little about the first novel of the series. The novel is based on a fierce alien that seems to have a hostile approach. The hero, William Mandela propelled through space takes changes of saving his planet and goes through any challenges that he has to survive through.(Buy)
8. The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
This nerve-racking novel portrays an imaginative future in which the people protect themselves from the radioactive hit men.
The book takes the reader through a journey with a mix of emotions about the main character, Foyle. Great read, highly recommendable.(Buy)
9. The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
This trilogy has served as an inspiration to many in the science fiction genre. This novel takes you on a voyage to a time beyond our imagination. A time so far ahead in the future that the humans have settled into the galaxy to explore the universe. This novel welcomes you into the world of fantasy, a world where there are no limitations and everything can be worked out into a mathematical equation. This will push your imagination to the edge and excite your neural cells.(Buy)
10. The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe
The book of the new sun by Gene Wolfe is one of the series. The story has a fantasy background, concentrating on magical wonders and powers. The plots set around as we are introduced to a dying sun and the ‘Conciliator’ who happens to be the savior of the earth but is not aware of it as yet. The character has been bestowed magical powers. The ‘Conciliator’ faces many challenges before he is crowned and set to world to be judged. His aim is to save the life of a dying world.(Buy)