Ten Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books You Should Check Out

"It didn't matter where you were, if you were in a room full of books you were at least halfway home." - Lev Grossman, The Magician's Land

Reading can grant us a window into another world and allows us to feel another's life and ambitions and troubles that no other medium can accomplish. It's the entertainment medium that requires the most attention, the fullest amount of mental dedication. The best books can make us forget about the pages in front of us and to become a part of a distant land. Science fiction and fantasy in particular can astound us with creativity, challenge our perceptions of the world, and elevate us into the shared humanity of the world. In no particular order, I've listed some of the best science fiction and fantasy books that I've ever read along with an honorable mention that would be a similar choice. I haven't included the obvious classics such as Dune, Ender's Game, Lord of the Rings, or Game of Thrones because, while these are truly excellent books, most people know about them already.

For a Friend

Stations of the Tide

Honorable Mention: Dragons of Babel

Any time I get a chance to praise the genius of Michael Swanwick, I am going to take it. From the opening lines, Stations of the Tide dazzles you with the boundless creativity on display with each sentence simultaneously moving the detective story forward and arresting your senses with stunning imagery. Dangerous, proprietary technology has been stolen by a mysterious and violent cult leader and he has fled to a backwater planet that's on the brink of global disaster. It's the bureaucrat's job to recover that technology but he's about to step into a world of mysticism, folklore and temptation that he's not ready for, with nothing as it seems. The set-up may sound familiar but it is executed with grace and an unrelenting sense of discovery. It's a terrific story set in an alluring environment that constantly challenges your perceptions, your expectations, and transcends the typical tropes of the genre. So, if you want a book that you can fall headfirst into and experience something truly new, then give Stations of the Tide a chance. However, if you're into a more steampunk, fantasy flavor that's a little less esoteric, then I highly recommend The Dragons of Babel by Michael Swanwick which combines his trademark creativity with a high fantasy world and a new spin on the coming of age story.

Cat's Cradle

Honorable Mention: Slaughterhouse-5

While Slaughterhouse-5 is the more celebrated novel by Kurt Vonnegut and it certainly deserves the praise, I discovered Kurt Vonnegut by reading Cat's Cradle. When I reached the climax, I had one of the moments where you just set your book down, mouth agape in wonderment, and see the world in a different way. As a relatively short novel, the concept doesn't overstay its welcome and delivers an effective, singular story that stay's with you long after. The storytelling reminds me of the film The Shawshank Redemption, a slow, careful burn with bright moments of poignancy scattered throughout before delivering a monumental, fulfilling ending that pays off all that came before it. Throughout Cat's Cradle, you'll be treated to Vonnegut's sly wit and dark comedy as well as learn what it means when people say the world is 'busy, busy, busy'. While not being as steeped in science fiction or fantasy as his other novels, the plight that the protagonists find themselves in do cross over into the supernatural. If you're looking for a more clear example of science fiction, then I suggest either the iconic Slaughterhouse-5, where a man becomes literally unstuck in time, or Sirens of Titan which deals with alien contact in a way you would never expect. Either way, there is a reason that Kurt Vonnegut is considered one of the best authors of the 21st century and his books are whimsical, wondrous works that deserve to be read.

Best Served Cold

Honorable Mention: The Blade Itself Trilogy

One of my favorite recent authors is Joe Abercrombie, who penned a whole series of books based in the same, gritty universe with characters often overlapping in unexpected ways. While his first and most popular series is The Blade Itself trilogy, which chronicles the travels of Logen Ninefingers, his more accomplished works were the two books that followed: Best Served Cold and The Heroes. Writing some of the most realistic and accessible dialogue that I've ever read, Abercrombie weaves together characters in such a believable, three-dimensional way that it's impossible to not get caught up in their shared plight. Best Served Cold is plainly about vengeance, based on the famous adage: "Revenge is a dish best served cold." After a brutal betrayal, you follow the story of a bitter Monza Murcatto, a military legend on her quest to be avenged on her tormentors. She assembles a team of killers and cutthroats, dabbles in the politics of the region, and no one is safe from her wrath. This plot may sound contrived but I can't state enough that the book constantly upends your expectations with major characters evolving in meaningful ways across their journey. Best Served Cold genuinely shocks and delights but, be warned, it is not for the faint of heart. If you cringe at the sight of blood, then perhaps another book on this list may be more for your taste.

