A master of the unexpected, Neal Stephenson writes complicated stream-of- consciousness prose that requires readers to unravel many twists and turns. Incorporating history and science in the back story and action, he presents highly technical concepts but makes them understandable. His Science Fiction stories have multiple plot lines and thought-provoking details which engross the reader in darkly humorous situations. Try: Cryptonomicon.
H. G. Wells, well-known author of a series of what he called "scientific romances," is perhaps the father of modern science fiction writing. Ironically, Wells dismissed these works, among them, The Time Machine, The Island of Dr. Moreau, and The War of the Worlds, as relatively inconsequential when compared with his later novels focusing on comedy and social criticism. Start with: The Time Machine.
Terry Pratchett has won a large following by creating interesting characters, placing them in a well-crafted world, and combining humor and compassion. Pratchett uses humor to parody elements of literary genres, but also to raise questions about contemporary society. Pratchett's books use cinematic techniques, cutting from scene to scene to show different perspectives, as well as lots of dialogue and a fast pace to propel the reader along. Try: The Hogfather.
Kim Stanley Robinson writes literary and accessible issue-driven hard Science Fiction, often set within our solar system and focusing on a near future or a plausible alternate history. In Robinson's worlds the solutions of today can lead to tomorrow's problems. Start with: Red Mars.
Orson Scott Card is known for his engrossing and moral stories, and his provocative view of a world in which individuals can make a difference. His stories feature familiar themes - family, duty, and sacrifice - and the battle between good and evil is frequently explored. As a writer of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, Card's novels appeal to a wide audience, from teens to adults. Start with: Ender's Game.
Bruenor, a dwarf, Drizzt, a dark elf, and Wulfgar, a barbarian warrior, try to unite the people of Ten-Towns to face the dangerous magic of the crystal shard.
One man struggles to save his family and his small North Carolina town after America loses a war, in one second, a war based upon an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) weapon that will send America back to the Dark Ages.
The first book in the, “Wheel of Time.” series, relates a tale ofthe bestial Trollocs, the witch Moiraine, and three boys, one of whom is fated to become the Dragon--the World's only hope and the sure means of its destruction.
Two hundred years after a group of humans had lost a war to the atevi, Bren Cameron, the only human allowed into the atevi society, realizes he must forge a bond between the two seemingly incompatible species.
Enjoying his assignment with the xenobiology lab on board the prestigious Intrepid, ensign Andrew Dahl worries about casualties suffered by low-ranking officers during away missions before making a shocking discovery about the starship's actual purpose.
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