Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenMonkey
I'll try a couple, thanks for the recommendations. I've got a Cherryh book on my wish list (don't think I've read any in a decade or so), I'm familiar with Larry Niven (can't remember if I've read any of his or not). I'll check out the others.
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Also, David Brin.
His FIVE GALAXIES cycle is interesting.
I'd start with THE PRACTICE EFFECT, though. (It's a nonfantasy fantasy.
)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Practice_Effect
For Niven+Pournelle, THE MOTE IN GOD'S EYE is their acknowledged masterpiece. I'm also partial to their OATH OF FEALTY and INFERNO. FOOTFALL AND LUCIFER'S HAMMER were written more along the lines of NYT "bestseller" fiction and are somewhat dated by now but still good reads.
Niven alone? RINGWORLD is highly acclaimed but I like the SMOKE RING more.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smoke_Ring_(novel)
For Bujold, I'd suggest CETAGANDA since it is a standalone that doesn't give much away of the earlier titles. If you're willing to commit to the whole series (it can be rewarding) then, yes; CORDELIA'S HONOR will introduce you to the millieau a generation earlier than the bulk of the series.
There is plenty of good classic "idea" SF if you're willing to dig a bit.