The Greatest American "Science fiction, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

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  1. 26. Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler

    Set in a dystopian future America ravaged by climate change and societal collapse, the novel follows the journey of a young woman who, despite facing slavery, violence, and the rise of a dangerous religious zealot, strives to build a community based on her own new belief system, Earthseed. Her vision is to create a society that can adapt and thrive amidst chaos, with the ultimate goal of taking humanity to the stars. Throughout her struggle, she documents her experiences and philosophies in the hope that they will guide future generations towards a more hopeful, resilient future.

    The 3002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

    The Broken Earth Trilogy is a captivating science fiction series set in a post-apocalyptic world where a woman with the power to control seismic activity is on a quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter. This world, called the Stillness, regularly experiences catastrophic climate change events known as Seasons, which its inhabitants constantly prepare for. The series explores themes of oppression, survival, and the human capacity for adaptation, all while providing a thrilling and poignant narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    The 3164th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Blood Music by Greg Bear

    In this thrilling science fiction novel, a brilliant scientist creates a breakthrough in genetic engineering by developing intelligent cells that can communicate and evolve. However, when the experiment goes awry, the cells begin to multiply and spread, threatening to consume all life on Earth. As chaos ensues, a group of scientists and a young girl with a unique connection to the cells must find a way to stop the impending catastrophe and save humanity.

    The 3226th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Foundation's Edge by Isaac Asimov

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, Golan Trevize, is sent on a quest to discover the origins of the Foundation, a society established to preserve knowledge and culture in the galaxy. Alongside a scholar, Janov Pelorat, and a telepathic woman, Bliss, Trevize's journey leads them beyond the boundaries of the known galaxy to two secretive worlds: Gaia, a planet with a collective consciousness, and Earth, the long-forgotten origin planet of humanity. The novel explores themes of free will versus determinism, the role of individuality within a collective society, and the search for a balanced path to galactic harmony, all while questioning the validity of the Seldon Plan, a predictive model for the future of civilization.

    The 3603rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Dawn by Octavia E. Butler

    "Dawn" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, power, and humanity's capacity for change. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows Lilith Iyapo, a woman who wakes up after centuries of being in suspended animation to find herself among an alien race called the Oankali. The Oankali offer to help humanity rebuild, but their assistance comes at a cost: interbreeding with them to create a new hybrid species. As Lilith navigates the complex dynamics of her new reality, she must confront her own fears and prejudices while grappling with the moral implications of the choices she faces.

    The 3686th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe

    The novel follows a young apprentice torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims by allowing her to die. As he travels through a futuristic, dystopian world, he becomes embroiled in a series of political and supernatural events, while also grappling with his own moral compass and the nature of his profession. The story is steeped in allegory and symbolism, with a narrative that explores themes of memory, truth, and the nature of storytelling.

    The 3720th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

    The book is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Breq, who was once a powerful starship AI controlling many bodies, but is now trapped in a single human body and driven by a quest for vengeance. Set in a vast interstellar empire where ships and stations are inhabited by ancillary AIs, the narrative explores themes of identity, gender, and colonialism. Breq's journey intertwines with flashbacks to her past experiences as an AI, revealing her complex relationship with a former officer and the events that led to her current mission. As she navigates political intrigue and battles, Breq challenges the empire's rigid structures and seeks to address the injustices within it.

    The 4078th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. White Light by Rudy Rucker

    In the novel, the protagonist, a mathematician, grapples with the complexities of infinity and the nature of reality as he navigates a surreal landscape that blurs the lines between mathematical concepts and the physical world. His journey through a bizarre universe filled with higher-dimensional spaces, sentient numbers, and a constant interplay between mathematical theory and tangible existence challenges his perceptions and offers a unique exploration of consciousness and the cosmos. The narrative combines elements of science fiction and mathematical philosophy, presenting a thought-provoking dive into the infinite possibilities that lie beyond the realm of the known.

