Best Science Fiction Books of All Time

Dune by Frank Herbert

Set thousands of years in humanity’s future, Dune takes place in a vast interstellar empire where faster-than-light travel has enabled the colonization of numerous worlds, with the desert planet Arrakis at the center of it all. Despite its harsh conditions and giant sandworms, Arrakis is the only source of “spice,” a life-extending drug that enhances mental abilities and is crucial for space navigation. 

When House Atreides takes control of Arrakis, Paul Atreides is thrust into a world of political intrigue, ecological challenges, and ancient prophecies, as he navigates prophetic visions and the unforgiving desert.

Read more about the Dune series here!

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

In the year 12,067 G.E., mathematician Hari Seldon develops psychohistory, a science that predicts the future behavior of large populations. Using this method, Seldon determines that the Galactic Empire is doomed to plunge into 30,000 years of Dark Ages. However, Seldon proposes a plan to shorten the chaos to just 1,000 years through a series of carefully orchestrated steps, later known as “Seldon’s Plan.” 

When Seldon reveals the Empire’s impending collapse, he is exiled to the distant planet Terminus, where he and his loyal followers establish the Foundation, a bastion of hope for guiding humanity through the impending downfall.

Read more about the Foundation series here!

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

In the future, society is divided into a caste system based on color, with Gold at the top, and Red at the bottom. Darrow, a young Red born to toil in the mines of Mars, believes that his people are working to terraform the planet for future generations. However, he soon discovers that Mars has been habitable for centuries, and the Golds have been exploiting his people all along.

Devastated, Darrow undergoes a secret procedure to become a Gold himself and infiltrates the prestigious Institute, a brutal school where Golds train to lead and rule. There, he must navigate deadly challenges, forge alliances, and confront the power dynamics of his new world, all while fighting to bring justice to the oppressed Reds.

Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio

Hadrian Marlowe, heir to a prestigious family in a vast interstellar empire, is trained as a soldier and scholar to follow a life mapped out for him. But unwilling to accept a destiny he never chose, he sets out across war-torn worlds, navigating deadly alliances and uncovering secrets older than humanity itself. 

As Hadrian confronts political conspiracies, alien threats, and impossible choices, he must balance honor, survival, and rebellion. The fate of entire civilizations hangs in the balance as his journey transforms him into a figure capable of shaping the galaxy itself.

Hyperion by Dan Simmons

In the year 2732, the Hegemony of Man controls an extensive network of planets connected by farcaster portals. However, isolated “Outback” planets remain unreachable by portal travel. One such planet, Hyperion is home to the Time Tombs, which move backward in time and are guarded by the Shrike – a humanoid figure covered with deadly blades.

The Tombs have long been the destination of pilgrims seeking answers, though none have ever returned. As an invasion looms, a final pilgrimage is organized. Together, seven individuals embark on a journey, with each pilgrim sharing their story as they draw closer to the fateful confrontation.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Arthur Dent, a typical Englishman, wakes to find his house is about to be demolished for a bypass. He stops the bulldozer by lying in front of it, but his friend Ford convinces a bureaucrat to lie in Arthur’s place, suggesting they head to the pub. Ford casually mentions, “The world’s about to end,” urging Arthur to grab a towel, an essential for intergalactic travelers.

Earth is suddenly attacked by a fleet of ships, coming to demolish the planet for a hyperspace expressway. Hitching a ride on a spaceship, Ford reveals that he’s a researcher for the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and they must embark on a cosmic journey on the quest to uncover the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.

The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

In 2075, the Moon serves as a penal colony for Earth, housing three million people, mostly former criminals, political exiles, and their descendants. Without a central authority, Luna has developed its own self-regulated society with a unique culture.

A self-aware supercomputer named Mike aids a small group of rebels in planning a coordinated revolution against Earth’s repressive government, all while navigating the harsh lunar environment, scarce resources, and the challenges of building a society from scratch in a barren, unforgiving landscape.

Solaris by Stanislaw Lem

Solaris is a distant alien planet covered by a vast ocean that exhibits ever-changing patterns, hinting at a form of communication beyond human comprehension. When scientists attempt to probe the depths of Solaris, their tests result in unintended consequences, severing contact with the orbiting crew. 

Upon arriving at the station, psychologist Kris Kelvin finds the remaining scientists isolated, struggling with an unsettling atmosphere. Soon, Kelvin experiences the true power of Solaris: it can manifest people’s deepest thoughts, leading to a haunting realization that they may not be alone.

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Set in a future where Earth is at war with the insectoid Formics, humanity has united under the International Fleet, which coordinates global defense strategies. The scars of previous invasions are still fresh, and there is a collective fear of the Formics’ return. To prepare for the Third Invasion, gifted children are selected for rigorous military training in space.

Ender Wiggin, a highly intelligent and strategic young boy, is chosen for the program despite being a “Third.”. As Ender undergoes intense training and participates in simulated battles, he rises to become humanity’s most promising player in the fight for survival.

