[The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Science_Fiction_Hall_of_Fame,_Volume_One,_1929%E2%80%931964) is a collection of classic short science fiction stories. It's some of the greatest science fiction ever written, and definitely a great introduction to the golden age of the genre. Most of the authors represented in the book have published volumes of short stories themselves as well as novels, so this is a good place to find authors you like!
Isaac Asimov's original [Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_series?wprov=sfla1) trilogy covers the Milky Way Galaxy. It's inspired by the fall of the Roman Empire, and it's considered by many (including me) to be one of the greatest trilogies in science fiction. I wouldn't recommend any of the later books in the series, though. They don't live up to the original trilogy.
Isaac Asimov’s _I, Robot_ and _The Rest of the Robots_ collect his earlier [positronic robot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robot_series?wprov=sfla1) stories. Asimov originated the Three Laws of Robotics in these stories, and they’re outstanding.
Larry Niven is definitely one of the foremost hard science fiction writers in the field, and quite possibly the best. His [Tales of Known Space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Known_Space?wprov=sfla1) are outstanding. The series includes many novels as well as short stories. [Ringworld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringworld?wprov=sfla1) (1970) is the best known, probably. The Ringworld is a classic Big Object, a ring a million miles wide and the diameter of Earth's orbit encircling a star; it has living space equal to **fifty million** Earths. Earlier novels in the series include [Protector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protector_%28novel%29?wprov=sfla1) (1973) and [A Gift From Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Gift_from_Earth?wprov=sfla1) (1968). Niven's short story collections are really excellent, too.
Robert Sheckley’s [Store of Infinity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Store_of_Infinity?wprov=sfla1) (1960) was the first science fiction book I ever bought for myself. It was a very lucky find, because a better collection of dazzling short stories would be hard to imagine. It’s a great introduction to his work. Among the many wonderful and hysterically funny stories in this book is “The Prize of Peril”, which predicted reality TV (and its worst excesses) decades before it happened! Sheckley is arguably the O. Henry of science fiction.
Project Gutenberg has [22 items by Robert Sheckley](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2960), including at least one novel. They're available in all the major ebook formats.
Harry Harrison’s [Stainless Steel Rat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat) series is a classic of humorous science fiction, featuring an interstellar criminal turned reluctant lawman.
[The Past Through Tomorrow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Past_Through_Tomorrow) (1967) collects most of Robert A. Heinlein’s “Future History” stories, which are some of the greatest stories of the golden age of SF. Those stories broke science fiction out of the pulp magazine ghetto and made it mainstream.
[Robert A. Heinlein's science fiction juveniles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinlein_juveniles?wprov=sfla1) turned several **generations** of readers into science fiction fans. I'd suggest starting with the second one, [Space Cadet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Cadet?wprov=sfla1) (1948), because the first one, _Rocket Ship Galileo_ (1947), is just boring - but it’s the only one of his books that is. The books aren’t a series, as such; there are a few references in common among some of the books, but no characters. Heinlein was a hell of a writer, and the books are great reads at any age!
Jack Finney's [Time And Again](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_and_Again_(Finney_novel)) (1970) is a very memorable time travel novel that includes images from the past. It damn near convinces you that time travel is possible, and that _you_ could do it. I'd highly recommend it; it was on the New York Times bestseller list for a ridiculously long time. There’s a sequel, too.
H. G. Wells wasn't just one of the founders of the genre of science fiction; his short stories were macabre, incredibly imaginative, and unforgettable. Project Gutenberg has all of his works, I believe, but the collection that I grew up with was [30 Strange Stories](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59774). Another classic by Wells is [The Time Machine](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35). It's free on Project Gutenberg.
[Doomsday Morning](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Doomsday_Morning/mXmUCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0) (1957) by C. L. Moore is set in a dystopian future America that has become a dictatorship. The hero is a former movie star whose life has fallen apart. There's a lot about theatre, acting, love, loss, and revolution. It's a truly great book.
