I normally read fantasy and have found sci-fi to be unfufilling, i have read dan simmons and quite enjoyed it, but i would like some really good sci-fi books to read
2006-07-20 05:02:50 · 29 answers · asked by ryn 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Read the Dune series by Frank Herbert- ABSOLUTELY the best sci-fi- and there's something very prophetic about the stuff he wrote. You can start with his first book "Dune" and continue the whole series if you like it. Most people get addicted and have to read every single book :-)
2006-07-20 05:13:06 · answer #1 · answered by kia78 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
The definition of good science fiction is, has been and probably always will be the original Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov. The series was eventually expanded to 7 books, 2 before and 2 after the trilogy by timeline. The seven in order are Prelude to Foundation, Forward to Foundation, Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation, Foundations Edge amd Foundation and Earth. Also any of Asimov's robot stories are well woth the reading. L. Ron Hubbard's Battlefield Earth is a big story and an enjoyable read as is Anne McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern which has since expanded far beyond the original trilogy with several prequels and sequels. Frank Herbert's Dune series is also well worth reading.
One other point on stories in general, as an example, my wife has never liked science fiction, however, I have recently gotten her hooked on Quantum Leap, the reason being, the time travle/science fiction themes of the show are only the setting, the means of getting Sam Beckett into the story, The story itself is about people and their problems and finding a solution to them. The best stories of any genre are about people time and space doesn't really matterr it is can you as a reader identify with the characters, the heroes the villains and the solution. That is what makes a good story.
2006-07-20 15:15:29 · answer #2 · answered by tom5551 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you like science fiction with some science future possiblities then you should read
The Truth Machine and The First Immortal by James L. Halperin
The First Immortal is getting close to the real thing - written and edited by the best scientists in the field. Great story also.
The Truth Machine is getting closer also.
These two are the best I've read and I read a ton.
Also good: H.G. Wells Time Machine and it's modern sequel : Time Ships (cutting edge physics - applied to time travel causality problems extremely well written in re: with Well's book) Well done
Jack McDevitt has several but they are more towards fantasy and adventure and less science basis. They're all about the same. Based on what you like- these might be just up your alley.
Ender's Game I found to be a good read - the rest of the series has nowhere near the appeal - the climax of Ender's Game can't be repeated in the same series.
Neuromancer was off-beat, edgy - negative outlook on the future. It didn't appeal to me.
Asimov, Wells, Bradbury are older authors - but as good as it gets
Good luck - I'ld stick with Halperin as the best - he only wrote two and updates them with the best science has to offer often.
2006-07-20 13:33:10 · answer #3 · answered by jjttkbford 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ender's Game by Orsen Scott Card is one of the best sci-fi's out there, but if you prefer fantasy, you should try The Chronicles of Amber by Roger Zelazny first (its in between fantasy and sci-fi). If you want a classic sci-fi that's pretty easy reading, try The Foundation by Issac Asimov.
PS. Anyone that enjoys Dean Koontz or Stephen King has no appreciation for good literature.
2006-07-20 12:56:01 · answer #4 · answered by asimplefreak 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'The Time Machine' Hg Wells, classic, seminal sci fi lit. It's quite easy to read and it has cult status, so you're improving on cultural knowledge
Space Odyssey 2001 is a must- much more detailed and exciting than the film and quite funny too.. 'what are you doing Dave!?'
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings obviously..
Douglas Adams novels are very funny and quirky..he brought out about 5 or 6 I think- HitchHikers Guide To The Galaxy was my favorite
If you want a light read the Phillip Pullman series is OK
People say Terry Pratchett is good too...
2006-07-20 13:05:37 · answer #5 · answered by syelark 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to say Dune. The book is very addicitve.
as far as fantasy...try one that is modern times with a twist. I recommend Niel Gaiman's works. Neverwhere and American Gods are great reads. My husband is really big in to sci-fi reading and could not put either book down till he was finished.
happy reading
2006-07-21 13:15:12 · answer #6 · answered by obi-wan lover 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Ender series by Orson Scott Card
2006-07-20 12:06:20 · answer #7 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
House of The Scorpion,
Supernaturalist,
Shadow Children Series.
2006-07-20 23:07:43 · answer #8 · answered by LLH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love Orson Scott Card. Start with Ender's Game. Then perhaps Ender's Shadow. Worthing Saga by Orson Scott Card is also quite good.
2006-07-20 14:44:05 · answer #9 · answered by laney_po 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi, anything by arthur c clarke or isacc asimov especially the positronic man. I heartily recommend Dune by Frank Herbert. A series of books that describe not only a planetary system, but ecosystems, populations, evolution and politics in amazing depth but make you realise the film version definately did not do justice to his vivid, detailed and inspired imagination. Enjoy!
2006-07-20 19:11:20 · answer #10 · answered by Allasse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