What are some popular themes in the dark sci fi novel?

A prevalent theme in dark sci - fi short stories is the exploration of the unknown. Stories often take place in far - flung futures or strange alien worlds where the rules are different. This is seen in 'The Star' where the discovery of the alien civilization challenges the astronauts' beliefs. Another theme is the loss of humanity. In 'Flowers for Algernon', Charlie slowly loses his new - found intelligence and his sense of self. Also, the idea of power and control is common, like in 'The Cold Equations' where the pilot has to enforce the cold, calculated rules for the survival of the mission.

In 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union', themes include identity and belonging. The characters, being part of a unique Jewish settlement in an alternate - history Alaska, struggle with their place in this society. There's also the theme of mystery - solving in a complex and culturally rich setting.

One popular 2016 sci fi novel is 'Ninefox Gambit' by Yoon Ha Lee. It has a complex and unique world - building with a military - space opera setting. Another is 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead, which, while also having historical elements, uses a sci - fi concept of a literal underground railroad. And 'All the Birds in the Sky' by Charlie Jane Anders combines magic and science in an interesting urban fantasy - sci fi blend.

One popular sci fi novel is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and immersive universe with political intrigue, unique ecosystems, and a messianic storyline. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, while often considered dystopian, also has strong sci - fi elements in its vision of a totalitarian future. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also very popular. It's a hilarious and absurd adventure through space with memorable characters like Ford Prefect and Arthur Dent.

One popular 2017 sci - fi novel is 'The Collapsing Empire' by John Scalzi. It's set in a future galactic empire that is starting to face some serious infrastructure problems. Another is 'Artemis' by Andy Weir. It takes place on a lunar colony and follows the adventures of a smuggler. And 'Autonomous' by Annalee Newitz, which delves into issues of intellectual property and artificial intelligence in a very engaging way.

Some popular sci fi novels include 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex world with political intrigue and unique ecosystems. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, although more of a dystopian novel, has strong sci fi elements like a totalitarian regime with advanced surveillance. Also, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is very popular. It's a humorous take on space travel and the universe, with crazy characters like Ford Prefect and Marvin the Paranoid Android.

Some 2020 sci fi novels worth mentioning are 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. Although it was originally published in 1965, it had a new edition in 2020 which brought it back to the spotlight for a new generation of readers. 'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis is also great. It tells a story of first contact with an alien species from a unique perspective. Then there's 'Remote Control' by Nnedi Okorafor, which has a very interesting take on a post - apocalyptic world with a young girl having some extraordinary powers.

Some popular ones are 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It's a classic that deconstructs the superhero genre. Another is 'The Sandman' by Neil Gaiman, which combines elements of fantasy and horror within a sci - fi framework. And 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman is also great, using animals to represent different races in a very unique and poignant story.

I would recommend 'Darkship Thieves' which is set in a future where dark ships play a crucial role in a post - apocalyptic space - faring society. The story follows a group of thieves who target these dark ships. 'Void of the Dark Ships' is another one that stands out. In this novel, the dark ships are ancient relics that hold the key to a long - forgotten civilization. They are discovered by a group of explorers, and as they start to unlock their secrets, they find themselves in the middle of a dangerous power struggle. 'The Darkest Ship' is also worth checking out. It's about a ship that has been cursed and is on a journey to find a way to break the curse while facing numerous perils in the cold, dark expanse of space.

Some good dark sci - fi short stories include 'The Cold Equations' by Tom Godwin. It's about a spaceship pilot who has to make a very tough decision when he discovers a stowaway on his ship that he can't afford to keep alive due to fuel limitations. 'Surface Tension' by James Blish is set in a future where humans have been reduced to microscopic size and face all kinds of challenges in their new, strange world. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card also has some very dark elements, especially in the later parts when Ender discovers the true nature of the 'games' he has been playing.