The Greatest American "Science fiction, Fiction, Dystopian" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Fiction

Dystopian

Dystopian literature is a genre of speculative fiction that explores social and political structures in a dark, nightmare world. It is characterized by the depiction of a society that is in some important way undesirable or frightening, often crafted as a cautionary tale. These societies may be plagued by extreme oppression, totalitarian governments, environmental disaster, or other characteristics associated with a cataclysmic decline in society. Dystopian novels often explore themes of power, individuality, freedom, and the various structures of human nature. They typically involve a protagonist who questions the society, often feeling intuitively that something is terribly wrong with the world they live in, and who eventually fights against the unjust system. Classic examples of dystopian novels include George Orwell's "1984," Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale."

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  1. 26. Feed by Seanan McGuire

    In a world where humanity has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, a team of bloggers sets out to cover the presidential elections, offering a unique perspective on the state of a society where the undead are a constant threat. The protagonist, a young woman with a passion for the truth, navigates a landscape of danger, political intrigue, and conspiracy, all while dealing with the challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic environment. As they delve deeper into the heart of America's reanimated politics, they uncover a plot that could have dire consequences for both the living and the undead, forcing them to confront the question of what it truly means to be human in a world overrun by zombies.

    The 6412th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Ministry For the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

    The book is a speculative fiction narrative that explores the global response to a catastrophic climate crisis through the lens of an international organization tasked with advocating for future generations. Set in the near future, the story weaves together a tapestry of perspectives, from bureaucrats and activists to ordinary citizens, as they confront ecological disasters, economic upheaval, and social transformation. The organization at the heart of the novel employs a mix of diplomacy, policy, and direct action to mitigate climate change, showcasing the complexities and moral dilemmas associated with stewarding the Earth for both present and future inhabitants. The narrative grapples with themes of responsibility, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of global communities in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges.

    The 6429th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Count Zero by William Gibson

    In a future where cybernetics and biotechnology have become commonplace, a computer hacker named Turner is hired by a mysterious employer to help a scientist defect from one mega-corporation to another. Meanwhile, a young man named Bobby Newmark, also known as "Count Zero," is introduced to the dangerous world of cybernetic hacking. Their stories intertwine in a complex narrative involving corporate espionage, artificial intelligence, and voodoo gods.

    The 6524th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson

    "Mona Lisa Overdrive" is a cyberpunk novel that follows the interconnected stories of several characters, including a professional kidnapper, a reclusive artist, a tech mogul's daughter, and a young prostitute. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative explores themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and corporate power. The characters' lives become intertwined as they navigate a world dominated by advanced technology and powerful corporations, leading to a thrilling climax.

    The 6613th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a dystopian future along the Gulf Coast, the story follows a young scavenger named Nailer who works on the light crew, stripping copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living. The world is ravaged by climate change, with rising seas and devastating hurricanes. After a brutal storm, Nailer discovers a luxury clipper ship washed ashore with a wealthy girl barely alive amidst its wreckage. Faced with the decision to strip the ship for its wealth or rescue the girl, Nailer is thrust into a high-stakes adventure that challenges his understanding of loyalty, morality, and his own survival. As he navigates through treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical, he confronts ruthless enemies and forms unexpected alliances, all while dreaming of a life beyond the squalor and brutality of his current existence.

    The 7881st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Legend by Marie Lu

    Set in a dystopian future where the United States has fractured into warring nations, the story follows two teenagers from radically different backgrounds. One is a notorious criminal, known for his intelligence and ability to elude capture, while the other is a prodigious student and soldier, working for the government in hopes of avenging her brother's death. Their paths cross when the soldier is tasked with hunting down the criminal, leading to a cat-and-mouse game that unveils a web of lies and corruption. As they learn more about each other and the dark secrets of their society, they must decide where their loyalties lie and what they're willing to fight for.

    The 8084th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin

    In this concluding volume of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the fate of a world hangs in the balance as a mother and daughter find themselves on opposite sides of an apocalyptic war. The mother, an orogene with the power to control seismic activity, embarks on a quest to end the perpetual disasters plaguing the earth by harnessing the power of an ancient, mythical obelisk. Meanwhile, her daughter, who possesses similar abilities, is manipulated by forces seeking to use her powers for their own ends. As their paths converge, the complex layers of oppression, survival, and the struggle for freedom are revealed, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the future of their world.

