What are some good medieval science fiction books?

I would recommend 'The Anubis Gates' by Tim Powers. It's a complex and engaging story that involves time travel to different historical periods, including the medieval era. The story is filled with magic and adventure, making it a great read for those who like medieval - themed science fiction. Then there's 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. While it's a far - flung space opera, it has elements that draw on medieval ideas such as the concept of a pilgrimage and the structure of a group of travelers with different backgrounds and stories, much like a group of medieval pilgrims. And 'Lord of Light' by Roger Zelazny also has some medieval undertones. It's set in a far - off world where the characters have god - like powers and there are elements of a feudal - like society which can be related to medieval social structures.

One good medieval fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a detailed look at medieval society. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which is set during the time of Richard the Lionheart and has exciting adventures and knights. Also, 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is great. It combines a mystery set in a medieval monastery with deep philosophical and historical insights.

Another one is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. This book is set in a post - apocalyptic world where the remnants of society are rebuilding, and it has a strong connection to medieval monasticism while also exploring science - fiction themes like technology re - emerging and the long - term consequences of human actions. The monks in the story preserve knowledge much like in the medieval times, but in a world with science - fiction - like desolation and new beginnings.

Another one is 'The Name of the Wind' which has a medieval - like setting with a magic system that can be seen as a form of science fiction in the way it is structured and functions. The story of Kvothe is filled with adventure, mystery, and complex world - building.

Well, there is 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake. It's set in a vast, decaying castle in a fictional medieval - like world. The world - building in this book is extraordinary. Then there's 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White, which is a classic retelling of the King Arthur story. Also, 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas has elements of medieval - like swashbuckling adventure and court intrigue.

Well, 'The Castle in the Attic' is a really interesting medieval - themed kids' fiction. It involves a boy who discovers a magical castle in his attic. 'The Door in the Wall' is also a good one. It shows the life of a young boy in medieval times dealing with challenges like illness and war. And don't forget 'Catherine, Called Birdy' which gives a great look into the life of a girl in medieval England through her diary entries.

One great medieval war fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral during a time of war and political turmoil in medieval England. Another is 'Bernard Cornwell's 'The Last Kingdom' series. It follows the adventures of Uhtred, a Saxon nobleman, in the midst of the Viking invasions. Also, 'Game of Thrones' by George R.R. Martin, although it has a broader fantasy element, contains many elements of medieval - style warfare and power struggles among kingdoms.

Often, they blend the charm of medieval settings like castles, knights, and courtly life with the unique perspective of mice. The mice might have their own little societies with hierarchies similar to medieval human ones. For example, there could be a king or queen mouse.

Medieval science fiction books have influenced modern science fiction in several ways. For example, they introduced concepts of alternate histories and futures that were based on medieval social structures. This can be seen in how modern books play with different timelines. Also, the use of medieval - like magic systems in some of these books has inspired modern works to create unique and complex power systems. In addition, the moral and ethical questions raised in medieval science fiction, often related to power, religion, and technology, are still explored in modern science fiction.

A good one is 'A Knight's Tale' which is also a movie but the book is great. It shows the life of a young squire who dreams of becoming a knight. It has elements of jousting, courtly love, and the hierarchical society of medieval times. Then there's 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This book gives a different perspective on the Arthurian legend, focusing on the female characters and the pagan and Christian elements in medieval Britain. And don't forget 'Katherine' by Anya Seton. It's a historical romance set in 14th - century England and follows the love story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt.