Well, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry is a really good YA science fiction. It presents a seemingly perfect but actually very controlled society. Then there's 'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline. It's full of 80s pop - culture references and takes place in a virtual world. Also, 'Uglies' by Scott Westerfeld is interesting. It explores ideas of beauty and conformity in a future world.
Dune by Frank Herbert is a classic that you can't go wrong with. It has a richly detailed universe with complex political intrigue, unique cultures, and a hero's journey. The story of Paul Atreides on the desert planet Arrakis is full of action, mysticism, and grand ideas about power, ecology, and human evolution.
Another good 2020 science fiction read is 'Axiom's End' by Lindsay Ellis. It deals with the idea of first contact with an alien species. The story follows a young woman named Cora who gets involved in a complex situation when an alien crash - lands near her. The book explores themes like government cover - ups, alien communication, and the impact of such an event on humanity.
For getting into science fiction, 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson is a good choice. It combines cyberpunk elements with a unique take on future society and language. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also great. It has a complex narrative structure and explores different characters' stories in a far - future, interstellar setting. Then there's 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells, which is a fundamental work in the genre, introducing the concept of time travel in an engaging way.
One great 'bon livre science fiction' is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe, complex politics, and unique ecological concepts. The story follows Paul Atreides in his journey on the desert planet Arrakis.
Online book communities like Goodreads can be a great resource. You can search for YA science fiction and look at the reviews and ratings. Also, see what books are often recommended by other readers in that genre. You might also check out best - seller lists for young adult books in the science fiction category.
There's 'Warm Bodies' by Isaac Marion. It's a unique take on the zombie apocalypse genre with a science - fiction backdrop, but also has a really sweet and unexpected romantic story between a zombie and a human. If you like stories with strong female leads, 'Luna: New Moon' by Ian McDonald could be in the stack. It has a complex political and scientific setting on the moon and a budding romance.
One of the great ones from such a collection might be 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury. In this dystopian world, books are burned to suppress ideas. Also, 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is very relevant. It depicts a future where women are subjugated and used for reproduction in a theocratic regime.
One is 'The Hunger Games' where Katniss Everdeen is a strong girl in a dystopian science - fiction world. She has to fight for survival in a brutal arena.
Good science fiction books often have a unique and imaginative setting. For example, they might be set in a far - flung future galaxy or a post - apocalyptic Earth. They also tend to explore big ideas, like the nature of humanity, the impact of technology on society, or the possibilities of different forms of life. Another characteristic is the presence of engaging characters that readers can root for or be fascinated by.