Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books

Anything in the science fiction or fantasy genres, especially if there's any crossover.

(This list used to be for science fiction, but got out of control. For the best science fiction, see our new list.

See also
SF and Fantasy Award Winner Lists

Note: Spam will be deleted if detected. Mostly what it will earn is the ire of the regular voters.

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1	Ender’s Game (Ender's Saga, #1) by Orson Scott Card 4.31 avg rating — 1,393,599 ratings score: 590,992, and 5,988 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Dune (Dune, #1) by Frank Herbert 4.27 avg rating — 1,425,191 ratings score: 502,899, and 5,108 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	1984 by George Orwell 4.19 avg rating — 4,733,993 ratings score: 383,207, and 3,934 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 3.96 avg rating — 2,479,691 ratings score: 268,903, and 2,784 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	Brave New World by Aldous Huxley 3.99 avg rating — 1,891,611 ratings score: 222,807, and 2,318 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Foundation (Foundation, #1) by Isaac Asimov 4.17 avg rating — 549,342 ratings score: 188,732, and 1,961 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, #1) by Madeleine L'Engle 3.98 avg rating — 1,217,739 ratings score: 176,973, and 1,831 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) by Suzanne Collins 4.34 avg rating — 8,871,610 ratings score: 173,159, and 1,800 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #1-5) by Douglas Adams 4.38 avg rating — 326,415 ratings score: 148,868, and 1,561 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. 4.10 avg rating — 1,387,585 ratings score: 148,273, and 1,554 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	The Giver (The Giver, #1) by Lois Lowry (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 2,540,245 ratings score: 145,964, and 1,515 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick 4.09 avg rating — 462,087 ratings score: 141,367, and 1,492 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein 3.92 avg rating — 315,372 ratings score: 136,252, and 1,425 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	I, Robot (Robot, #0.1) by Isaac Asimov 4.21 avg rating — 351,911 ratings score: 125,556, and 1,334 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, #1) by Dan Simmons 4.27 avg rating — 260,645 ratings score: 124,948, and 1,307 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Neuromancer (Sprawl, #1) by William Gibson 3.89 avg rating — 333,512 ratings score: 120,450, and 1,265 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Animal Farm by George Orwell 3.99 avg rating — 3,985,255 ratings score: 120,360, and 1,298 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	The Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1) by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 2,100,012 ratings score: 110,515, and 1,176 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Speaker for the Dead (Ender's Saga, #2) by Orson Scott Card 4.10 avg rating — 258,357 ratings score: 110,358, and 1,163 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 283,710 ratings score: 109,848, and 1,150 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	The Stand by Stephen King (Goodreads Author) 4.35 avg rating — 773,367 ratings score: 108,710, and 1,143 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury 4.15 avg rating — 266,592 ratings score: 108,544, and 1,155 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1) by J.R.R. Tolkien 4.39 avg rating — 2,849,094 ratings score: 107,742, and 1,149 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	The Foundation Trilogy (Foundation, #1-3) by Isaac Asimov 4.42 avg rating — 104,029 ratings score: 105,634, and 1,122 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Jurassic Park (Jurassic Park, #1) by Michael Crichton 4.10 avg rating — 974,453 ratings score: 99,835, and 1,065 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	2001: A Space Odyssey (Space Odyssey, #1) by Arthur C. Clarke 4.17 avg rating — 317,770 ratings score: 94,211, and 1,019 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	The Lord of the Rings (Middle Earth, #2-4) by J.R.R. Tolkien 4.53 avg rating — 686,141 ratings score: 91,560, and 977 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	The Time Machine by H.G. Wells 3.89 avg rating — 527,296 ratings score: 91,503, and 992 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin 4.10 avg rating — 188,845 ratings score: 88,913, and 955 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein 4.01 avg rating — 231,183 ratings score: 87,037, and 933 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes 4.21 avg rating — 690,198 ratings score: 85,017, and 923 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1) by J.K. Rowling 4.47 avg rating — 10,286,202 ratings score: 81,850, and 880 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	The Chain Between