M. John Harrison

M. John Harrison is a British author known for his works in science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. He has received critical acclaim for his unique writing style and has won several awards, including the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Philip K. Dick Award.

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. A Storm Of Wings

    In this science fiction novel, the second installment of a series, humanity grapples with the aftermath of a catastrophic event known as the Biotic Crisis. As reality itself begins to warp, the protagonist and a group of disparate characters navigate a world where the boundaries between human and alien, real and surreal, are increasingly blurred. They face the challenge of understanding and confronting the "Swarm," a mysterious and possibly sentient cloud of particles that threatens to engulf the planet. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of themes including identity, transformation, and the struggle to maintain sanity in an environment that defies comprehension.

    The 5327th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. Light

    "Light" is a science fiction novel that intertwines three narrative threads, two set in 2400 AD and one in 1999. The story follows a scientist who discovers the principles of faster-than-light travel, a space pilot genetically modified to interact with a strange alien artifact, and a serial killer who sees a strange pattern in everything. As the narratives unfold, they eventually converge in a distant part of the galaxy, revealing a universe filled with strange life forms and advanced technologies.

    The 5929th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. The Pastel City

    In a distant future where the remnants of a once-great civilization linger, a conflict arises in the city of Viriconium as it faces the threat of invasion by the barbaric Northmen. The story follows Lord tegeus-Cromis, a poet and swordsman, who is reluctantly drawn back into the world of warfare to defend his home. As ancient technologies and mysterious forces come into play, tegeus-Cromis and his companions must navigate a landscape filled with both beauty and decay, confronting their own pasts and the enigmatic powers that shape their world. The narrative weaves together themes of memory, identity, and the cyclical nature of history in a richly imagined setting.

    The 6418th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 4. The Course Of The Heart

    The novel weaves a haunting tale of three university friends whose lives are irrevocably altered by a mysterious ritual they perform during their student days. As they grapple with the consequences of their actions, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world tinged with the supernatural. The story delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes of the characters, revealing how their shared secret shapes their destinies and relationships over the years, blurring the lines between reality and the metaphysical.

    The 11614th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 5. Nova Swing

    "Nova Swing" by M. John Harrison is a science fiction novel set in a future where interstellar travel is possible. The story follows a group of characters, including an ex-cop turned private detective, a woman searching for her missing husband, and a man who sells illegal alien artifacts. As they navigate a mysterious city called Saudade, they become entangled in a web of intrigue involving parallel dimensions, time travel, and the enigmatic phenomenon known as the "Nova Swing." With its atmospheric prose and complex plot, the book explores themes of identity, memory, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 6. The Centauri Device

    The novel is a science fiction tale set in a future where humanity has spread across the stars, engaging in interstellar conflict and political intrigue. The story follows John Truck, the last known human descendant of an alien race from the Centauri system. Truck becomes the unwilling focus of various galactic factions, including militant groups and powerful governments, due to his unique heritage which is linked to a powerful weapon known as the Centauri Device. As these factions vie for control of the device, Truck is thrust into a dangerous game of cosmic espionage and must navigate a complex web of betrayal and manipulation to determine his own destiny and potentially the fate of the galaxy.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 7. Cave & Julia

    In a world where reality and illusion blur, a young couple embarks on a journey that challenges their perceptions of love, identity, and existence. As they navigate a landscape filled with enigmatic characters and surreal experiences, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires. The narrative weaves a tapestry of philosophical musings and emotional depth, exploring the complexities of human relationships and the nature of reality itself. With a blend of introspection and mysticism, the story invites readers to question the boundaries of their own understanding.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Sunken Land Begins To Rise Again

    In a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, two estranged lovers, Shaw and Victoria, navigate a surreal landscape marked by mysterious disappearances and unsettling transformations. As Shaw delves into the enigmatic activities of a secretive group, Victoria retreats to her mother's home, where she encounters a community steeped in folklore and strange occurrences. Their separate journeys reveal a haunting narrative of personal and collective disintegration, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the eerie resurgence of ancient, submerged forces.

