David Brin's works have a Clarkian feel. Check out "Sundiver" or "Startide Rising", the first two loosely connected books in the first Uplift trilogy. Clarke himself has co-authored at least two books this century, so if you like him you can still find new works.
If the only thing of Heinlein's you liked was "Starship Troopers", try any of David Drake's "Hammer's Slammers" series. I think the war veteran captures both the action and political aspects of that book. In hindsight I find many of Heinlein's characters too good to be true. Ultra-competent and highly educated, even the supporting characters had no flaws.
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Greg Bear: I liked EON series and will investigate more of his novels. Bear also was one of three authors that did the Second Foundation Trio: Foundation's Fear by Gregory Benford, Foundation and Chaos by Greg Bear and Foundation's Triumph by David Brin.
L. E. Modesitt: One of my very favorite authors and a prolific writer, among the latest SF books are: The Elysium Commission, The Ethos Effect, Flash, The Eternity Artifact, and Archform: Beauty. If you like this author check out his abundance of writings.
For SF military fights, John Ringo's March series is good.
Tad Williams: Outland series, his older works are mostly fantasy and not quite up to the level of Outland. But may want to try.
If you want a well written Fantasy author that is not well known, I am one of her growing number of fans, try P. C. Hodgell: God Stalk, Dark of the Moon and Seekers Mask are the first in the series. She is a College English professor and it shows in her ability to portray everyday life in less sophisticated times. But her world of Kencyrath and main character of Jame, a mysterious young girl, is memorable.
[Note: Amazon has a book by Patricia Hodgell Bones for $200, used and no description!!] Yikes!
L. E. Modesitt: One of my very favorite authors and a prolific writer, among the latest SF books are: The Elysium Commission, The Ethos Effect, Flash, The Eternity Artifact, and Archform: Beauty. If you like this author check out his abundance of writings.
For SF military fights, John Ringo's March series is good.
Tad Williams: Outland series, his older works are mostly fantasy and not quite up to the level of Outland. But may want to try.
If you want a well written Fantasy author that is not well known, I am one of her growing number of fans, try P. C. Hodgell: God Stalk, Dark of the Moon and Seekers Mask are the first in the series. She is a College English professor and it shows in her ability to portray everyday life in less sophisticated times. But her world of Kencyrath and main character of Jame, a mysterious young girl, is memorable.
[Note: Amazon has a book by Patricia Hodgell Bones for $200, used and no description!!] Yikes!
Eon and Eternity were brilliant.
One of his early books Blood Music is a goody, Moving Mars is readable and Darwin's Radio, brilliant.
Ringos' Pos'le'en stuff is good as well.
Didn't like other land, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, is great though.
One of his early books Blood Music is a goody, Moving Mars is readable and Darwin's Radio, brilliant.
Ringos' Pos'le'en stuff is good as well.
Didn't like other land, Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, is great though.
'In hindsight I find many of Heinlein's characters too good to be true. Ultra-competent and highly educated, even the supporting characters had no flaws."
Never thought of that before.
I wonder if him being in a wheel chair influenced how his character's were. Even Friday had many such characters, but it seems Stranger in a Strange Land did not, but it has been a long time since I read that one. 
Never thought of that before.
I wonder if him being in a wheel chair influenced how his character's were. Even Friday had many such characters, but it seems Stranger in a Strange Land did not, but it has been a long time since I read that one.
If you get a chance, look at "Stranger" again from this point of view. Or almost any other Heinlein work.
None of this is means I don't enjoy a lot of his stuff. "Moon ... Mistress" is on my Top 3 list; "Starship Troopers" in my Top 10. But I feel a lot of his later stuff (Friday, Cat Who Walked Through Walls) was repetitive. I disliked "Number of the Beast" so much I'd completely forgotten it's existence until SFBC offered it last month. I thought it was a book I'd missed until I read the synopsis.
None of this is means I don't enjoy a lot of his stuff. "Moon ... Mistress" is on my Top 3 list; "Starship Troopers" in my Top 10. But I feel a lot of his later stuff (Friday, Cat Who Walked Through Walls) was repetitive. I disliked "Number of the Beast" so much I'd completely forgotten it's existence until SFBC offered it last month. I thought it was a book I'd missed until I read the synopsis.