Worlds (The Lost Artefacts #1) by Johnathon Nicolaou (Goodreads Author) 4.48 avg rating — 1,293 ratings score: 73,802, and 740 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells 3.83 avg rating — 320,457 ratings score: 72,894, and 799 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1) by Patrick Rothfuss (Goodreads Author) 4.52 avg rating — 983,934 ratings score: 71,210, and 749 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	Ender's Shadow (The Shadow Series, #1) by Orson Scott Card 4.32 avg rating — 173,593 ratings score: 67,449, and 727 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	Ready Player One (Ready Player One, #1) by Ernest Cline (Goodreads Author) 4.23 avg rating — 1,193,768 ratings score: 65,892, and 704 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. 4.15 avg rating — 409,308 ratings score: 65,418, and 708 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke 4.12 avg rating — 162,090 ratings score: 64,169, and 704 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein 4.16 avg rating — 132,135 ratings score: 63,526, and 694 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	The Forever War (The Forever War, #1) by Joe Haldeman 4.14 avg rating — 169,061 ratings score: 60,511, and 669 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	A Canticle for Leibowitz (St. Leibowitz, #1) by Walter M. Miller Jr. 3.98 avg rating — 111,261 ratings score: 60,191, and 654 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Rendezvous with Rama (Rama, #1) by Arthur C. Clarke 4.12 avg rating — 169,439 ratings score: 59,741, and 660 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	The Host (The Host, #1) by Stephenie Meyer 3.86 avg rating — 1,015,361 ratings score: 56,827, and 593 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1,801,140 ratings score: 55,832, and 597 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	Old Man's War (Old Man's War, #1) by John Scalzi (Goodreads Author) 4.23 avg rating — 201,364 ratings score: 55,380, and 609 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1) by Anne McCaffrey 4.09 avg rating — 138,458 ratings score: 51,766, and 564 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, #1) by Douglas Adams 4.23 avg rating — 1,873,422 ratings score: 51,154, and 577 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Ringworld (Ringworld, #1) by Larry Niven 3.94 avg rating — 123,074 ratings score: 50,190, and 559 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Contact by Carl Sagan 4.15 avg rating — 144,624 ratings score: 50,189, and 547 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Captain Nemo, #2) by Jules Verne 3.89 avg rating — 257,666 ratings score: 49,419, and 554 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	American Gods by Neil Gaiman (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 947,348 ratings score: 46,569, and 518 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia by Ursula K. Le Guin 4.25 avg rating — 129,050 ratings score: 44,949, and 495 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 3.87 avg rating — 1,637,204 ratings score: 44,842, and 506 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	The Hobbit (The Lord of the Rings, #0) by J.R.R. Tolkien 4.29 avg rating — 4,073,402 ratings score: 44,645, and 512 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer by Neal Stephenson (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 90,604 ratings score: 42,538, and 465 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	I Am Legend and Other Stories by Richard Matheson really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 132,227 ratings score: 42,495, and 470 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 533,232 ratings score: 41,799, and 459 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	The Sparrow (The Sparrow, #1) by Mary Doria Russell (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 76,809 ratings score: 38,824, and 411 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick 3.60 avg rating — 216,775 ratings score: 38,297, and 436 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 719,557 ratings score: 38,296, and 422 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Ubik by Philip K. Dick 4.11 avg rating — 110,393 ratings score: 38,239, and 426 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Uglies (Uglies, #1) by Scott Westerfeld (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 671,396 ratings score: 37,536, and 397 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	The Andromeda Strain (Andromeda, #1) by Michael Crichton 3.91 avg rating — 258,671 ratings score: 36,983, and 427 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	The Mote in God's Eye (Moties, #1) by Larry Niven 4.07 avg rating — 70,548 ratings score: 36,884, and 421 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	The Martian by Andy Weir (Goodreads Author) 4.42 avg rating — 1,149,318 ratings score: 35,949, and 400 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, #3) by J.R.R. Tolkien 4.57 avg rating — 927,219 