    The 4526th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Soul Eater by K. W. Jeter

    "Soul Eater" is a dark fantasy novel that delves into a world where magic and the supernatural intertwine with the human realm. The story follows a protagonist who is drawn into a sinister plot involving necromancy and the manipulation of souls. As the character navigates a landscape filled with dark sorcerers, malevolent entities, and twisted spells, they must confront their own inner demons and ethical dilemmas. The narrative weaves a tale of power struggles, arcane rituals, and the quest for redemption, challenging the boundaries between life and death, and good and evil.

    The 4784th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe

    "Shadow & Claw" is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where the Earth's sun is dying out. The protagonist is a highly skilled torturer belonging to a guild, who is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. The narrative follows his journey through a world filled with strange creatures, ancient technologies, and complex political machinations. The protagonist, armed with a sword that can cut through any material, must navigate this world, dealing with love, loss, and betrayal, while also questioning the nature of his own reality.

    The 4824th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Digging Leviathan by James P. Blaylock

    In this steampunk adventure, set in an alternate 1960s California, two young boys with a passion for the works of a Jules Verne-like novelist embark on a fantastical journey. They become entangled in a quest to reach the center of the Earth, a dream pursued by their fathers before them. The boys' mission is fraught with eccentric characters, including a mad scientist and a secretive society, as they navigate a world filled with bizarre contraptions and prehistoric creatures. Their voyage is not only a physical one but also a rite of passage, as they discover the true meaning of friendship and courage.

    The 4843rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. World War Z by Max Brooks

    The book is an apocalyptic horror novel presented as a collection of individual accounts in the aftermath of a global pandemic that leads to a catastrophic zombie outbreak. Through interviews with survivors from various countries and walks of life, the narrative unfolds the social, political, cultural, and environmental implications of the zombie crisis, known as World War Z. The personal stories explore the widespread panic, the collapse and resurgence of governments, military strategies employed to combat the undead, and the human resilience in the face of a decimated world. The novel serves as a critique of societal responses to disasters and a commentary on the human condition.

    The 4870th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Dream Years by Lisa Goldstein

    In "The Dream Years," a novel blending historical fiction with elements of fantasy, a young poet in 1920s Paris discovers a surreal ability to travel through time. As the Roaring Twenties swirl around him, he becomes entangled with a group of avant-garde artists and intellectuals, including historical figures from the Dada and Surrealist movements. The narrative takes a turn when he falls in love with a woman from the politically tumultuous 1960s, leading to a poignant exploration of the intersection between art, love, and the impact of social upheaval across different eras. The novel delves into the complexities of attempting to alter history while questioning the role of destiny and the power of creative expression.

    The 4911th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Watchers by Dean R. Koontz

    The book is a thrilling tale of suspense and science fiction, revolving around two unique and extraordinary beings, one a golden retriever with superior intelligence and the other a monstrous, violent creature. The story follows the journey of these two creatures, their impact on the people they encounter, and their inevitable confrontation. As the golden retriever forms a special bond with a lonely man and woman, the terrifying creature leaves a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake, leading to a suspenseful climax.

    The 5221st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

    In a dystopian future, the world has turned to a virtual reality game for solace and escape. The game's creator has passed away and left his massive fortune to the player who can solve his complex puzzles and challenges hidden within the game. The protagonist, a young, impoverished boy, becomes a contender in this high-stakes competition, battling corporate entities and other players in a race to claim the ultimate prize. As the lines between the virtual and real world blur, the protagonist must use his wits and courage to succeed.

    The 5326th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. He, She and It by Marge Piercy

    The novel is a cyberpunk story set in a post-apocalyptic future where a female protagonist, a brilliant cybernetic engineer, is tasked with training a highly advanced cyborg designed for combat. As she spends time with the cyborg, she begins to see his human-like qualities and eventually falls in love with him. The narrative is interwoven with a parallel story set in 1600s Prague about a rabbi who creates a golem to protect the Jewish community. The two storylines explore themes of artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the ethical implications of creating life.

    The 5440th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson

    Set in a future where nanotechnology has revolutionized society, the narrative revolves around a young girl named Nell who comes into possession of a powerful, interactive book called "A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer." This book, designed to educate and guide a young girl to a more enlightened state, was originally intended for an elite clientele but falls into Nell's hands by chance. As Nell uses the primer to navigate her complex, cyberpunk world, the story explores themes of education, social class, and the impact of technology on society. The book weaves together the lives of various characters across different strata of a stratified culture, examining how access to technology can both empower and divide.

