Science Fiction Books

#1: Dune (Frank Herbert)

Science Fiction doesn’t get much better then this. Dune is every Science Fiction aficionado’s wet dream. Many people claim Dune is Science Fiction’s answer to “Lord of the Rings” and I have to agree: it sure is. For more details www.be-a-stargazer.com There are many good science fiction books, but Dune is indeed a giant among giants. It truly is a pinnacle of Science Fiction literary achievement. If you haven’t read Dune, doesn’t waste any more time. Read it now!

# 2: Starship Troopers (Robert Heinlein)

War is beautiful according to Robert Heinlein. This is a novel about the glorification of war. The premise: space-marines wearing special armor battle vicious alien insect aliens. This is classic “old school” science fiction at it’s best. It’s a rip-roaring ride through the galaxy that you don’t want to miss.

#3 : Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)

This is one of the corner stones of science fiction and one novel that you shouldn’t miss. A critique on society, the story of a boy who refuses to give up, a battle to save the fate of mankind – this science fiction book combines them all into one addictive and compelling mix that shouldn’t be missed.

#4: Foundation (Isaac Asimov)

This is undoubtedly on of the finest works of science fiction ever written. If you a fan of science fiction with grandiose and epic storylines, get your hand on this book.

A corollary: Foundation is a series for people who love grand and complex ideas. If you are looking for a book heavy on the action but thin on concepts, this may not be the book for you. The strength of the ideas presented are the focus of this story, not the characterization. Regardless, this is one of those Science Fiction books that you just need to read. You will never think about Science Fiction the same way after reading the Foundation series.

#5: Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson)

Part-time hacker and pizza delivery boy and full time samurai swordsman, meet Hiro Protagonist. Snow Crash is breath taking novel with action and pacing thick enough to drown in. Snow Crash redefined and rejuvenated the Cyberpunk genre. For more details www.fire-itup.com If you want a novel with bucket loads of action, futuristic technologies ala The Matrix, and the gritty futuristic dystopia of the Blade Runner world, Snow Crash is the perfect recommendation.

#6: Forever War (Joe Haldeman)

The Forever War is pretty much The Vietnam War in space. It’s brutal and bloody and makes a strong case that war really is pointless. Don’t let the strong political statement of the novel deter you, however; this is Science Fiction at its finest: a complex, disturbing novel that makes you think…and feel. It’s a great science fiction story that you don’t want to miss, a true masterpiece of the genre.

#7: The Night’s Dawn (Peter Hamilton)

This is space opera science fiction done right: Massive space battles, a large cast of compelling characters, political tension between planets, and an all out grand adventure. There is a good deal of space opera in the science fiction genre already, but Peter Hamilton is one of the best character writers in the genre and his plots are just so damn interesting. He really knows how to write a rip-roaring adventure that keeps you up into the late hours of the morning. Those in the mood for something big with lots of action, both in and out of space, Night’s Dawn trilogy delivers.

#8: Gap (Steven R. Donaldson)

This disturbing series is a dark ride into hell that you don’t want to miss. It’s one of the darkest set of books I’ve read, period. But the world that Stephen Donaldson draws is superb. Stephen Donaldson is an author that cares deeply about characterization, and he excels at crafting anti-heroes. If you are looking for some dark space opera, I highly recommend the Gap series.

#9: Otherland (Tad William)

Those looking for something like the Matrix in written form need look no longer. Otherland is about as close as you’ll get. With less mumbo jumbo psycho babble and more realism, Otherland makes for a really compelling read. Otherland starts slow, but those willing give it a chance will be greatly rewarded.

#10: Altered Carbon (Richard Morgan)

This is one dystopian cyberpunk with a lot of style and some seriously punishing action. I guarantee that once you start reading this novel, you won’t be putting it down. Morgan is a man with some visionary ideas; he always has interesting characters, twisting plots, and heart-pounding action. Those that love Blade Runner, Snow Crash, and Neuromancer are in for a treat.

At a conference a few weeks ago, someone told me about a science fiction / fantasy book where the characters all have an animal ‘other’, who is always near them and mirrors their personality. Does anyone know that this book is called? I’ve forgotten the title and would like to read it. Sorry for the lack of information.

