Science Fiction

The science-fiction genre is very wide-ranging and encompasses all kinds of plot lines, settings, and periods in history. You might think of it as a "new" genre, but it is actually older than you might think. The plots are driven by advances in science and technology, or things that could become possible at some point in the future through science and technology. Some of it can be similar to the fantasy genre, but what differentiates science fiction is that it is based in science, not magic.

Space Opera

Space operas are books that take place either completely or mostly in space. The more dramatic, the better- there should be battling empires, invading aliens, mysterious ancient technology, and grand, sweeping story arcs.

Try these authors: Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert, Robert A. Heinlein, Arthur C. Clarke, C.J. Cherryh, Orson Scott Card, Alastair Reynolds, James S.A. Corey, Ann Leckie, Catherine Asaro, John Scalzi, Cixin Liu, Kim Stanley Robinson, Yoon Ha Lee, Poul Anderson, Elizabeth Bear, Greg Bear

Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott

Dune by Frank Herbert

Hard Science Fiction

Hard science fiction means that everything that happens in the book is theoretically possible in our real world with our understanding of the universe (for example, no time travel or universe-jumping). It focuses on the "hard sciences" like physics and chemistry and can overlap with the "space opera" subgenre.

Try these authors: Arthur C. Clarke, Michael Crichton, Andy Weir, Ben Bova, Poul Anderson, Isaac Asimov

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein

Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

Soft Science Fiction

In contrast to hard science fiction, soft science fiction can contain plot lines that are not actually possible with our current technology, like time travel. Soft science fiction plot lines can be based on the "soft" sciences like anthropology, sociology, and psychology, rather than on the "hard" sciences like physics, biology, and chemistry. They are focused more on the characters and speculative societies. This is the science fiction subgenre that is most closely related to fantasy, since both rely on things that are not actually possible.

Try these authors: Philip José Farmer, Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia E. Butler, Lois McMaster Bujold, Joan D. Vinge, C.J. Cherryh, Catherine Asaro, Iain M. Banks

Dawn by Octavia E. Butler

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Riverworld by Philip José Farmer

Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold

Future Dystopia

Future dystopian novels unsettle us and make us nervous because they are set in not-so-future societies that are almost exactly like ours, but worse. If we let all the current problems in our society run rampant and unchecked, we would end up living in a future dystopian novel. The novels in this subgenre are designed to make us nervous and act as a warning. This subgenre has been around for a while and ranges from classics like "1984" to the "Hunger Games" trilogy.

Try these authors: Franz Kafka, Aldous Huxley, Margaret Atwood, Cormac McCarthy, Ray Bradbury, H.G. Wells, Anthony Burgess, George Orwell, Megan Hunter, Emily St. John Mandel, Naomi Alderman, Suzanne Collins, Veronica Roth, Katharine McGee

1984 by George Orwell

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Cyberpunk

Cyberpunk novels are basically future dystopian novels, except centered around how advances in technology (like artificial intelligence and cybernetics), if taken into the wrong hands, can become a threat to our society. This genre has its roots in the 1960's and 70's. The cult classic film "Blade Runner" is actually based on a short story in this genre by Philip K. Dick. "The Matrix" films are also part of this genre.

Try these authors: William Gibson, Philip K. Dick, Richard K. Morgan, Harlan Ellison, James Dashner, Daniel H. Wilson, Neal Stephenson, Katharine McGee, Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, Claudia Gray

Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace

Neuromancer by William Gibson

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray

Steampunk

Steampunk novels are an alternative history genre that is set in the late 19th century, when industrial steam power was changing the world. They are usually set in Britain or the American West and are retrofuturistic, featuring inventions as 19th century people might have thought of them. It is more than just a fiction genre- it is also a style of art, design, and fashion.

Try these authors: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Anthony Burgess, Brandon Sanderson, James P. Blaylock, Gail Carriger, Philip Pullman, Cassandra Clare, Nisi Shawl

A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark

The Time Machine by H. G. Wells

Everfair by Nisi Shawl