ratings score: 35,749, and 413 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester 4.06 avg rating — 52,129 ratings score: 35,394, and 393 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2) by J.R.R. Tolkien 4.49 avg rating — 995,415 ratings score: 34,396, and 401 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	Oryx and Crake (MaddAddam, #1) by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 270,649 ratings score: 33,790, and 370 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Solaris by Stanisław Lem 3.99 avg rating — 111,476 ratings score: 33,662, and 373 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	Second Foundation (Foundation, #3) by Isaac Asimov 4.27 avg rating — 187,848 ratings score: 33,503, and 394 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne 3.85 avg rating — 204,510 ratings score: 33,343, and 381 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	A Fire Upon the Deep (Zones of Thought, #1) by Vernor Vinge 4.14 avg rating — 62,409 ratings score: 32,119, and 357 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham 4.01 avg rating — 109,442 ratings score: 32,002, and 367 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Doomsday Book (Oxford Time Travel, #1) by Connie Willis 4.03 avg rating — 60,829 ratings score: 31,736, and 356 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	The Fall of Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos, #2) by Dan Simmons 4.23 avg rating — 130,276 ratings score: 31,604, and 362 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. 4.15 avg rating — 144,589 ratings score: 31,410, and 353 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	Red Mars (Mars Trilogy, #1) by Kim Stanley Robinson 3.86 avg rating — 83,412 ratings score: 31,219, and 351 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Timeline by Michael Crichton 3.87 avg rating — 208,626 ratings score: 31,130, and 351 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury 4.13 avg rating — 100,059 ratings score: 30,452, and 357 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	The Caves of Steel (Robot, #1) by Isaac Asimov 4.19 avg rating — 102,723 ratings score: 29,399, and 349 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	Foundation and Empire (Foundation, #2) by Isaac Asimov 4.22 avg rating — 208,525 ratings score: 28,389, and 340 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells 3.64 avg rating — 197,777 ratings score: 27,763, and 331 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R.R. Martin 4.44 avg rating — 2,533,257 ratings score: 27,157, and 313 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Xenocide (Ender's Saga, #3) by Orson Scott Card 3.81 avg rating — 158,996 ratings score: 26,491, and 305 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin 4.12 avg rating — 76,347 ratings score: 25,276, and 295 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Anathem by Neal Stephenson (Goodreads Author) 4.17 avg rating — 72,243 ratings score: 24,810, and 275 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick 4.02 avg rating — 103,580 ratings score: 24,790, and 290 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	The Player of Games (Culture, #2) by Iain M. Banks 4.28 avg rating — 73,821 ratings score: 24,598, and 277 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett 4.26 avg rating — 766,852 ratings score: 24,591, and 282 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive, #1) by Brandon Sanderson (Goodreads Author) 4.66 avg rating — 520,296 ratings score: 24,241, and 261 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions by Edwin A. Abbott 3.81 avg rating — 71,451 ratings score: 23,826, and 270 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	To Say Nothing of the Dog (Oxford Time Travel, #2) by Connie Willis 4.11 avg rating — 41,673 ratings score: 23,703, and 267 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	Gateway (Heechee Saga, #1) by Frederik Pohl 4.06 avg rating — 45,331 ratings score: 23,531, and 277 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	Altered Carbon (Takeshi Kovacs, #1) by Richard K. Morgan 4.04 avg rating — 107,992 ratings score: 23,496, and 268 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Kindred by Octavia E. Butler 4.30 avg rating — 228,096 ratings score: 21,734, and 245 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98	Barrayar (Vorkosigan Saga, #7) by Lois McMaster Bujold (Goodreads Author) 4.30 avg rating — 29,461 ratings score: 21,632, and 244 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun, #1) by Gene Wolfe 3.83 avg rating — 30,458 ratings score: 21,536, and 242 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Space Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet / Perelandra / That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis 4.17 avg rating — 11,140 ratings score: 21,281, and 233 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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8,081 books · 24,509 voters · list created May 29th, 2008 by deleted user.