The Windup Girl

Honorable Mention: Hyperion

It is absolutely unbelievable that this is Paolo Bacigalupi's first novel. The world that The Windup Girl constructs is so tangible, so rich and vibrant, so fleshed out that truly becomes a character in and of itself. The intricacies of the story make it feel like more than just a rehash of familiar ideas and characters. The titular windup girl herself goes through the best, most massive, and utterly fulfilling character arc since Daenerys Stormborn from Game of Thrones and the complexity of her character practically reaches out from the page. Based in a world where food is scarce due to a voracious plague and 'calorie' companies run the world, a story filled with political intrigue, daunting villains, and rampant technology is told. While this book takes its time introducing all of the world's elements, when the ball starts rolling, it constantly ratchets up the tension with one major conflict after another. After reading The Windup Girl, it's easy to see why it won both the Hugo and the Nebula awards. If you're looking for another book with a completely original environment and a story where characters go through incredible journeys, then I recommend Hyperion. It's a road book with all of the essential tropes in place but subtly subverted along the way while also being terrifically original with the world that they traverse.

The Black Company

Honorable Mention: Prince of Thorns

In the tradition of dark, gritty, military fantasy, Glen Cook delivered one of his most lauded books series to date: The Black Company. The Black Company and the subsequent two books, Shadows Linger and The White Rose detail the adventures of a band of mercenaries as they struggle to survive. They fight for a mysterious force of nature known as The Lady and her twelve violent lieutenants who all have their own agendas and destructive magical powers, constantly getting caught in their twisted machinations. The book really captures the battlefield camaraderie that comes from fighting alongside a group of warriors. Another theme that the series expertly tackles is the loss of control over your own lives when serving a higher power and how people deal with that trauma. But beyond all of the themes and deep inner meaning, the book is a twisted romp through dark magic and devious rebellions with killers battling other killers to emerge bloody but victorious. It's an exciting book that puts you right on the front lines of the action while telling a fascinating overarching story. If evil is where your mindset is at, then you may want to check out my honorable mention, The Prince of Thorns which features the most singularly despicable yet charming protagonist that I've ever read. You'll hate yourself for rooting for him but you won't be able to put down the book.

The Magicians

Honorable Mention: The Name of the Wind

In The Magicians, Lev Grossman introduces us to a magical world that lives alongside our own with magicians heading to Brakebills College rather than a typical university. But rather than the childlike wonder of Harry Potter, this book and trilogy is much more grounded in reality, with relatable drama and true danger around every turn. Quentin Coldwater, our depressed protagonist, is given the chance to attend a college for magic and, despite it feeling like all of his dreams have come true, there is something dark lurking just below the surface. Lev Grossman has an engaging writing style that wraps you into the mind of Quentin and always makes the story feel real with pop culture references and problems that everyone has lived through. Somehow capturing both the awkwardness and heart of a budding relationship, The Magicians has a satisfying and well-earned sense of romance as well. But beyond that, there is real, tangible, horrifying darkness in this world though so don't expect a happy-go-lucky ride through Narnia. It will take you down to the bowels of this world before you're through. It's an excellent read that will resonate with anyone who doesn't quite feel like they've found their place in the world yet. The Name of the Wind offers a slightly different take on the world, based entirely in a fictional world and following the rise of an expert wizard, thief and, at times, assassin. Simultaneously comedic and violent, it provides an entertaining ride.

