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The best science fiction books
Science fiction is one of the most fascinating genres available at the moment. But if we’re being honest; the genre comes with a ton of authors and books out there; some not being at the level of the others. There may be times when readers may pick a book simply based on the reviews or even the covers; resulting in disappointment when you find out this is nowhere close to what you imagined. Therefore, here at OwlRatings; we have summarized a top 10 list that has been rated on four important criteria to break down the details and allow you to choose the perfect thriller novel that suites your taste. So without further ado, here are the top 10 Thriller Novels that we at ‘OwlRatings’ have picked for you.
Best overall
1984 science fiction book
It is the best choice read if you are into a novel which has a dark and gloomy vibe; being set in a dystopian future.
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1984 is a dystopian social science fiction novel that has been written by the English novelist, George Orwell. A master in the art of writing; Orwell’s chilling prediction about the future and his dystopian vision of the government seems more timelier than ever. The book focuses on an unseen battle that had taken places between civilians and the government; and how the world has now turned to a gloomy and damp pace. We focus largely on the character of Winston; who’s journey is very dark and disturbing. The language is oppressive and monotonous, evoking the numbing impact of life under Party rule, when everything is drab and gray. This book makes for great literature and is a must read on our list.
Best book of the decade
The Martian science fiction book
Set in the red planet of Mars; this novel will be the perfect fit for you if you are looking for a one-man adventure.
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The Martian is a 2011 science fiction novel that was written by Andy Weir. After the success of the novel; the story was converted to a film that went by the same name and went on to be nominated for many accolades including best film and best actor at the Academy awards. The novel is about Mark Watney, an astronaut who is stranded on Mars in the year 2035 and pulls out all the stops to try and survive. This novel takes one on the trip to wander in the fictional world of isolation with amazingly frightening reality. The story focuses on the intense seclusion of an intelligent human.
Another novel set in a dystopian environment; Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is the story about a western civilization enslaved by the government and media where nobody is actually free. The story is a fast-paced, short novel full of suspense and action. A work of which Ray Bradbury was so proud that he asked to have his epitaph put: Author of Fahrenheit 451. The protagonist, Guy Montag is a 30 year old man who questions the system that is in place. The book depicts the dangers of the modern world and how people are turned into sheep; this book being a must read if you’re a fan of the dystopian genre.
Best book for action
Dune science fiction book
Arguably one of the best in the genre; Dune is a fan-favorite because not only does it shower you with a unique experience, it will take you across this whole new world of intrigue, beauty.
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Dune is a science fiction novel written by American author Frank Herbert. The significance of Dune is the way that it established the frameworks for a lot of the subjects and builds in present-day sci-fi. It’s set in a time where the world is thriving with advanced technology and super human figures have replaces computers. It is a complex world with an imaginary society; making for a fun read if you are into learning about new eras and uncovering different mysteries. Herbert has managed to talk about religion, politics, colonialism and much more; giving his own take on this dystopian world.
Best for 6th graders
The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy science fiction book
This novel checks all the boxes if you are a fan of comedy and you have a funny bone.
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This is the first of six books in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy comedy science fiction by Douglas Adams. It is an engaging journey spread across six parts. Anyone who loves alien invasions, crazy conspiracies that come true, or like any sort of science fiction filled with inhuman and amazing worlds, should definitely read this series. The story revolves around Arthur and Ford, two unlikely alien and human friends. The plot and storyline revolve around the different planets, so everything is known to the characters as well as to the readers. The story engages readers not only in the story but in the ultimate query to find the meaning of life. Everyone who loves adventures and science fiction should must read this series.
Best for young adults
Ready Player One science fiction book
Blurring the lines between reading and playing games; this novel is a must for die-hard gaming fans and sci-fi geeks who have a thing for virtual reality, technologies and alternate realities.
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Ready Player One is a 2011 famous sci-fi novel by Ernest Cline about a worldwide virtual reality game in a dystopian future. The success of the novel saw it become into a movie; under the leadership of the legendary director Steven Spielberg back in 2018. Ready Player One is an addictive and highly original novel with a gripping plot. It keeps the reader in tension until the last second, as we follow each test and puzzle to reach the final level, just like in a video game. This is highly recommended for gaming fanatics and people super into technology and innovation.
Best for adults
Brave New World science fiction book
This novel is not for the light-hearted and will be perfect for those looking to learn a thing or two about human connections, psychology and deep tones and depictions of what society can fall to.
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Brave New world is the popular novel written by English writer, Aldous Huxley. With its deep philosophical foundation, ironic references, brilliant story, accurate criticism, it is one of the must-read novels of the 20th century. Society is divided in a caste-system and humans have been created by an incubation process; and the castes decide whether one shall be happy or not. The novel describes a future society in which industrialization has been taken to the extreme, to the point where human beings are created litters through genetic engineering; depicted in the unemotional and brutal writing style.
Best 21st century book
Ender’s Game science fiction book
Bringing all action and sci-fi lovers to the playing field; this novel is a thrilling and entertaining ride that will make you feel like you’re watching a classic 90s Spielberg film.
