Can you recommend some standalone science fiction books?

Definitely. 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel is an excellent standalone. It shows the aftermath of a global pandemic in a unique and poignant way. 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also great. It explores gender and politics in a science - fictional setting. Also, 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov, which has a collection of interesting stories about robots.

One of the best standalone science fiction books is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's a thought - provoking story about a young boy trained for battle in a future where Earth is at war with an alien race. Another great one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It has a complex and engaging plot with diverse characters. Also, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is excellent. It's about an astronaut stranded on Mars and his struggle for survival.

A really good standalone in this genre is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's about a young boy, Ender, who is trained in military strategy in a future where Earth is threatened by an alien race. The book is full of action and moral dilemmas. Then there's 'The City & the City' by China Miéville. It has a very unique concept where two cities exist in the same physical space but are culturally and socially distinct. Also, 'Neverwhere' by Neil Gaiman is a great standalone. It takes the reader on a journey through the hidden, magical underbelly of London.

For beginners, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a great start. It's a humorous and easy - to - follow story that introduces some really interesting science - fiction concepts like interstellar travel and different alien species. Another good option is 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It's set in a seemingly utopian society but has a lot of thought - provoking ideas about individuality and freedom. 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson is also a good pick as it has a simple yet engaging plot about a man seemingly alone in a world of vampires.

One great book is 'The Cambridge Companion to Science Fiction'. It delves into various aspects of the history of science fiction, exploring different eras and significant works. Another is 'A History of Science Fiction' which comprehensively traces the development of the genre from its early roots to modern times.

'The City We Became' by N.K. Jemisin is also from 2020. This book is really creative. It's about New York City coming alive as a sentient being and the fight to protect it from a malevolent force. Jemisin's writing is amazing as always, and she weaves in themes of race, identity and urban life in a really unique way.

'Dune: The Duke of Caladan' by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson is also a notable 2020 science fiction book. It delves deeper into the backstory of the Dune universe, specifically focusing on the character of Duke Leto Atreides. If you're a fan of the Dune series, this book offers a lot of interesting insights into the pre - events of the main Dune story.

Sure. 'Light of the Jedi' by Charles Soule is a 2021 sci - fi book. It sets the stage in a new Star Wars era and has great world - building. Then there's 'The Final Girl Support Group' by Grady Hendrix which mixes horror elements with science fiction in a really interesting way. And 'Leviathan Falls' by James S. A. Corey is the conclusion to the Expanse series, which has been very popular among sci - fi fans.

Sure. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a classic. It has a complex world-building with political intrigue and a unique desert planet setting. Another great one is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, which tells the story of a young boy in a military training program for a future war against aliens. And 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a hilarious take on space travel and the universe, with memorable characters like Ford Prefect and Marvin the Paranoid Android.

Sure. 'The City in the Middle of the Night' by Charlie Jane Anders is a great 2018 science fiction book. It has a really interesting world -building, with a planet that has a very strange day - night cycle. The story follows characters who are trying to survive and find their place in this complex world.