    The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  9. 9. Forgotten Footprints

    Set against the haunting backdrop of the Antarctic wilderness, this narrative weaves together the tales of explorers, adventurers, and dreamers who dared to tread the icy expanses of the southernmost continent. Through a tapestry of historical accounts and personal reflections, the book delves into the human spirit's relentless quest for discovery and the enduring allure of the unknown. It captures the essence of courage, resilience, and the indelible marks left by those who ventured into the frozen frontier, offering a poignant exploration of the intersection between human ambition and the unforgiving forces of nature.

  10. 10. Climbers

    Set against the rugged landscapes of Northern England, this novel delves into the intricate world of rock climbing, exploring the physical and emotional challenges faced by its characters. The protagonist, a man seeking solace and meaning, becomes immersed in the climbing community, where he encounters a diverse group of individuals each grappling with their own personal struggles. Through vivid descriptions and introspective narrative, the story captures the essence of human connection, the allure of nature, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery amidst the towering cliffs and unpredictable elements.

  11. 11. Empty Space

    A Haunting

    Set in a universe where the boundaries between reality and the surreal blur, this narrative intertwines the lives of three distinct characters across time and space. A detective haunted by her past, a space captain grappling with existential dread, and a scientist on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery find their fates inexplicably linked. As they navigate a cosmos filled with enigmatic phenomena and haunting memories, they confront the mysteries of existence and the unknown forces that bind them together. This tale explores themes of identity, memory, and the nature of reality, weaving a complex tapestry of human experience in a vast, indifferent universe.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 12. You Should Come With Me Now

    This collection of short stories delves into the surreal and the uncanny, exploring the boundaries between reality and imagination. Each tale is a journey into the unexpected, where the ordinary is infused with a sense of mystery and the extraordinary becomes a part of everyday life. The narratives are rich with vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes, inviting readers to question their perceptions and embrace the unknown. With a blend of dark humor and philosophical musings, the stories challenge conventional storytelling, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  13. 13. The 4th Domain

    In a world where the boundaries between reality and virtual existence blur, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a diverse group of characters, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas. As they navigate a landscape dominated by technology and digital realms, they confront the implications of living in a society where human consciousness can be uploaded and manipulated. The story delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the essence of humanity, challenging readers to ponder the ethical and philosophical questions that arise when the digital and physical worlds collide.

  14. 14. Anima

    In a world where reality and perception intertwine, a mysterious journey unfolds, exploring the depths of human consciousness and the boundaries of identity. The narrative weaves through a tapestry of surreal landscapes and enigmatic encounters, challenging the protagonist's understanding of self and existence. As the story progresses, the lines between dream and reality blur, leading to profound revelations about the nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. This thought-provoking tale invites readers to question their own perceptions and the essence of what it means to be truly alive.

  15. 15. Viriconium

    The Pastel City

    Set in a decaying, post-apocalyptic world, the narrative unfolds in a city teetering on the brink of oblivion, where the remnants of a once-great civilization struggle to find meaning amid chaos. The story weaves together the lives of disparate characters, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas, as they navigate the labyrinthine streets of a city haunted by its glorious past. Through a tapestry of surreal landscapes and enigmatic encounters, the tale explores themes of identity, memory, and the relentless passage of time, painting a vivid picture of a world where reality and fantasy blur into one.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  16. 16. Droga Serca

    Set in a world where reality and dreams intertwine, the narrative follows a group of travelers on a journey through a surreal landscape filled with enigmatic characters and mysterious occurrences. As they navigate through the shifting terrains of their own consciousness, each character confronts their deepest fears and desires, leading to profound transformations. The story explores themes of identity, existentialism, and the nature of reality, challenging the boundaries between the known and the unknown in a richly imaginative and thought-provoking tale.