What are the best Russian sci - fi novels?

Russian sci - fi novels often have a strong philosophical underpinning. They tend to explore deep questions about humanity, society, and the future. For example, in 'Solaris', it's not just about the encounter with an alien planet but also about human relationships and self - understanding.

Many Russian sci - fi novels tend to have complex characters. These characters are not just one - dimensional heroes or villains. In 'Metro 2033', for instance, the main character Artyom has his own fears, hopes, and moral dilemmas as he navigates the dangerous metro system. The characters' internal struggles are as important as the external threats they face.

They often explore the relationship between humanity and the cosmos. For example, they might consider how humans can interact with extraterrestrial life forms or the impact of cosmic phenomena on human society.

I'd recommend 'The Inhabited Island'. It has a simple enough plot to follow for beginners. It starts with the main character in a mysterious situation on an island, and as you read, you get to discover more about the world. Also, 'Noon: 22nd Century' can be a good choice. It shows different aspects of a future society in an understandable way.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex universe with politics, religion and ecology all intertwined. '1984' by George Orwell, though more of a dystopian novel, is also a great sci - fi work. It warns about totalitarianism. And 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley which shows a future society where people are engineered for specific roles.

One of the best sci - fi novels in 2017 was 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It has an interesting take on an interstellar empire on the verge of collapse, with great world - building and engaging characters.

One of the great ones in 2018 was 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer. It has a really unique and mysterious setting. The way the environment is described makes it seem like a place that's both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. Another good one was 'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal. It combines the idea of space exploration with some really interesting social and gender issues.

Some of the great ones include 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It has a complex and unique world - building with a military - focused plot. Another is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead which uses a sci - fi element in the form of a literal underground railroad to tell a powerful story about slavery and freedom.

Some of the best 2019 sci - fi novels include 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a great follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale' with its exploration of a dystopian future. Another one could be 'The Future of Another Timeline' by Annalee Newitz, which plays with time travel and feminist themes. And 'Recursion' by Blake Crouch is also quite good, dealing with mind - bending concepts of memory and time.

'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis is also a notable 2020 sci - fi novel. It tells a story about first contact with an alien species. It explores themes like government secrecy, family relationships, and the far - reaching consequences of making contact with beings from another world. The characters are well - drawn and the plot keeps you hooked from start to finish.