Over the last few years, science fiction has quickly become one of my all time favourite genres. But, I never used to read it AT ALL. Shocking, I know! I always assumed that Science Fiction would be a lot like Star Trek and Star Wars. A bunch of alien races, humans trying to find them, and a whole lot of science lingo that I wouldn’t understand. Since science was my worst subject in school (my teacher passed me with a 51% just to get me the hell out of his class), that was another reason I didn’t touch the genre. When I finally gave in and tried a book, I realized that it was nothing like how I expected it to be! Sure there’s aliens, space, and some tech stuff, but it was so much more interesting and easy to understand!
On almost every one of my Sci-Fi reviews I can guarantee a comment from someone who says “it sounds interesting but I don’t read science fiction.” So, this post is meant for you! Those people who have been wanting to dive into the genre but aren’t sure where to start. I will be splitting this into two parts. This part is the easy science fiction to ease you into things. Next week I will list a few that are deeper into the genre but I still think you’ll enjoy. If this post helps at least one person take that leap into the genre, then I consider it a success! So, here we go!
CINDER (The Lunar Chronicles series) by Marissa Meyer
This series is a very tame one to ease your way into Sci-Fi. There’s a lot of scientific elements, but it’s also mixed with fantasy as well. It takes place in a futuristic world and there is space travel. There are humans with mechanical enhancements, and there are also AI’s who are purely machine. But there aren’t a lot of scientific terms or explanations that will make your head spin! It’s also a retelling series of many different fairy tales, so the familiarity will make this a little easier if you’re nervous going into science fiction!
CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She’s reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen – and a dangerous temptation.
Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth’s future.
WARCROSS by Marie Lu
This one is a little deeper into science but, at the same time, not too overwhelming. It takes place on earth but in the future where virtual reality (VR) and game play takes a large role in day to day life. Some people work in this virtual reality, and a lot of people use it to make money. There aren’t a lot of scientific terms that I remember, but getting a handle on the world and all the changes that VR brings about might be a little overwhelming to a newcomer to the genre. I still think this is a good introduction to the genre though as there’s no space travel.
The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down Warcross players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. To make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.
Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire.
THE ILLUMINAE FILES TRILOGY by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
This is one of the most recommended books I suggest when it comes to Sci-Fi. The format is totally different from anything I’ve ever read. Told in the way of pictures, messages, emails, video surveillance, and so much more, the difference in the format makes this a speedy and light read. It’s a brutal read though. Full of death, violence, chaos, political war, and so much more! Its not too technological and is very easy to understand. There are scientists and experts but they explain things to the normal people on the ships, making it easy for us normal readers.
This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet’s AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it’s clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she’d never speak to again.
STARFLIGHT by Melissa Landers
This one is SO good! Yes, it takes place in space, but it’s more of an adventure novel. We see many different planets, and it takes place on a ship for the most part, but it reads more like a fantasy novel. It also feels very character driven and takes your mind off the science aspects just a little bit.
Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She’s so desperate to reach the realm that she’s willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.
When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he’s been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world—and each other—the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe…
READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline
This was one of the first science fiction novels I ever read, and it’s what kick started my love for the genre. Along the same lines as Warcross, we have a dystopian earth that is in ruins and a virtual reality world that makes living possible. Everything from schooling, sports, and day to day life takes place in this virtual reality world. There is a contest to find something within the VR world and we are brought on the adventure trying to find it. I also suggested this one because there is a movie to watch as well. So if you want to do one before the other to see if it’s something you like, its a great option!
In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world’s digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator’s obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win—and confront the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.
Like I said, if this recommendation post helps at least one person take a step into the science fiction genre, I will consider it mission accomplished! These are the few that are a little bit lighter on the science end and I really feel like it’s a good stepping stone to ease you into it. I was so afraid to read science fiction, but now I’m so glad I took the chance!
Until next time, happy reading!
I love Sci-Fi and every books you’ve mentioned! RPO is probably the best sci-fi I’ve ever read!!
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Agreed!! I can’t wait to see the movie!
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I LOVED warcross and cinder! I’m trying to get to illuminae, but ugh, high school
Education is such a pain xD
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Education is a time suck. I didn’t read much in high school either. Hope you can fit it into your schedule soon 🙂
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Wonderful post! I didn’t read a whole lot of sci-fi before, but book blogging made me discover some of these new amazing books, Cinder is now one of my favorite books of all times 😀 I’ll have to read Ready Player One someday 🙂
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Oh I hope you do! I was so nervous going into it but it blew away all my expectations. Hope you love it!
