<div class="IPBDescription">I need recommendation, please.</div> I am looking to find a good scifi novel to engross myself in. Any recommendations? I prefer something fun and action-packed, not too scientific.
The whole Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card, all of the books in the Rogue Squadron series by Michael Stackpole and Aaron Allston, all 4 (5?) Hitchiker's Guide books by Douglas Adams, and Shadows of the Empire. Oh yeah, and Snow Crash.
Just what i do when I see a "book" <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
Iain M. Banks sci-fi stuff is fantastic. "Excession" is my personal favourite, but all the "Culture" novels are worth a read.
"Forge of God" and "Anvil of Stars" by Greg Bear are well worth a look.
My favourite scifi book of all time is probably still "Dune" by Frank Herbert. It's a bit long and some of the sequels get a bit trippy and odd, but it's still a classic. ( Avoid the recently released "prequels" though. They're not terrible as such, just not up to the standard of his dad's work. "The Butlerian Jihad" is less grim than the others.. )
Actually, "The Jesus Incident", "The Lazarus Effect" and "The Ascension Factor" are good too. ( Frank Herbert, but co-written with Bill Ransom.
Another classic you might want to check out is Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers".
I quite enjoyed some of Orson Scott Card's stuff myself. ( particularly liked "Enders Shadow") , but he's not in my all time faves list.
If you're a Star Wars fan, the "New Jedi Order" books are worth a look. Not going to win any literature prizes for sure, but enjoyable enough I thought. ( quality varies wildly from "rather good" to "hilariously awful" though )
Marik_SteeleTo rule in hell...Join Date: 2002-11-20Member: 9466Members
edited July 2003
[edit]From what I've read of the suggestions above: I've heard that the Enders Game series and Wheel of Time series are good if you're willing to read that much. Same for Dune and the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. But of the above suggestions I've only read Shadows of the Empire and the Rogue Squadron series. SotE was even better than the videogame, but Rogue Squadron was more enjoyable to me than to most people simply because I grew up on the X-Wing and TIE Fighter games.[/edit]
Read <i>Neuromancer</i>. It's one of the books that invented the science-fiction/cyberpunk genre, and when reading it you'll find it has <i>directly</i> influenced such works as Deus Ex and the Matrix movies. Heck, some things like the Matrix itself and connecting to it, Zion, and Zion's music were ripped so directly from Neuromancer it's not even funny.
If I remember correctly, it's less than 200 pages. But if you don't feel like reading a full novel, search Google for the Neuromancer graphic novel. You should be able to find full .jpg pics. Unfortunately, the only scans I've found big enough to read the text have been in German.
Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
Everything from Douglas Adams or Isaac Asimov. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Island in the sea of time Series * a bit of a alternate history/fantasy group His Dark Materials Series * Probally once of the most engrossing and thought provoccing series ever. Enders Game Series* Just a great series Dune * Of Course Ark Liberty *A "Humanity Survival" kinda book Red, Blue, Green Mars Series * A great generational sci fi The Time Ships * A second take on "The time machine" Philip Jose Farmers "The Dungeon" * VERY good, but also has the worst ending in the final book ever. Risky read if you can suffer the last books ending. The characters are some of the best ever and are so true to the world.
If we're doing fantasy books as well here, I'd like to add David Gemmells "Drenai" series. ( "King beyond the Gate", "Waylander 1 and 2", "Hero in the Shadows" etc.)
I'd always avoided reading them, I think it was partly the horrible airbrushed "80's style" covers that put me off, partly they just sounded so damn cheesy. Anyway, I got real bored one afternoon and actually grabbed a few from the library, and I have to say I stand corrected, I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Cheesy? Hell yes, but cheesy in a <i>good</i> sorta way.
Other totally-not-sci fi books I enjoyed recently..
"Trainspotting", "Porno" Irvine Welsh ( If you liked "Trainspotting, "Porno" is a must read. Total return to form from Mr Welsh. "Dead Air" Iain Banks- best non scifi thing he's written imo.
<!--QuoteBegin--Renegade+Jul 29 2003, 01:30 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Renegade @ Jul 29 2003, 01:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Stephen King's Dark Tower Series. He's finally decided to finish them up. The final book arrives in fall of 2004.