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

I, Robot is a collection of short stories that explore the concept of artificial intelligence. Asimov delves into the ethical implications of human-robot interactions and corresponding dilemmas that arise as technology advances. The stories are linked by the Three Laws of Robotics:

1. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law
2. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm
3. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law

Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick

After a devastating nuclear war, Earth is deteriorating into a barren wasteland, prompting humanity to seek refuge on other planets. To encourage emigration, governments offer a free personal android – an advanced robot that appears identical to a human. Bounty hunters are enlisted by law enforcement to “retire” rogue androids.

Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter with the San Francisco Police Department, is tasked with eliminating six of these escaped androids. As Deckard hunts down the androids, he grapples with the growing ambiguity between human and machine, questioning the very essence of what it means to be human.

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Shevek, a physicist from the barren, anarchist world of Anarres, leaves his utopian society seeking intellectual freedom. On Urras, he is dazzled by wealth and beauty but quickly sees vast inequalities and discovers his work is exploited by the elite. 

The story alternates between his life on Anarres and Urras, highlighting the stark contrasts between communal ideals and capitalist excess, and Shevek’s struggle to pursue knowledge while navigating moral and social challenges.

The Left Hand Of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Sent as an envoy to the frozen planet of Gethen, Genly Ai’s mission is to convince the planet’s leaders to join an interplanetary alliance. However, he encounters significant challenges in a society where individuals have no fixed sex, becoming male or female only during reproduction. 

As Genly navigates the complex political landscape and confronts his own biases, Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel explores profound themes of gender, identity, and the nature of humanity, creating a society that transcends conventional gender norms and traditional social structures.

Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

In 2026, a team of scientists, engineers, and visionaries embarks on a groundbreaking mission to transform Mars into a habitable world for humanity’s first colony. Led by John Boone, the settlers establish the initial base and extend their reach to Phobos, Mars’ hollowed-out moon.

The story delves deeply into the complex relationships among colonists as they confront not only the challenges of survival but also the ethical questions surrounding terraforming and their tenuous connection with Earth.

Neuromancer by William Gibson

Set in a dystopian future where the virtual and physical worlds are intertwined, Neuromancer follows Henry Dorsett Case, a former “console cowboy” who is now relegated to a low-life hustler after a botched job left his nervous system damaged.

When a mysterious figure, Armitage, promises to restore his abilities in exchange for his hacking expertise, Case accepts the dangerous offer, knowing that his life hangs in the balance. 

Neuromancer not only helped define the cyberpunk genre but also predicted the rise of the internet and virtual reality, influencing later works like The Matrix.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

Valentine Michael Smith, a Martian, returns to Earth possessing extraordinary abilities and an alien perspective on life. Confronted with human laws, social norms, and political intrigue, he struggles to survive while navigating curiosity, manipulation, and greed. 

As Smith gains followers and spreads his radical ideas, he challenges religion, morality, and human behavior, sparking cultural upheaval. His journey explores love, freedom, and identity, forcing humanity to confront its own assumptions.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In the 2040s, the world falls into widespread social unrest after an energy crisis caused by pollution, global warming, and overpopulation. In search of escape, people flock to OASIS, a virtual reality that serves as a refuge. Within this world, people attend school, work, and use the virtual currency that has become one of the few stable economies in the real world.

When James Halliday, the eccentric creator, dies, he leaves behind a challenging quest. The first person to solve the puzzle will inherit control of the OASIS. After five years with no results, teenager Wade Watts stumbles upon the first clue, drawing global attention. As Wade becomes embroiled in a high-stakes race filled with pop culture references, the battle for OASIS reaches new heights.

1984 by George Orwell

In the dystopian realm of Oceania, Winston Smith grapples with omnipresent government surveillance and propaganda. With Thought Police, telescreens, cameras, and hidden microphones as constant surveillance, The Party erases anyone who dares to disobey.

Working within the Ministry of Truth, Winston alters historical records to match the Party’s ever-shifting version of reality. However, seeking truth and individuality, Winston rebels against the oppressive Big Brother and begins a forbidden love affair with Julia. He ventures into the underground resistance and challenges the regime that aims to control every aspect of human existence.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

As technology advanced, buildings became fireproof, making traditional firefighting unnecessary. Firefighters were instead tasked with burning books believed to contain troublesome ideas that could disrupt society, and the houses in which they were found.

One evening, fireman Guy Montag meets Clarisse, whose free-spirited ideas make him question society in its current form as he returns home to find his wife attempting suicide. Inspired by a woman who chooses to burn alive over surrendering her books, Montag secretly keeps one for himself, discovering the power of individual thought.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

In the genetically engineered society, citizens are categorized into predetermined castes and conditioned from birth for their roles. Lenina Crowne, a popular hatchery worker, embodies the conformity of the population, while Bernard Marx disapproves of the methods for maintaining peace. 

Bernard and Lenina visit a “Savage Reservation,” exposing them to the realities of natural birth, disease, aging, diverse languages, and unfamiliar religious practices, all of which they had never seen before. They return with John, a citizen accidentally raised on the reservation, who is appalled by what he describes as an empty society.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Following an attack that killed the President and most of Congress, the Sons of Jacob seized control in the United States, establishing the Republic of Gilead. In this new regime, society is slowly reshaped according to an extreme interpretation of Old Testament principles, particularly targeting women’s rights, including ownership, literacy, and control over their bodies.

The story is narrated by Offred, one of the few fertile women left due to pollution and radiation. As the story progresses, she tries to navigate a society where handmaids like herself are assigned to bear children for the ruling class.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Set in the 18th century, the story begins with Captain Robert Walton’s Arctic expedition, where he rescues a nearly frozen man named Victor Frankenstein, who begins to relate his tale

After the death of his mother, Victor becomes consumed by grief and delves into his studies, eventually mastering the art of giving life to non-living matter. Despite his noble intentions, his creation turns out to be a towering, grotesque figure with yellow eyes, sallow skin, and disfigured features. Victor flees, and when he returns to his laboratory, the Creature is gone, driving Victor to a state of horror as he grapples with the ethical implications of his actions.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

In a near-future dystopian city, 15-year-old Alex leads a gang with Dim, Georgie, and Pete. Despite his sociopathic tendencies and penchant for “ultra-violence,” Alex is also intelligent and quick-witted, with a surprising love for classical music.

Following numerous violent escapades, including assault, rape, and murder, Alex is imprisoned, where authorities subject him to an experimental behavior modification treatment. This sparks profound questions about free will and morality, as Alex and society grapple with the consequences of tampering with human behavior.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne

In 1866, a US-led expedition hunts a mysterious sea creature with Professor Aronnax, whaler Ned Land, and servant Conseil. After months of pursuit throughout the Pacific Ocean, the beast attacked, throwing the men into the water.

Arronax and his companies survive by climbing onto the monster, only to discover it’s a futuristic submarine. The group is captured and forced into the depths of the ocean by its enigmatic commander, Captain Nemo, embarking on a journey filled with marine life, underwater societies, and ethical dilemmas.

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

During a snowstorm, a mysterious man named Griffin arrives at an inn owned by Mr. and Mrs. Hall. He keeps to himself, wearing bandages all over his body, working with chemicals in his room, and only going out at night. Griffin’s strange behavior causes a dispute with his landlady, where he reveals his invisibility. 

Escaping from the police, the euphoria of his power quickly gives way to madness as Griffin realizes the consequences of his invisibility. With society turning against him and his morality crumbling, Griffin descends into using his invisibility for sinister purposes.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

The Martian Chronicles is a short story collection that chronicles humanity’s colonization of Mars. 

The book’s first part covers 2 ½ years, detailing exploratory missions from the United States to Mars, during which humans inadvertently decimate the Martians with an outbreak of chickenpox. Over the next 4 ½ years, human colonizers strive to Americanize Mars, but as war erupts on Earth, most settlers return home, and interplanetary contact is severed. The final part portrays the aftermath of a global nuclear war on Earth, prompting some survivors to seek sanctuary on Mars.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

An unnamed Victorian scientist has invented a machine capable of traveling through time. He demonstrates it to dinner guests as he recounts his journey to the future, where he discovers a society of elegant but unintelligent beings called the Eloi. Puzzled by their lack of intelligence and physical vigor, he speculates that without challenges, humanity has devolved.

Upon returning to his machine, the Traveller finds it missing. He eventually realizes that humanity has diverged into two species: the feeble Eloi and the savage Morlocks. As he delves deeper into the future, he must confront the complexities of societal decay and human evolution.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

The American Revolution, spanning from 1775 to 1783, was not just a war The novel begins with Martians planning an invasion of Earth due to dwindling resources. Years later, a meteor lands on Horsell Common, England. Early arrivals to the scene discover it is actually a cylinder, as Martians emerge. However, they struggle with the heavier gravity, and military forces arrive by nightfall.

The following day, the narrator returns home only to witness Martian tripods armed with a heat-ray and deadly “black smoke” that annihilate the army and ravage the city. The rest of the novel follows the Martians as England is destroyed and organized resistance crumbles.

On Halloween, 1938, CBS Radio sparked panic with news bulletins out of The War of The Worlds. Listeners, unaware that it wasn’t real, were thrown into chaos as reporters vividly depicted aliens emerging from spacecraft.

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Paleontologist Alan Grant and his colleague are invited by billionaire John Hammond to visit a biological preserve he’s created on Isla Nublar. There, they are introduced to Jurassic Park, a theme park featuring dinosaurs created from ancient DNA found in fossilized insects. Despite gene alterations to prevent breeding, Grant discovers an eggshell, indicating reproduction.

Suddenly, a tropical storm disrupts the park’s systems, allowing the dinosaurs to break out of their habitats. Chaos ensues as a Tyrannosaurus Rex attacks the group, forcing Grant and Hammond’s grandchildren into the jungle while others face perilous encounters with loose dinosaurs.