The origins of science fiction literature can be traced back to the 17th century. Nevertheless, its greatest development could be observed in the 19th century. Since then, prominent fantasy writers have created amazing works that have sold millions of copies around the world. Iconic novels range from classics to modern science fiction e-books. We present 6 great titles that are really worth reading.
Dune – Frank Herbert
Dune must be at the top of our list . After the high-profile screen adaptation of the book directed by Denis Villeneuve, the publication of the American writer Frank Herbert gained a second youth. The film received multiple nominations for the Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTA. No wonder, as Herbert’s 1965 novel was also repeatedly honored with literary awards, incl. Hugo and Nebula.
The first part of the universe was initially printed in a journal publishing science fiction literature. The good reception of history motivated Frank Herbert to create a whole series of novels – The Dune Chronicles . The action of the piece takes place on the desert planet of Arrakis. There are melange deposits on it. This substance extends life and enables clairvoyance.
That is why it is so important to have power over Arrakis. The families of Artydów and Harkonennów compete for it. The Fremen and the Corrin family also play an important role in history. The key to bringing order turns out to be Paul – the son of Duke Leto Atryda, who awakens prophetic powers.
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick is another science fiction book awarded with the prestigious Hugo Award. This work brought the American writer great popularity. The work belongs to the genre of alternative history. Dick has created a science-fiction story set in a world where history took a different course than it actually was.
The action of the novel takes place after the defeat of World War II, in an alternative world in the United States. The victorious Axis powers are in power. Therefore, the USA is under Japanese-German occupation, and all this is happening while trying to conquer space. The pages of the novel intertwine the fates of several heroes who live in three parallel worlds and try to understand the reality that surrounds them.
Lost Fleet – Jack Campbell
Jack Campbell is one of the most popular modern science fiction writers. He specializes in the sub-genre space opera. His most popular work is the Lost Fleet series . The author describes the struggle of the Alliance Fleet with the World of the Syndicate. Captain Black Jack, waking up from over 100 years of hibernation, plays a key role in the victory.
The first parts of the cycle were published in the early 2000s. A prequel to this series has recently been released on the Polish market, entitled Birth of the Fleet . This is a three-volume story in which the author describes the formation of the Alliance. The novels feature the ancestors of the main characters of the Lost Fleet . The Virtualo online bookstore has many science fiction e-books by Jack Campbell from the Lost Fleet universe .
Project Hail Mary – Andy Weir
American writer Andy Weir is a laureate of the John W. Campbell for a new 2016 writer. This is a significant distinction in the world of science fiction literature. It is an excellent recommendation for those who are looking for contemporary science-fiction writers. One of Andy Weir’s newest books is The Hail Mary Project .
The main character of the novel is Ryland Grace. Together with the crew, he is sent into space to find the cause of the sun’s darkening, which could lead to the end of humanity. To reach their destination, mission participants must be put into a 4-year coma. Unfortunately, upon awakening, Ryland Grace discovers that she is the only surviving spacecraft crew member. In addition, he has amnesia and does not remember who he is or what his purpose is. Grace seems to be on his own. But are you sure?
Hyperion – Dan Simmons
Dan Simmons is not limited to creating literature in one strand. He writes crime, horror and fantasy novels. It should be noted, however, that he achieved the greatest successes in the science fiction genre. He won the Hugo and Locus Prize for the first volume of the Hyperion series. The second part, in turn, was nominated for the Nebula Prize and was also awarded several times.
Hyperion is a series of science fiction novels consisting of two dilogues: Hyperion and Endymion. The action of the novel takes place on the planet Hyperion . A group of pilgrims comes to it, who want to prevent a war that could destroy humanity. They must reach the mythical tombs of time and meet the Shrike – Lord of Pain. This being may know a way to avoid the extinction of all mankind.
Metro 2033 – Dmitry Glukhovsky
Dmitry Glukhovsky is a Russian writer who is well known for the cult Metro series . It is a series of three science fiction novels of a post-apocalyptic nature. The action of the first part of the novel takes place in the Moscow metro in 2033 – 20 years after the nuclear war. This place was the most powerful fallout shelter in the world with a unique structure. Several tens of thousands of people have hid in it. It is humanity’s last foothold.
People who survived try to live a life similar to that from before the Holocaust. They create micro-states, rules of social life, build alliances and wage wars. Nevertheless, they are trying to sustain the human species. The most northern station is VDNKh. This is where the mortal danger comes in. A young subway resident, Artem, must make his way to the legendary Polis station to give a warning of the danger. The fate of the people who survived in the metro depends on him.
In the Virtualo online bookstore, we offer hundreds of fantastic e-books. Among them you can find not only science fiction novels. Fans of the genre can successfully reach for the cult fantasy books. For lovers of multi-volume stories, please refer to the article 10 of the fantasy series worth reading on the Virtualo.pl blog .