    The 8178th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick

    This collection of short stories showcases the author's unique blend of science fiction and philosophy. Ranging from dystopian futures to alternate realities, the stories explore themes such as the nature of reality, human identity, and the impact of technology on society. The author's work is known for its complex narratives, thought-provoking themes, and vividly imagined worlds, all of which are on full display in this anthology.

    The 8350th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

    This novel is a satirical romance set in a dystopian near-future where America is on the brink of financial collapse, youth obsession rules, and love is the only salvation. The story revolves around a middle-aged, neurotic man who falls in love with a much younger woman in a society where digital communication is the norm, and privacy is a thing of the past. Their relationship unfolds amidst a backdrop of economic and social chaos, providing a poignant commentary on modern life.

    The 8411th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Seveneves by Neal Stephenson

    In this science fiction epic, humanity faces an existential crisis when the moon suddenly explodes, triggering a catastrophic chain of environmental disasters on Earth. With only two years before the planet becomes uninhabitable, nations unite to launch a daring plan to preserve human life by sending a select group of survivors into orbit. The narrative spans thousands of years, chronicling the efforts of these initial survivors to maintain the human race in space, the political and social challenges they face, and the eventual attempt by their far-future descendants to return to a drastically changed Earth. The story is a sweeping examination of human resilience, ingenuity, and the enduring quest for survival against insurmountable odds.

    The 8471st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

    In a future where humanity has conquered death and the world is governed by an advanced AI, the population must be controlled by Scythes—individuals entrusted with the power to take life. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentice Scythes and must learn the art of killing, but as they delve into their grim responsibilities, they uncover the corruption within the Scythedom. As they grapple with the morality of their roles and the political machinations of their superiors, they must decide what kind of Scythes they will become and how they will shape the future of their utopian society.

    The 8683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Postman by David Brin

    In a post-apocalyptic America, where civilization has collapsed and survival is a daily struggle, a lone wanderer accidentally becomes a symbol of hope. Taking on the identity of a postal worker from the long-defunct United States Postal Service, he dons an old uniform and begins delivering mail, initially as a means to scavenge for food and shelter. However, his actions inspire others, and what starts as a deception evolves into a movement. The protagonist's journey transforms him into a leader who inadvertently unites disparate communities and reignites a sense of unity and purpose, becoming a catalyst for the reconstruction of society amidst the chaos and desolation of a fallen world.

    The 8995th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

    In this gripping sequel set in a dystopian future, the story continues with the protagonist and her fellow victor reluctantly embarking on a "Victory Tour" across the districts, following their unprecedented win in the brutal Hunger Games. Their attempt to maintain a facade of compliance with the Capitol quickly unravels, revealing their subtle defiance, which unwittingly sparks rebellion across the oppressed districts. As the government seeks to regain control and quash the growing dissent, the protagonists are thrust back into a more sinister version of the Games, designed to eliminate them and quell the burgeoning uprising. Amidst evolving alliances and unexpected betrayals, the fight for survival becomes a fight for the future of their society.

    The 9242nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

    In this thrilling young adult novel, a group of teenagers find themselves trapped in a mysterious and ever-changing maze with no memory of the outside world. The protagonist, a boy named Thomas, arrives in the maze with no recollection of his past life, only to discover that he and the other boys are part of a sinister experiment. Together, they must work to understand the purpose of the maze, uncover the secrets it holds, and devise a plan to escape. But as they delve deeper into the maze and its dangers, they realize that escaping might not be as straightforward as they hoped, and the truth behind their imprisonment is more alarming than they could have imagined.

    The 9245th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Forever Peace by Joe Haldeman

    The novel explores a future where humanity has developed advanced military technology, including remotely controlled robotic soldiers. The protagonist, a soldier controlling one of these machines, becomes involved in a movement that discovers a way to permanently end war by altering the human mind to eliminate aggression. As the group works to implement this controversial solution, they face ethical dilemmas and the threat of a global war that could annihilate the human race. The narrative delves into themes of violence, empathy, and the potential for a collective human consciousness to bring about lasting peace.

    The 9285th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a future Thailand amidst a world ravaged by climate change and depleted resources, the story unfolds in a bustling city where biotech corporations vie for supremacy. The narrative centers around a genetically engineered "New Person," known as the Windup Girl, who is trapped in a life of servitude and exploitation. As the city teeters on the brink of political and environmental collapse, the fates of various characters—including a foreign energy investor, a disgraced geneticist, and a street-smart refugee—intertwine with that of the Windup Girl. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of corporate greed, oppressive government, and social upheaval, in a desperate search for survival and redemption in a world where every action has unforeseen consequences.