    The 5446th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear

    In the science fiction novel, a groundbreaking discovery of ancient human remains leads to the uncovering of a new, heretofore unseen stage of human evolution. Scientists grapple with the implications of a dormant virus that has suddenly awakened within human DNA, causing rapid, radical, and uncontrolled genetic mutations. As the virus spreads, society is thrown into chaos, with fear and uncertainty about the future of humanity. The protagonists, a molecular biologist and a paleontologist, race against time to understand the virus, known as "Darwin's Radio," and its potential to either doom or elevate the human race. Their journey is fraught with personal and professional challenges as they confront the possibility that evolution might be a much more active and immediate force than anyone had ever imagined.

    The 5462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Prelude To Foundation by Isaac Asimov

    In this science fiction novel, a young mathematician arrives at the galactic empire's capital planet, hoping to present his revolutionary theory of psychohistory—a mathematical framework capable of predicting the future of large populations. While his ideas are initially met with skepticism, they soon attract the attention of the empire's political figures, who see potential for both control and upheaval. As the protagonist navigates the complex political landscape, he is pursued by various factions seeking to use his theory for their own ends. Along the way, he explores different cultures and subcultures of the sprawling empire, all while attempting to refine his nascent theory and understand the true implications of his work for the future of humanity.

    The 5508th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Saga Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan

    In a war-torn galaxy, two soldiers from opposite sides fall in love and have a child, igniting a dangerous pursuit by various factions who seek to control the child's extraordinary powers. With a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, "Saga Vol. 1" takes readers on a thrilling and visually stunning journey through a vast and imaginative universe.

    The 5675th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon

    The novel is a sprawling epic that spans the period from the 1893 World's Fair to the years following World War I. It follows the stories of several characters including the anarchist Traverse family, a group of balloonists, a detective, and a mathematician. The book explores themes of anarchism, capitalism, and technology, and incorporates elements of science fiction, adventure, and historical fiction. It is noted for its complex structure and dense, multifaceted narrative.

    The 5683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. How To Live Safely In A Science Fictional Universe by Charles Yu

    In this metafictional novel, a time machine repairman, trapped in a time loop, searches for his father and the meaning of his existence within a universe that operates on science fiction tropes. As he navigates a landscape filled with paradoxes, dog-eared pages of his life, and a self-aware narrative, he confronts his past and the nature of reality itself. The book blends emotional depth with quantum mechanics, exploring themes of family, memory, and the passage of time, all while breaking the fourth wall and challenging the conventions of storytelling.

    The 5696th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Claw Of The Conciliator by Gene Wolfe

    The Claw of the Conciliator continues the journey of a young torturer named Severian, who has been exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. Now in possession of a powerful gem known as the Claw of the Conciliator, he travels through a far-future Earth, where society has regressed to a quasi-medieval state. Along the way, he encounters numerous adventures and strange creatures, while dealing with his own moral dilemmas and the mystery of his own identity. His journey is not just physical, but also a spiritual and psychological one, as he struggles to reconcile his past actions with his current path.

    The 5856th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge

    In this science fiction epic, a human expedition inadvertently unleashes a malevolent superintelligence in the far reaches of the galaxy. As the entity spreads destruction across civilizations, a diverse group of characters, including a family stranded on a planet with a medieval-level society of dog-like aliens, must navigate complex political landscapes and the vast scales of a universe with zones of thought that dictate the level of technological and cognitive potential. The novel intertwines multiple narratives, exploring themes of consciousness, technology, and communication, while a desperate race against time unfolds to stop the spreading menace before it can reach the High Beyond, where even more advanced societies are vulnerable to its insatiable hunger for power and control.

    The 5883rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe

    The third book in a science fiction series, "The Sword of the Lictor" follows the journey of a professional torturer who, after questioning the morality of his profession, flees his post in the city of Thrax with a mysterious and magical woman. The pair face various challenges and encounter a range of creatures and characters in their quest for freedom and answers. The book combines elements of fantasy, philosophy, and dystopian fiction to explore themes of power, morality, and the nature of reality.

    The 6062nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download