What are the best science fiction western books?

One characteristic is the blend of settings. They often have the rough, frontier - like landscapes typical of westerns, but with a science - fiction twist. For example, it could be a desert planet instead of the American west, but still with the same sense of isolation and danger.

Sure. 'The Dark Tower' series by Stephen King is an excellent choice. It combines elements of a post - apocalyptic world (science fiction) with the archetypal western setting of a lone gunslinger on a quest. The series is full of action, mystery, and strange creatures.

One of the best is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a classic that vividly portrays the lives of Texas Rangers on a cattle drive. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. The character of Mattie Ross is really memorable. And 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is also highly regarded as it was one of the first novels to really define the western genre.

One of the best is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a sweeping epic that follows a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The characters are richly drawn, and it gives a vivid picture of the Old West. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. The story of a young girl seeking revenge with the help of a U.S. Marshal is both heartwarming and exciting. And 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister is also a classic. It helped to define the Western genre with its portrayal of the cowboy hero.

'The Redemption of Sarah Cain' by Beverly Lewis also fits the bill. It's about a modern - day woman who has to go to the country (a western - type rural setting) and through her experiences, there are Christian themes of forgiveness, love, and redemption.

Some of the great science fiction books from 2017 could include 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an interesting concept of an interstellar empire on the verge of collapse. Another might be 'Artemis' by Andy Weir, which takes place on a lunar colony and has a great story about a woman trying to make her mark in a unique environment.

Well, 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey is a top pick. It's full of action, adventure, and the wild west setting. Then there's 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy. It's a darker take on the west, exploring themes like violence and survival. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is also excellent, with a strong - willed female protagonist seeking revenge in the western frontier.

There are quite a few in the 'best new western fiction' category. For instance, 'The Sisters Brothers' by Patrick deWitt. It's a darkly comedic take on the western genre, following two brothers on a journey filled with misadventures. Also, 'Empire of the Summer Moon' by S.C. Gwynne, which delves deep into the history of the Comanche nation and their interactions with settlers in the west. It gives a rich and detailed view of the western frontier from a different perspective.

Some other excellent free western fiction books include 'The Call of the Canyon' by Zane Grey as well. It has a great story with the typical western elements like the rugged landscape and strong characters. Also, 'Freckles' by Gene Stratton - Porter, which has a bit of a western flavor in its setting and story, can be found for free on certain websites.

I would recommend 'West of Eden' by Harry Harrison. It takes place in a future where dinosaurs were never extinct and humans have to co - exist with them, much like settlers in the Old West had to deal with wild animals. The story has all the adventure and exploration aspects of a Western, but in a completely different, sci - fi setting. There are also political intrigues and power struggles, just like in a classic Western story.