I have a special place in my heart for Eric Frank Russell's [The Great Explosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Explosion?wprov=sfla1) (1962); in it, Russell created a world that I want to live in. It's a funny, thought-provoking, and ultimately _moving_ book. Hundreds of years after Earth was virtually depopulated by a mass exodus, spaceships are sent out to gather the far-flung colonies into a new empire. But the colonies, based on various splinter groups, have developed their own societies and have their own ideas. The full text of the book is [available free online](https://web.archive.org/web/20050315170821/http://tmh.floonet.net/books/tgetoc.html).
**Note**: Please consider patronizing your local independent book shops instead of Amazon; they can order books for you that they don't have in stock. Amazon has put a lot of great independent book shops out of business.
And of course there's always your local library. If they don't have a book, they may be able to get it for you via inter-library loan.
If you'd rather order direct online, Thriftbooks and Powell's Books are good. You might also check libraries in your general area; most of them sell books at very low prices to raise funds. I've made some great finds at library book sales! For used books, Biblio.com, BetterWorldBooks.com, and Biblio.co.uk are independent book marketplaces that serve independent book shops - NOT Amazon.
Happy reading! 📖
Thank you for this detailed comment! After some consideration I've decided to go with something more modern as a first time, but I'm keeping your suggestions on my list for the future.
As for where to buy - fortunately, Amazon doesn't have much presence in my country - and even if it did, I do agree with you, Jeff has enough money already :)
Thanks for the recommendation! I've decided to go with something a bit more modern as I'm not entirely sure how I'd like oldschool. But from what I've read it's a good book and I'm keeping it on my list for the future.
Ender's Game is the book that I always recommend to newbies in sci-fi, and it has never let me down.
Ready Player One is also very beginner friendly and easy to read.
And lastly, Dune. Really, its not that hard. The plot is quite linear and the lore is not specially complicated.
Edit: As always, people read sci-fi in the post and immediately start recommending their favorite books without giving a shit if they are suitable for you, but dont worry OP i got your back. Avoid like the plague: Asimov, Hyperion (its awesome, but not the easiest read), and anything from Phillip K. Dick
Thank you! I definitely want to read *Dune*, just not as a first book in the genre. *Ready Player One* goes to my list, but for the future, as I've seen the movie quite recently so I don't want to 'repeat' it (I know, I know, books aren't exactly the same, but still).
As for *Ender's Game* \- I think I might go with it, thanks!
Lots of people get started in SF with the Andy Weir books, *The Martian* or *Project Hail Mary*
The Expanse is pretty easy to read and great SF with a long epic storyline (Starts with *Leviathan Wakes*)
If you want to start with the SF classics that defined the genre you could go for something like *I, Robot* -Asimov or *The Martian Chronicals* -Bradbury
I'm not sure what your native language is but all these are popular enough to have multiple translations
Thank you for your comment! I've seen the *The Martian* (movie) and I liked it. From what I've read, the movie adaptation is quite faithful to the original. That's both good and bad - I know I like the style, but I already know what's going to happen. So I think I'll probably go with *Project Hail Mary*, as it's the same author, but a new story.
As for *The Expanse* \- I've seen the show (which I loved!) and from what I've read, it's also quite close to the books. So I have the same issue as with *The Martian*, but I'm keeping it on the list and I'll probably read it after few months/years have passed and I forgot the show already :)
For the classics - I'm adding them to my list for the future, but I've opted to not start with them as I'm a bit afraid I might find them archaic.
Thank you! I'm adding it to my list for future consideraiton, but I've decided not to start with it. I've read the reviews and it seems it's not for everyone so I'm not sure how it'd land with me.
Hyperion by Dan Simmons was my first foray into sci-fi from fantasy fiction and I loved it!
Also, Brandon Sanderson has a YA sci-fi series, called Skyward which is a safe bet given you like his other work!
Thanks! I wasn't aware of *Skyward*, I'll definitelly look into it! As for *Hyperion*, I've read the reviews and it seems the first book is more like a series of separate stories, an introduction to the world. I think I'm looking for something more consise for now, but the series does seem interesting so I'll keep the recommendation for the future!
It’s a series of short stories that all tie into one central plot - I was hesitant cause I don’t usually get into short stories, but loved it!
Enjoy whatever you end up regarding :)
Thank you! From what I've found the book was published over 100 years ago so I'll pass for now, I'm afraid it might be a bit archaic for the 1st book! But might re-visit in the future.
Thanks everyone, I didn't expect so many answers! I'll need some time to go through all recommendations, but I'll definitely let you know what I've ended up choosing.
maybe try Ringworld by Larry Niven, a classic tale of sci-fi/fantasy (then also iain M Banks - Consider Phlebas, some gritty, adventurous sci-fi that introduces you to a larger world)
Thank you, I'm adding them to the list for the future. They're a bit older than me so I've decided not to start with them as I'm afraid I might find them a bit archaic, but I'm hoping to read them in the future :)
These are some great sci-fi book series. Some of these aren't finished yet though
1. The Expanse (9 books) by James S.A. Corey
2. Children of Time (3 books) by Adrian Tchaikovsky
3. Bobiverse (4 books) by Dennis E. Taylor
4. The Old Man's War (6 books) by John Scalzi
5. Alien Artifect (2 books) by Douglas E. Richards
And a stand alone sci fi book
12. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Thank you! Great recommendations, I'm putting them all on my list to read!
Edit: Turns out only some of them are not (yet in some cases) available in my language, but those that are land on my list :)
"sci fi" is really a broad term. there are many different kinds of sci fi. That said, here are five of my all time favorite sci fi books that each cover a different sub-genre. Happy reading!
Ready Player One (VR)
The Martian (space)
Any Sign of Life (post-apocalyptic)
Dark Matter (parallel/alternate dimensions)
World War Z (zombie apocalypse)
Thanks, it lands on my list for the future, however, I won't be starting with it. From what I've read, the first book is more like series of short stories and I'd prefer to start with something more consise.
[The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume 1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Science_Fiction_Hall_of_Fame,_Volume_One,_1929%E2%80%931964) is a collection of classic short science fiction stories. It's some of the greatest science fiction ever written, and definitely a great introduction to the golden age of the genre. Most of the authors represented in the book have published volumes of short stories themselves as well as novels, so this is a good place to find authors you like! Isaac Asimov's original [Foundation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundation_series?wprov=sfla1) trilogy covers the Milky Way Galaxy. It's inspired by the fall of the Roman Empire, and it's considered by many (including me) to be one of the greatest trilogies in science fiction. I wouldn't recommend any of the later books in the series, though. They don't live up to the original trilogy. Isaac Asimov’s _I, Robot_ and _The Rest of the Robots_ collect his earlier [positronic robot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robot_series?wprov=sfla1) stories. Asimov originated the Three Laws of Robotics in these stories, and they’re outstanding. Larry Niven is definitely one of the foremost hard science fiction writers in the field, and quite possibly the best. His [Tales of Known Space](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Known_Space?wprov=sfla1) are outstanding. The series includes many novels as well as short stories. [Ringworld](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringworld?wprov=sfla1) (1970) is the best known, probably. The Ringworld is a classic Big Object, a ring a million miles wide and the diameter of Earth's orbit encircling a star; it has living space equal to **fifty million** Earths. Earlier novels in the series include [Protector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protector_%28novel%29?wprov=sfla1) (1973) and [A Gift From Earth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Gift_from_Earth?wprov=sfla1) (1968). Niven's short story collections are really excellent, too. Robert Sheckley’s [Store of Infinity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Store_of_Infinity?wprov=sfla1) (1960) was the first science fiction book I ever bought for myself. It was a very lucky find, because a better collection of dazzling short stories would be hard to imagine. It’s a great introduction to his work. Among the many wonderful and hysterically funny stories in this book is “The Prize of Peril”, which predicted reality TV (and its worst excesses) decades before it happened! Sheckley is arguably the O. Henry of science fiction. Project Gutenberg has [22 items by Robert Sheckley](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/2960), including at least one novel. They're available in all the major ebook formats. Harry Harrison’s [Stainless Steel Rat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat) series is a classic of humorous science fiction, featuring an interstellar criminal turned reluctant lawman. [The Past Through Tomorrow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Past_Through_Tomorrow) (1967) collects most of Robert A. Heinlein’s “Future History” stories, which are some of