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

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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.

Hard Science Fiction

Hard Science Fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes scientific accuracy and technical detail. This category of books is characterized by its rigorous adherence to the known laws of physics, chemistry, and biology, often incorporating complex scientific concepts and theories as integral elements of the plot. Authors of hard science fiction meticulously research and extrapolate current scientific knowledge to explore futuristic scenarios, technologies, and space exploration with a focus on realism and plausibility. While the narratives can delve into speculative territories, they remain grounded in logical extrapolation, offering readers not only a glimpse into potential futures but also a reflection on the implications of scientific advancements on society, ethics, and the human condition.

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  1. 1. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

    A billionaire entrepreneur, with the help of genetic scientists, creates a wildlife park on a secluded island filled with genetically engineered dinosaurs. When a small group of experts are invited to the park for a preview, things go awry as the security systems fail and the dinosaurs break free. The group must survive and escape the island while dealing with the dangerous prehistoric creatures and the moral implications of tampering with nature.

    The 1007th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Martian by Andy Weir

    A gripping tale of survival and resilience, this book follows the story of an astronaut left stranded on Mars by his crew who believed him dead after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, he must utilize his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to survive and signal to Earth that he is alive. The narrative is a thrilling testament to human willpower and the relentless fight for survival against all odds.

    The 2113th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

    In this science fiction epic, humanity faces an existential crisis when the moon suddenly explodes, triggering a catastrophic chain of environmental disasters on Earth. With only two years before the planet becomes uninhabitable, nations unite to launch a daring plan to preserve human life by sending a select group of survivors into orbit. The narrative spans thousands of years, chronicling the efforts of these initial survivors to maintain the human race in space, the political and social challenges they face, and the eventual attempt by their far-future descendants to return to a drastically changed Earth. The story is a sweeping examination of human resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring quest for survival against insurmountable odds.

    The 8452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Anathem by Neal Stephenson

    In a parallel world where intellectuals and scientists are cloistered in monastic communities called "concents," the story follows a young monk named Erasmas, who is drawn out of his secluded life by the discovery of an alien spacecraft orbiting his planet. As he and his companions are selected to interact with these extraterrestrial visitors, they are thrust into a complex web of political intrigue, philosophical debate, and existential risk. The narrative weaves together themes of mathematics, quantum mechanics, and multiple world theory, challenging the characters to question the nature of reality and their place within it as they strive to avert global catastrophe.

    The 8937th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a future Thailand amidst a world ravaged by climate change and depleted resources, the story unfolds in a bustling city where biotech corporations vie for supremacy. The narrative centers around a genetically engineered "New Person," known as the Windup Girl, who is trapped in a life of servitude and exploitation. As the city teeters on the brink of political and environmental collapse, the fates of various characters—including a foreign energy investor, a disgraced geneticist, and a street-smart refugee—intertwine with that of the Windup Girl. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of corporate greed, oppressive government, and social upheaval, in a desperate search for survival and redemption in a world where every action has unforeseen consequences.

    The 9465th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Nightfall by Isaac Asimov, Robert Silverberg

    In a distant future, a planet experiences eternal daylight due to the presence of six suns. However, once every 2,049 years, a rare event known as "Nightfall" occurs, plunging the world into complete darkness. As scientists predict the imminent Nightfall, chaos ensues among the inhabitants who struggle to comprehend the unknown and cope with their fears. A group of scientists and scholars embarks on a desperate mission to preserve knowledge and find a way to survive the impending darkness. As the countdown to Nightfall begins, the characters are faced with existential questions about the nature of their existence and the fragility of human civilization.

    The 10349th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. A Deepness in the Sky by Vernor Vinge

    In this science fiction epic, two rival human spacefaring factions encounter the enigmatic Spider civilization on a distant planet orbiting a variable star. As the humans vie for control over the advanced technology and knowledge of the Spiders, they must also contend with their own political intrigue and the challenges of a harsh environment that cycles between extremes with the star's erratic behavior. The narrative weaves together themes of first contact, the nature of intelligence, and the vast expanse of time, as characters from both species struggle to understand each other and their place in the universe.

    The 10593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon

    The novel explores the life of an autistic man who excels at pattern recognition while working for a pharmaceutical company. His orderly world is disrupted when he is offered an experimental treatment that could potentially "cure" his autism. The story delves into themes of identity, neurodiversity, and the ethical implications of altering the human brain. As he grapples with the decision of whether to undergo the treatment, the protagonist must confront questions about what it means to be normal and whether the changes would fundamentally alter who he is. The narrative challenges the reader to consider the value of individual differences and the societal pressures to conform.

    The 10962nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Artemis by Andy Weir

    This science fiction novel is set in the late 21st century, focusing on the life of Jasmine "Jazz" Bashara, a young woman living in Artemis, the first and only city on the moon. Jazz is a small-time smuggler, struggling to make ends meet in the lunar colony's domed society. When she's offered the chance to commit the perfect crime for a lucrative reward, she jumps at the opportunity. However, she quickly finds herself entangled in a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself. As she navigates a web of alliances and enemies, Jazz must use her wit and resourcefulness to survive and prevent the destruction of the only home she's ever known.

    The 11306th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

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