Best Sci-Fi Novels of the 2010s: A Decade in Review
Science fiction has always been a fascinating genre that allows readers to explore out-of-the-box concepts and ideas. In the past decade, we have seen some incredible sci-fi novels that have pushed the boundaries of our imagination. From dystopian futures to space operas, the 2010s has been a decade of innovation and originality in the sci-fi genre. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best sci-fi novels of the 2010s.
1. The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
First published in China in 2008, this novel received worldwide acclaim when it was published in English in 2014. It tells the story of the first contact with an alien civilization and how that discovery alters the course of human history. The novel’s cultural references to China and its unique perspective on the universe make it stand out from other sci-fi novels.
2. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is known for her dystopian novels, and Oryx and Crake is one of her best. The novel describes a future where corporations have taken over the world, and genetic engineering has led to the creation of new species. The story is told through the eyes of Snowman, the last human on Earth, who reflects on his past and the events that led to his survival.
3. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
This novel is a love letter to the 80s and pop culture. Set in a future where the real world has become a bleak and dangerous place, people escape to the virtual world of the OASIS, a massive multiplayer online game. The novel follows Wade Watts, a teenager trying to solve a puzzle left by the game’s creator to win his fortune. The novel’s nostalgia and fun-filled adventure make it a must-read for sci-fi fans.
4. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising is a space opera set in a world where society is divided into color-coded castes that determine a person’s place in life. The novel follows Darrow, a member of the lowest caste, as he infiltrates the upper classes to overthrow the ruling elite. The novel’s intricate world-building and memorable characters make it one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade.
5. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie
Ancillary Justice is a space opera that challenges our perception of gender and identity. The story is told through the eyes of Breq, a former spaceship AI that has been turned into a human body. Breq seeks revenge against the ruler of the galaxy who stripped her of her ship and crew. The novel’s exploration of consciousness and identity makes it a standout in the sci-fi genre.
6. The City & the City by China Miéville
The City & the City is a detective novel set in two cities that exist in the same space but are distinct from each other. It follows Inspector Tyador Borlú as he investigates a murder that leads him to the heart of the two cities’ shared history. The novel’s unique world-building and innovative concept make it a must-read.
Conclusion:
The 2010s has been a fantastic decade for the sci-fi genre, and these six novels represent the best of the best. Each one offers a unique perspective on the genre, from the dystopian worlds of Oryx and Crake and Red Rising to the space operas of Ancillary Justice and the Three Body Problem. Ready Player One offers a fun-filled adventure that celebrates pop culture, and The City & the City is an innovative take on a detective novel. Regardless of your taste in sci-fi, these novels are a must-read and sure to provide hours of thrilling escapism. So, grab a copy of one (or all!) of these novels, sit back, and be transported to new worlds.