Also, read the Legacy Series, if you can find it. Really, really good. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> About F'ing time I've been waiting for part V for like 5 years, but yes Dark Tower series is a very good series.
I'm sure these have been suggested but...(ok so I didn't read the thread)
1.) Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card 2) Foundation by Isaac Asmiov 3.) Martian Chronicals by Ray Bradbarry 4.) At least the first 3 books of the Wheel of Time series (I actually enjoyed all of them, EVEN 8)
<!--QuoteBegin--dr.d+Jul 29 2003, 10:35 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dr.d @ Jul 29 2003, 10:35 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--Renegade+Jul 29 2003, 01:30 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Renegade @ Jul 29 2003, 01:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Stephen King's Dark Tower Series. He's finally decided to finish them up. The final book arrives in fall of 2004.
Also, read the Legacy Series, if you can find it. Really, really good. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> About F'ing time I've been waiting for part V for like 5 years, but yes Dark Tower series is a very good series.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Actaully, there are 3 more books to go. Book 5 comes this fall, around the time of the release of HL 2, the 6th comes in summer of 2004, and the last comes in Fall of 2004.
<!--QuoteBegin--Venmoch+Jul 29 2003, 10:58 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Venmoch @ Jul 29 2003, 10:58 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> 2.) The RAMA series - Arthur C Clarke, Best Sci-Fi books ever written. The sense of wonder you get while reading them is superb <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Agreed <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> RAMA is absolutely superb. Truely awe-inspiring. It was good enough infact to spawn an adventure game for the PC.
Also, read Halo: The Fall Of Reach, a very good sci-fi novel.
If you're doing one book out of the C.S. Lewis Space trilogy do them all, so add in Malacandra and "That Hideous Strength"
But If we are doing fantasy as well, you can never forget Terry Pratchett, good books all around, my favorites so far are "Thief of Time" and "The Fifth Elephant"
if ur looking for a book that has changed the way many people view the world and has alot of great contet 1984 is amazin , its one of the only 2 books iv read in 4 years and its great , the other isnt si-fi but if u need a good read get all quiet on the wester front. great WW1 book
DY357LXPlaying since day 1. Still can't Comm.EnglandJoin Date: 2002-10-27Member: 1651Members, Constellation
My all time fave books are: Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (Miles better than the film) T'is by Frank McCourt (Sequel to Angela's Ashes.... amazing book!) Saving Private Ryan (Slightly different to the film) Are You Dave Gorman by Dave Gorman & Danny Wallace (see <a href='http://www.davegorman.com' target='_blank'>Dave Gorman.com</a> for info)
<!--QuoteBegin--wizard@psu+Jul 29 2003, 09:59 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (wizard@psu @ Jul 29 2003, 09:59 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Robert Jordan: The Wheel of Time series.
Sure it takes him about 5 years to get a new book out. But there are now over 10 books complete. Long ones too so the story doesn't feel rushed. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I agree with that. I just bought the 5th and 6th book from Amazon and just cant stop reading them. Very well written. You just need to read "The Wheel of Time" 600p A3 Sized book first that tells you about the world of the Wheel. Very Intense with a lot of everthing a good book needs. I seriously recommend this.
<!--QuoteBegin--Gwahir+Jul 29 2003, 04:22 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Gwahir @ Jul 29 2003, 04:22 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> If you're doing one book out of the C.S. Lewis Space trilogy do them all, so add in Malacandra and "That Hideous Strength"
But If we are doing fantasy as well, you can never forget Terry Pratchett, good books all around, my favorites so far are "Thief of Time" and "The Fifth Elephant" <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Oh god, I wouldn't force Out of Silent Planet (the real name) or any of those other books on anyone.
Terry Pratchett, however, is my favorite author. He's fantasy though.
<b><i>Ringworld</i></b>, by Larry Niven. It doesn't take a whole lot of brainpower to figure that this book was the inspiration for the entire idea of the ringworld in HALO. Otherwise, this book is an engrossing, thoughtful read that I enjoyed much. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
but beware, it is un-put-downable. seriously. It sucks you right in and doesnt let go...
Actually most of his stuff is that good. Fallen Dragon (a recent one) kicked **** too.
So thats
Nights Dawn (The Reality Disfunction, The Neutronium Alchemist, The Naked God) - High Scifi + horror + metaphysics - be warned, they each run to around 1000 pages Theres also the short story collection "A Second Chance At Eden" which is set in the same universe.
The Greg Mandel stories (Mindstar Rising, A Quantum Murder, The Nanoflower) - Cyberpunky detective stories with PSI powers
Fallen Dragon - excellent story, with a cool twist
Another good Scifi series: Otherland by Tad Williams ( City of Golden Shadow, River of Blue Fire, Mountain of Black Glass, Sea of Silver Light) - another biggy (900+ pages per volume) this one is Scifi/fantasy/cyberpunk, and deals with a VR system thats putting childern into comas across the world...
If you want disturbing horror rather than scifi (and i know you said scifi, but...) try The House of Leaves. It's wierd, and it WILL make you afraid of dark corners... its a bit of a tough read tho.
Comments
Try anything by Alastair Reynolds.
Poss my favourite book of all time is "The Player of Games" by Iain M Banks.
I have a massive sci-fi library, and am struggling to pin it to specific books....
Good stuff.
Sure it takes him about 5 years to get a new book out. But there are now over 10 books complete.
Long ones too so the story doesn't feel rushed.
"Forge of God" and "Anvil of Stars" by Greg Bear are well worth a look.
My favourite scifi book of all time is probably still "Dune" by Frank Herbert. It's a bit long and some of the sequels get a bit trippy and odd, but it's still a classic. ( Avoid the recently released "prequels" though. They're not terrible as such, just not up to the standard of his dad's work. "The Butlerian Jihad" is less grim than the others.. )
Actually, "The Jesus Incident", "The Lazarus Effect" and "The Ascension Factor" are good too. ( Frank Herbert, but co-written with Bill Ransom.
Another classic you might want to check out is Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers".
I quite enjoyed some of Orson Scott Card's stuff myself. ( particularly liked "Enders Shadow") , but he's not in my all time faves list.
If you're a Star Wars fan, the "New Jedi Order" books are worth a look. Not going to win any literature prizes for sure, but enjoyable enough I thought. ( quality varies wildly from "rather good" to "hilariously awful" though )
Read <i>Neuromancer</i>. It's one of the books that invented the science-fiction/cyberpunk genre, and when reading it you'll find it has <i>directly</i> influenced such works as Deus Ex and the Matrix movies. Heck, some things like the Matrix itself and connecting to it, Zion, and Zion's music were ripped so directly from Neuromancer it's not even funny.
If I remember correctly, it's less than 200 pages. But if you don't feel like reading a full novel, search Google for the Neuromancer graphic novel. You should be able to find full .jpg pics. Unfortunately, the only scans I've found big enough to read the text have been in German.
Philip Jose Farmers "Riverworld" books are quite interesting as well I thought.
Fantasy, but they rock.
His Dark Materials Series * Probally once of the most engrossing and thought provoccing series ever.
Enders Game Series* Just a great series
Dune * Of Course
Ark Liberty *A "Humanity Survival" kinda book
Red, Blue, Green Mars Series * A great generational sci fi
The Time Ships * A second take on "The time machine"
Philip Jose Farmers "The Dungeon" * VERY good, but also has the worst ending in the final book ever. Risky read if you can suffer the last books ending. The characters are some of the best ever and are so true to the world.
Animorphs for the little kid inside you (hey, there's about 54 books. and i think i've got 52 of them)
I'd always avoided reading them, I think it was partly the horrible airbrushed "80's style" covers that put me off, partly they just sounded so damn cheesy. Anyway, I got real bored one afternoon and actually grabbed a few from the library, and I have to say I stand corrected, I thoroughly enjoyed them.
Cheesy? Hell yes, but cheesy in a <i>good</i> sorta way.
Other totally-not-sci fi books I enjoyed recently..
"Trainspotting", "Porno" Irvine Welsh ( If you liked "Trainspotting, "Porno" is a must read. Total return to form from Mr Welsh.
"Dead Air" Iain Banks- best non scifi thing he's written imo.
Also, read the Legacy Series, if you can find it. Really, really good.
Also, read the Legacy Series, if you can find it. Really, really good. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
About F'ing time I've been waiting for part V for like 5 years, but yes Dark Tower series is a very good series.
