The Greatest American, British "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. Replay by Ken Grimwood

    The novel centers around a man who experiences an extraordinary phenomenon: after dying of a heart attack, he awakens as his younger self in college but with all his memories intact. He relives his life with the knowledge of the future, making different choices and experiencing alternate paths, only to die again and restart the cycle. As he continues to "replay" his life, he explores the possibilities of love, wealth, and personal fulfillment, while grappling with the existential questions and the psychological toll of his unique situation. The story delves into themes of destiny, regret, and the human desire to correct past mistakes.

    The 2286th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

    In this science fiction novel, a young historian undertakes a time-travel journey to the 14th century for academic research, only to find herself stranded amidst the onset of the Black Death. As she navigates the challenges of medieval England, her colleagues in the 21st century grapple with a deadly influenza pandemic, complicating efforts to retrieve her. The narrative weaves between the past and the present, exploring themes of human resilience, the universality of suffering across time, and the ethical implications of time travel, all while the historian and her contemporaries confront mortality, history, and their own personal crises.

    The 2418th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

    The book is a science fiction narrative that chronicles the initial efforts to colonize Mars. It delves into the complex dynamics among the first group of settlers, who come from diverse cultural and scientific backgrounds, as they confront the challenges of terraforming the hostile Martian environment. The story explores themes of ecological transformation, political struggle, and the ethical implications of altering an alien world, while also examining the personal lives and evolving relationships of the colonists. As the settlers work to create a new society on the red planet, their actions set the stage for future generations and the emergence of Mars as a new frontier for humanity.

    The 2451st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2457th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Stories of Ray Bradbury by Ray Bradbury

    This collection of 100 short stories showcases the author's unique blend of science fiction, horror, and fantasy. The tales, which span six decades of the author's career, explore themes of technology, the supernatural, and the human condition. From stories of astronauts exploring alien planets, to tales of small-town America where the extraordinary lurks just beneath the surface, the collection highlights the author's imaginative storytelling and his ability to blend the everyday with the fantastical.

    The 2459th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card

    In the sequel to a science fiction classic, humanity faces the complex consequences of its past actions. The protagonist, a once-revered child military genius, now serves as a "Speaker for the Dead," a role dedicated to telling the true stories of the deceased. He travels to a distant world to speak for a deceased researcher and becomes embroiled in the tensions between the human colonists and the planet's enigmatic indigenous species. As he unravels the mysteries surrounding the researcher's death, he confronts his own history and seeks redemption by fostering understanding and empathy between the two intelligent species, hoping to prevent the cycle of violence and misunderstanding that has plagued human history.

    The 2631st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Under the Skin by Michel Faber

    "Under the Skin" is a novel that follows the story of a woman named Isserley who picks up male hitchhikers in Scotland. However, Isserley is not what she seems - she's actually an alien sent from another planet to capture unsuspecting men, who are then sent back to her home planet to be used as meat. The book explores themes of humanity, morality, and the ethics of the meat industry.

    The 2693rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. VALIS by Philip K. Dick

    The novel follows a mentally unstable man who begins to experience visions after being hit by a mysterious pink light. Convinced the light is a divine entity named VALIS, he and his friends embark on a quest to understand and communicate with it. As they delve into philosophy, religion, and science, the boundaries between reality and delusion begin to blur, leaving both the characters and the reader questioning the nature of existence.

    The 2843rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler

    "Bloodchild" is a provocative science fiction tale that explores complex themes of symbiosis, love, and power dynamics through the lens of an interdependent relationship between humans and an alien species known as the Tlic. The story is set on a distant planet where humans live as a preserved minority, and the Tlic, who are large insect-like creatures, require human hosts to incubate their young. The narrative follows a young human boy who is chosen to carry the offspring of a Tlic female, leading to a harrowing and intimate bond that challenges his understanding of autonomy, sacrifice, and connection. The novella delves into the intricate and often unsettling negotiations of personal agency and survival in a world where two very different beings are inextricably linked.

    The 2897th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Timescape by Gregory Benford

    "Timescape" by Gregory Benford is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of time travel and its consequences. Set in two different time periods, the story follows a group of scientists who discover a way to send messages back in time in an attempt to prevent an environmental catastrophe. As they struggle to communicate across time, they face numerous challenges and ethical dilemmas, ultimately raising questions about the nature of time and the impact of human actions on the future.

