Beginner's Sci Fi recommendations please.

BookCat · 08-16-2009, 12:46 AM

Hi,
I'd like to ease myself into the sci fi/fantasy genre, which is one I've never explored. I would be grateful for "starter" recommendations. I'm interested in mythical and fantasy history (Arthur, pre-Christian era etc) but haven't read much of this ilk, except the Mary Stewart Arthur trilogy and Auel's first three books.

Something likely to be found legally free would be great.

I have two main reasons for this new interest.
1. So many creative commons books are of this genre;
2. I can't help feeling I'm missing something.

Gideon · 08-16-2009, 01:12 AM

Basics to Sci-fi... I'd suggest Asimov's "I, Robot" series. Not free, but amazing and a good place to start.

As for free.. Cory Doctorow's works are great and all available for free from his website.

As for fantasy... I started with David Eddings books and still have a soft spot for them in my heart - they're just great fun.

doreenjoy · 08-16-2009, 02:12 AM

Nineteen Eighty-Four by Orwell is a classic, and available in the MR e-books forum.

I'm not a fantasy fan so I can't help you there.

FizzyWater · 08-16-2009, 02:20 AM

I've only read two "high fantasy" series - the Thomas Covenant series by Stephen R Donaldson (loved the first trilogy, wished I'd not read the second one) and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. I really got hooked on the first books in the WOT series, but that series bogged down in a major way. I stopped reading about book 8 or 9.

Most of my "fantasy" is urban fantasy (werewolves, vampires, fae) - if you have any interest at all in that, Patricia Briggs is my absolute favorite. She does more typical fantasy, too, which is in my TBR pile, but I haven't read any yet.

My science fiction tastes are more along the line of science fiction romance, although not all of it.

I like Kristine Kathryn Rusch's Retrieval Artist series (it's really a police procedural set on the moon). I enjoy Linnea Sinclair's space operas (which are also romances, although some are stronger than others). I think she excels at the strong, yet "spunky" heroine.

Andybaby · 08-16-2009, 02:24 AM

good places to start are

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card
Heinleins Juveniles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinlein_juveniles
Old Mans War by John Scalzi
Arthur C clarks Childhoods end and Rendezvous with Rama

all those books should wet your taste for more. all are considered classics, besides Scalzi which is Contemorary, but he is a great new author, who is a pleasure to read. I think he's got 6 or 7 books out, 4 of them from the old mans war series (all but the last one are self contained and don't require reading any of the other ones. the 4th one takes place from another characters POV from book 3)

weateallthepies · 08-16-2009, 04:09 AM

I'd start with short fiction, that's where the genre really took off and is still often where you find the great ideas.

Plenty of free stuff online but maybe read one of the magazines, Clarkesworld is worth a look or Strange Horizons.

You can find loads of classic short stories at Feedbooks too.

BookCat · 08-16-2009, 04:11 AM

Thanks for all the recommendations so far. I would be really grateful for books I can obtain freely. For example, Patricia Briggs looks great, Fizzy, but lack of money - I spend so much on cat food - means I stick to creative commons, PD, and freebies from Sony etc. I think the price of ebooks needs to fall (no printing etc), but that's another topic.

PS we cross-posted, weateallthepies.

wayspooled · 08-16-2009, 04:37 AM

There is the John Carter of Mars series in the library here at MB - Look for "Burroughs, Edgar Rice: Barsoom Omnibus, v3, 29th July 2009". Also some of Burrough's Pellucidar novels and Harry Harrison's Deathworld and some books by Charles de Lint, Clifford Simak, Murray Leinster and others. You look up those authors and see their books by series here - http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/...ice-burroughs/ That's Burroughs for example.

Also the Baen free library has a number of free science fiction books - http://www.baen.com/library/

weateallthepies · 08-16-2009, 04:44 AM

Oh I forgot http://www.freesfonline.de/ which is definitly worth checking for lots of free SF. You can't go far wrong with their recommended stories.

doreenjoy · 08-16-2009, 04:50 AM

Search for "Amazing Stories" in the MR e-books forum; there are several volumes uploaded. You can also find several HG Wells stories, including The Invisible Man.

You can also find several sci fi and fantasy books free at Fictionwise and/or the Sony store. I've downloaded quite a few but I'm not sure which ones are currently free.

Exhalation by Ted Chiang is available free; check the thread on the 2009 Hugo Award Winners for the link.

BookCat · 08-16-2009, 06:21 AM

Thanks; I'm copying and pasting all replies into Word for later reference, and have downloaded some already, including the massive Burroughs series. Strange, but that was recommended by a friend recently.

