Can you recommend the first hard science fiction books for beginners?

I would recommend 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer for beginners too. Although it has some deep scientific ideas, like genetic mutations, the mystery of Area X and the overall adventure - like plot make it engaging. The writing style is also very immersive, which helps the new readers to get into the hard science fiction genre.

Sure. 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a great start. It's easy to follow and has a lot of exciting moments as the main character tries to survive on Mars using science. Another good one is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It has a relatable protagonist and explores interesting concepts like military training in space. 'Contact' by Carl Sagan is also suitable. It has a good balance between scientific ideas and an engaging story about making contact with extraterrestrial life.

Another good one is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It has simple yet engaging science - fiction elements such as training in a zero - gravity battle room and understanding an alien race. The audible version is easy to follow and gets you hooked on hard science fiction.

Sure. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is a great starting point. It's funny and has some unique takes on first contact and the universe in general. Another good one is 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes. While not a typical first contact story, it does deal with the idea of a changed perception, which is relevant to how we might view first contact. 'The Martian' by Andy Weir also has elements of first contact as the main character is alone on Mars and has to figure out how to communicate with Earth.

Sure. 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a great choice for beginners. It has a simple and exciting story about an astronaut stranded on Mars. The science in it is explained in an easy - to - understand way. Another good one is 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline. While it's more about a virtual world, it still has elements of hard science fiction like advanced technology. 'Artemis' by Andy Weir is also suitable. It's set on a lunar colony and doesn't get too complex with the science concepts.

For beginners, 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a great choice. It's easy to follow and has a very engaging story about a young boy, Ender, who is trained to fight in a future war against an alien race. It also touches on themes like leadership, morality, and the nature of the enemy.

A good starting point could also be 'Contact' by Carl Sagan. It combines scientific concepts like radio astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence with a human story of a scientist's journey. It's written in an accessible way that makes it easy for new readers to get into hard science fiction.

I'd also recommend 'Rendezvous with Rama' by Arthur C. Clarke. It's about a mysterious alien spacecraft that enters our solar system. The story unfolds as humans explore it. Clarke is great at explaining scientific concepts in an understandable manner, which is perfect for those new to hard science fiction.

For beginners, 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is also excellent. It has elements of military strategy and space exploration. The story follows a young boy, Ender, who is trained to fight in a future inter - galactic war. The science in it, like the zero - gravity battle simulations, is easy to understand and adds to the overall excitement of the story.

Sure. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is a great start. It's funny and the first - person narration makes it easy to follow the absurd adventures in space. Another is 'Flowers for Algernon' which, while not strictly pure science fiction, has strong science - fiction elements. Charlie's first - person account of his transformation in intelligence is very moving.