Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Ender's Game

   

   A young prodigy is enlisted into a military academy in space, where he is trained through complex war games to combat an impending alien invasion. Despite his initial struggles with isolation and manipulation by the academy's leaders, he rises through the ranks due to his strategic genius and leadership skills. The protagonist grapples with the moral implications of war and the cost of his own humanity, as he is groomed to be the Earth's ultimate weapon against the alien threat.

   The 1874th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. Speaker for the Dead

   

   In the sequel to a science fiction classic, humanity faces the complex consequences of its past actions. The protagonist, a once-revered child military genius, now serves as a "Speaker for the Dead," a role dedicated to telling the true stories of the deceased. He travels to a distant world to speak for a deceased researcher and becomes embroiled in the tensions between the human colonists and the planet's enigmatic indigenous species. As he unravels the mysteries surrounding the researcher's death, he confronts his own history and seeks redemption by fostering understanding and empathy between the two intelligent species, hoping to prevent the cycle of violence and misunderstanding that has plagued human history.

   The 7465th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Seventh Son

   Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 1

   

   "Seventh Son" is a fantasy novel set in an alternate version of America where magic and folk beliefs are real. The story follows Alvin, the seventh son of a seventh son, who is believed to possess great magical powers. However, Alvin's abilities are not what people expect, and he must navigate a world of prejudice and danger to find his true purpose. Along the way, he meets a cast of intriguing characters, including a shape-shifting girl and a powerful wizard, and must confront his own inner demons to become the hero he was meant to be.

   The 7602nd Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Red Prophet

   Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 2

   

   Set in an alternate history of early 19th-century America, the story follows Alvin Miller, a young boy with special powers, as he navigates a world where Native American tribes possess mystical abilities. The narrative explores themes of cultural conflict and harmony, focusing on Alvin's interactions with the enigmatic Red Prophet, a Native American leader who envisions a future of peace between his people and the settlers. As tensions rise, Alvin must confront his own destiny and the potential for unity or destruction in a land divided by fear and misunderstanding.

   The 8253rd Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Prentice Alvin

   The Tales of Alvin Maker, Book 3

   

   In this third installment of the series, the story follows Alvin Miller, a young man with extraordinary abilities known as a "Maker," as he continues his apprenticeship with a blacksmith in early 19th-century America. Alvin grapples with understanding and harnessing his powers while confronting the dark forces that seek to thwart his destiny. As he learns more about his role in shaping the future, Alvin encounters various characters who challenge and support him, including a mysterious figure named the Unmaker, who represents chaos and destruction. The narrative explores themes of growth, morality, and the struggle between good and evil in a richly imagined alternate history setting.

   The 8397th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Alvin Journeyman

   Tales of Alvin Maker IV

   

   In this installment of the series, Alvin, a young man with extraordinary abilities known as a "Maker," faces new challenges as he continues to develop his powers and navigate the complexities of his world. Set in an alternate America, Alvin's journey is marked by his struggle to balance his personal growth with the expectations placed upon him by society and those who wish to exploit his talents. As Alvin seeks to fulfill his destiny, he encounters both allies and adversaries, each influencing his path in profound ways. The story explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the moral implications of wielding great power.

   The 10506th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. Heartfire

   Tales of Alvin Maker V

   

   Set in an alternate early 19th-century America where magic is real, the story follows Alvin Maker, a young man with extraordinary abilities known as a "Maker." As Alvin continues his journey to understand and harness his powers, he faces challenges from those who fear or misunderstand his gifts. Meanwhile, his wife, Peggy, uses her own unique abilities to navigate the political and social tensions of the time, striving to prevent a looming conflict. The narrative explores themes of destiny, power, and the struggle between good and evil, as Alvin seeks to fulfill his potential and bring about a better future.

   The 10874th Greatest Book of All Time

8. 8. Xenocide

   

   In this science fiction novel, humanity is faced with a moral dilemma as they struggle to find a solution to the threat posed by the alien species known as the "buggers." As tensions rise among different factions, a young scientist named Qing-jao becomes entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and religious fanaticism. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, the characters must grapple with the consequences of their actions and confront the ethical implications of xenocide.

   The 14371st Greatest Book of All Time

9. 9. Ender's Shadow

   

   "Ender's Shadow" is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Bean, a brilliant and resourceful child living on the streets of Rotterdam. After catching the attention of the Battle School recruiters, Bean joins a group of exceptional children who are being trained to defend Earth against an imminent alien threat. As Bean navigates the challenges of Battle School, he forms a unique bond with Ender Wiggin, the legendary commander, and becomes an integral part of Ender's strategic plans. With its intricate plot and captivating characters, the book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the consequences of warfare.

   The 14371st Greatest Book of All Time
10. 10. Ender's War

    Ender's Game and Speaker for the Dead

    

    This science fiction novel follows a young prodigy named Ender Wiggin, who is recruited into an advanced military academy in space to prepare for an impending alien invasion. In a future where Earth has barely survived two conflicts with the Formics, an insectoid alien species, Ender is trained through increasingly difficult war games in zero gravity to develop tactics and leadership skills. As he progresses, Ender struggles with the isolation, manipulation by the military leaders, and the moral implications of his actions in simulations that become disturbingly realistic. The novel explores themes of leadership, the ethics of war, and what it means to truly understand one's enemy.

    The 14371st Greatest Book of All Time

11. 11. Children Of The Mind

    

    In the concluding installment of the Ender's Game series, the narrative follows the complex journey of Ender Wiggin's consciousness as it splits into two distinct entities, Peter and Valentine, who embody different aspects of his personality. As they navigate their existence, they confront existential dilemmas and the impending threat to humanity posed by the destructive Starways Congress. The story intricately weaves themes of identity, morality, and the essence of humanity, culminating in a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of all beings in the universe.

