Top 10 Sci-Fi Novels to Read

If you’ve got some spare time and want to try your hand at something different (and not non-fiction), here are some novels to tickle your interest:

1.) A journey like Heart of Darkness: Old Man’s War

2.) A page turner like Game of Thrones: Red Rising

3.) The Vietnam War in space: Forever War

4.) A modern take on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales: Hyperion Cantos

5.) When the book’s better than the video game: Halo: Fall of Reach

6.) A history lover’s French Revolution in space: On Basilisk Station

7.) What Star Wars could’ve been: Heir to Empire

8.) Something for the kids to wonder at: Ender’s Game

9.) For those concerned about nuclear Armageddon: Dune

10.) Not quite Space Romans but a history of civilization coming apart: Foundations

Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Forever War by Joe Haldeman

Forever War was written to encapsulate the feeling of ordinary soldiers during the Vietnam War especially ruminating on the ideas of leaving the old world and returning to a new unknown one. The book’s strong suit is its strong MC development and ability to personalize many of the emotions as new crises arise. For those looking for a hero’s long journey on par with The Odyssey, look no further.

Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons

Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons

Unlike most traditional sci-fi, Hyperion Cantos starts as an anthology of stories bundled in an overarching narrative of discovering the last known mystery in the universe. Similar to Canterbury Tales, the pilgrims are headed for a meeting with the Shrike, an unknown being that each traveler desires something from. For those that enjoy a good mystery novel, this readily fits the bill.

Halo: Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund

Halo: Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund

Based off the famous Xbox shooter Halo, Eric Nylund fleshes out the story of the campaign with this prequel to the events that unfold in the first Halo: Combat Evolved game. Even for those not familiar with the games, the story is compelling as it tracks the spartan measures the federation government takes to combat a growing insurgency when first contact is suddenly made with a new alien species.

On Basilisk Station by David Weber

On Basilisk Station by David Weber

One of the rarities of the science fiction genre is having a strong female character. Not just male traits wrapped up in a feminine guise, but a truly female character that can stand on her own. This series has it in spades in the form of one Honor Harrington. The story deliberately tracks the French Revolution as re-written in the form of a space opera so the story and characters are treat for anyone who’s a history lover.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

One of the earlier sci-fi novels you can get away with reading and understanding, the book centers on the conflict between humans and genocidal aliens that have been beaten back once but are likely readying to return to finish the job. The book’s strong suit is it’s attempts to peel back the layers of a child’s mind confronted by unusual adult stresses (think Lord of the Flies).

Dune by Frank Herbert

Dune by Frank Herbert

Written in 1965 by Frank Herbert, Dune explores the interplay of powerful social, political and economic forces on a futuristic neo-feudal society. In a modern context, it’s similar to Game of Thrones with the perspective firmly fixed on a handful of warring families. What makes the novel fascinating is it’s take on modern warfare, religion and power.