I like science fiction. It’s kinda crazy that last year I said that sci-fi was one of my least favorite genres, but honestly, I think I just wasn’t reading the right books. Sci-fi is actually pretty great — plus, without knowing it, I’ve been writing sci-fi… despite claiming that I didn’t like the genre.
I think sci-fi a genre that’s often looked over by the YA industry and is difficult to get done well. I’ve read a fair number of science fiction books, and while some aren’t amazing, others linger longer in my head and are worthy to be recommended — in my opinion.
So in the hopes of promoting this genre to the YA market, I present to you some (mostly YA) sci-fi recommendations.
Ender’s Game — Orson Scott Card
Okay, so, Ender’s Game is legendary and a very well known book in the sci-fi genre. Of course it gets to be on here.
When I read Ender’s Game, I went in without much expectation and was pleasantly surprised by it. The plot is interesting [earth is at war with an alien race, and then some], the themes fascinating, and Ender himself an interesting character.
Dune — Frank Herbert
Okay, you’ve heard of Ender’s Game, but Dune is the sci-fi novel that sets the standard for all others (it’s not YA, by the way). Set on the fictional planet of Arrakis, where the addictive spice melange originates, the book follows the rise of Paul Atreides, a prophesied hero with supernatural abilities.
As of now, I’m only partially through it, but I’ve been really enjoying it so far. Although the plot and characters are both interesting and important, I feel that there is more of a focus on the worldbuilding (which is amazingly well done). Definitely read this if you’re wanting to try sci-fi.
Skyward — Brandon Sanderson
A little similar to Ender’s Game, but I enjoyed both for different reasons. Skyward is more character-driven, whereas Ender’s Game has a higher focus on plot.
I like character-driven books with a good plot, so Skyward ranks higher than Ender’s Game for me. Still, there are very similar elements in the two books and I’d encourage you to read both books if you can.
Legend — Marie Lu
So dystopian is technically part of sci-fi, right? Marie Lu’s Legend is a YA dystopian set in the Republic of America, years into the future. The US has split itself into two and the Republic, where our two main characters live, has isolated itself from the world and rules via fear and violence.
I loved June and Day, the stars of Legend, and that’s probably the main reason why this book is on the list.
The Lunar Chronicles — Marissa Meyer
I was definitely late to all the Lunar Chronicles hype. I’ve only finished the conclusion to the series this year despite it being published in 2015. So yeah, call me five years late to the party.
The Lunar Chronicles is a sci-fi version of some well-known fairytales, but even better than I make it sound. I really like it and highly recommend it.
Both Amazon and Goodreads links lead to Cinder, the first book.
Scythe trilogy — Neal Shusterman
I was about two years late to the Scythe party, but when I finally read it, I loved it. It’s such an interesting premise, with a utopia (where death is practically nonexistent) ruled by a benevolent AI and people titled ‘scythes’ who enforce population control by killing people.
I finished the trilogy at the end of last year, and while Scythe remains my favorite, I love the characters, the intricate plot, and deep themes.
(Check this out for a three-act story structure breakdown of Scythe!)
That’s all for now!
What are your thoughts on sci-fi? If you’ve read Dune, do you personally consider it to be the best sci-fi novel of all time?
Let me know in the comments below!
Make your mark,
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