BlackVoid · 08-16-2009, 08:07 AM

For starters you should begin with something really good.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Gateway by Frederik Pohl

Free:
Blindsight by Peter Watts

wallcraft · 08-16-2009, 10:12 AM

Try Piper, H. Beam: Little Fuzzy v3 2008-03-20, and I second wayspooled's recommendation of Harrison, Harry: Deathworld v1 17 mar 2009.

emellaich · 08-16-2009, 11:23 AM

I want to repeat wayspooled's recommendations. Go check out the Baen free library. www.baen.com/library

It has both fantasy and science fiction. Baen is a leading publisher in the field that gives away many books as a move to gain publicity. In my opinion, they are the top source for modern era free books.

You will also find many free books on http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page and here on Mobileread. Most of these are 'classics' that were written before 1923. Quite a few folks really enjoy them, but for me they usually aren't to my taste. One exception would be the novels by Andre Norton. Type "Norton, Andre" into the Mobileread search box and you should find a couple books by her.

Over · 08-16-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BookCat

Hi,
I'd like to ease myself into the sci fi/fantasy genre, which is one I've never explored. I would be grateful for "starter" recommendations. I'm interested in mythical and fantasy history (Arthur, pre-Christian era etc) but haven't read much of this ilk, except the Mary Stewart Arthur trilogy and Auel's first three books.

Something likely to be found legally free would be great.

I have two main reasons for this new interest.
1. So many creative commons books are of this genre;
2. I can't help feeling I'm missing something.

I think you would like to read Stephen Lawhead's books. Julliet Marilier might be another one you'd like.

08-16-2009, 12:46 AM	#1
BookCat C L J Posts: 675 Karma: 2524360 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505	Beginner's Sci Fi recommendations please. Hi, I'd like to ease myself into the sci fi/fantasy genre, which is one I've never explored. I would be grateful for "starter" recommendations. I'm interested in mythical and fantasy history (Arthur, pre-Christian era etc) but haven't read much of this ilk, except the Mary Stewart Arthur trilogy and Auel's first three books. Something likely to be found legally free would be great. I have two main reasons for this new interest. 1. So many creative commons books are of this genre; 2. I can't help feeling I'm missing something.

08-16-2009, 01:12 AM	#2
Gideon Wearer of Pants Posts: 1,050 Karma: 7634 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Norman, OK Device: Amazon Kindle DX / iPhone	Basics to Sci-fi... I'd suggest Asimov's "I, Robot" series. Not free, but amazing and a good place to start. As for free.. Cory Doctorow's works are great and all available for free from his website. As for fantasy... I started with David Eddings books and still have a soft spot for them in my heart - they're just great fun. __________________ Gideon --------------- About Me -> GideonAddington.com My Blog -> Anglimergence My Twitter -> @Gideony My Facebook -> facebook.com/gideon.addington

08-16-2009, 04:11 AM	#7
BookCat C L J Posts: 675 Karma: 2524360 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505	Thanks for all the recommendations so far. I would be really grateful for books I can obtain freely. For example, Patricia Briggs looks great, Fizzy, but lack of money - I spend so much on cat food - means I stick to creative commons, PD, and freebies from Sony etc. I think the price of ebooks needs to fall (no printing etc), but that's another topic. PS we cross-posted, weateallthepies. Last edited by BookCat; 08-16-2009 at 04:15 AM.

08-16-2009, 04:37 AM	#8
wayspooled Bibliophile Posts: 429 Karma: 4580 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Virginia Device: Tablet PC until a 10" comes out that I like	There is the John Carter of Mars series in the library here at MB - Look for "Burroughs, Edgar Rice: Barsoom Omnibus, v3, 29th July 2009". Also some of Burrough's Pellucidar novels and Harry Harrison's Deathworld and some books by Charles de Lint, Clifford Simak, Murray Leinster and others. You look up those authors and see their books by series here - http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/...ice-burroughs/ That's Burroughs for example. Also the Baen free library has a number of free science fiction books - http://www.baen.com/library/ __________________ “Honor has not to be won; it must only not be lost.” - Arthur Schopenhauer

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08-16-2009, 02:12 AM	#3
doreenjoy 01000100 01001010 Posts: 1,855 Karma: 293916 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Polyamorous	Nineteen Eighty-Four by Orwell is a classic, and available in the MR e-books forum. I'm not a fantasy fan so I can't help you there.

