Awesome new works of science fiction or fantasy?

Question

I read a lot. I read everything, but I enjoy the science fiction and fantasy genre for recreational reading. I'm looking for awesome books by talented authors that I haven't already read.

Please have read the book you recommend, and tell me a little bit about why I should put it on the top of my reading list. Thanks.

Thanks for answering. Yes, I've read most of Neil Gaiman's work, and I am a big fan. I've also recently read the available books in Naomi Novik's series. Liked them too. These are favorites of mine, and I'm happy to see them recommended -- excellent -- but I'm still looking for more.

Answer 1

Okay, I have a few suggestions!

Are you familiar with the work of Diana Wynne Jones? She's one of the Uk's most respected fantasy writers, (Neil Gaiman is a fan of hers!) Most of her books are aimed at children/teens, but she's done adult fantasies too.
Here's an Amazon link to one:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fire-Hemlock-Diana-Wynne-Jones/dp/0006755194/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_2_0/203-9915083-6090310

I'm assuming you've read the "Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman? Such an obvious choice, but you didn't say what you've already read ... so I'm guessing you're already familiar with this.
In case you're not familiar with it, here's the Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/His-Dark-Materials-Gift-Set/dp/0439994799/sr=1-1/qid=1166119857/ref=sr_1_1/203-9915083-6090310?ie=UTF8&s=books

Another book you might like (recently released) is "Stoneheart" by Charlie Fletcher. It's a story set in London about well-known landmark statues that come to life!
Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stoneheart-Charlie-Fletcher/dp/034091162X/ref=pd_sim_b_2/203-9915083-6090310

My favourite book, (that I'm recommending to everyone right now!) is called "Justin Thyme". It's another teen book, but will appeal to many adult fantasy fans too. I first heard about this book when I read a review of it on the big Harry Potter web site "Mugglenet" which said it would appeal to anyone who enjoys Harry Potter:
http://www.mugglenet.com/booktrolley/oxr... (beware annoying pop-ups)

The story is part fantasy, part science fiction ... a sort of science fantasy ... and it's a whodunit too. It includes: the Loch Ness Monster, a teenage billionaire, a mysterious Scottish Laird, a celebrity cryptozoologist, a computer-literate gorilla, a Shakespearean gardener, a gigantic bald woman, and an eight-legged cat! I found it fascinating - the theories about the nature of time itself, and trails of hidden cryptic clues embedded into the text. Even the identity of the author is concealed somewhere in the book, and I find myself continually being drawn back to it, hoping to discover just one more clue!

There's a website somewhere ... but if you want to check out the book on Amazon click here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/justin-thyme-tar...

Answer 2

This year I read the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik. The first book was really good, called "His Majesty's Dragon". Think Pern meets Horatio Hornblower. The next two books did drag on though. (Oops, sorry didn't see the first poster after their Gaiman recommendation, but then, this makes another recommendation).

I am currently reading "Empire" by Orson Scott Card. It is fascinating so far. About a possible civil war scenario in the near-future USA.

Also, there is a series of "Ghost in the Shell" novels. The first reads like an episode of Stand Alone Complex. The second is a set of inter-related short stories. The third has just been released, and I have not read it.

Answer 3

Have you read Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman? It's kind of a sequel to American Gods, since Anansi appeared in it, but you don't have to read it first.

Anansi Boys is the story of Fat Charlie, whose father just died. And now Charlie discovers a brother he never knew he had and strange things start happening to him. I don't want to say too much, but if you like fantasy that's based in mythology then it's an interesting read. I recommend anything by Gaiman - Neverwhere is one of my favorites.

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik is an interesting fantasy novel, the first in a series. It's the Napoleonic Wars with dragons. They're fun books.

Answer 4

Neverwhere and the Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman are amazing. I have read almost all of the books mentioned above, and I honestly like Gaiman's books better. Neverwhere is like a dark Alice in Wonderland style of book. The Graveyard Book is a story about a boy who lives in a graveyead, which adds a creepy dimension to the tale, and it just won the Newberry award for this year. You should really give Gaiman a try!

Answer 5

Have you read George Orwell? Ray Bradbury? Anthony Burgess?

I like Burgess in particular--he's strange, and sometimes gruesome, sometimes funny. He wasn't totally a science fiction author, but some of his works ARE considered science fiction. I loved A Clockwork Orange, which was so realistic, it didn't seem like science fiction at all, to a kid!

Edit--oops, I just realized you said "new". Well, any author is "new" to me if I haven't read his works before!

Answer 6

I like George RR Martins Songs of Fire and Ice series. i can't wait for the next book to come out! I am not a sci/fi fantasy kind of girl, but i really got into the characters.

Answer 7

Try Terry Brooks new series Armaggedons Children, just came out couple of months ago and next book is due out in 07. It has good mixture of fantasy/scifi.

Answer 8

if u like complicated[ something that takes alittle work] then try " E.C.Tubb[author] a series [main character] called Earl Dumerest] or an older series, early 1960's about a race called Mesklinites[ the spelling maybe alittle off] They are the main characters.

Answer 9

Well, this series is for younger readers but I still enjoyed it as an adult: D.J. MacHale (author) Pendragon (series).

This series has great action and lots of twists and turns that are not expected.

Answer 10

I really like Sabriel (and the rest of the triology) by Garth Nix. Fast read, but still interesting.