    The 9483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Mockingbird by Walter Tevis

    This novel is a dystopian tale set in a future where humans have become dependent on technology to the point of near helplessness, having lost the ability to read, write, or engage in meaningful personal interactions. The story follows a robot named Spofforth, who serves as the dean of New York University and harbors a deep desire to end his immortal existence, and a human named Paul Bentley, who discovers how to read and seeks to share this lost skill with others. Their journeys intersect with that of Mary Lou, a woman who yearns for a deeper understanding of the human condition. Together, they navigate a world filled with apathy and addiction, seeking to rediscover the lost art of human connection and the transformative power of literature.

    The 9630th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Passage by Justin Cronin

    "The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

    The 9721st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Lathe Of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin

    In a dystopian future, George Orr possesses the unique ability to alter reality through his dreams. However, he is haunted by the consequences of his unintentional changes. Seeking help, he is referred to a psychiatrist who becomes fascinated with George's power. As they delve deeper into George's dreams, their actions have far-reaching effects, blurring the boundaries between dreams and reality. This thought-provoking novel explores the ethical implications of playing god and the delicate balance between the power of imagination and the dangers of unchecked control.

    The 9852nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick

    In a dystopian future, Jason Taverner, a famous television star, wakes up one morning to find that he has been erased from existence. With no identification or records, he becomes a fugitive and is relentlessly pursued by the police. As he navigates through a world where his former life no longer exists, Jason must confront the truth about his identity and unravel the mysteries surrounding his disappearance.

    The 9856th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Walk To The End Of The World by Suzy McKee Charnas

    Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the novel unfolds in a society where men have established a brutal patriarchal regime following a catastrophic event known as the Wasting. Women, referred to as "Fems," are enslaved and blamed for the downfall of civilization. The story follows Alldera, a female slave, who navigates the treacherous landscape of oppression and survival. As she encounters various characters, including a disillusioned soldier and a group of rebels, Alldera becomes embroiled in a quest that could lead to the overthrow of the oppressive order. The narrative explores themes of power, resistance, and the possibility of redemption in a world ravaged by the consequences of environmental and social collapse.

    The 9896th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. 334 by Thomas M. Disch

    The book is a speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian future New York City in the year 2025. It revolves around the lives of residents in a government-subsidized housing project known as 334, where the characters grapple with a range of social and personal issues in a society marked by overpopulation, eugenics, and a welfare state. The narrative is divided into interconnected stories that explore themes of reality versus illusion, the nature of happiness, and the impact of societal structures on individual lives. The novel presents a bleak and satirical vision of the future, characterized by dark humor and a complex portrayal of human resilience in the face of a dehumanizing system.

    The 9896th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Engine Summer by John Crowley

    In a post-apocalyptic future, a young man named Rush That Speaks lives in a pastoral community that has reverted to a pre-industrial state following the collapse of advanced civilization. He embarks on a quest for knowledge and understanding, driven by a desire to uncover the mysteries of the lost past and the meaning of a cryptic message left behind by his beloved, who has vanished. His journey takes him through the remnants of the old world, encountering various enigmatic tribes and cultures that have adapted in unique ways to the changed Earth. As he delves deeper into the secrets of history, he grapples with profound questions about memory, storytelling, and what it means to be human in a world that has been irrevocably altered.

    The 10066th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Juniper Time by Kate Wilhelm

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist is a linguist working to communicate with an alien species amidst a backdrop of ecological collapse on Earth. As humanity grapples with dwindling resources and societal breakdown, the central character's work becomes increasingly vital. The story weaves together themes of environmental disaster, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the resilience of the human spirit, exploring the complexities of language and communication, both within our species and with others, while offering a poignant commentary on the consequences of environmental neglect.

    The 10066th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Armor by John Steakley

    "Armor" is a gripping science fiction novel that follows the intertwining stories of two characters. One is a soldier named Felix who is sent to a hostile planet to fight in a brutal war, while the other is a man named Jack Crow who becomes a legendary soldier known as "The Engine." As the narrative unfolds, the book explores themes of identity, survival, and the psychological toll of war, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity.

    The 10250th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download