These posts are
fun! Last month I posted on 8 Popular Fantasy Novels I Enjoyed, and
this
month I’m here to talk about fantasy’s slightly more advanced albeit slightly
deranged twin, science fiction. I couldn’t quite come up with eight novels, but
that’s merely because I haven’t been reading sci-fi quite as long. Give me
time, and I’m sure I’ll find more!
Now I’m not a
dystopian fan, so you can automatically strike those of the list, with one
exception. Sorry, dystopian fans. It’s just too depressing for my taste. What
you can expect, however, is some space opera, superheroes, and AI’s. You’re
welcome.
Books are arranged
alphabetically by the authors’ last names.
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Many people have heard of the movie—which I hated—and it
wasn’t until later on that I discovered there was a book, thanks to another
blogger. (Thank you, fellow bloggers!) A collection of short stories strung
together, I, Robot is set in a world where robots move from a focus on
scientific advancement to a place of political influence. And some of the
artificial intelligences of the book wind up being far more intelligent than
those portrayed in the film adaptation. A thought-provoking read.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Funny story—I almost didn’t read this one, but I remember
listening to my friends from college talk about it, so I gave it a try. Then I
almost didn’t like it, but I picked up the rest of the series and liked it so
much that I went out and bought the books. It’s probably time for a reread of Ender’s
Game.
Thoughtful yet tragic, the story describes the ends humanity
might go to in order to protect itself against a hostile alien race. And it’s
about Battle School, a place where brilliant children learn to be military
leaders. Though I don’t agree with many of the tactics used throughout the book
by various characters, it is an interesting exploration of human psychology
with compelling characters.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
An exploration of what it means to be human, the story of The
Giver follows a young boy, Jonas through his training in a seemingly
utopian society. Parts of the story I didn’t quite understand at first, like
color first coming into Jonas’ understanding, which makes sense considering the
point of view, but coupled with the beautiful interpretation of the movie
adaptation, the story makes more sense. I still have yet to read the final book
in the series, and considering how far apart I’ve read the books, I think I’ll
go back and reread them all.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I have mixed feelings about this book and the llluminae
Trilogy as a whole. On the one hand, it’s filled with less-than-admirable
characters and profanity, albeit censored. But on the other hand, it’s got a
unique format, a fast pace and great overarching themes, like standing up
against tyranny. Overall, it kinda reminds me of Guardians of the Galaxy
if you add a murderous AI who somehow manages to be a fan favorite.
Renegades by Marissa Meyer
Talked my sister into reading this gem, and now she’s more
obsessed than I am. Focusing on events after the rise of superheroes, or
prodigies as they’re called, the story explores what it means to be a hero or a
villain. It’s not always as clear cut as some of the characters would like to
think. With traditional superpowers and unique, new ones, Renegades is
part one in a trilogy with the final book recently released.
Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
I recently posted a book review for this superb read, which
you can check out here. Set on a planet where humans have been forced to
live in cave systems to survive the bombardment of an alien species, Skyward
follows the daring expeditions of the new pilots in training both in
holographic simulations and in real flights. Not to mention the excellent
characters, the AI, and the cave creature that the main character, Spensa,
fondly names Doomslug. I’m curious to see what direction the future books will
take.
The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
This book is a long-time favorite of mine. I was first
introduced to the movies when I was a kid, and I later picked up the book in
college. Next on my list of childhood favorite films based on books is Journey
to the Center of the Earth.
The Time Machine, though, is quite unlike its film
adaptations (1960 and 2002). While they do an overall good job of portraying the
Eloi and the Morlock, the two races that human beings have become, the films
superimpose more plot on the story than was in the original book. If you don’t
mind a little more wandering and scientific speculation, the book is a
fantastic read!
***
Let’s chat! What are some of your favorite popular sci-fi
novels? Enjoy any of the ones I listed? What’s your favorite sci-fi subgenre?