08-16-2009, 02:20 AM	#4
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 2,320 Karma: 3030000 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Dell Axim, PRS350/650, Nook Glow	I've only read two "high fantasy" series - the Thomas Covenant series by Stephen R Donaldson (loved the first trilogy, wished I'd not read the second one) and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. I really got hooked on the first books in the WOT series, but that series bogged down in a major way. I stopped reading about book 8 or 9. Most of my "fantasy" is urban fantasy (werewolves, vampires, fae) - if you have any interest at all in that, Patricia Briggs is my absolute favorite. She does more typical fantasy, too, which is in my TBR pile, but I haven't read any yet. My science fiction tastes are more along the line of science fiction romance, although not all of it. I like Kristine Kathryn Rusch's Retrieval Artist series (it's really a police procedural set on the moon). I enjoy Linnea Sinclair's space operas (which are also romances, although some are stronger than others). I think she excels at the strong, yet "spunky" heroine.

08-16-2009, 02:24 AM	#5
Andybaby Wizard Posts: 1,279 Karma: 2683 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York Device: PRS-700	good places to start are Enders Game by Orson Scott Card Heinleins Juveniles http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinlein_juveniles Old Mans War by John Scalzi Arthur C clarks Childhoods end and Rendezvous with Rama all those books should wet your taste for more. all are considered classics, besides Scalzi which is Contemorary, but he is a great new author, who is a pleasure to read. I think he's got 6 or 7 books out, 4 of them from the old mans war series (all but the last one are self contained and don't require reading any of the other ones. the 4th one takes place from another characters POV from book 3)

08-16-2009, 04:09 AM	#6
weateallthepies Lord of the Pies Posts: 247 Karma: 1710 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Nokia N800, BeBook 1	I'd start with short fiction, that's where the genre really took off and is still often where you find the great ideas. Plenty of free stuff online but maybe read one of the magazines, Clarkesworld is worth a look or Strange Horizons. You can find loads of classic short stories at Feedbooks too.

08-16-2009, 04:44 AM	#9
weateallthepies Lord of the Pies Posts: 247 Karma: 1710 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Nokia N800, BeBook 1	Oh I forgot http://www.freesfonline.de/ which is definitly worth checking for lots of free SF. You can't go far wrong with their recommended stories.

08-16-2009, 04:50 AM	#10
doreenjoy 01000100 01001010 Posts: 1,855 Karma: 293916 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: Polyamorous	Search for "Amazing Stories" in the MR e-books forum; there are several volumes uploaded. You can also find several HG Wells stories, including The Invisible Man. You can also find several sci fi and fantasy books free at Fictionwise and/or the Sony store. I've downloaded quite a few but I'm not sure which ones are currently free. Exhalation by Ted Chiang is available free; check the thread on the 2009 Hugo Award Winners for the link.

08-16-2009, 06:21 AM	#11
BookCat C L J Posts: 675 Karma: 2524360 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Birmingham UK Device: Sony e-reader 505	Thanks; I'm copying and pasting all replies into Word for later reference, and have downloaded some already, including the massive Burroughs series. Strange, but that was recommended by a friend recently.

08-16-2009, 08:07 AM	#12
BlackVoid Evangelist Posts: 415 Karma: 510423 Join Date: Nov 2006 Device: Sony PRS-505	For starters you should begin with something really good. Dune by Frank Herbert Gateway by Frederik Pohl Free: Blindsight by Peter Watts

08-16-2009, 10:12 AM	#13
wallcraft reader Posts: 6,979 Karma: 5183568 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mississippi, USA Device: Kindle 3 and Fire	Try Piper, H. Beam: Little Fuzzy v3 2008-03-20, and I second wayspooled's recommendation of Harrison, Harry: Deathworld v1 17 mar 2009.

08-16-2009, 11:23 AM	#14
emellaich Wizard Posts: 1,017 Karma: 3630887 Join Date: Oct 2007 Device: Palm=> Ebookman=> IPaq=> Axim=> Cybook=> Kindle 2=>IPAD 1 & Kindle 3SO	I want to repeat wayspooled's recommendations. Go check out the Baen free library. www.baen.com/library It has both fantasy and science fiction. Baen is a leading publisher in the field that gives away many books as a move to gain publicity. In my opinion, they are the top source for modern era free books. You will also find many free books on http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page and here on Mobileread. Most of these are 'classics' that were written before 1923. Quite a few folks really enjoy them, but for me they usually aren't to my taste. One exception would be the novels by Andre Norton. Type "Norton, Andre" into the Mobileread search box and you should find a couple books by her.


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