Science Fiction

Science fiction (abbreviated SF or sci-fi with varying punctuation and capitalization) is a broad genre of fiction that often involves speculations based on current or future science or technology. Science fiction is found in books, art, television, films, games, theatre, and other media. In organizational or marketing contexts, science fiction can be synonymous with the broader definition of speculative fiction, encompassing creative works incorporating imaginative elements not found in contemporary reality; this includes fantasy, horror and related genres.

Although the two genres are often conflated as science fiction/fantasy, science fiction differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature (though some elements in a story might still be pure imaginative speculation). Exploring the consequences of such differences is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a "literature of ideas". Science fantasy is largely based on writing entertainingly and rationally about alternate possibilities in settings that are contrary to known reality. -Goodreads.com

Below is a list of authors and series and books to get readers started.
For a more individualized recommendation call the Reference Desk at 860-793-1446 x.4 or stop by the Library.

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Series:

  • The Broken Earth Trilogy (2015-2017) by N.K. Jemisin
  • The Culture Series (1987-2012) by Iain M. Banks

  • The Vorkosigan Saga (1986-ongoing) by Lois McMaster Bujold

  • The Wheel of Time (1990-2013) by Robert Jordan (with Brandon Sanderson)                    (Now an PrimeVideo TV Show)

  • The Pern Series (1967-ongoing) by Anne McCaffrey (with Todd and Gigi McCaffrey)

  • The Hainish Cycle (1964-2000) by Ursula K. Le Guin

  • The Sprawl Trilogy (1984-1988) by William Gibson

  • Remembrance of Earth's Past (2006-2010) by Cixin Liu

  • Binti (2015-2018) by Nnedi Okorafor

  • The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Series (1979-2009) by Douglas Adams

Authors:

  • N. K. Jemisin

  • Frank Herbert (1920-1986)
  • Kameron Hurley

  • Arthur C. Clarke (1917-2008)
  • Joanna Russ

  • Jules Verne (1828-1905)
  • Andre Norton (Alice Norton)

  • H. G. Wells (1866-1946)
  • Octavia Butler

  • C. J. Cherryh (Carolyn Janice)

  • Hugo Gernsback (1884-1967)
  • Malka Older

  • Robert Heinlein (1907-1988)
  • Ursula K. LeGuin

  • Isaac Asimov (1920-1992)
  • Ariel Djanikian

  • Connie Willis

  • James Tiptree Jr. (Alice Bradley Sheldon)