I do not have it on my list to re-read right now, but will in the future. I recently re-read Friday and was surprised how much I enjoyed it, a fun read. Although you were right, there were no low bread characters, exept minor ones.
No, I never meant in any way that I did not enjoy Heilein either, he is one of my most remembered authors. I agree with Number of the Beast, I do not remember anything about it except I put it down. Unlike Asimov, Heilein was more contemporary and thus is a little dated to read, so I am not sure how newer readers will find him.
No, I never meant in any way that I did not enjoy Heilein either, he is one of my most remembered authors. I agree with Number of the Beast, I do not remember anything about it except I put it down. Unlike Asimov, Heilein was more contemporary and thus is a little dated to read, so I am not sure how newer readers will find him.
Total f'ing garbage.
Friday could have been good, but it ended up very disappointing.
Friday could have been good, but it ended up very disappointing.
If you liked Heinlein's _The Moon is a Harsh Mistress_ (especially if you liked the politics in TMIAHM) check out the probability universe novels by L. Neil Smith: _The Probability Broach_ is probably the best and convinced me that anarcho-capitalism just might work.
Likewise Take a look at the novels by J. Neil Schulman, _The Rainbow Cadenza_ is particularly good. For the real Heinlein fan, you need to get Schulman's _Heinlein Interview_, the most extensive interview RAH ever granted.
Likewise Take a look at the novels by J. Neil Schulman, _The Rainbow Cadenza_ is particularly good. For the real Heinlein fan, you need to get Schulman's _Heinlein Interview_, the most extensive interview RAH ever granted.
Why nother trying to pidgeon-hole writers?
I couldn't compare the Arthur C. Clark or Isaac Asimov with the likes of Ian M Banks, Peter Hamilton or Neil Stephenson. The latter are just far superior at writing for any genre let alone Sci-Fi.
I read some of Asimov's works, and felt like the genre has moved on since his prime. Though I fully sympathise with those who would argue that everything written about cybernetics since Asimov is just a long footnote!
I never liked A.C.Clarke - ever since I read Rama II when I was only 14 and discovered it had flaws. He's just an overrated joke to me.
The only classic who doesn't feel dated is Phillip K Dick.
I couldn't compare the Arthur C. Clark or Isaac Asimov with the likes of Ian M Banks, Peter Hamilton or Neil Stephenson. The latter are just far superior at writing for any genre let alone Sci-Fi.
I read some of Asimov's works, and felt like the genre has moved on since his prime. Though I fully sympathise with those who would argue that everything written about cybernetics since Asimov is just a long footnote!
I never liked A.C.Clarke - ever since I read Rama II when I was only 14 and discovered it had flaws. He's just an overrated joke to me.
The only classic who doesn't feel dated is Phillip K Dick.
One of the problems with this big three, is they had extensive and prolific careers. They also 'lost it' at some point.
Heinlein's Starship Troopers, or the Moon is harsh Mistress are two still worth reading.
Clarke, I was never keen on, but A Fall of Moondust is a worthwhile read.
Asimov, I can't stand.
Given the above feelings comparisons would say The people who right star trek, Dr Who and Buffy novels would be the modern day equivalents, with the addition of that arse Kevin J Anderson...
Not looking dated is rare.
Lensman series for instance, get past using valves, talk about the ether and visualisation of the cosmic all, you stumble right over the social attitudes of the characters.
Course you can go so far back the interaction itself is fantastic.
William Hope Hodgson's The Night Land for instance, which was written in 1912 and either brilliant or completely unreadable.
Heinlein's Starship Troopers, or the Moon is harsh Mistress are two still worth reading.
Clarke, I was never keen on, but A Fall of Moondust is a worthwhile read.
Asimov, I can't stand.
Given the above feelings comparisons would say The people who right star trek, Dr Who and Buffy novels would be the modern day equivalents, with the addition of that arse Kevin J Anderson...
Not looking dated is rare.
Lensman series for instance, get past using valves, talk about the ether and visualisation of the cosmic all, you stumble right over the social attitudes of the characters.
Course you can go so far back the interaction itself is fantastic.
William Hope Hodgson's The Night Land for instance, which was written in 1912 and either brilliant or completely unreadable.