Image taken on 2008-10-12 10:05:49 by Foxtongue.

Science fiction has inspired many block-buster movies. Star Wars, Matrix and Terminator are some of the movies that are based on science fiction. In fact, many scientific discoveries were first imagined in science fiction literature only. Robots were first featured in children’s fiction books during the start of the twentieth century. They eventually became a reality during the later part of the twentieth century.

Unlike other types of fictions, the science fiction books feature technological innovations that have not become a reality. Most of the present day fiction books discuss about time-machines, inter-stellar travel and flying cars. These are as innovative a concept as Robots were during the start of the twentieth century. Who knows, these science fiction machines may eventually become a part of our daily life in not too far future.

Robert Jordan’s “Popular Wheel of Time,” “Lord of the Rings” and “Star Trek” are among the all time favourite science fiction books. Joe R. Lansdale’s “Flaming London” is among the best selling fiction books of the present time. The book presents us with a postmodern alternate earth in its Victorian period. The main carryover character of the book is Ned the Seal. A mere seal in body, Ned has been experimented on by Dr. Momo and is now a highly intelligent being. Ned has thumbs grafted into his flippers so that he may communicate with humanity with his omnipresent slate. In fact, most of the book is narrated by Ned himself.

Leading book publishers come up with new science fiction books every now and then. In fact there is a multi-billion industry that is based on science fiction books. These days, DVD and CD versions of these books are also available at retailers across the world. These books and their DVD/CD versions are also available at leading online book stores of the UK like Bookworm and Amazon UK at highly attractive bargain prices.

Image taken on 2007-09-09 16:39:24 by laRuth.

Many science fiction readers are interested in joining a book club. Learn from an English professor how to start a science fictionbook discussion club in this free reading group video on literature. Expert: Jeanna Rock Bio: Jeanna Rock started her book club more than a decade ago and currently meets once a month with her group in Orem, Utah. Rock is a high school English professor as well. Filmmaker: Michael Burton

A science fiction book club is a reading group that meets on a regular basis to talk about science fiction books. Search for science fiction book clubs online withtips from a former teacher in this free video on education. Expert: Laura Minnigerode Bio: Minnigerode earned a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, Mass., and is a credentialed teacher. Filmmaker: Todd Green

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Image taken on 2006-08-12 12:24:36 by jnxyz.

Science fiction is the literature of highly creative ideas. By the mid ’70s, the genre of science-based ideas had grown. Apart from book, science fictions come in the form of art, television, film, theater and game. Science fiction can be synonymous with the broader definition of ’speculative fiction’ in organizational or marketing contexts. This is a highly creative works incorporating imaginative elements which is not found in contemporary reality. This includes horror, fantasy and related genres. This kind of books are also used to raise awareness of ecological ideas, narrates dystopia future. Frank Herbert and Kim Robinson are the well known names for their serious concern with ecological issues. This kind of fiction books are written on various themes like, cosmology, creation of universe, quantum suicide, the future, symbiont, ultimate fate of the universe etc.

Out of all the genre of books that have been written so far, science fiction seems to be one that is a class apart. The feeling towards the genre is either one of extreme hatred or fanatic following. One of great science fiction books that one can remember today are “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” by H. G. Wells, “The “Red Mars” by Kim Stanley, “Servant of the Bones” by Anne Rice, “Idoru” by William Gibson and “The Time Machine”. Today these hot listed names have been replaced with modern classical space operas like Robert A. Heinlein’s “Citizen of the Galaxy and.” This kind of science fiction has a certain epic scope in the stories. They contains fighting of galaxies, a twisted concept of time, phenomenal depictions of aliens, and many more.

Fortunately, to write for this genre it is not necessary to be a “techie,” or have to be a degree holder in quantum mechanics. Good sci-fi books, could not be popular if it is not about people. It examines the human condition, perhaps in a whole new atmosphere or in a new landscape or from an “alien” perspective. To create that all-important empathy between character and reader.

The “terminal Experiment” is one of Amazon.com’s top 50 best selling science fiction title of all times. The “Harry Porter” was the best selling book of last year.