BellaOnline Forums Books and Music Sci Fi/Fantasy Books Know of a good read?

I'm looking for some good SciFi to read and I need suggestions. Anyone have a favorite?

Hi Laura!

Science fiction was an area I never really delved into... until I met a writer who works in that genre and introduced me to some of its treasures. I still can't say I like the techie stuff, but I do enjoy some that lean a bit more toward fantasy. I found an author, Midori Snyder, for instance, whose fantasy books were quite remarkable. But have you ever read Gene Wolfe? He moves in both circles, I would say, sci fi and fantasy.

So I guess I would ask... what kind of sci fi do you most enjoy? A bit of magic and fantasy... or time travel... or robotics... or space frontiers... or....??

Zee

I'm not too sure myself! I used to read alot of Ray Bradbury and Asimov when I was younger, but I'm looking to broader my reading I guess. Maybe I should just go pick one randomly and read it. I'll look up Gene Wolfe though, sounds like I might enjoy him. Thanks

I was impressed with Wolfe's rich language and wealth of imagination, although I favor his novels over his stories. I was also impressed with Samuel R. Delany... and Alfred Bester. But I still prefer fantasy, and in that direction I remember being mesmerized by Marion Zimmer Bradley's "Mists of Avalon," giving women the upper hand in the world of King Arthur. More recently, as I mentioned above, Midori Snyder thrilled me with her fantasy novel, "Innamorati." One of the best books I'd read in some time.

If interested, you can read an interview with Samuel Delany here:

http://www.sfsite.com/06b/srd106.htm

Enjoy!
Zee

One of the most recent I read was John Varley's _Red_Mars_, about a group of folks who build their own spaceship. Funny thing was, I was reading it the very same day the first private spaceship flew it's first actual test flight. Very cool....

Another recent read I enjoyed was David Brin's _Kiln_People_, where people can make clay versions of themselves, for a really complex version of multi-tasking. Imagine four version of the detective main character, all taking in first person....

Hello,

I have always been a big fan of Andre Norton's. She has such a wide area to choose from. I am 52 and have been reading her books since I was given my first one at the age of 10. Her witch world series is just wonderful.

Alan Dean Foster is another good writer. The husband introduced me to his Flinx and Pip series. I loved this series and continue to watch for anything that becomes available. From Alan's website it is noted that a new book in this series will be out possibly in November.

There are so many great writers that it is a wonderland for those of us who like to read. Another great writter that I like is Anne McCaffrey. Her Pern series has kept me rooted to my chair more then one day and night.

I love David Brin books Rae! Did you read Glory Season? That was an interesting read about a society of clones. I haven't read Kiln People but you've piqued my interest. William Gibson has always been a favorite of mine. And another lifetime ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Carl Sagan, what an amazing man!

Robert Jordan writes realllly well. His books are usually 600+ pages and his most recent series(Wheel of the World) is 8 books long so far...I rarely find his books in a used book store.

I just suggested Andre Norton in the Children's area. I have also read her from childhood and read a new one of hers this summer(not that I have a clue of the name!)

Judith Tarr and Weis and Hickman(a sister brother team) write good fantasy/sword and sorcery.

Roni, my husband reads Robert Jordan. He keeps telling me I would like it, but I hate reading more than one series at a time (I start to get things mixed up!) and I'm waiting for George RR Martin's next book in a Song of Fire and Ice. So I may pick it up in the future, after all we already own them all.

I have read some Weis and Hickman (didn't know they were borther and sister. I couldn't imagine writing with my brother, though!) I want to say it was Rose of the Prophet, but I can't remember. I really liked it.

I need to keep a list in my car of authors I should look up. Everytime I get to the library I forget every name anyone suggests. I am about to start a Phillip Dick novel.

Sharon Lee & Steve Miller co-author the Liaden Universe series. Excellent writers and mesmerizing characters.

Also try Mercedes Lackey: Her Valdemar books are a fun read.