Whole new worlds, futuristic and fantastical, await you below. According to the poll we ran when we launched our Books & Comics Space, our members' most beloved genres are the often-linked science fiction and fantasy. That means we’ve got a whole community of SFF experts here on Just About, and so we tapped their wells of bibliophilic knowledge and asked them to recommend the best fantasy and sci-fi novels they knew. If you’re looking for your next read in these genres, you’ll find eight expert recommendations below. Simply read on.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
As Clary Fray discovers her family's history and heritage, her eyes are opened to the paranormal and supernatural forces operating among us. She learns of those that work in the shadows, protecting us mere 'mundanes' from otherworldly threats. TheGreatestBanana12's recommendation is for the first YA (Young Adult) novel in Cassandra Clare’s popular urban-fantasy series The Mortal Instruments, filled with Shadowhunters, demons, and a host of other mythological creatures:
“I just loved this book. Clare has built a world filled with fairies, warlocks, demons, and those who keep the peace - the Shadowhunters. I loved all the books in the series, but I’ve chosen this one because it’s such a great introduction to the world, and it has a story that makes you want to keep turning pages. The main series has six books, but there’s a prequel and sequel series if you really get hooked. Still, City of Bones is where it all begins. Read it, and you’ll be invested.”
Storm of Iron by Graham McNeill
Said to have inspired the ‘grimdark’ aesthetic with one of its old taglines, Warhammer 40,000’s terrifying vision of the far future is perfect for those who like their sci-fi at an epic scale and with a heaping of brutality. Licensed books don’t have the best reputation, but they have the advantage of massive, richly realised universes that may have evolved over decades, and the best of them can be quite special. Paul argues that Storm of Iron is the very best of 40k novels:
“Set in a world besieged by an overwhelming force of Chaos-worshipping supersoldiers, Storm of Iron tells the story of the desperate struggle of those trying to hold back the assault. It's a tale told from both sides of the conflict, from the perspectives of seemingly insignificant characters. It’s a classic, and a great start for anyone new to the world of Warhammer 40k.”
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Much like another famous fantasy author, Patrick Rothfuss has been keeping his readers waiting. Ever since its second instalment was published in 2011, fans of The Kingkiller Chronicle - a planned trilogy - have been waiting with bated breath for its conclusion. Scrbzy, who nominated the trilogy’s first book, is very much one of those fans:
“The Name of the Wind is hands-down one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. It features a really well thought-out magic system and has a beautifully crafted world that’s even further developed in the sequel The Wise Man’s Fear. The main character can feel like a bit of a self-insert sometimes, but it’s well worth putting up with for the excellent story. I’ve recommended it to several people who have gone on to share my love for it.”
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Did you know that the How to Train Your Dragon movies were inspired by a series of novels? AirGaram's recommendation is for the whole series, but chiefly its titular first instalment - a fun and funny, light-hearted novel for all ages that makes light of fantasy tropes while being packed with personality.
“The series has twelve volumes, each of which is great and re-readable. The movies of the same name were inspired by the books, but their narratives greatly differ following Hiccup’s first meeting with Toothless. The characters in the films and novels share some similarities, but they also differ a lot so don’t be put off if you’ve already seen the films. The illustration has a unique charm too.”
Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan
Another series of novels that’s made the jump to the screen, this time with mixed success, is Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan. Josh B says that the TV adaptation didn’t do his favourite sci-fi novels justice, and makes a persuasive argument for you to go out and buy copies of them right now.
“The books are brilliant. They follow the time-jumping, planet-hopping escapades of Takeshi Kovacs as he turns from former soldier into merc for hire while investigating a string of mysterious deaths and conspiracies that threaten his home planet. The protagonist is excellently written; likeable but flawed in both his decision-making and character. His investigations are compelling, and the character development really elevates the books above your generic action novel. The descriptive, hyper-violent action is brilliantly detailed too though, making it the ideal package for sci-fi action fans. If you weren’t wholly impressed by the Netflix series, don’t write off the books!”
Thousand Worlds by Yoon Ha Lee
We asked for recommendations for sci-fi or fantasy novels, and Marcus has provided us with two in one, courtesy of Yoon Ha Lee - a Texan author better known for his Machineries of Empire space-opera series. We’ll pass over to Marcus, who sells the series well:
“The Thousand Worlds series perfectly blends fantasy and sci-fi. It consists of three books: Dragon Pearl, Tiger Honor, and Fox Snare. They combine Korean mythology and folklore with sci-fi action and adventure similar to the big hitters, Star Wars and Star Trek. The result is a thrilling series of books that has their readers feeling like they’re on an adventure across the galaxy beside the stories’ heroes. Along the way, you’ll see planets and wonders, as well as mystical species ranging from fox spirits to dragons.”
Solaris by Stanislaw Lem
Like many of us, Lanah Tyra finds it difficult to choose a favourite from two genres filled with classics. In the end, she decided on Solaris, the 1961 novel by Polish author Stanislaw Lem - a tale that follows researchers attempting various methods of communication with an extraterrestrial intelligence.
“It’s one of those books that make you constantly wonder what’s going on. Most likely, you won’t figure it out until the very end. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a perfect depiction of how humans with different traits would react to an alien lifeform trying to communicate with them. As the reader, you learn everything about this alien lifeform, but you learn just as much about human nature.”
Magician by Raymond E. Feist
Fantasy authors aren’t generally known for their brevity. Anyone who’s ever tried their hand at world building knows that the seeds of spinoffs, sequels, and prequels take root almost of their own accord, and then demand to grow. That’s certainly true with Magician, EveOnlineTutorials's choice, which forms the first part of The Riftwar Saga, itself a part of the Riftwar Cycle, and that in turn a part of The Riftwar Universe. The first book is an all-time classic of sword-and-sorcery fantasy, and if you enjoy it, there’s plenty more where that came from.
“What makes these books so good?
Two boys with big dreams
One world invaded by another
Magic, in all its glory
Love, hate, betrayal
Gripping politics
“What’s more, the storyline is epic, with a narrative spanning multiple worlds that continues throughout 30 books. Every time I pick it up, it’s like I’m reading it for the first time. I’d challenge anyone to read this book and not love it.”
Honourable mentions
Sturmer recommends On Basilisk Station by David Webber, a sci-fi novel filled with political intrigue in the face of a deadly war.
Makster recommends The Black Magician trilogy by Trudi Canavan, “a more serious take on a magical hierarchy between those with magical potential and those without”.
Laser-Bicep recommends the fantasy books of David Gemmell and the following order in which to read them: Knights of Dark Renown, Morningstar, Waylander, Waylander II: In the Realm of the Wolf, Hero in the Shadows, The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend, The Legend of Deathwalker; “It’s a massive world filled with interconnected stories; if you like Lord of the Rings but you want a more violent read, these are for you.”
Limal recommends The Two Towers, their favourite entry in J.R.R. Tolkein’s fantasy epic: “the impact of these books on culture - and video games in particular - is huge”.
okayameji recommends the Indonesian novel Ceros Dan Batozar, a young adult fantasy story which always brings them to tears through its themes of love, loss, and betrayal.
What's your favourite sci-fi, fantasy, or sci-fi-fantasy novel? Let us know in the comments! Some text has been amended for brevity. You can find the original wording at the bounty post. Image credit: nallabelipavan, Willgard, Simon & Schuster, The Black Library, DAW Books, Hodder Children's Books, Victor Gollancz Ltd, Disney Publishing Worldwide, MON Walker, Harper Voyager.
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