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This is a great list!! I haven’t read many of these because I only really started reading sci-fi like last year, but a lot of these are on my list! I’m especially interested in Warcross – it looks so cool!!
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I absolutely love the Warcross world! Hope you love it 😊
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This post was made for me after I couldn’t really find any books for the science fiction prompt! I for sure want to read The Lunar Chronicles ASAP so maybe I’ll read it this summer, love this post. 🙂
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I know you’ll love the Lunar Chronicles!! It’s mostly a fantasy feel with some sci-fi elements 🙂 can’t wait to see what you think!
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I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this post! I don’t really read sci-fi, but I’ve been wanting to, I just didn’t know where to start. You’ve solved that problem for me!
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So happy to hear!! See, mission accomplished 🙂
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great list! can’t wait to see what you have for part two!
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LOVE Ready Player One (obviously). I’m currently reading Warcross, it’s going meh. I actually saw Starflight at the Dollar Tree which is amazing but I didn’t end up getting it. And I’m really excited to read the Illuminae files trilogy. 🙂
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Warcross was kinda just meh for me too. It was predictable but the writing and world building was great. I hope book 2 is just a little better
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RPO is a great one to get anyone on board, because there’s something in it for everyone. It was one of the first books *period* my husband read, and now he reads a dozen books a year. 🙂
Great list. I’ve really got to get to some of these….
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So cool that RPO is the book that got him started! I tried to get my hubby to read it but no 😂 I gifted it to my brother in law and he read it in a day!
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I gifted it to my brother to get him to read it (and he did). 🙂 It’s just one of those sorts of books! 😀 😀 😀
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Exactly! 🙂
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RPO is the only book I’ve ever gotten my husband to “Read” (he listened on audio). HE loved it. I hoped it would get him to read more but no.
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Yeah, when I say my husband is “reading”, he’s doing audiobooks. But I’ll take it! XD He’s sort of burnt out on them this spring, but he did 7 books in January. Have never been prouder of him. 🙂 Hopefully the next right book will come along for yours!
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Wow!! 7 in a month is a huge amount! You have the right to be proud and brag!
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Hahahahaha I keep trying with the hubby too and it never spans more than a book 😂
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I so agree with this list! I have read them all besides Starflight so it looks like I am going to need to add that to my TBR!
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It wasn’t mind blowing, but it was such a great and entertaining adventure! It was a good reset book. Fun and not too heavy
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So many good books on this list! I can’t decide whether to read Illuminae or Warcross next!
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My vote is for Illuminae!!!!!
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Cinder has been on my TBR for WAY TOO LONG NOW!
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And when you get to it you’ll probably kick yourself for waiting so long lol
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It is fantasy, space and dystopian that turn me off. The virtual reality one did not sound too bad though.
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A lot of them have fantasy and dystopian mixed in. A little something for everyone. But they’re not always everyone’s cup of tea
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Loved Cinder, Warcross and Illuminae – yet to read the other two. They all seem like good introductions to Sci-Fi!
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I used to be the same way!! I was a bit of a book snob. What sci fi book got you started? I love apocalyptic and cyborgs, and machines. Cinder has been on my list for a while, so has PLayer One, and I’ve always wanted to read the Uglies series, back when I was in 8the grade it was popular so I don’t know if I’d like it. But it’s always been one I wanted to Darry
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The two sci fi books that got me hooked on the genre we’re Ready Player One and The Martian. I’ve heard so many mixed reviews on the Uglies series. I’m a little afraid to start that one 😂
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Ray Bradbury was the first author that got me hooked. The Martian was goood!! Oh no idk j remember not liking it when I picked it up but I just want to like it lol
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I have Warcross out from the library so I’m glad you think it’s worth reading. I hope I enjoy it just as much!
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Enjoy 🙂
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Oooooh Starflight sounds good!
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It really is! It’s not mind blowing, but it was such an entertaining and fun read!
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I really enjoyed all of these books! Especially Illuminae and Cinder. I haven’t read Starflight, although it does sound good!
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I highly recommend that one! I loved it way more than expected. It’s a duology so there’s one more after that called Starfall 🙂
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Yes to Cinder!!! 🙂 🙂 Thsi is a great list and Im very interested in Starflight. 🙂
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I highly recommend Starflight! It was such a fun read!!
