I’m not sure when it was written, but I ran across this list of the best science fiction and fantasy books this century, and I resonated with the ones I’ve read, so I thought I’d see what others thought of it. Have you read many of them?
I’m not sure when it was written, but I ran across this list of the best science fiction and fantasy books this century, and I resonated with the ones I’ve read, so I thought I’d see what others thought of it. Have you read many of them?
I’ve read most of them, and I must say that I’m impressed by the list. A good half of the works are ones that I didn’t care about or outright didn’t like, but this is not a “best” list. As far as “essential” goes, they ought to be included.
If I may, I would only do a few changes.
To remove:
To add:
This one being missing is what stood out to me. I’m admittedly a bit of a fanboy of the series (and the TV adaptation) but it certainly feels like it deserves a spot to me. Like you said, it’s good, accessible and fun, but I also think it handles geopolitics (well, solar system politics) in a fantastic and believable way.
I think the series understands human nature on a fundamental level. A lot of sci-fi is great at exploring high-concept ideas but it often tends to falter when it comes down to the personal, more human, individual level, I find. The Expanse series feels like its high-concept, sociological ideas are an extension of the individuals, which really helps to sell the world, I think. It also means the “villains” and the “evil factions” tend to have understandable, if not sometimes even relatable, motives.
It also just handles the science really well; the physics, especially, but also some biology, is integrated into the plot and world-building really nicely, but it never feels like you’re reading a dense scientific journal filled with techno-babble. It gets across the concepts really well without getting bogged down with unnecessary details.
You’re not the only one to say that A Master of Djinn shouldn’t be on the list. I haven’t read it, but the comments aren’t making me put it on the “must read” list. I also haven’t read the ones you recommend, but I’ll save this comment.