Tags: best-fantasy, best-science-fiction, earliest-list, fantasy, science-fiction, speculative-fiction

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message 1: by elissa (last edited Jun 23, 2008 03:39PM) (new)

Jun 23, 2008 03:31PM

A nice list that I'd definitely refer back to if I was looking for a good SF read. There was only one book on the list that I've read but didn't think was wonderful. If I'd made the list, it would also include more YA and children's stuff (besides just WRINKLE IN TIME, which is a definite classic), so maybe I should just make one of my own, or add some more to this one. There are some great YA SF's coming out this year (HUNGER GAMES and LITTLE BROTHER, just to name two). Another recent book that I've loved, which is adult SF, is WARCHILD by Lowachee.

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message 2: by Brigid ✩ (new)

Jun 25, 2008 02:08AM

yay for a wrinkle in time! XD i just finished reading it for the sixth time.
if maximum ride was on this list i would vote for that too!!! XD

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message 3: by Holly (new)

Jul 02, 2008 04:08AM

I really must protest the George R. R. Martin being on this list. It is not science fiction, it is fantasy.

Also I'm borderline on the American Gods, but I really feel it is more urban fantasy than sci-fi.

But then, I'm a purist who is oft irritated by the mixing of the two on bookstore shelves in the first place.

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message 4: by Kristine (fezabel) (new)

Jul 03, 2008 06:04PM

Technically, this list should be titled "Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books" because of the number of fantasy titles on the list.

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message 5: by Stephy (new)

Jul 03, 2008 09:03PM

"American Gods" by Neil Gaiman does not deserve to be on this or any list of the best anything. I read it, and if I could vote for worst book ever written, from this selection, He would have my vote! He's a smug, arrogant, pedantic asswipe.

I've had to read him for coursework, and resented every minute he wasted in my life.

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message 6: by Zoe (new)

Jul 14, 2008 08:15AM

True! I found his work hard to get through and gave up. although it had some nice imagery nothing fit together.

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message 7: by Patrick (new)

Jul 30, 2008 03:46PM

I must be the only person on Earth who can't stand Ender's Game.

Of course, I find Card personally obnoxious and to me his personality oozes through all his books.

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message 8: by Jeff (new)

Aug 03, 2008 05:28AM

I did not like Ender's Game, but I read (tried)it a long while ago & do not really remenber why.

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message 9: by Jeff (new)

Aug 03, 2008 05:30AM

I really tried to just vote for what was really Science Fiction and NOT Fantasy, even though I like a lot of books that blur the line I have in my mind!

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message 10: by David (new)

Aug 07, 2008 06:58PM

this list is really bad. in the top 100, there are way too many books that don't even have a scientific bent. most are social fiction and some are fantasy.

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message 11: by Davor (new)

Aug 16, 2008 07:13PM

Hmm.. somebody should remove all the books that are not sci-fi from this list.

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message 12: by Laura (last edited Aug 19, 2008 04:42AM) (new)

Aug 19, 2008 04:38AM

Davor, which ones do you think aren't science fiction, specifically? At a quick read, I don't see anything I'd throw off here without a qualm (except perhaps the fantasy books, and I don't really feel comfortable making that call). I'm happy to delete books that legitimately don't belong on the list, but you'll have to give me pointers.

Patrick, you are definitely not the only one in the world. I loathe that book. Loathe. (And as you suggest, Orson Scott Card is also a miserable prick who would do the world a favor by dropping off it, but that's a separate issue.)

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message 13: by Antoine (new)

Aug 19, 2008 05:17PM

Much as I love Hitchhikers, it seems like a sad statement that the second greatest SF book of all time is a parody of the genre.

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message 14: by Virginia (new)

Aug 20, 2008 11:17PM

I can't seem to find neither Solaris by Lem, nor More than Human by Sturgeon, two wonderfully written science fiction novels...

And I agree with that there are a lot of books here that actually should be in a fantasy list.

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message 15: by Dana (new)

Aug 21, 2008 03:55AM

Hmmm... new to Goodreads, but not to the genre. I'm intrigued by commentary about Card. I've never heard much about him personally. I'd be interested in discussion as to whether Ender's Game is a "guys" book. Most of the folks I know (including myself and my 14 year old son) who liked it are guys. Any women who enjoyed it? It certainly plays to the insecurities of adolescent boys. I'm sure it wouldn't be my number one, but haven't decided what is...

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message 16: by Shane (new)

Aug 21, 2008 03:51PM

Way too much fantasy on this list. It's easy to pick out. Is there a separate list? I only voted for sci-fi books even though some of the fantasy listed is my favorite (Perdido Street Station and Fionavar).

Didn't like -Ender's Game- all that much but I have been enjoying the sequels a lot.

I've seen Card at cons but never met him (sounds like I'm not missing out on much).

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message 17: by Cindy (new)

Aug 24, 2008 07:41AM

I agree - too much fantasy. Specifically, The Last Unicorn and Dragonflight. I guess that's only two books, really.

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message 18: by Jeremy (new)

Aug 25, 2008 11:07PM

Is there a difference between sci-fi and fantasy? What is the difference? And why are they always lumped together?