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Just downloaded it on my Kindle. hehe… these memes that involve list is really hurting my wallet,,, I always find new books to add to my TBR…
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These lists always kick you right where it hurts! I think I added 3 books to my wish list last week because of other people’s lists!!
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Hahaha.. Another Bookish problem.
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😂
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I’m one of those people who always went “but I HATE SCIFI.” Honestly though, that’s when it comes to movies. Still the case when it comes to those too. I just don’t like it. Books though.. That changed! It started with The Illuminae Files. Those were popping up everywhere and the format just looked so.. unique and special and “how could I not just give it a shot?!” No regrets whatsoever. Warcross and Ready Player One came afterwards. Love those. The Lunar Chronicles? ALL THE LOVE.
Like. I am no science fiction-hater anymore, haha. Only movies. I doubt that’ll ever change. [Unless it’s movie adaptions of books I read and loved. Those might be the exception..]
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It’s so funny you say that! I don’t really like science fiction movies either – my husband gets so annoyed that I don’t like them. He keeps pointing out that I read it so I should watch it too 😂
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That is NOT true and now you have me to back you up, haha! 😂
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Oh I’ve got your back all the way!
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I thought the same thing too. “I hate sci-fi”, booka anyway and then I found Illuminae, Cinder, and Starflight. Right now I am enjoying sci-fi more than fantasy.
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Ah Starflight – such a fun book!!!
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I’ve not made the jump to saying that, but I am ridiculously happy to have found I like the genre after all. In books that is, haha.
Just finished The Loneliest Girl in the Universe and I enjoyed that one as well! 😀
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I have that on my TBR for June. It isn’t released here in Canada until July. I can’t wait!
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Oh, hope you enjoy it! 😀
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I loved ready player one, easily one of my favorite books of all time!
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I love sci-fi! I’ve read, or own and need to read, all but Starflight. It looks pretty good.
This was a great post. I hope it brings us more people to the sci-fi fold 😄
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Starflight was just a ton of fun!! It was a great adventure with great worlds and characters. Not mind bending or mind blowing, but so much fun!!
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I’ve never heard of “Star flight”, it sounds great and I live the cover!
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Starflight was a total cover buy for me lol. But I was happy when I ended up loving it!
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For easy reads that AREN’T YA, I would suggest John Scalzi. It’s super easy to read, quick pace, and not too deep into the SF themes, so could be a good place to start.
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I should have also mentioned that the only YA book on this list was Lifel1k3 – all the rest are adult 🙂 I’ve had Lock In by John Scalzi on my TBR list for the longest time. I hope to pick it up soon!!
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Cinder, Warcross, and Illuminae aren’t YA?
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Oh sorry yes. I thought this comment was on my newest post. My mistake! The second introduction to science fiction has the adult books 😜
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Loved Ready Player One. It’s a good gateway read into sci-fi. Hard science fiction is harder for me to enjoy (PUN), though I’ve recently started The Three Body Problem, which you should pick up from your local library and read immediately!
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I’ll look into it! Thanks 🙂
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Used to read tons of SF; still enjoy the genre but I’ve cut down. Currently reading:
Persepolis Rising by James S. A. Corey: Somewhat to my liking. Has an echo of George RR Martin (some will understand this).
pp 596, Pan MacMillan 2017 [ISBN 978-0-230-75075-3]
Infinity Engine by Neal Asher: Despite the plaudits and the outer space setting, this ain’t my cup of tea. I’m persisting with it.
pp549, Orbit Books,2017 [ISBN 978-0-356-51030-9]
Both are book something-something out of one series or another; I’m reading them out of order – let ’em stand on their own scrawny legs.
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Lol scrawny legs! Too funny! I’ve heard great things about both authors!
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It called to mind the legend of Baba Yaga. :-).
I began Lord of the Rings on vol 2
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science fiction Gener is my favorite. We should not let these books wait
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I read plenty of science fiction before I encountered Ready Player One but I can say that it has a tendency to light the fire of science fiction love. Thank you for sharing this list. A few that I am adding to my reading list now!
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I’ve just begun reading science fiction and realised how awesome it is 🙂 I’ve been on the lookout for sci-fi books and this list definitely fits the bill! Can’t wait to read these!!
For all bookworms, here is my blog: https://thevoraciousbibliophile.wordpress.com
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I hope this list helps you find something wonderful! Enjoy 🙂
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Great post! Keep it up!
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Thanks 🙂
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