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Written by Orson Scott; Ender’s Game is one of the most popular modern-day science fiction novels; with its witty and entertaining plot full of twists. Humanity needs a military genius to take on the extra- terrestrial species that threaten to end them, allowing our protagonist Ender to take center stage. The fluidity of the storytelling coupled with a mix of military, political, social, and human concepts make Ender’s Game a must-have novel. The story is very thrilling and highly addictive, making us think through every new narrative introduced across the novel.
Best horror science fiction book
Frankenstein science fiction book
For every man, woman and child that loves a little rush of blood; this horror classic will give you the experience of a lifetime. If you are a big into pop-culture; make sure to give this legendary novel a go if you haven’t already.
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The famous horror novel, Frankenstein was written by English author, Mary Shelley back in the 19th century. Since then, the popular fictional character that focuses on Victor Frankenstein’s engineered green colored monster has inspired many spin-offs and films. The novel also provides a unique perspective from the monster, his pain and hatred for his creator makes it relatable and engaging for the plot and overall narrative. Along with amazing character development and fast pace, the story lives up to its fame. Toward the end, one can’t help but feel the impact of the conclusion.
Best for middle schoolers
The Handmaid’s Tale science fiction book
A dark and gloomy story that is set in a dystopian and patriarchal future, this is a good fit for those of you into dystopian classics like V for Vendetta or A Clockwork Orange.
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Another novel set in a dystopian future, the handmaid’s Tale was written by Canadian Author Margaret Atwood back in 1985. England is now. Strong patriarchal and totalitarian society which is now called the ‘Republic of Gilead’. The tale is set in Boston, since the country has now overthrown the Unites States to unleash their wrath over society as we know it. Among this entirely right wing and ne-minded society, we see the journey of a young woman and how she lives her day to day life. The story offers an interesting way to delve on sociological discussions and is very shocking with many twists and turns along the way.
What to look for in a good science fiction book
Science Fiction is such a vast genre with so many books of different categories coming under the same roof. Science Fiction novels can comprise of books from horror, drama, thrillers and dystopian futures and thus are so popular among avid book readers. But the downside is that you don’t know if the novel is the right pick for yourself until after you have begun reading it. To solve this problem, we at ‘OwlRatings’ have decided to make an in-depth review of the best novels for you to pick; as they have been rated on the four top criteria’s that we have picked.
The first criteria we have picked is the story. While reading an entertaining science fiction novel; the story is so important according to the taste of our readers. But the forms of entertainment might be different. While some readers may think a thrilling journey with many characters may be fun; others may enjoy science fiction novels set in a dystopian future where we have different forms of communication, technology and governments. Our review gives you an outlook of what to expect from the story, hopefully allowing readers to understand what the book has in store for them.
The next criteria that we have picked is the entertainment value the novel provides. Any book reader has to be entertained at the end of the day, no matter what the story is. But the forms of entertainment might be different. While some readers may think a thrilling journey with many characters may be fun; others may enjoy the occasional plot twist and character death to keep them on the edge of their seats. Our entertainment section explains what makes the particular book so interesting. This criterion allows you to identify what the driving force of the story is; allowing you to choose the novel which will provide you with the best reading experience.
Next on the list of our criteria’s is the writing by the author. The science fiction genre alone has writers who like to write anything from dramas to comedies. Each has their own meticulous style which adds to the layers and complexities of the story. What we have done is broken down their particular styles to give you a sense of what to expect. This allows you to understand the authors method of taking us through a journey and ultimately this criterion may be one of the most important factors that leads to your decision. Our review breaks the writing down in detail; so do make sure to read the entire review.
Finally, the fourth criteria that we have decided to assess the novels are on the characters. As everyone from a filmmaker to an author should know; no story is bigger than the characters. Characters not only take you through the entire journey of the story; they are the story. From Frankenstein’s evil antics to create an engineered monster to Mark Watney’s resilience and determination to survive in Mars; it is so important to resonate with the protagonists and the side characters of your chosen books. Thus, we have broken down the main characters and their journeys for you; without spoiling any of the major plot points of course!
FAQ
The popular book ‘Frankenstein’ which has been written by the English author Mary Shelley has long been considered as one of the best in the genre. Not only is the individual piece of writing stunning and simply brilliant; it has inspired a whole generation full of remakes, tales and mysteries surrounding the legendary horror character.
After a 2012 voting conducted by workers at Wired UK; Dune was voted as the best science fiction novel of all time. It is still the best-selling science fiction novel of all time and has inspired a mammoth universe with 18 books following the journeys of Dune.
The Martian by Andy Weir is another fan- favorite that is packed full of well-researched detail in life in Mars.
Frank Herbert has been hailed as one of the top authors in this particular genre. He is responsible for writing one of the most multi-layered and intricate sci-fi novels of all time; Dune.
Ray Bradbury is another legend of the sci-fi genre. He is one of the most widely read authors in this genre and has left a legacy of great books such as Fahrenheit 451 and The Martian Chronicles.
Final verdict
Hopefully, we have been able to make your reading experience all the more easier with our summaries of the picked Top 10 Science fiction novels. You can check out the long reviews of each of the mentioned 10 novels on our site, ‘OwlRatings’ to get a more in-depth analysis.
