The Greatest British "Science fiction, Space Opera, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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.

Space Opera

Space Opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in outer space, usually involving conflict between opponents possessing advanced technologies and abilities. These narratives are characterized by their grand scale and dramatic stakes, focusing on epic battles, intricate politics, and explorations of futuristic societies. Unlike hard science fiction, which prioritizes scientific accuracy and technical detail, Space Opera leans towards the fantastical, with stories that feature heroic characters, expansive world-building, and complex, often morally ambiguous conflicts. This genre is akin to the swashbuckling tales of high adventure, transposed onto a cosmic backdrop, offering readers escapades among the stars, where the bounds of imagination are the only limits.

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  1. 1. Children Of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

    "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that explores the evolution of two species, humans and spiders, on different planets. When Earth faces destruction, a group of humans embarks on a mission to terraform a new planet and create a new civilization. However, an experiment involving a virus meant to accelerate the evolution of monkeys goes wrong, leading to the unintended uplift of spiders. The story follows the parallel development of both species, highlighting their struggles, conflicts, and eventual convergence as they vie for dominance in a rapidly changing world.

    The 6924th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Take Back Plenty by Colin Greenland

    "Take Back Plenty" by Colin Greenland is a science fiction novel set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets. The story follows the adventures of Tabitha Jute, a tough and resourceful spaceship pilot, as she embarks on a dangerous mission to retrieve a mysterious artifact from a distant planet. Along the way, she encounters strange alien species, navigates treacherous space battles, and unravels a conspiracy that threatens the entire human race. With its thrilling plot, vivid world-building, and complex characters, "Take Back Plenty" is a captivating exploration of adventure, love, and the limits of human ambition in the vastness of space.

    The 10200th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Excession by Iain Banks

    "Excession" is a science fiction novel set in a future where advanced artificial intelligences called Minds govern the galaxy. When an enigmatic and powerful alien artifact known as an Excession appears, it triggers a complex web of political intrigue and power struggles among the Minds and various factions. As the mystery surrounding the Excession unravels, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, testing the limits of technology and the ethics of sentient beings.

    The 10233rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F. Hamilton

    In a future where humanity has colonized multiple star systems, a powerful and mysterious force known as the Reality Dysfunction begins to unravel the fabric of space and time. As chaos ensues, a diverse cast of characters, including a starship captain, a psychic investigator, and a wealthy industrialist, find themselves embroiled in a battle against an ancient evil that threatens to consume the universe. With intricate world-building, complex characters, and a gripping plot, this epic science fiction novel explores themes of power, morality, and the nature of reality itself.

    The 10470th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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