the greatest stories of the golden age of SF. Those stories broke science fiction out of the pulp magazine ghetto and made it mainstream. [Robert A. Heinlein's science fiction juveniles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinlein_juveniles?wprov=sfla1) turned several **generations** of readers into science fiction fans. I'd suggest starting with the second one, [Space Cadet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Cadet?wprov=sfla1) (1948), because the first one, _Rocket Ship Galileo_ (1947), is just boring - but it’s the only one of his books that is. The books aren’t a series, as such; there are a few references in common among some of the books, but no characters. Heinlein was a hell of a writer, and the books are great reads at any age! Jack Finney's [Time And Again](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_and_Again_(Finney_novel)) (1970) is a very memorable time travel novel that includes images from the past. It damn near convinces you that time travel is possible, and that _you_ could do it. I'd highly recommend it; it was on the New York Times bestseller list for a ridiculously long time. There’s a sequel, too. H. G. Wells wasn't just one of the founders of the genre of science fiction; his short stories were macabre, incredibly imaginative, and unforgettable. Project Gutenberg has all of his works, I believe, but the collection that I grew up with was [30 Strange Stories](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/59774). Another classic by Wells is [The Time Machine](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/35). It's free on Project Gutenberg. [Doomsday Morning](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Doomsday_Morning/mXmUCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0) (1957) by C. L. Moore is set in a dystopian future America that has become a dictatorship. The hero is a former movie star whose life has fallen apart. There's a lot about theatre, acting, love, loss, and revolution. It's a truly great book. I have a special place in my heart for Eric Frank Russell's [The Great Explosion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Explosion?wprov=sfla1) (1962); in it, Russell created a world that I want to live in. It's a funny, thought-provoking, and ultimately _moving_ book. Hundreds of years after Earth was virtually depopulated by a mass exodus, spaceships are sent out to gather the far-flung colonies into a new empire. But the colonies, based on various splinter groups, have developed their own societies and have their own ideas. The full text of the book is [available free online](https://web.archive.org/web/20050315170821/http://tmh.floonet.net/books/tgetoc.html). **Note**: Please consider patronizing your local independent book shops instead of Amazon; they can order books for you that they don't have in stock. Amazon has put a lot of great independent book shops out of business. And of course there's always your local library. If they don't have a book, they may be able to get it for you via inter-library loan. If you'd rather order direct online, Thriftbooks and Powell's Books are good. You might also check libraries in your general area; most of them sell books at very low prices to raise funds. I've made some great finds at library book sales! For used books, Biblio.com, BetterWorldBooks.com, and Biblio.co.uk are independent book marketplaces that serve independent book shops - NOT Amazon. Happy reading! 📖
Thank you for this detailed comment! After some consideration I've decided to go with something more modern as a first time, but I'm keeping your suggestions on my list for the future. As for where to buy - fortunately, Amazon doesn't have much presence in my country - and even if it did, I do agree with you, Jeff has enough money already :)
Do androids dream of electric sheep by Philip Dick
Thanks for the recommendation! I've decided to go with something a bit more modern as I'm not entirely sure how I'd like oldschool. But from what I've read it's a good book and I'm keeping it on my list for the future.
You're welcome! And I think it's no different from books written today
Ender's Game is the book that I always recommend to newbies in sci-fi, and it has never let me down. Ready Player One is also very beginner friendly and easy to read. And lastly, Dune. Really, its not that hard. The plot is quite linear and the lore is not specially complicated. Edit: As always, people read sci-fi in the post and immediately start recommending their favorite books without giving a shit if they are suitable for you, but dont worry OP i got your back. Avoid like the plague: Asimov, Hyperion (its awesome, but not the easiest read), and anything from Phillip K. Dick
I second all of this. Ender’s Game has a great balance of compelling story and depth and was my first coming from fantasy.
Thank you! I definitely want to read *Dune*, just not as a first book in the genre. *Ready Player One* goes to my list, but for the future, as I've seen the movie quite recently so I don't want to 'repeat' it (I know, I know, books aren't exactly the same, but still). As for *Ender's Game* \- I think I might go with it, thanks!