.. when I read a tirade by him in a Canadian newspaper dated Jan 1st, 2000 - where he takes half a page to explain to the ordinary public in terms that beings of a far lesser intellect than himself can understand, why we are celebrating the Millennium a year too early. His basic premise was that there was no year zero .. (well you've probably heard his argument).
But if Mr. Clarke is so dumb as to not be able to figure out that there actually was a year zero (it's not like the Earth was created in year 1 now, was it?) and that the calendar he was working from was actually created in the 700's AD - Duh! And you claim to have invented the satellite. If you had I'm sure they'd all be raining down on our heads by now.
Les.
I never liked A.C.Clarke - ever since I read Rama II when I was only 14 and discovered it had flaws. He's just an overrated joke to me.
But if Mr. Clarke is so dumb as to not be able to figure out that there actually was a year zero (it's not like the Earth was created in year 1 now, was it?) and that the calendar he was working from was actually created in the 700's AD - Duh! And you claim to have invented the satellite. If you had I'm sure they'd all be raining down on our heads by now.
Les.
I never liked A.C.Clarke - ever since I read Rama II when I was only 14 and discovered it had flaws. He's just an overrated joke to me.
up with how useful a geeo-synchronous orbit would be. Other than that I agree with you, he lost it big style towards the end of his career, just repeating himself.
2001, 2010, Rendevous with Rama and A fall Of Moondusst all well worth the read though.
2001, 2010, Rendevous with Rama and A fall Of Moondusst all well worth the read though.
I agree in part with you on the "grand masters" being dated, but not entirely. Asimov I could take or leave...it's his ideas that resonate today, not his writing. Similarly, Clarke has hits and misses, but his ideas are timeless. Rendevous with Rama is one of his best books, but Childhood's End and his story The Nine Billion Names of God still send chills up and down my spine.
Heinlen, on the other hand, has books that are not only relevant today but read well. Starship Troopers still has a lot to say about militarism and patriotism, and Stranger In A Strange Land still talks about religion, morality and identity. But not only are they books about these ideas, they are still cracking good reads. Plus, Heinlen actually had some chops as a writer; he had a way of evoking the optimism of mid-century in a way that makes you think flying cars are just around the corner.
I'm glad you mentioned Peter Hamilton. I love his stuff...more great ideas per page than most writers, and storytelling that keeps you turning the pages. Stephenson's genius, of course, is unquestionable.
Heinlen, on the other hand, has books that are not only relevant today but read well. Starship Troopers still has a lot to say about militarism and patriotism, and Stranger In A Strange Land still talks about religion, morality and identity. But not only are they books about these ideas, they are still cracking good reads. Plus, Heinlen actually had some chops as a writer; he had a way of evoking the optimism of mid-century in a way that makes you think flying cars are just around the corner.
I'm glad you mentioned Peter Hamilton. I love his stuff...more great ideas per page than most writers, and storytelling that keeps you turning the pages. Stephenson's genius, of course, is unquestionable.
I have read only the "Species Imperative" series, but it is one of my favorites. Other current favorites are Jack McDevitt and Elizabeth Moon and Peter Hamilton. "Fantasy and Science Fiction" magazine is a good starting point for searching for new talents.
Czerneda is one of the new wave of female
S-F authors who put a lot of the elements of
Romance novels into her work.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Some of
the Romance novel elements, like the heroine
being almost tortured or almost raped, many
times by an alien she later falls in love
with, can get pretty weird.
S-F authors who put a lot of the elements of
Romance novels into her work.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. Some of
the Romance novel elements, like the heroine
being almost tortured or almost raped, many
times by an alien she later falls in love
with, can get pretty weird.
I'm glad I've missed these "romance" SF novels, but we might agree that female characters are tortured or raped (or put in skimpy clothing, or enslaved, or sexually harassed) in books by male authors as well. Equal opportunity and all that.
Female authors I've enjoyed: Octavia Butler, Ursuala K.LeGuin, Nancy Kress, Vonda McIntyre.
And here's a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_science_fiction_authors
Female authors I've enjoyed: Octavia Butler, Ursuala K.LeGuin, Nancy Kress, Vonda McIntyre.
And here's a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_science_fiction_authors
Actually there's not much sex in S-F by
male writers. I've noticed that because
there's so much sex in the books written by
these new female romance type S-F writers,
like Julie C, C. Aserio, and that lady who
writes about the woman space doctor.
The trend goes both ways. If you look at
the romance section you'll see books set in
the future or about time travel.
male writers. I've noticed that because
there's so much sex in the books written by
these new female romance type S-F writers,
like Julie C, C. Aserio, and that lady who
writes about the woman space doctor.
The trend goes both ways. If you look at
the romance section you'll see books set in
the future or about time travel.
You're quite right about an absence of sex in much of what I read today, except for alien sex or novel reproductive methods. When you posted, the images that came to mind were the lovely dresses in the original Star Trek; and Seven of Nine; and Carrie Fisher chained up in a bikini in one of the Star Wars movies; and pulp SciFi movies that put women in tight leather clothes and always make sure they get wet somehow.
That's interesting about the romance novels set in the future/containing time travel. I understand there's a whole genre of racy vampire novels as well. Go figure.
I suppose any new twists on the genre should be welcomed, as folks are always fretting that it's coming to an end. Gotta keep those books selling!
That's interesting about the romance novels set in the future/containing time travel. I understand there's a whole genre of racy vampire novels as well. Go figure.
I suppose any new twists on the genre should be welcomed, as folks are always fretting that it's coming to an end. Gotta keep those books selling!
The Vicinity Cluster series had quite a bit about novel alien sex.
The Anne McCaffery Catteni novels had a bit of that, too - originally in a short novella, which she admitted was her experiment in soft porn sci-fi, and later in a series of novels.
Still, I suppose it depends what you mean by "recent" novels.
The Anne McCaffery Catteni novels had a bit of that, too - originally in a short novella, which she admitted was her experiment in soft porn sci-fi, and later in a series of novels.
Still, I suppose it depends what you mean by "recent" novels.
still writing somewhat prolifically. Can't really make comparisons between her and anyone else, tho. Haven't read anything of hers that I don't like.
is what turned me onto SF originally. What an amazing event it was for me. I wish I could live through those feelings again, reading that first SF novel.
I'd have to say whole-heartedly it's Anne McCaffrey now, having over 40 of her novels.
I like Joe Halderman (The Forever War and Dealing In Futures).
I completely forgot about Halderman. _The Forever War_ was fantastic, however it's "sequel" _Forever Peace_ was a bit of a let down. If you had to buy a book today, by a more contemporary author, I would be hard pressed to decide between _Forever War_ and Orson Scott Card's _Ender's Game_. In other words, buy them both!
Forever War was good, but Ender's Game is perhaps the last great classic novel in the style of Asimov, Heinlein & Clarke, particularly Asimov.
a new universe and has some compelling plots and characters, but he is not as pure as Asimov, maybe more like Heinlein. But he is not really 'like' anyone.
I would recommend a quick pass at one of his books if you are looking for a new author to read.
I would recommend a quick pass at one of his books if you are looking for a new author to read.
I was happy to discover after the named three (and I would definitely add Alfred E Van Vogt and Jack Vance to those!) people like Orson Scott Card and William Gibson took over writing "real" SF. Neuromancer was a discovery.
And then there is Otherland by Tad Williams, which goes a step farther. Still enough writers to let us fly on their imagination!
And then there is Otherland by Tad Williams, which goes a step farther. Still enough writers to let us fly on their imagination!
I like Dickson's work, but he's almost a contemporary of Asimov and Clarke late in their careers, as is Haldeman (mentioned in the previous post). Isn't the question about authors?
I saw the original "The Thing" when I was 6 years old, and it scared me so badly that I stayed away from Science Fiction for a very long time. After getting a masters degree, one of my professors suggested I read Poul Anderson's "The Corridors of Time" written in 1969, and it opened up the door. From Anderson I moved into fantasy, but occasionally re-read Heilein ("Stranger in a Strange Land" was a cult read in the '70s), Clarke and Asimov. I would love to know who has taken their place. What would Hollywood do without Phillip K. Dick?
The Dorsai novels are still good, my favourite Dickson novel is
The Right to Arm Bears, very close to making my obscure list that one, definitely number 7
The Right to Arm Bears, very close to making my obscure list that one, definitely number 7
I made someone at work read that this year. Trying to expand his horizons.
Another fun but obscure one is Who's Afraid of Beowulf? by Tom Holt. Certainly not a H, A, C level author, but still fun.
