LibGuides: Leisure Reading: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Science Fiction Classics

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Call Number: PR6015 .U9 B65 2005 / AUD HUX
The astonishing novel Brave New World, originally published in 1932, presents Aldous Huxley's vision of the future -- of a world utterly transformed. Through the most efficient scientific and psychological engineering, people are genetically designed to be passive and therefore consistently useful to the ruling class.
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Call Number: PR6029 .R8 N56 1949
Arguably one of the most influential novels of all time creating or naming concepts such as the Orwellian State, Thoughtcrime, and Big Brother. This book follows Winston Smith who works at the Ministry of Truth rewriting the history to serve the Party.
Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut
Call Number: PS3572 .O5 S6 1999
Billy Pilgrim returns home from the Second World War only to be kidnapped by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, who teach him that time is an eternal present.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Call Number: PS3503 .R167 F3 1993 Stacks
This dystopian novel is set in a world where books are banned and possession of one is illegal. The book follows Guy Montag a "fireman" who's job it is to burn books. Fahrenheit is considered to be one of the best books ever written.
The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
Call Number: PS3551.S5 F686 1974
One of the greatest Science Fiction series ever written, this book contains the original trilogy of Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second foundation.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Call Number: PR6052 .U638 C5 1988
This acclaimed book is set in England and examines human choice in good and evil through the narration of the hooligan Alex. Call #: FEA CLO

Science Fiction and Fantasy

"Fantasy is the literature of the impossible...science fiction is the literature of the possible."

-- fantasy author Alan Dean Foster

Science Fiction Vs. Fantasy

Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors

Orson Scott Card
Author of the Ender Saga and the Homecoming Saga.
David Weber
Author of epic fantasy, science fiction, alternate history, and more including the Honor Harrington series.
Margaret Atwood
Poet and novelist, best known for her science/speculative fiction book The Handmaid's Tale (now a Hulu TV Series).
Harry Turtledove
Historian and author who writes alternate history, science fiction, and fantasy.
George R. R. Martin
Fantasy and science fiction author best known for his epic fantasy A Song of Fire and Ice.
Robert Jordan
Author of The Wheel of Time series.
Michael Crichton
Science fiction titles include Jurassic Park, The Lost World, Timeline, Prey, and Andromeda Strain (he also wrote and directed the 1973 film Westworld that the current HBO series is based on).
Diana Gabaldon
Author of the Outlander series.
Douglas Adams
Author of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Frank Herbert
Science fiction author best known for Dune novels.
R. A. Salvatore
Science fiction and fantasy author best known for Forgotten Realms and The DemonWars Saga.
Neil Gaiman
Author of science fiction, fantasy, and dark fantasy including Stardust, Neverwhere, The Sandman (graphic novel), and Coraline.
Charlaine Harris
Author of urban fantasy including the Sookie Stackhouse novels.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Author of high fantasy including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Larry Niven
Author of science fiction including Ringworld.
Isaac Asimov
Author of science fiction including the Foundation series and the Robot series.
Marion Zimmer Bradley
Author of fantasy including The Mists of Avalon and the Darkover series.
Terry Pratchett
Author of comical fantasy including the Discworld series.

Fantasy

A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Call Number: PS3563 .A7239 G36 2003
The first book in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is set in an expansive fantasy world of intrigue and violence it has been adapted into one of the most popular shows on HBO. Call # TV GAM
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
Call Number: PZ7 .R79835 HAR NO.1 1998
After 10 miserable years with his aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This 7-book series was adapted into one of the most successful film series of all time. Call # FEA HAR
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Call Number: PR6057 .A319 S73 2007 STACKS
In the sleepy English countryside of decades past, a lovelorn young man steps through a gap in a high stone wall, and into the most unforgettable adventure of his life.
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Call Number: JUV PUL
A masterwork of storytelling and suspense, Philip Pullman's award-winning The Golden Compass is the first in the His Dark Materials series.
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Call Number: PR6039 .O32 L6 1994
One of the best selling book series of all time, the sequel to The Hobbit follows Frodo's quest to destroy the Ring of Power. The series was adapted into one of the most acclaimed film series of all time with a combined 17 Oscars. Call # FEA LOR
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Call Number: FIC MAG
The book the Tony Award winning Musical was based on. Wicked seeks to tell the story of the Witches of Oz and a wicked one in particular.
Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana, until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life. When one of her coworkers checks out, she decides that maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea.