Spaceships, aliens, robot uprisings, unexpected time travel consequence I mean -What is there not to like about sci-fi? A genre that has inspired groundbreaking inventions (Fahrenheit 451 seashell radio as earbuds and Star Trek replicators as 3d printers). Science fiction is the reason why non-material bores me. I keep expecting aliens or alternate realities to show up so when they don’t, I am disappointed. I can’t speak for everyone but I read sci-fi simply because it’s a genre that offers a glimpse into what lies in galaxy and time far away and stretches the imagination. Probably one of the most important, relevant and often overlooked genre there is. The list is in no particular order:
“Actually, I was the very lowest ranked member of the crew. I would only be “in command” if I were the only remaining person. What do you know? I’m in command.”
Mark Watney is on a mission to Mars and after a big sandstorm gets knocked away from his crew. His crewmembers thought he died because of his suit’s vital readings flatline. Forced to evacuate because otherwise, they would all die, They left, weighed down by the fact that their crewmate died. But he was alive and was left stranded on Mars with no source to contact earth. and even if he could, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. He has to survive on Mars for four years.
Why to read: This book is laugh out loud funny including the main character who is probably one of the most favorite fictional character because of his wit and he is so much fun to read! You’ll be shaking your head at the horrid timing of the jokes. I was captivated from the beginning.
“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”
In their senior year, Two college best friends Victor and Eli who shares a common research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences and EO’s (Extraordinary people who have superpowers.) An intriguing possibility suggests that extreme events could lead to a person to develop extraordinary abilities. But when Victor decides to experiment this thesis on themselves, things go downhill from there and these best friends turn into arch-nemesis. Now fast forward to 10 years, Victor is out of jail and is on a lookout for Eli.
Reason of Intrigue: Beautifully twisted and a gripping novel where you will be forced to choose sides. I personally loved how complex and morally questionable all the characters were. Plus two best friends turning into sworn enemies? A near death experience bringing superpowers? How can you not be interested yet?! Also, I love V.E Schwab’s stories, This girl knows her stuff.
“We all live day to day completely oblivious to the fact that we’re a part of a much larger and stranger reality than we can possibly imagine.”
15 years ago, a quantum physicist Jason Dessen was working on a project which could have changed the entire world but instead of pursuing his career, he is now working as a college professor and is happily married to Daniela with his son being almost 15. One night he gets abducted and wakes up in an unknown place with people who thinks that he is someone he isn’t. His wife isn’t his wife, he doesn’t have a son anymore and instead, he is now a celebrated genius who has created something extraordinary.
Reason of Intrigue: Tiny, This is what this book made me feel.It’s better if you start reading this story knowing as little as possible. It explains the concepts of quantum physics so easily for noobs like me.
“Barbarians, we call them, while all the while we timidly cling to our Web like Visigoths crouching in the ruins of Rome’s faded glory and proclaim ourselves civilized.”
A strange group of travelers who have been sent on a pilgrimage to the planet Hyperion, which has mysterious Time Tombs and is home to a deadly entity known as the Shrike – a violent creature that appears to be unbound by time. A powerful religion has grown around the Shrike and many make pilgrimages to try and see him from which almost no one ever returns. These pilgrims- once realizing they must be chosen for a reason, Take turns telling the stories of their connections to Hyperion and Shrike as they make way towards Time Tombs.
“Ender Wiggin isn’t a killer. He just wins—thoroughly.”
The earth is overpopulated and human race has been dragged into war with “buggers” an insectoid species apparently bent on our annihilation so on last chance to attack back, the government selects a group of child prodigies including our main protagonist Ender Wiggin, are drafted into an elite battle school in the hopes of preparing them to defend against an invasion by buggers.
“You’d be amazed how much research you can get done when you have no life whatsoever.”
It’s the year 2044 and most people find reality to be an ugly place due to ongoing famine and overpopulation. Like many, Wade Watts feels most alive when he is plugged into OASIS, a virtual reality online stimulation and has devoted his life obsessively studying the puzzles hidden in OASIS which are based on the creator’s fascination with the pop culture and promise massive power and fortune to the person who collects and solves all the clues first.
My Opinion on this: My first thought while reading this was-What I wouldn’t give for this game to exist in real life! It was a fun read with a good plotline that kept me at the edge of my seat and all the 80’s references were also mildly entertaining (At least those which I recognized) But don’t worry if you are not much familiar with the 80’s you’ll still find this an entertaining read.
“If you look like you belong, people assume you do.”
Told in the POVs of Em and Marina- The girl she was 4 years ago. Em and Finn are on a mission to kill the doctor (The person who invented the time machine, Cassandra) Em had tried to stop the doctor multiple times but all had led her imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic doctor while war rages outside.
Marina has loved her best friend, James, Who is a science prodigy but on one fateful night, James life crumbles and Marina- In order to protect James will be faced with such a truth that will change her completely.
Why to read: An action packed page turner with love aspects that don’t overpower the plot. This is the book that had played a huge role for getting me into sci-fi and I recommend this to people who don’t usually like science fiction books. A super simple fast read that readers would enjoy immensely.
One of the earliest books in the cyberpunk genre of science fiction, Neuromancer is the story of Henry Case, a drug-addicted, down-on-his-luck computer hacker hired to pull off the ultimate digital heist in a dystopian future.
Other books you will probably enjoy too:
