What are the best first science fiction books to start with?

A good choice is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The story has elements of first contact within its complex and multi - layered narrative. It's set in a far - flung future where different characters have their own experiences related to strange and powerful beings. 'Speaker for the Dead' by Orson Scott Card is also a worthy mention. It's a sequel to 'Ender's Game' and further explores the relationship between humans and the alien species. And 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin is a great first - contact sci - fi. It presents a unique view of an alien civilization's plan to invade Earth through a complex scientific concept.

One great option could be some of the classic science fiction works that are in the public domain and available for free on nook. For example, 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. It's a short but very influential story that gives a great introduction to the concepts of time travel in science fiction.

One of the great ones is 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick. The first - person perspective really draws you into the mind of the protagonist as he navigates a post - apocalyptic world filled with androids. Another is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. The different first - person accounts in this novel create a rich tapestry of a far - future universe. And 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is also excellent. The first - person log - style narrative makes you feel like you're right there with the astronaut stranded on Mars.

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.

One example could be 'Vernor Vinge's books. His works often fall within the science fiction genre. For instance, 'A Fire Upon the Deep' is a great science fiction novel. It takes readers on an epic journey across different regions of space with different physical laws, filled with various intelligent species and complex power struggles.

Well, 'The Terraformers' by Annalee Newitz is among the top. It explores themes of environmentalism, colonialism, and what it means to shape a planet. It's a really engaging read with interesting characters. And then there's 'Light from Uncommon Stars' by Ryka Aoki. This book combines science fiction elements with music and a touch of the supernatural, creating a very distinct and captivating story.

Some of the great science fiction books from 2016 include 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It's a military science fiction novel with complex world - building and unique strategies. Another one could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead which uses a science - fiction - like concept of a literal underground railroad in a historical - yet - otherworldly setting.

Some of the best science fiction books include 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and immersive universe with political intrigue, unique cultures and a hero's journey. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell, which, while more of a dystopian novel, is a classic in the genre with its chilling vision of a totalitarian future.

One of the best science fiction books in 2019 was 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a great follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale', exploring more about the dystopian world she created.

Some of the best science fiction books include '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people's lives. Another great one is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which explores a society based on genetic engineering and conditioning.