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message 19: by Ken (new)

Aug 27, 2008 06:36PM

Please give me a brief detail about the Solar System

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message 20: by Mickey (new)

Aug 28, 2008 05:55PM

There are so many books on this list that I'm ashamed of myself for not having read and so many books that should be on here; and so many that should NOT be on here. How is a Resident Evil novel even in the top 500?

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message 21: by Brett (new)

Sep 10, 2008 02:18PM

I agree with some that have said there is too much Fantasy on this list. The title says Best SCIENCE FICTION. It doesn't mention Fantasy or Horror (which are listed too).

I realize a lot of people don't know the difference between Fantasy and Sci-Fi, but it is pretty easy to find out these days. But it's probably not as important to some. To me it's just calling a truck a car. It just ain't right!

That being said, I think about every book on this list is a good book and well worth reading. It shows how varied the genres are and how much really good reading material there is.

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message 22: by Brett (new)

Sep 10, 2008 02:25PM

Many people have mentioned they don't know the difference between science fiction and fantasy. There really is a difference. I have found that the definitions used on WIKI.com are pretty good and have a ton of information. Here are brief definitions of each with links to each page.

Definition of Science Fiction
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_...

Science fiction (abbreviated SF or sci-fi with varying punctuation and capitalization) is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculations based on current or future science or technology. Science fiction is found in books, art, television, films, games, theatre, and other media. In organizational or marketing contexts, science fiction can be synonymous with the broader definition of speculative fiction, encompassing creative works incorporating imaginative elements not found in contemporary reality; this includes fantasy, horror, and related genres.[1]

Science fiction differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature (though some elements in a story might still be pure imaginative speculation). Exploring the consequences of such differences is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas".[2]Science fiction is largely based on writing entertainingly and rationally about alternate possibilities[3] in settings that are contrary to known reality.

These may include:

* A setting in the future, in alternative time lines, or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archeological record
* A setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving aliens[4]
* Stories that involve technology or scientific principles that contradict known laws of nature[5]
* Stories that involve discovery or application of new scientific principles, such as time travel or psionics, or new technology, such as nanotechnology, faster-than-light travel or robots, or of new and different political or social systems[6

Definition of Fantasy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fantasy

Fantasy is a genre that uses magic and other supernatural forms as a primary element of plot, theme, and/or setting. Fantasy is generally distinguished from science fiction and horror by the expectation that it steers clear of technological and macabre themes, respectively, though there is a great deal of overlap between the three (collectively known as speculative fiction).

In its broadest sense, fantasy comprises works by many writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians, from ancient myths and legends to many recent works embraced by a wide audience today.

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message 23: by Emily (new)

Sep 27, 2008 11:19PM

I'm pretty sure that at least half the books on this list are not really science fiction. For example Dracula. Can we say most famous HORROR of all time?

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message 24: by Stephanie (new)

Sep 28, 2008 06:15PM

quick note: I am a female, and it is my #1 favorite SciFi book of all time.

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message 25: by Mary (new)

Nov 09, 2008 04:40PM

I am glad to see this list because I find it difficult to get good scifi/fantasy recommendations from mainstream sources. I find it hard to evaluate what I will like in advance. Love G R R Martin and Philip K Dick, thought Dune was really stupid.

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message 26: by AJ Paris (new)

Nov 12, 2008 05:47AM

this list is great. it helped me find some books i'd forgotten, or forgotten the name of.

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message 27: by Jen (new)

Nov 29, 2008 05:18PM

Someone asked about females that like Ender's Game. I am female and that is one of my favorite books. My husband also loves it. Interesting enough, I actually am not a big Sci-Fi reader.

I also think it is interesting that several of these books are considered great works of ficiton. (I think anything by Heinlen would fall under that category.)

In response to the commentary about Card, I haven't met him but have been recently disturbed by comments he has made in interviews and on his website. The thing to remember is that he is part of the Latter-Day saints and much of what he says sounds like it is coming straight from the church's official rhetoric. That aside-I still think Ender's Game is a great work of fiction.

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message 28: by Jen (new)

Nov 29, 2008 05:21PM

Also, on the discussion of sci-fi as opposed to Fantasy. One example of a questionable books is Martian Chronicles. I remember in high school English we had a lengthy discussion on whether this would be a Sci-Fi or Fantasy book or both or neither.

