Like binging a TV show, reading a long series of good books can be trememdously rewarding. Nothing is better than turning the page in a new world. Exluding the myrad of Star Trek and Star Wars books out there, these are the top picks for a good series read, sci-fi tales told in 3 books or more.
1 - Dune (the Dune series) by Frank Herbert. The best known and most recommended sci-fi saga of all time, Dune has outsold all other sci-fi books, and in one year sold more than any other book, even non-fic. New fans of galactic empire fiction should not pass this up. It set the stage for years to come and is the standard by which all space empire scienc fiction is judged.
2 - The Expanse by S.A. Corey. Two authors make up the pen name of S. A. Corey, and they've spun a galactic tale fan can really get behind. Brilliant and far-reaching, galactic empire fans and belters alike. The cast is large and engaging, and the space opera elements are a big draw. No wonder it spawned a tv series of its own.
3 - The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov. The original trilogy was first published in 1951 to 1953. Sequels and prequels were added in the 80s and 90s. A characters sees the imminent collapse of the Galatic Empire in the future. He sets in motion a plan to slow its demise.
4 - The Forever War by Joe Haldeman. Six books that take place in a future universe. An elite human task force gets ready for war against the Taurans, an alien species that appears to have attacked the ships of some of our human colonists. There is a lot military sci-fi in this series, so be ready for that. If that elements works for you, dive in!
5 - Sons of Neptune by Rod Little. A fast-paced sci-fi thrill ride from start to finish. The ending was so bleepin' gratifying. Giant spiders, alien ships, artifacts and a guy who can spin electricity due to his DNA... and not everyone is human. This series give sci-fi fans everything they ever wanted in a series. Half takes place on earth, half in space. The combination is extremely satisfying, a little like Falling Skies meets space opera. A unique tetralogy.
6 - Space Odyseey: 2001, 2010, 2061 by Arthur C. Clarke. Very little introduction is needed for this famous set of books. Many of Claeke's books have told the future all too acurately.
7- The Stainless Steel Rat series of slim novels by Harry Harrison are too much fun to miss. The main character is reminiscent of Han Solo. There is a good bit of humor in these books too.
8 - The Ender Books by Orson Scott Card. A military sci-fi series that cuts to the bones. Not for the faint of heart, Card pulls no punches.
9 - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. A comedy SF series that no one should miss. It's brilliant, funny, and perceptive.
10 - Heechee Saga by Frederick Pohl, starting with Gateway, Book 1.
11 - The Academy by Jack McDevitt, includes Engines of God.
12 - Patternmaster by Octavia E. Butler. Extraordinary writing talent here. The series starts with Seed to Harvest and is a must-read.
13 - Mars (The Mars Trilogy) by Kim Stanley Robinson. These include Red Mars, Green Mars and Blue Mars. In 2026 Mars is colonized and later terraformed. This trilogy tells that story.
14 - Otherland by Tad Williams. A tetralogy that starts with books 1: City of Golden Shadow. If you're a fan of VR worlds and virtual reality scenes, then don't pass this one up.
15 - The Mars Books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, including Princess of Mars, Gods of Mars and more! It's an old series by the grandfather of off-world entertainment. Don't be put off by some of the dated reference, there's plenty of gold in there. Tars Tarkas rules!
16 - Silo Trilogy by Hugh Howey. Wool, Dust, and Shift. A famous indie plublished series that made Howey famous. Set on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Survivors live in a deep underground city because the air quality aboveground is toxic.
- Also check out the Top2040 list of : Best Fantasy Book Series
17 - The Company Wars by C.J. Cherryh. Begins with the book Downbelow Station, a tale of interstallar conflict to control resources in space, specifically one key point.
18 - War Against the Chtorr by David Gerrold (author of Star Trek's "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode). Earth is invaded by alien creatures and it's fantastic! Highly recommended for those who like Aliens or Starship Troopers style sagas.
19 - Pip & Flix Adventures by Alan Dean Foster. The man who has novelized more movies than any, including the first Star Wars book after the original (Splinter of the Minds Eye), brings you his own series. It's fun, flippant and full of every sci-fi trope. Note: not to be confused with the anime similarly titled.
20 - March Upcountry by David Weber and John Ringo (author of A Hymn Before Battle). In Empire of Man, the characters are marooned on an alien planet. In an attempt to get back to a space sport, the cross paths with enemies. A hard hitting sci-fi epic, and we recommend it!
Some honorable mentions:
The Maze Runner books by James Dashner.
Legacy of Aldenata by John Ringo
Virtual Light by William Gibsen. Commences with the novel Bridge.
Those are our favorite science fiction book series to stretch the imagination. Keep turning those pages and soaking them in. More otherworldly reading awaits you.
No comments:
Post a Comment