And I would say that the Dorsai books were good until ... I think it was the last one ... where the main character started walked on air. Right round the bend there.
Another fun but obscure one is Who's Afraid of Beowulf? by Tom Holt. Certainly not a H, A, C level author, but still fun.
And I would say that the Dorsai books were good until ... I think it was the last one ... where the main character started walked on air. Right round the bend there.
Hi Jay.
Check out SF Signal's reader challenge #7: The Next Science Fiction Grand Masters for a bunch of names as suggested by our readers. It's not a direct match-up to Asimov, Clarke and Heinlein, but it's a start.
Check out SF Signal's reader challenge #7: The Next Science Fiction Grand Masters for a bunch of names as suggested by our readers. It's not a direct match-up to Asimov, Clarke and Heinlein, but it's a start.
Banks is one of the best Sci-Fi authors I've come across, although he's more renound for his straight fiction, like "The Wasp Factory" under his other name of Iain Banks. I haven't read any Heinlein but Banks' output does compare in scale with Asimov's magnum opus Foundation series.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
I think that Banks is sometimes underestimated as an author outside of the UK. His sci-fi series are epic and wonderfully written. My recommendation is start at the beginning (Consider Phlebas). Watch out for his alter ego, though. These are also excellent books, but reading both sets alongside each other can become disorientating!
I used to read all the "past masters", Heinlein, Clarke, Asimov, Pohl, Dickson, Farmer, Blish, etc. Favourites included Bradbury, Sturgeon and Zelazny. Lately, I've found myself reading more fantasy. However, the most significant development during the last couple of decades has probably been the emergence of so many good women writers, like Emma Bull, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Tanith Lee, Caroline Cherryh, Lois McMaster Bujold - and I'm leaving out several wonderful fantasy authors who don't produce SF. From the current crop of male authors, I like David Weber, highly recommended if you like military stategy and good characters including some of the strongest female characters in SF.
Weber although not in the style of the Great Authors still has a flair like Asimov of working to be complete and thourough with no gender bias and is thoroughly wonderful in execution of his stories.
There's always been a militeristic fascist
element to S-F that I can't stand.
Heinlein's one of the best examples of this,
and I haven't been able to read his work
since my early 20's.
But I love David Weber. It's really kind fo
scary.
Jack McDevitt is actually one of the S-F
writers closest to Issac Asimov. Except
maybe for Foundation, Asimov's stories are
almost always mysteries. McDevitt does the
same thing.
C.J. Cheryl is by far my favorite author,
tho.
element to S-F that I can't stand.
Heinlein's one of the best examples of this,
and I haven't been able to read his work
since my early 20's.
But I love David Weber. It's really kind fo
scary.
Jack McDevitt is actually one of the S-F
writers closest to Issac Asimov. Except
maybe for Foundation, Asimov's stories are
almost always mysteries. McDevitt does the
same thing.
C.J. Cheryl is by far my favorite author,
tho.
Starship troopers ?
For more without RAH political opinions.
I'd recommend John Ringo and David Drake, but for the master, then you need look no further than Jerry Pournelle.
Cherryh is well, just brilliant.
For more without RAH political opinions.
I'd recommend John Ringo and David Drake, but for the master, then you need look no further than Jerry Pournelle.
Cherryh is well, just brilliant.
I wouldn't worry about liking David Weber. His books (I'm thinking Honor Harrington, as I've never read any of his other stuff) aren't military novels, they're character dramas with in a space navy setting. Honor Harrington is a modern Horatio Hornblower, and C.S. Forester wrote primarily about one person, with the British navy during the Napoleonic Wars as his backdrop.
Weber has authored several really good series and has started a new one with "Off Armageddon Reef" that is pretty good, but I was surprised at how well I liked his collaboration with John Ringo on the "Prince Roger" stories. And his "Bolo" stories were excellent.
Elizabeth Moon has a good series going about "Vatta's War" that reminds me of Cherry's "Chanur" stories for some reason.
S.M. Sterling has a potentially great series that begins with "Dies The Fire". Hard to justify as "Science" fiction unless you conclude that string theory is right and one of our dimensions has rolled up as another with slightly different physics unrolled and replaced it.
