The Greatest American "Science fiction, Military Science Fiction, Fiction" Books Since 1990

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

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.

Military Science Fiction

Military Science Fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates elements of military life, technology, and strategy, set against a backdrop of futuristic or space-faring societies. These narratives often explore themes of warfare, soldier experiences, and the ethical and existential dilemmas of combat, all within speculative settings that include advanced weaponry, space battles, and sometimes alien adversaries. The stories can range from focusing on the tactical and strategic aspects of military operations to the personal growth and challenges faced by individuals within the military hierarchy. Military Science Fiction serves not only as thrilling escapism but also as a lens through which to examine issues of leadership, morality, and the human cost of conflict, making it a compelling category for readers interested in both speculative worlds and the complexities of warfare.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

American

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Old Man's War by John Scalzi

    In this science fiction novel, elderly citizens of Earth are given a chance to join an interstellar army, trading their decrepit bodies for rejuvenated, genetically enhanced versions to fight in a seemingly endless war across the galaxy. The protagonist, a widower who enlists on his 75th birthday, navigates the complexities of his new existence, including the physical and emotional challenges of being young again, the camaraderie and loss within the ranks, and the ethical quandaries posed by the conflict with various alien species. As he rises through the military's ranks, he confronts the harsh realities of this expansive and deadly cosmic battlefield.

    The 8103rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman

    The novel explores a future where humanity has developed advanced military technology, including remotely controlled robotic soldiers. The protagonist, a soldier controlling one of these machines, becomes involved in a movement that discovers a way to permanently end war by altering the human mind to eliminate aggression. As the group works to implement this controversial solution, they face ethical dilemmas and the threat of a global war that could annihilate the human race. The narrative delves into themes of violence, empathy, and the potential for a collective human consciousness to bring about lasting peace.

    The 9267th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Xenocide by Orson Scott Card

    In this science fiction novel, humanity is faced with a moral dilemma as they struggle to find a solution to the threat posed by the alien species known as the "buggers." As tensions rise among different factions, a young scientist named Qing-jao becomes entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and religious fanaticism. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, the characters must grapple with the consequences of their actions and confront the ethical implications of xenocide.

    The 10357th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. On Basilisk Station by David Weber

    In "On Basilisk Station," a young starship captain named Honor Harrington is assigned to a remote space station on the edge of the galaxy. As she settles into her new post, she discovers a corrupt and complacent crew, as well as a looming threat from an enemy empire. With her ship outdated and outnumbered, Honor must use her strategic skills and determination to protect her crew and defend the station against a relentless enemy attack. This thrilling science fiction novel explores themes of duty, honor, and the price of leadership.

    The 10423rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

    "Ender's Shadow" is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Bean, a brilliant and resourceful child living on the streets of Rotterdam. After catching the attention of the Battle School recruiters, Bean joins a group of exceptional children who are being trained to defend Earth against an imminent alien threat. As Bean navigates the challenges of Battle School, he forms a unique bond with Ender Wiggin, the legendary commander, and becomes an integral part of Ender's strategic plans. With its intricate plot and captivating characters, the book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the consequences of warfare.

    The 10516th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Quantum Rose by Catherine Asaro

    "The Quantum Rose" is a science fiction novel that weaves together romance and hard science, set within a space opera universe. The story follows the journey of Kamoj Argali, the governor of a backward planet, who becomes betrothed to Havyrl Lionstar, a mysterious and powerful off-worlder with a hidden agenda. As their worlds collide, the narrative explores complex themes of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and the intricate dance of quantum physics, all while delving into the emotional depth of their evolving relationship. The novel stands out for its unique blend of advanced scientific concepts, particularly those pertaining to quantum mechanics, with a character-driven plot that challenges the boundaries between different genres.

    The 10934th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1961 where a meteorite has devastated the Earth and accelerated the space race, the narrative follows an astronaut as she navigates the complexities of space exploration and her role in the international effort to colonize Mars. Facing both technical challenges and social dynamics within the crew, she must contend with the era's pervasive sexism and political tensions, all while dealing with the personal sacrifices required for humanity's survival. The book blends historical detail with speculative fiction, exploring themes of duty, ambition, and the drive for scientific advancement against the backdrop of an alternate history of the space program.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1960s where a meteorite strike has accelerated space exploration, the novel follows a female astronaut as she navigates the complexities of lunar politics, espionage, and personal sacrifice. With Earth facing environmental catastrophe, the space program becomes a beacon of hope for humanity's survival. The protagonist must contend with sabotage attempts that threaten the stability of the lunar colony, while also grappling with societal expectations and her own ambitions. As the space race intensifies, she is drawn into a dangerous game of political intrigue and must use her wits and courage to ensure the success of the mission and the safety of her colleagues.

    The 11253rd 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