12. 12. Treason

    Book 1 of the Tales of Alvin Maker

    

    The novel is set on a planet where descendants of exiled traitors from Earth are divided into warring factions, each possessing unique abilities. The protagonist, Lanik Mueller, hails from a family with regenerative powers but faces a crisis when his body begins to uncontrollably grow extra limbs. As he embarks on a journey to find a cure, Lanik discovers the truth about his world and its oppressive rulers, leading him to confront the political and social structures that bind his people. Through his quest, he learns about identity, power, and the potential for change, ultimately seeking to unite the planet's factions and challenge the status quo.

13. 13. The Last Shadow

    The Final Formic War

    

    In this science fiction novel, the story unfolds in a universe where humanity faces the existential threat of a mysterious virus that could wipe out all sentient life. The narrative follows a group of characters, including scientists and military leaders, as they grapple with the complexities of interstellar politics, ethical dilemmas, and the legacy of past conflicts. As they race against time to find a solution, they must confront their own personal demons and the shadows of their predecessors, ultimately exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle for survival in an interconnected cosmos.

14. 14. Homecoming

    The Memory of Earth

    

    The novel is a science fiction tale set in a distant future where humanity has spread across the galaxy. It follows the journey of a group of individuals on the planet Harmony, who are guided by a powerful, sentient computer called the Oversoul. The Oversoul, which has been maintaining peace and stability by subtly influencing human behavior, begins to fail, prompting it to send visions to selected individuals. These chosen ones embark on a perilous journey to rediscover their lost home planet, Earth, and uncover the truths about their origins and the Oversoul's purpose. The story explores themes of faith, destiny, and the quest for knowledge as the characters confront challenges and their own inner conflicts.
15. 15. The Crystal City

    The Tales of Alvin Maker VI

    

    Set in an alternate history of North America, the story follows Alvin Maker, a man with extraordinary powers known as a "Maker," as he embarks on a journey to build a utopian city called the Crystal City. Alongside his companions, Alvin navigates a world filled with political intrigue, supernatural elements, and moral dilemmas. As he encounters various challenges and adversaries, Alvin's quest becomes a struggle not only to realize his vision but also to understand the true nature of his abilities and the impact they have on those around him. The narrative explores themes of destiny, freedom, and the complexities of human nature.

16. 16. Homebody

    

    The book follows the story of Don Lark, a man seeking solace and a fresh start after personal tragedies. He buys a dilapidated house with the intention of restoring it, hoping the project will help him heal. As he works on the house, he discovers mysterious elements and a hidden history that intertwine with his own life, leading him to confront his past and the supernatural forces at play. The narrative explores themes of redemption, the impact of the past on the present, and the possibility of new beginnings amidst haunting memories.

17. 17. The Abyss

    

    The novel explores the mysterious and tense interactions between a team of deep-sea oil drillers and a group of Navy SEALs as they investigate a sunken nuclear submarine. As they delve deeper into the ocean's depths, they encounter an otherworldly presence that challenges their understanding of life and humanity. The story weaves together themes of survival, trust, and the unknown, highlighting the characters' struggles with their own fears and the potential for both destruction and enlightenment in the face of the unknown.

18. 18. A War Of Gifts

    An Ender Story

    

    Set in the universe of the Ender's Game series, this novella explores the complexities of cultural and religious differences within the confines of Battle School, a space station where children are trained for an impending alien war. The story centers around Zeck Morgan, a pacifist and the son of a preacher, who challenges the school's strict no-religion policy when he witnesses a fellow student secretly celebrating Christmas. This act of defiance sparks a series of events that force the young cadets to confront their beliefs, leading to a deeper understanding of tolerance, empathy, and the power of small gestures in a world dominated by conflict and conformity.

19. 19. The Worthing Saga

    

    In a universe where humans have mastered the art of "Somec," a form of suspended animation that allows them to sleep through centuries, the story unfolds around Jason Worthing, a telepathic man who has lived for thousands of years. As he awakens on a distant planet, he grapples with the consequences of his past actions, which include the manipulation of entire civilizations. Through a series of interconnected tales, the narrative explores themes of power, morality, and the human condition, ultimately questioning the cost of immortality and the true essence of humanity.
20. 20. The Ender Quartet Box Set

    Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, Children of the Mind

    

    This compelling science fiction series follows the journey of a young boy who is thrust into a future where humanity is on the brink of annihilation by an alien race. As he navigates the complexities of leadership and morality, he is trained to become a military genius, tasked with saving Earth from its extraterrestrial foes. The narrative delves deep into themes of empathy, identity, and the burdens of command, exploring the psychological and ethical challenges faced by the protagonist as he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the consequences of his actions.

21. 21. Ultimate Iron Man, Vol. 1

    Beneath the Armor

    

    In a reimagined origin story, the narrative delves into the early life of a young genius who would become a legendary superhero. Born with a unique condition that grants him extraordinary abilities, he faces both physical and emotional challenges. As he navigates a world filled with corporate intrigue and personal betrayals, he learns to harness his intellect and technological prowess. This journey of self-discovery and resilience sets the stage for his transformation into a formidable force, driven by a desire to protect those he loves and make a difference in the world.

22. 22. Ultimate Iron Man, Vol. 2

    

    In this gripping continuation of the saga, the young genius Tony Stark faces new challenges as he navigates the complexities of his dual identity as a brilliant inventor and a burgeoning superhero. Set against a backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal vendettas, Tony must confront formidable adversaries who threaten his family's legacy and the future of Stark Enterprises. As he grapples with the responsibilities of his burgeoning powers and the weight of his father's expectations, Tony's journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world fraught with danger.