Several Alternate History series are doing well from Turtledove, Flint, Stirling and Weber. Though not science fiction, Eric Flint's alternate history on the War of 1812 is a keeper. I'm awaiting the second volume in paperback.
Elizabeth Moon has a good series going about "Vatta's War" that reminds me of Cherry's "Chanur" stories for some reason.
S.M. Sterling has a potentially great series that begins with "Dies The Fire". Hard to justify as "Science" fiction unless you conclude that string theory is right and one of our dimensions has rolled up as another with slightly different physics unrolled and replaced it.
Several Alternate History series are doing well from Turtledove, Flint, Stirling and Weber. Though not science fiction, Eric Flint's alternate history on the War of 1812 is a keeper. I'm awaiting the second volume in paperback.
Taking the point from the original article (ie who are you reading now if you used to read Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein....) - I've read Asimov and Clarke extensively, Heinlein only really Stranger, but these are the authors that I rate now in the SF field. Direct match-ups aren't intended.
Kim Stanley Robinson - I've read quite a bit of his and I'm a fan. Red Mars was so skillfully done that I was almost ready to shout at one of the characters by the end of it. I loved Antarctica, also Icehenge. Some of the early stuff I found a bit mixed (Short Sharp Shock and The Memory of Whiteness I found either dull or confusing) although Escape from Kathmandu is worth tracking down IMO.
Elizabeth Moon - discovered initially through her collaborations with Anne McCaffrey, and I then found Hunting Party and loved it. Not all of the Serrano Legacy books are great, but enough are to continue reading. I liked the first book of the Vatta's War sequence but haven't got round to reading any others yet.
Stephen Baxter - I believe he's co-operated with ACC on some stuff, and I picked up Voyage on the off chance a while ago and thought it was a brilliant piece of alternate history SF. The only other things I've read of his are "Prospero One" (a short available online set in the Voyage universe) and Moonseed, which I wasn't too sure of at first but still managed to enjoy by the end.
Kim Stanley Robinson - I've read quite a bit of his and I'm a fan. Red Mars was so skillfully done that I was almost ready to shout at one of the characters by the end of it. I loved Antarctica, also Icehenge. Some of the early stuff I found a bit mixed (Short Sharp Shock and The Memory of Whiteness I found either dull or confusing) although Escape from Kathmandu is worth tracking down IMO.
Elizabeth Moon - discovered initially through her collaborations with Anne McCaffrey, and I then found Hunting Party and loved it. Not all of the Serrano Legacy books are great, but enough are to continue reading. I liked the first book of the Vatta's War sequence but haven't got round to reading any others yet.
Stephen Baxter - I believe he's co-operated with ACC on some stuff, and I picked up Voyage on the off chance a while ago and thought it was a brilliant piece of alternate history SF. The only other things I've read of his are "Prospero One" (a short available online set in the Voyage universe) and Moonseed, which I wasn't too sure of at first but still managed to enjoy by the end.
I have a fondness for all three especially Clark. When I was in grade school we had two big fat anthologies of his short stories in our school library. They started me on the path of hard SF. As for Heinlein, I?m afraid his prose as not weathered well ? he has a dated hip-ness in some of his stories that I now find grating. However books like The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress and the ?real? Starship Troopers have a human touch which makes them classics. I like Asimov not for the Foundation stuff but rather for I Robot and the Positronic Man which again have a very human themes running through them.
So what makes good SF in the tradition of these authors? Not just good hard SF but writing that emphasizes the human condition. That is where authors like Greg Bear, Dan Simons, Jack Varley and Kim Robinson and others really shine ? even if not all the time.
So what makes good SF in the tradition of these authors? Not just good hard SF but writing that emphasizes the human condition. That is where authors like Greg Bear, Dan Simons, Jack Varley and Kim Robinson and others really shine ? even if not all the time.
I get the impression that you're judging Heinlein's juveniles and adult works by the same yardstick. His juveniles were a constant battle between him and his publisher, who imposed her own standards on his writing and much of this body was not what he wanted to write - see "Grumbles from the Grave" for his perspective on this.
As far as his adult stories go, I have enjoyed all but "Fear No Evil", although the sudden drift in "Number of the Beast" was unsatisfactory. Some have argued elsewhere in this discussion that his heroes were too competent. I would argue that alongside the heroes of E E Smith (Lensman series) and A E van Vogt (Null-A series) they're bumbling incompetents, but the only thing "wrong" about them is that they actually get things to go their way - and fiction is largely about wish-fulfillment, isn't it?
