I would recommend 'The Anubis Gates' by Tim Powers. It's a complex and engaging story that involves time travel to different historical periods, including the medieval era. The story is filled with magic and adventure, making it a great read for those who like medieval - themed science fiction. Then there's 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. While it's a far - flung space opera, it has elements that draw on medieval ideas such as the concept of a pilgrimage and the structure of a group of travelers with different backgrounds and stories, much like a group of medieval pilgrims. And 'Lord of Light' by Roger Zelazny also has some medieval undertones. It's set in a far - off world where the characters have god - like powers and there are elements of a feudal - like society which can be related to medieval social structures.
Medieval science fiction books have influenced modern science fiction in several ways. For example, they introduced concepts of alternate histories and futures that were based on medieval social structures. This can be seen in how modern books play with different timelines. Also, the use of medieval - like magic systems in some of these books has inspired modern works to create unique and complex power systems. In addition, the moral and ethical questions raised in medieval science fiction, often related to power, religion, and technology, are still explored in modern science fiction.
One great medieval science fiction book is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II, with elements that blend medieval-like power structures and science fiction concepts like alternative timelines. Another is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' which has a post - apocalyptic setting with a strong influence from medieval religious and cultural elements in its society building. There's also 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons, which features a complex and richly detailed universe that has elements of both medieval and science - fiction themes, such as a pilgrimage with characters from different backgrounds and time periods.
Often, they blend the charm of medieval settings like castles, knights, and courtly life with the unique perspective of mice. The mice might have their own little societies with hierarchies similar to medieval human ones. For example, there could be a king or queen mouse.
Another one is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. This book is set in a post - apocalyptic world where the remnants of society are rebuilding, and it has a strong connection to medieval monasticism while also exploring science - fiction themes like technology re - emerging and the long - term consequences of human actions. The monks in the story preserve knowledge much like in the medieval times, but in a world with science - fiction - like desolation and new beginnings.
I'm not sure if there are a great number of science - fiction books specifically about medieval mice. However, there might be some indie or less - known works. You could try searching in specialized science - fiction bookstores or online platforms. Maybe look for books where the mice have some sort of special ability or are in a world that combines medieval elements with some sort of science - fiction twist, like a magic - like technology that only the mice can understand or use.
For beginners, 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' is a great start. It's easy to understand and the concept of a modern person in a medieval world is really engaging. Another good one is 'Doomsday Book'. It's not overly complicated in terms of science - fictional concepts and gives a great view of the medieval world. 'The Anubis Gates' is also suitable. It has an exciting plot that draws you in quickly, and the medieval elements are really well - integrated into the story.
Another one is 'The Name of the Wind' which has a medieval - like setting with a magic system that can be seen as a form of science fiction in the way it is structured and functions. The story of Kvothe is filled with adventure, mystery, and complex world - building.
One common theme is the clash between old and new. You often see medieval values, like chivalry or religious beliefs, in conflict with emerging scientific concepts or new technologies. For example, in some stories, knights might have to deal with the appearance of strange mechanical beasts.
Some popular medieval fiction books include 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. It gives a vivid picture of medieval life through the tales told by a group of pilgrims. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which is set during the time of the Crusades and features knights, tournaments, and the complex social structure of the era. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also well - known. It combines mystery, medieval monastic life, and philosophical themes.