I'm sure these have been suggested but...(ok so I didn't read the thread)
1.) Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card
2) Foundation by Isaac Asmiov
3.) Martian Chronicals by Ray Bradbarry
4.) At least the first 3 books of the Wheel of Time series (I actually enjoyed all of them, EVEN 8)
and also the original starshiptroopers book is a must have as well.
Also, read the Legacy Series, if you can find it. Really, really good. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
About F'ing time I've been waiting for part V for like 5 years, but yes Dark Tower series is a very good series.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Actaully, there are 3 more books to go. Book 5 comes this fall, around the time of the release of HL 2, the 6th comes in summer of 2004, and the last comes in Fall of 2004.
Ones that did however
1.) Prelandra - C. S. Lewis, Not quite Sci-Fi not quite sure what it is actully but its a damn good book.
2.) The RAMA series - Arthur C Clarke, Best Sci-Fi books ever written. The sense of wonder you get while reading them is superb
3.) 2001: A Space Oddessy (Also including 2010, 2061 and 3001) - Arthur C Clarke, Very, Very, Very good books
4.) The Ghost From The Grand Banks - Arthur C Clarke, The raising of the Titanic, Sci-Fi style!
5.) Trigger - Arthur C Clarke, (Yes I think Mr Clarke is the best Sci-Fi writer in existance sue me) An amazing thriller that keeps you enthralled
6.) Ghost In The Shell - Masamune Shirow, Neato sci-fi manga
Agreed <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo--> RAMA is absolutely superb. Truely awe-inspiring. It was good enough infact to spawn an adventure game for the PC.
Also, read Halo: The Fall Of Reach, a very good sci-fi novel.
But If we are doing fantasy as well, you can never forget Terry Pratchett, good books all around, my favorites so far are "Thief of Time" and "The Fifth Elephant"
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (Miles better than the film)
T'is by Frank McCourt (Sequel to Angela's Ashes.... amazing book!)
Saving Private Ryan (Slightly different to the film)
Are You Dave Gorman by Dave Gorman & Danny Wallace (see <a href='http://www.davegorman.com' target='_blank'>Dave Gorman.com</a> for info)
Sure it takes him about 5 years to get a new book out. But there are now over 10 books complete.
Long ones too so the story doesn't feel rushed. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I agree with that. I just bought the 5th and 6th book from Amazon and just cant stop reading them.
Very well written. You just need to read "The Wheel of Time" 600p A3 Sized book first that tells you about the world of the Wheel. Very Intense with a lot of everthing a good book needs. I seriously recommend this.
<b>"EPIC IN EVERY SENSE"</b> <i>Sunday Times</i>
snow crash = win
go read it you won't be disapointed
But If we are doing fantasy as well, you can never forget Terry Pratchett, good books all around, my favorites so far are "Thief of Time" and "The Fifth Elephant" <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Oh god, I wouldn't force Out of Silent Planet (the real name) or any of those other books on anyone.
Terry Pratchett, however, is my favorite author. He's fantasy though.
<img src='http://www.sfsite.com/grx/orion/rwlg.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'><img src='http://64.95.118.51/images/opti/6a/84/0345333926-resized200.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'>
but beware, it is un-put-downable. seriously. It sucks you right in and doesnt let go...
Actually most of his stuff is that good. Fallen Dragon (a recent one) kicked **** too.
So thats
Nights Dawn (The Reality Disfunction, The Neutronium Alchemist, The Naked God) - High Scifi + horror + metaphysics - be warned, they each run to around 1000 pages
Theres also the short story collection "A Second Chance At Eden" which is set in the same universe.
The Greg Mandel stories (Mindstar Rising, A Quantum Murder, The Nanoflower) - Cyberpunky detective stories with PSI powers
Fallen Dragon - excellent story, with a cool twist
Another good Scifi series: Otherland by Tad Williams ( City of Golden Shadow, River of Blue Fire, Mountain of Black Glass, Sea of Silver Light) - another biggy (900+ pages per volume) this one is Scifi/fantasy/cyberpunk, and deals with a VR system thats putting childern into comas across the world...
If you want disturbing horror rather than scifi (and i know you said scifi, but...) try The House of Leaves. It's wierd, and it WILL make you afraid of dark corners... its a bit of a tough read tho.