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message 29: by Zen (new)

Dec 09, 2008 09:55PM

So, according to Brett's definitions, "Dragonflight" is Sci-fi. Thanks for clearing that up.

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message 30: by Debutante (last edited Jan 04, 2009 06:34PM) (new)

Jan 04, 2009 06:33PM

You haven't read Fe Fi FOE Comes or you'd be voting for it.

elissa wrote: "A nice list that I'd definitely refer back to if I was looking for a good SF read. There was only one book on the list that I've read but didn't think was wonderful. If I'd made the list, it woul..."

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message 31: by Bricoleur (David) (new)

Jan 31, 2009 05:08AM

Antoine wrote: "Much as I love Hitchhikers, it seems like a sad statement that the second greatest SF book of all time is a parody of the genre."

Hitchhikers was more a parody on the state of physics and cosmology (along with satirical swipes daily life) at the time it was written than it was a parody of the genre of science fiction.

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message 32: by Gealach (new)

Mar 04, 2009 07:14PM

Dana wrote: "I'd be interested in discussion as to whether Ender's Game is a "guys" book. Most of the folks I know (including myself and my 14 year old son) who liked it are guys. Any women who enjoyed it?"

Yes, Ender's Game appeals to women too. I'm proof.

And I'm also a little bothered by the genre mixing. I only voted for SF titles here even though there's one or two fantasy I loved, and several fantasy that I felt less strongly about. I hate when people give me a book about spaceships because "she'll love it" even though I'm mostly into magic/legends.

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message 33: by Claudia (new)

Mar 20, 2009 01:09AM

The only thing sci-fi about Dragonflight is that the dragon riders are decended from some hi-tech people who came to colonize the planet.

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message 34: by Matt (new)

Mar 28, 2009 02:20AM

Jeff wrote: "I really tried to just vote for what was really Science Fiction and NOT Fantasy, even though I like a lot of books that blur the line I have in my mind!"

I think the line is "it's fantasy if there is magic involved".

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message 35: by Claudia (new)

Mar 29, 2009 09:56PM

Zen wrote: "So, according to Brett's definitions, "Dragonflight" is Sci-fi. Thanks for clearing that up.

"

Sure, no magic, genetically engineered animals, Intergalactic travel and colonization, sounds sci-fi to me.

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message 36: by Chelsea (new)

Apr 02, 2009 05:30PM

This list is a great reference, though I'm not sure about ALL of the books...

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message 37: by Werner (last edited Apr 23, 2009 03:44AM) (new)

Apr 23, 2009 12:04AM

While there are probably lists on Goodreads that are designed to include both SF and fantasy, this one is intended only for science fiction, and the guideline at the top explicitly asks people not to add fantasy or horror books to it. Several people on this thread have complained that this guideline hasn't been followed, and I think they have a legitimate point.

Both list moderators and Goodreads librarians (I happen to be one of the latter) have the authority to delete books from lists if they were clearly added improperly. So, just now I stuck my neck out and deleted 14 books from the list. There may well be others that should be deleted, but I only removed those I was sufficiently familiar with to know are clearly outside the guideline (there are two more I have grave doubts about, but I want to check on them with a Goodreads friend who's actually read them before I do anything drastic.) I deleted very cautiously and conservatively, bending over backward to respect other people's judgment in doubtful cases
--especially since we're threatened with dire penalties if we delete improperly. :-) But I hope that what I did do makes for some improvement, and helps keep the list's focus on target.

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message 38: by Taylor (last edited Jun 03, 2009 02:56AM) (new)

Jun 03, 2009 02:56AM

This is the best list I found is a great reference.
I read/Want to read About all them.
Made meh want to read Childhood's End
I did not want to at first Cuz after reading all 4 book of David Bowmen I did not want to read any more of Mr.Clarke's books. <.< But I did lolage?
o.0

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message 39: by Zack (new)

Jun 18, 2009 12:02AM

Jeremy wrote: "Is there a difference between sci-fi and fantasy? What is the difference? And why are they always lumped together?"

Yes. A big difference.
To be blunt,
Fantasy= pure impossible imagination
Science Fiction= Probably not possible by current means, but is hoped to be possible in the future: whether that be near or far.

