The Greatest American "Science fiction, Dystopian, Fiction" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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.

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. 1. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

    A woman searches for her kidnapped daughter in a world ravaged by a catastrophic climate change event known as the Fifth Season. Simultaneously, the narrative follows a young girl with destructive powers and a man struggling to control his own similar abilities. The story explores themes of oppression, survival, and the destructive power of nature, all set in a dystopian world where the earth is constantly in flux, and society is strictly divided and controlled.

  2. 2. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

    The Broken Earth Trilogy is a captivating science fiction series set in a post-apocalyptic world where a woman with the power to control seismic activity is on a quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter. This world, called the Stillness, regularly experiences catastrophic climate change events known as Seasons, which its inhabitants constantly prepare for. The series explores themes of oppression, survival, and the human capacity for adaptation, all while providing a thrilling and poignant narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

  3. 3. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

    The book is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Breq, who was once a powerful starship AI controlling many bodies, but is now trapped in a single human body and driven by a quest for vengeance. Set in a vast interstellar empire where ships and stations are inhabited by ancillary AIs, the narrative explores themes of identity, gender, and colonialism. Breq's journey intertwines with flashbacks to her past experiences as an AI, revealing her complex relationship with a former officer and the events that led to her current mission. As she navigates political intrigue and battles, Breq challenges the empire's rigid structures and seeks to address the injustices within it.

  4. 4. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

    In a dystopian future, the world has turned to a virtual reality game for solace and escape. The game's creator has passed away and left his massive fortune to the player who can solve his complex puzzles and challenges hidden within the game. The protagonist, a young, impoverished boy, becomes a contender in this high-stakes competition, battling corporate entities and other players in a race to claim the ultimate prize. As the lines between the virtual and real world blur, the protagonist must use his wits and courage to succeed.

  5. 5. 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.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. 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.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. 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.

  11. 11. 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.

  12. 12. 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.

  13. 13. Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

    In a future where biotech has advanced to create patented drugs with the power to extend life, a pirate with a submarine traverses the seas, distributing cheap generic versions of these medications to those who can't afford them. Meanwhile, a military agent and his robot sidekick are on a relentless pursuit to stop her, enforcing the intellectual property laws of powerful pharmaceutical companies. As the chase intensifies, the boundaries between human and machine blur, raising profound questions about autonomy, individual rights, and the ethics of scientific discovery.

  14. 14. Caliban's War by James S. A. Corey

    In the gripping sequel to a science fiction series set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, tensions escalate as Earth, Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance vie for control and resources. The discovery of a mysterious alien protomolecule has already wrought havoc on human civilization, and now, the fragile peace is threatened by new confrontations. When a high-ranking official's daughter goes missing on Ganymede, a soldier, a detective, a politician, and a rogue scientist must unite to unravel a conspiracy that could lead to war and the spread of the alien substance, risking all of human existence. Their journey takes them across the solar system, where they encounter monstrous creations, political intrigue, and questions about what it means to be human.

  15. 15. Babylon's Ashes by James S. A. Corey

    In the science fiction saga, the aftermath of a catastrophic interplanetary war threatens the fragile balance of power among the various factions of humanity spread across the solar system. The book follows the crew of a rogue ship as they navigate the political turmoil and confront the radical faction responsible for using an alien technology to hurl asteroids at Earth, causing massive devastation. As the crew seeks to unify the divided human colonies and prevent further chaos, they must also deal with personal demons and shifting alliances. The narrative weaves together the perspectives of diverse characters, each grappling with the consequences of the conflict and the need for cooperation to ensure the survival of the human species amidst the ruins of the once-great civilizations of Earth and Mars.

  16. 16. The Obelisk Gate by N. K. Jemisin

    In the second installment of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the world grapples with an apocalyptic season of catastrophic climate change known as the Fifth Season. The narrative follows a mother searching for her missing daughter while coming to terms with her own seismic powers that could either save humanity or hasten its end. As communes and factions struggle for survival and dominance, the story delves into themes of oppression, resistance, and the complex nature of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of geological and magical upheaval. The protagonist must navigate a landscape of political intrigue and ancient mysteries to unlock the potential of obelisks, powerful artifacts that could be the key to the world's salvation or destruction.

