Best Sci-fi Novels of All Time

 

Source: Learning Mind

Mankind has been gazing up at the stars and dreaming since the dawn of time, but it was only centuries ago that we began to convert those dreams into fiction. And what extraordinary dreams they are—dreams of faraway realms, otherworldly creatures, parallel universes, artificial intelligence, and much more. 

Those dreams are now referred to as science fiction. Science fiction elicits the finest in our imaginations and a sense of wonder, but it also elicits a spirit of inquiry. Our finest works in the genre deliver on this promise, pondering topics as diverse as identity, oppression, and morality. As the Nobel Laureate novelist Doris Lessing put it, "Science fiction is some of the best social fiction of our time,". Now, let's take a look at some of the best Sci-fi Novels of all time and we are sure there's something on this list for every taste. 

1. Dune by Frank Herbert 

As corny as it may sound, this novel appears to be a classic, a story that can be read again and again. As a result, Dune has risen to the top of our list.

Dune Leto is the main character of the story, which is set 20,000 years in the future. The plot of this work takes some surprising and intriguing turns that keep the readers guessing. The conclusion is unquestionably a cliffhanger that will entice the reader to continue reading. Since the 1990s, the Dune series has been a huge success, lasting until 2009. 

2. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

As the title suggests, this book is about a time machine developed by the protagonist, a time traveler. The time traveler goes through several eras, beginning in 802,701AD and stopping at various points before arriving thirty million years in the future. The story transports the reader through time; the reader is immersed in the whimsical universe of HG Wells as he travels through time with the time traveler. 

3. Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Here, the reader is transported to another dimension, world, and period. Shrike is idolized by some, feared by others, and despised by others in the land of Hyperion. The entire galaxy appears to be at war due to the conflicting views of the people of Hyperion. Seven pilgrims to Hyperion are the focus of various riddles that are revealed near the end of the book. A page-turner for sure!

4. Neuromancer by William Gibson

This novel takes place in the future. A normal cowboy transforms into cyberpunk and becomes involved with a mysterious group that turns out to be cyber terrorists. Moving through cyberspace, the novel follows certain mysterious instructions. In his work, the author captures the complicated cyber technology, mystery, and thrill.

Therefore, if you're a 'cyberpunk' or an 'IT geek,' you should read this book.

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry's "The Giver," arguably the most widely read science fiction work on this list, has become essential reading in many classrooms across the country. The novel is set in a utopian society and follows a young man named Jonas as he prepares to become the community's Receiver of Memory. As his training progresses, he realizes that the utopia he's been given may not be as flawless or pleasant as he had hoped.

6. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

N.K. Jemisin, one of science fiction's most adored contemporary authors, has produced some of the genre's most enthralling and innovative work. In "The Fifth Season", the world begins to collapse on the same day that Essun's life falls apart. Essun sets out to find her daughter amid a battle for life, and her plight, together with Jemisin's amazing world-building and exquisite prose, will keep you engrossed for the entire 450-plus pages. 

7. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

"Ender's Game," set in an unknown future, is a military science fiction novel about humanity's war against an alien lifeform bent on demolishing the planet. The protagonist is a 10-year-old prodigy, and the novel is the first in a series with four straight sequels that continue Andrew "Ender" Wiggins' narrative.

8. Recursion by Blake Crouch 

In Blake Crouch's novel "Recursion," a nationwide pandemic replaces people's true memories with memories of things that never happened. In this dark sci-fi thriller mystery, a detective and a neuroscientist must work together to identify the terrible power behind the epidemic, traveling through time to do so. 

9. Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey 

Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, the authors under the pen name James S.A. Corey have woven a tale about two men, Jim Holden and Detective Miller, who stumble upon a derelict starship floating in outer space in "Leviathan Wakes." Each man is trying to figure out his mystery about the ship, but as they unravel the threads, they realize they need to work together to figure out the complete story before someone else does. 

10. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Part homage to the 1980s, part dystopian sci-fi tale, "Ready Player One" follows Wade Watts, a slum youngster, as he attempts to solve a puzzle buried by the game's inventor inside the world's largest video game, OASIS. The action-packed story is a blast to read, especially for fans of pop culture and those who love science fiction on the lighter side. 

We hope you enjoy reading these books as they offer the perfect way into the imaginative wonders of science fiction.

Anshika Bansal