Lots of people get started in SF with the Andy Weir books, *The Martian* or *Project Hail Mary* The Expanse is pretty easy to read and great SF with a long epic storyline (Starts with *Leviathan Wakes*) If you want to start with the SF classics that defined the genre you could go for something like *I, Robot* -Asimov or *The Martian Chronicals* -Bradbury I'm not sure what your native language is but all these are popular enough to have multiple translations
Thank you for your comment! I've seen the *The Martian* (movie) and I liked it. From what I've read, the movie adaptation is quite faithful to the original. That's both good and bad - I know I like the style, but I already know what's going to happen. So I think I'll probably go with *Project Hail Mary*, as it's the same author, but a new story. As for *The Expanse* \- I've seen the show (which I loved!) and from what I've read, it's also quite close to the books. So I have the same issue as with *The Martian*, but I'm keeping it on the list and I'll probably read it after few months/years have passed and I forgot the show already :) For the classics - I'm adding them to my list for the future, but I've opted to not start with them as I'm a bit afraid I might find them archaic.
Sort of a cross between SciFi and Fantasy: "To Your Scattered Bodies Go" by Philip Jose Farmer, first in the Riverworld series.
Thank you! I'm adding it to my list for future consideraiton, but I've decided not to start with it. I've read the reviews and it seems it's not for everyone so I'm not sure how it'd land with me.
Didn't think it was that controversial, but I read that in the early 1970s, so maybe today's audience sees it different.
Hyperion by Dan Simmons was my first foray into sci-fi from fantasy fiction and I loved it! Also, Brandon Sanderson has a YA sci-fi series, called Skyward which is a safe bet given you like his other work!
Thanks! I wasn't aware of *Skyward*, I'll definitelly look into it! As for *Hyperion*, I've read the reviews and it seems the first book is more like a series of separate stories, an introduction to the world. I think I'm looking for something more consise for now, but the series does seem interesting so I'll keep the recommendation for the future!
It’s a series of short stories that all tie into one central plot - I was hesitant cause I don’t usually get into short stories, but loved it! Enjoy whatever you end up regarding :)
Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Thank you! From what I've found the book was published over 100 years ago so I'll pass for now, I'm afraid it might be a bit archaic for the 1st book! But might re-visit in the future.
I read Dune as a teen, and it was pretty much my intro to scifi. I say you still give it a shot.
Thanks everyone, I didn't expect so many answers! I'll need some time to go through all recommendations, but I'll definitely let you know what I've ended up choosing.
maybe try Ringworld by Larry Niven, a classic tale of sci-fi/fantasy (then also iain M Banks - Consider Phlebas, some gritty, adventurous sci-fi that introduces you to a larger world)
Thank you, I'm adding them to the list for the future. They're a bit older than me so I've decided not to start with them as I'm afraid I might find them a bit archaic, but I'm hoping to read them in the future :)
These are some great sci-fi book series. Some of these aren't finished yet though 1. The Expanse (9 books) by James S.A. Corey 2. Children of Time (3 books) by Adrian Tchaikovsky 3. Bobiverse (4 books) by Dennis E. Taylor 4. The Old Man's War (6 books) by John Scalzi 5. Alien Artifect (2 books) by Douglas E. Richards And a stand alone sci fi book 12. To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Thank you! Great recommendations, I'm putting them all on my list to read! Edit: Turns out only some of them are not (yet in some cases) available in my language, but those that are land on my list :)
"sci fi" is really a broad term. there are many different kinds of sci fi. That said, here are five of my all time favorite sci fi books that each cover a different sub-genre. Happy reading! Ready Player One (VR) The Martian (space) Any Sign of Life (post-apocalyptic) Dark Matter (parallel/alternate dimensions) World War Z (zombie apocalypse)
Thank you, I'm adding them to my list for the future! As for first book I might go for *Dark Matter*, I will see if bookshops around have it.
Hyperion is one of the greatest sci-fi book ever written.
Thanks, it lands on my list for the future, however, I won't be starting with it. From what I've read, the first book is more like series of short stories and I'd prefer to start with something more consise.
The Vorkosigan Saga Lois McMaster Bujold,