Watchmen

Honorable Mention: The Dark Knight Returns

When I first heard about Watchmen, I was skeptical. A graphic novel? Like a comic book? I don't know... I have never been a big comic book fan. So, I brushed Watchmen to the side until I read that it was one of Time Magazine's 100 best novels of all time. Suddenly, I was intrigued and needed to discover why this graphic novel was considered to be so good. As it turned out, Watchmen is one of the best books I have ever read, bar none. Filled with mystery and drama and suspense with real, dynamic, memorable characters facing down an enigmatic force. The story follows a group of retired 'masked vigilantes' who fear they have become under fire from an assassin, or a mask-killer. The tale twists and turns, the plot is dense thoughtful and truly builds a universe and group of people that live in that universe. Ignore the misguided film adaptation and read this stunning work of both literature and artwork with each panel expertly drawn and popping off the page. As a graphic novel alternative, if you're a fan of Batman, the Dark Knight Returns graphic novel is supposedly one of the best out there. Written by the same author who wrote Sin City, Frank Miller, this Batman is not for the faint of heart and carries with it thoroughly adult themes.

The Gunslinger - The Stand

Honorable Mention: The Stand

The Gunslinger is the first book Stephen King's self-proclaimed magnum opus, the Dark Tower series where we are introduced to Roland, the last gunslinger. In pursuit of the Man in Black, Roland makes his way across desolate wastes, occasionally tussling with local desert-dwellers. Into this world comes a child from our own but to say more than that would spoil the complex nature of this universe. This book is heady mix of philosophical idea and rip-roaring action, combined with one of the best, most iconic heroes to ever appear in writing. Sometimes a book or movie or television series has a moment that is so character defining that it sticks with you long after the book has closed and The Gunslinger is one such book. Plus, if you like The Gunslinger, it is the start of a seven book epic that tells a complete story. As I said with Watchmen, please ignore the movie version of this story as it completely diminishes the glory of the print. If you want some Stephen King but don't really want to sign up for a seven book long epic adventure, then you can always check out one of his singularly most important works in The Stand which introduces a worldwide plague and a true architect of evil in Randall Flagg.

Invasion

Honorable Mention: Ravnica

If you can ignore the truly bizarre and downright wonky covers, Invasion is actually a kick-ass, fantasy war epic. Based in the lore of the Magic: The Gathering card game, which may turn you off but it shouldn't in this case, Invasion details the long prophesied Phyrexian invasion of the home plane of Dominaria. Bent on worldwide cataclysm and transforming all living things into a mechanical surrogate, the Phyrexians and their leader, Yawgmoth, are some of fantasy's finest and most menacing villains. But to battle against them are the swashbuckling crew of the Weatherlight skyship who catapult themselves into the danger with reckless abandon. Battling the Phyrexian assault is the amoral and ultra-powerful wizard, Urza whose machinations are a highlight of every story. While this is certainly not the most cerebral book on this list, sometimes you just want to sit down and read about the good guys narrowly escaping death and beating the hell out of the bad guys. For military buffs, the tactics in this book also really shine through. If you want something that features a world from Magic: The Gathering but aren't into a global assault, I recommend Ravnica, which takes you through a convoluted detective story on the cityscape plane of Ravnica. It's a well-told and well thought out plotline that is brought to life by the extraordinary environment that it takes place in.

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

Honorable Mention: Darth Bane: Path of Destruction

Finally, for all of you Star Wars fans out there, there is a genuinely excellent trilogy that features all of your favorite characters. Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn in another adventure tale that picks up years after the destruction of the Death Star and pits them against a brilliant tactician by the name of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Han and Leia continue their sweet, trademark bickering, Luke faces off against might force wielders, and even Lando Calrissian plays a major role. Mostly light-hearted and filled with exciting scenarios Heir to the Empire will reignite your love for the original Star Wars series in ways that you didn't even know that you wanted. For example, wouldn't you like to meet Luke's love interest, Mara Jade, a former spy for the Empire? Wouldn't you like to see what dastardly ways Thrawn utilizes the power of gravity? Certainly worth a read for every Star Wars fan. If you're a fan of the dark side though and want a more sinister volume to sink your teeth into, look no farther than Darth Bane: Path of Destruction. Witness the rise of one the greatest Sith lords to power and how he creates the rule of two. There can only be one master and one apprentice, one to crave the power and one to wield it. A certainly darker but equally interesting delve into the psyche of the Sith.

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