    The 2902nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. 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 3022nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. 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 3185th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. 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 3246th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The City & the City by China Miéville

    In a unique blend of noir detective fiction and speculative fantasy, the book explores the coexistence of two distinct cities occupying the same geographical space, yet remaining invisible to each other due to a strict set of societal rules and the mysterious force of "Breach" that enforces them. When a young woman is found murdered, a seasoned inspector must navigate the complex and often perilous overlap of these two cities to solve the crime. His investigation challenges the rigid separation of the cities, uncovering a conspiracy that blurs the lines between the two and threatens the very fabric of their existence.

    The 3444th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. 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 3622nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. 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 3705th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Prestige by Christopher Priest

    "The Prestige" is a captivating tale of rivalry and obsession set in the world of 19th-century stage magic. The story follows two magicians, Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier, as they engage in a fierce competition to create the ultimate illusion. As their rivalry escalates, both men become consumed by their craft, resorting to increasingly dangerous and unethical methods to outdo each other. Filled with twists and turns, the novel explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and the price of obsession, leaving readers questioning the nature of reality until the very last page.

    The 3739th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. 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 3740th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. 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 4095th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Vurt by Jeff Noon

    "Vurt" by Jeff Noon is a surreal and dystopian novel set in a future Manchester, where a hallucinogenic drug called "vurt" allows users to enter a virtual reality through their minds. The story follows Scribble, a young man who becomes obsessed with finding a rare and powerful vurt feather to save his sister, who is trapped in a vurt world. As Scribble navigates through a dangerous and bizarre landscape, he encounters strange creatures, alternate dimensions, and a mysterious group known as the Stash Riders. Blending elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, and urban fantasy, "Vurt" explores themes of addiction, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

    The 4120th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Light by M. John Harrison

    "Light" is a science fiction novel that intertwines three narrative threads, two set in 2400 AD and one in 1999. The story follows a scientist who discovers the principles of faster-than-light travel, a space pilot genetically modified to interact with a strange alien artifact, and a serial killer who sees a strange pattern in everything. As the narratives unfold, they eventually converge in a distant part of the galaxy, revealing a universe filled with strange life forms and advanced technologies.

    The 4516th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. 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 4543rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. A Storm Of Wings by M. John Harrison

    In this science fiction novel, the second installment of a series, humanity grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic event known as the Biotic Crisis. As reality itself begins to warp, the protagonist and a group of disparate characters navigate a world where the boundaries between human and alien, real and surreal, are increasingly blurred. They face the challenge of understanding and confronting the "Swarm," a mysterious and possibly sentient cloud of particles that threatens to engulf the planet. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of themes including identity, transformation, and the struggle to maintain sanity in an environment that defies comprehension.

    The 4543rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

    In a sprawling steampunk metropolis teeming with bizarre creatures and arcane technologies, a gifted scientist unwittingly unleashes a nightmare upon the city. When his experiment with a rare caterpillar goes awry, monstrous, dream-eating moths are set loose, preying upon the citizens' minds and plunging the city into terror. As the scientist grapples with the consequences of his actions, a motley group of individuals, including a renegade artist, a wingless bird-man, and other outcasts, come together in a desperate attempt to save their city from the eldritch horrors that now haunt its shadowy streets. Their journey takes them through the city's various layers, from the opulent heights to the grimy depths, revealing the complex tapestry of cultures and conflicts that define this urban labyrinth.

    The 4557th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Rats And Gargoyles by Mary Gentle

    In a world where humans coexist with magical beings and the gods themselves walk the earth, "Rats and Gargoyles" unfolds an intricate tale of power, intrigue, and revolution. At the heart of this richly detailed universe is a city dominated by the Thirty-Six Decans, godlike beings who rule over humans and the enigmatic White Crow, a woman of many secrets with the knowledge to manipulate the very fabric of reality. Amidst a backdrop of looming architectural marvels and a society where alchemy and technology intertwine, the story weaves together the lives of diverse characters caught in a web of destiny and dark magic. As plots unravel, the balance of power shifts, leading to a struggle that challenges the foundations of the world itself.

    The 4756th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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