They are usually lumped together because they are both considered merely imagination. SF/F are often not considered literature by the general public. But those people don't know what they're talking about. :P

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message 40: by Denise (new)

Jun 21, 2009 07:54PM

I always assume, when I read a list such as this, that people are rating the books on some sort of internal scale based on their own opinions of these and other books they have read, their life experience in general, and who they are. That's how I rate books on the lists. It's not an objective (if that were possible) evaluation of "the best [genre x:] books ever." It's a guide to those who enjoy [genre x:] books about books they may want to consider reading. Yes? So WTH cares if a given book on the list is genre x or genre y? Unless your purpose in commenting is to amaze us all with your brilliant analysis/personal prejudice... in which case, nevermind.

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message 41: by Zack (new)

Jun 21, 2009 10:38PM

If this is addressed toward me: I don't care in the least. I was merely helping jeremy with his question.

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message 42: by Ursinus05 (new)

Jul 03, 2009 04:25PM

Since when is Lord of the Flies science fiction?

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message 43: by Allison (new)

Aug 17, 2009 05:27AM

Dana wrote: "Hmmm... new to Goodreads, but not to the genre. I'm intrigued by commentary about Card. I've never heard much about him personally. I'd be interested in discussion as to whether Ender's Game is ..."

i thought the book was interesting, defiantly well written. You could say i liked it but don't be too sure, It was violent but then the plot and characters were very well woven into the story.

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message 44: by Allison (new)

Aug 17, 2009 05:33AM

Tanstaafl wrote: "Jeremy wrote: "Is there a difference between sci-fi and fantasy? What is the difference? And why are they always lumped together?"

Yes. A big difference.
To be blunt,
Fantasy= pure imposs..."

I always thought of Fantasy as Magic and things realated to magic. I do agree though usually Fantasy is linked with 'never happened never going to happen"
Sci-Fi I think is more sciend and outer space type things- like star wars or star Trek.

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message 45: by Zack (last edited Aug 18, 2009 07:42PM) (new)

Aug 18, 2009 07:42PM

Well it actually depends on each persons personal thoughts of the genre. Many argue that Star Trek and Star Wars, though they have scientific elements, are fantasy since things such as the force are not real and undoubtedly ever can be. The term for those types of movies/books would be Science Fantasy.

However, I don't really care about the difference. I read or watch what I like, and don't mind the genre, Science Fiction or Fantasy.

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message 46: by Allison (new)

Aug 18, 2009 08:44PM

well then they should change the name of this list to: The Best Science Fantasy Books then every one would stop arguing about it.

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message 47: by Zack (new)

Aug 18, 2009 10:49PM

Agreed.
It's really stupid that anyone cares.

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message 48: by Mike (new)

Aug 21, 2009 08:26PM

The controversy about ScFi is moot. I don't care that much. I do wonder how you classify a book such as 'The Terror'. It has the feel of science fiction at its best but is ostensibly a whatif historical novel. Although couldn't you say the same about 'Man in the High Castle'. In any case, 'The Terror' is without doubt Simmonds' best book, and if the idea is to get people appreciating the best then push it!

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message 49: by Zack (new)

Aug 21, 2009 08:49PM

I'm fairly sure The Terror would be classified as historical fantasy. The creature, is, as far as I know, not scientific, so it would be fantasy.

A lot of people put alternate history with science fiction, but I disagree with that as well, if itwere to matter.

Michael Chabon's ,The Yiddish Policemen's Union won the Hugo. And while a great book on its own, it definitely can not be classified as science fiction. Yet, it was just because it's alternate history... kinda.

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message 50: by Mike (new)

Aug 21, 2009 09:06PM

Tanstaafl wrote: "I'm fairly sure The Terror would be classified as historical fantasy. The creature, is, as far as I know, not scientific, so it would be fantasy.

A lot of people put alternate history with science..."

So where would you put 'Man in the High Castle'? Got to have the same rules applied. And then you've got 'Through a Scanner Darkly', A psychological exploration of Tim O'Leary consequences? I don't think so. If it looks like Sci Fi, smells like Sci Fi, and 3even tastes like Sci Fi - it probably shouldn't be consigned to a shit category.

And on the subject of the creatures. There are many creatures in Sci Fi that aren't scientific. That's because they are creatures.

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