What makes the 10 brilliant hard science fiction novels so special?

Among the 10 brilliant hard science fiction novels, 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is a must - mention. It presents a grand vision of a galactic civilization and the use of psychohistory to predict and manipulate its future. 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is also very interesting, with its exploration of virtual reality, language, and corporate power in a post - apocalyptic world. And 'Ringworld' by Larry Niven, which imagines a gigantic artificial ring - shaped world in space.

They're special because they often explore big ideas. For example, they can look at future societies, like in 'Fahrenheit 451' where books are banned. They also can have unique settings, such as the far - flung galaxies in 'Starship Troopers'. And they introduce new concepts like time travel in 'The Time Machine'.

The 2017 best science fiction is special because it pushed boundaries. For example, works like 'The Collapsing Empire' introduced new ideas about how galactic civilizations could function and fail. It made readers think about large - scale political and social structures in a science - fiction context.

The unique concepts. It often presents ideas that are far - reaching and mind - boggling, like advanced alien civilizations or time - traveling. These concepts stretch the boundaries of our imagination.

Well, they often have unique concepts. For example, they can imagine different forms of society, like in 'Brave New World' - type scenarios where the social structure is vastly different from our own. This makes readers think about our own world and how it could change.

The setting of the story, which is based on real places, is a major factor. It paints a vivid picture of a particular time and place. The story also delves deep into the social and cultural aspects of the era, which are based on real - life situations. This combination of elements, all rooted in truth, makes it a very special story.

Midnight is a time of solitude and stillness. A midnight science fiction book is special because it can be an escape. Science fiction often presents unique concepts and worlds. In a midnight science fiction book, you might encounter alien civilizations like in 'Contact' by Carl Sagan. It allows you to explore different cultures, technologies, and ways of thinking that are completely different from our own. Also, the darkness of midnight can enhance the mood of the science - fiction story, making it more immersive as you read about things like time travel or parallel universes.

Well, it could be the unique concepts in it. Maybe it has some extraordinary powers that the characters possess, like mind - reading or time - traveling powers. These kinds of powers can make the plot really exciting.

The 'surprisingly heady' part might refer to how it challenges the mind more than expected. It could be the complex scientific concepts it presents in an engaging way, making readers think deeply about things like time, space, and human nature. For example, works like 'Dune' with its intricate ecological and political systems.

Maybe it has a unique plot. It could be that the story takes place in a very different and creative world.