  17. 17. The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders

    Set on a tidally locked planet where one side perpetually faces the sun while the other is shrouded in endless night, this novel follows the intertwined lives of two young women. One, a working-class student, is exiled into the night after a rebellious act, where she discovers a city thriving in the darkness. The other, a privileged but disillusioned socialite, seeks to change the corrupt society from within. Their paths cross as they become entangled in a struggle against an oppressive regime and encounter an alien species with a unique perspective on life. Together, they must navigate a world of extreme inequality and environmental peril, challenging their beliefs and fighting for a better future.

  18. 18. A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker

    In a future where public gatherings are illegal due to terrorist attacks and a pandemic, society has adapted to isolation, with virtual reality concerts replacing live events. The story follows a musician who once thrived on the energy of live performances and a talent scout for a corporate entertainment company, as they navigate this new world. The musician, longing for the connection that once came with her art, becomes involved in an underground music scene, defying the law to perform for small, secret gatherings. Meanwhile, the talent scout, whose job is to find musicians for virtual performances, begins to question the sterile world she's helping to perpetuate. Their paths intersect, leading to a powerful exploration of the importance of community and the transformative power of music in a world where the very essence of human connection has been fundamentally altered.

  19. 19. Authority by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Authority" is the second book in a trilogy that delves into the mysteries of a clandestine government agency tasked with investigating an enigmatic and dangerous region known as Area X. The narrative follows a character brought in to oversee the agency after the tumultuous events of the first expedition. As he attempts to assert control and understand the strange occurrences within Area X, he encounters uncooperative staff, cryptic notes left by his predecessor, and the unsettling realization that the contamination thought to be contained within Area X may have more influence over the agency than previously believed. The protagonist's journey is one of psychological unraveling, as he grapples with the opaque hierarchy of the organization and the increasingly blurred lines between reality and the otherworldly phenomena associated with the area he is supposed to manage.

  20. 20. Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Acceptance" is the final installment in a science fiction trilogy that delves into the mysteries of Area X, a surreal and ever-changing landscape that defies explanation and has claimed the lives and sanity of many who have ventured into it. As the narrative shifts between multiple characters and timelines, the novel explores the fates of the expedition members, the origins of Area X, and the secretive agency attempting to understand it. The story weaves together the past and present, blending elements of horror, environmental science, and psychological drama to reveal the profound and often terrifying transformations wrought by this enigmatic zone. Through the eyes of a lighthouse keeper, a former director of the agency, and others deeply affected by Area X, the book examines themes of identity, the human impact on the environment, and the unknowable nature of the world around us.

  21. 21. An Unkindness Of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

    The novel explores the harsh life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spaceship organized much like the antebellum South, where the lower decks are populated by dark-skinned sharecroppers ruled by white overseers. The protagonist, a neurodivergent, queer black woman, serves as the ship's healer and navigates the oppressive social structure while uncovering the secrets of her mother's past and the ship's mysterious journey. Her search for truth leads to revelations that could alter the fate of the Matilda's segregated society, as she grapples with the complexities of identity, autonomy, and resistance against a backdrop of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma.

  22. 22. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, born in a world where travel between parallel universes is possible, is one of the rare individuals who can traverse these alternate realities due to her counterparts being dead in other worlds. The story delves into themes of identity, privilege, and survival, as she navigates complex relationships and a web of secrets. Her unique position allows her to gather intel across worlds, but it also places her in grave danger, leading her to confront her own past and the stark disparities between different versions of her life and society. As she moves through these spaces, she must grapple with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of having a place to call home.

  23. 23. Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi

    The narrative unfolds through the lives of two siblings endowed with extraordinary powers, set against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal turmoil in America. The older brother's abilities emerge amidst the violence of the Los Angeles riots, while his younger sister's powers manifest as a form of telekinesis. As they navigate a world rife with injustice and the carceral state's oppressive reach, the siblings grapple with the potential and limitations of their gifts. The story is a searing exploration of anger, hope, and the indomitable spirit of resistance, examining whether supernatural abilities can be a catalyst for change in a world entrenched in institutionalized inequality.

Reading Statistics

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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