As far as his adult stories go, I have enjoyed all but "Fear No Evil", although the sudden drift in "Number of the Beast" was unsatisfactory. Some have argued elsewhere in this discussion that his heroes were too competent. I would argue that alongside the heroes of E E Smith (Lensman series) and A E van Vogt (Null-A series) they're bumbling incompetents, but the only thing "wrong" about them is that they actually get things to go their way - and fiction is largely about wish-fulfillment, isn't it?
Ack! What a question! I'm such a huge fan of Asimov, Clarke, and especially Heinlein (of course _Stranger in a Strange Land_ is my all time favorite book).
One name that I will agree with is Orson Scott Card's _Ender's Game_ and the following series. It's amazing!! Does it follow any of the three's writing style? I don't think so, but he is definitely a new old-favorite. Cheers.
One name that I will agree with is Orson Scott Card's _Ender's Game_ and the following series. It's amazing!! Does it follow any of the three's writing style? I don't think so, but he is definitely a new old-favorite. Cheers.
Peter F Hamilton........
Fallen Dragon (single book)
The Night's Dawn (trilogy - long)
Misspent Youth/Commonwealth Saga (two halves - long)
Fallen Dragon (single book)
The Night's Dawn (trilogy - long)
Misspent Youth/Commonwealth Saga (two halves - long)
As a longtime fan of Arthur C. Clarke, I don't expect to find a comparable author/scientist anytime soon...
Because Clarke is much more than an author, his material clearly reflects much more in true "science" fiction...
Of course I must admit I am biased, but I believe 2061 would have made a great film.
Because Clarke is much more than an author, his material clearly reflects much more in true "science" fiction...
Of course I must admit I am biased, but I believe 2061 would have made a great film.
As a longtime fan of Arthur C. Clarke, I don't expect to find a comparable author/scientist anytime soon...
Because Clarke is much more than an author, his material clearly reflects much more in true "science" fiction...
Of course I must admit I am biased, but I believe 2061 would have made a great film.
Because Clarke is much more than an author, his material clearly reflects much more in true "science" fiction...
Of course I must admit I am biased, but I believe 2061 would have made a great film.
A great resource is long-time editor Gardner Dozois' series of "The Year's Best Science Fiction" anthologies. The anthologies contain short fiction, but an extensive "Year in Review" essay at the beginning of each book contains lists of recommended novels, magazines, films, and more.
One of the benefits of reading the short fiction is that you can identify authors whose style you like, and then purchase their books.
Dan Simmons, Orson Scott Card, and Kim Stanley Robinson have written some great stuff. Robinson's Mars trilogy is fantastic (I've read it several times), as is Card's "Ender's Game." I would also recommend Samuel Delaney (mind-bending).
One of the great things going on in the genre is that more and more authors are writing hard SF again, as opposed to epic, "hero's quest" kind of things (think "Star Wars"). Vernor Vinge comes to mind.
Genetic engineering, privacy issues, and the ascent of the corporation provide great fodder for contemporary SF.
For a great book that explores the themes of religion, exploration, and space travel, check out "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell. This novel amazed me.
For fun detective-type stories, Jack McDevitt has some great stuff ("Polaris," "The Seeker").
Have fun exploring!
One of the benefits of reading the short fiction is that you can identify authors whose style you like, and then purchase their books.
Dan Simmons, Orson Scott Card, and Kim Stanley Robinson have written some great stuff. Robinson's Mars trilogy is fantastic (I've read it several times), as is Card's "Ender's Game." I would also recommend Samuel Delaney (mind-bending).
One of the great things going on in the genre is that more and more authors are writing hard SF again, as opposed to epic, "hero's quest" kind of things (think "Star Wars"). Vernor Vinge comes to mind.
Genetic engineering, privacy issues, and the ascent of the corporation provide great fodder for contemporary SF.
For a great book that explores the themes of religion, exploration, and space travel, check out "The Sparrow" by Mary Doria Russell. This novel amazed me.
For fun detective-type stories, Jack McDevitt has some great stuff ("Polaris," "The Seeker").
Have fun exploring!
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