I also recommend 'Supernova Era'. Liu Cixin again shows his talent here. It imagines a world where all adults die suddenly and only children are left to run the world. It's a thought - provoking look at human nature and how society would function under such extreme circumstances.
Another great Chinese sci - fi novel is 'Wandering Earth' which also has a movie adaptation. It presents a unique vision of the future where the Earth has to be moved to survive. The story is full of action, adventure and the struggle of humanity against the harsh universe.
A classic is 'Akira'. Set in a post - apocalyptic Neo - Tokyo, it delves into the powers of the human mind, politics, and the consequences of scientific experimentation gone wrong. The detailed world - building and complex characters make it a must - read for any sci - fi fan.
Some great 'best new sci - fi fiction' titles include 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It presents a unique take on alien contact and the challenges it poses to humanity. Another is 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie, which has a fascinating exploration of identity and a complex, far - reaching galactic setting.
One of the best Japanese cyberpunk novels is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. Although Gibson is American, his work has had a huge influence on Japanese cyberpunk. In Japan, 'Akira' by Katsuhiro Otomo is a classic. It's not just a manga but also has a strong cyberpunk narrative with its post - apocalyptic Tokyo setting and themes of power, mutation, and technology. Another great one is 'Ghost in the Shell' by Masamune Shirow. It delves deep into the concept of what it means to be human in a world dominated by cybernetic enhancements and artificial intelligence.
One of the best Hollywood crime novels is 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1950s, with complex characters and a convoluted plot full of corruption, sex, and murder. The characters, like Detective Exley, are multi - dimensional and the story weaves through different layers of Hollywood glamour and crime.
One great Russian graphic novel is 'The Pilot and the Little Prince' which offers a unique take on Antoine de Saint - Exupery's classic. It combines Russian artistry with the beloved story.
Another great one is 'Blacksad'. This graphic novel series features anthropomorphic animals in a noir - like setting. The detailed illustrations bring the dark and moody world to life, and the stories are full of mystery and intrigue. Each volume explores different themes while maintaining a high - quality narrative.
One great Korean fantasy novel is 'The Tower of the God'. It has an incredibly immersive world - building with unique characters and a complex plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story is filled with action, mystery, and elements of magic that are distinctively Korean in flavor.
Another excellent choice is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It offers a detailed look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. There are many war - related events described in the book, and it also delves deep into the political intrigue and power struggles within the Roman court, all while being set against the backdrop of military campaigns.
Another notable one is 'Solo Leveling'. This novel is amazing because it focuses on the growth of the main character from being weak to extremely powerful. The way it portrays the monster - hunting and the leveling - up system in a fantasy world is really engaging.
One of the best Russian fantasy novels is 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov. It combines elements of fantasy, satire, and the supernatural in a unique way. The devil and his entourage visit Moscow, leading to a series of wild and thought - provoking events that blend the real and the magical.