The Best Sci Fi Books of 2017: A Year of Stellar Reads

The year 2017 was a fantastic time for science fiction, delivering a diverse range of stories that pushed boundaries and captivated readers worldwide. From dystopian societies to mind-bending space operas, the best sci fi books 2017 offered something for every fan of the genre. We’ll delve into some of the most remarkable titles that graced bookshelves that year, exploring what made them so special and why they continue to resonate today.

The science fiction genre has a rich and storied history, evolving from tales of scientific exploration and cautionary narratives to complex explorations of humanity and technology. Its roots can be traced back to the works of authors like Mary Shelley and Jules Verne, whose visions laid the groundwork for the science fiction we know today. The genre experienced a boom in the mid-20th century with the rise of pulp magazines and iconic authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke. By 2017, science fiction had diversified greatly, encompassing a wide range of subgenres, from cyberpunk and space opera to hard sci-fi and social commentary, making it a dynamic space for creative innovation. The release of numerous influential books solidified the year 2017 as a benchmark year for the genre.

Diving into the Standout Sci-Fi Novels of 2017

So, what exactly made the best sci fi books 2017 so memorable? Let’s take a look at some of the titles that stood out:

The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

Completing the epic “Broken Earth” trilogy, The Stone Sky brought Jemisin’s masterfully crafted world to its dramatic conclusion. The novel continued to explore themes of systemic oppression, environmental collapse, and the strength of community with unparalleled depth and emotional resonance. The way Jemisin uses second-person narration at points is just a piece of what makes this series so unique and deserving of the multiple Hugo awards. Have you ever considered a fantasy series which challenges preconceptions? If so, you might enjoy some of the best fantasy and science fiction books and the unique ways they handle narratives.

New York 2140 by Kim Stanley Robinson

Kim Stanley Robinson’s New York 2140 transported readers to a flooded New York City in the near future. This novel is a captivating mosaic of interconnected characters struggling to survive and thrive in a world drastically changed by climate change. Robinson’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with his thought-provoking examination of socio-economic issues, makes it a standout amongst the best sci fi books 2017. It’s not just a story of survival but an exploration of human resilience and the potential for adaptation even in the face of catastrophe.

Provenance by Ann Leckie

Ann Leckie’s Provenance introduced a new universe, distinct from her award-winning “Ancillary Justice” series. The story follows Ingray Aughskold, a young woman tasked with unraveling a mystery involving political intrigue, family secrets, and the importance of cultural heritage. Leckie’s signature blend of complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and elegant prose made it a must-read for fans of smart science fiction. If you appreciate how Leckie creates these unique worlds, make sure to check out the books by other authors like [annalee newitz books].

Artemis by Andy Weir

Following the success of The Martian, Andy Weir delivered another dose of hard sci-fi with Artemis, a heist story set on the moon. The novel follows Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara, a small-time criminal who gets caught up in a conspiracy that could jeopardize the entire lunar colony. Weir’s strength lies in his ability to combine realistic science with a compelling narrative, making even the most complex technical details engaging and accessible.

Why These Books Still Matter

The impact of the best sci fi books 2017 extends far beyond their initial release. They continue to be relevant and influential for several reasons:

• Addressing Contemporary Issues: Many of these novels tackled relevant social and political issues, such as climate change, social inequality, and political corruption. Their exploration of these issues in a science fictional context offers new perspectives on real-world challenges.

• Pushing Creative Boundaries: These books showcased the genre’s flexibility by experimenting with narrative structure, character development, and world-building, thereby contributing to the continued evolution of science fiction.

• Exploring the Human Condition: At their core, the best sci fi books 2017 delved into fundamental questions about what it means to be human, from our capacity for love and compassion to our tendency towards self-destruction.

• Continuing Influence: These stories have continued to inspire new writers, artists, and filmmakers, demonstrating their lasting impact on the genre and popular culture.

“The beauty of science fiction lies in its ability to allow us to explore ‘what if’ scenarios, forcing us to confront the complexities of humanity,” says Dr. Evelyn Reed, a literary scholar specializing in science fiction. “The best sci fi books 2017 exemplify this perfectly.”

Exploring the Subgenres Within 2017 Sci-Fi

The 2017 crop of science fiction novels wasn’t limited to one style or theme. Within this period, readers saw a strong representation across diverse subgenres.

Dystopian Fiction

Many authors focused on exploring darker themes such as those found in The Stone Sky. This subgenre often raises critical questions about power, control, and the potential for resistance in oppressive societies.

Space Opera

Novels like Provenance continued to prove the allure of space opera, a subgenre which combines grand scale, galactic adventures, political intrigue, and technological marvels, capturing the imaginations of many readers.

Hard Sci-Fi

Artemis demonstrated the appeal of hard sci-fi, which emphasizes scientific accuracy, and exploring the technical aspects of space exploration, while providing a compelling narrative. These books are for the science geeks among us who enjoy a scientifically backed story.

Social Commentary

Many of these 2017 releases utilized science fiction to examine contemporary societal issues. They act as a lens through which we can examine the impact of technology and social structures on human life.

Further Exploration: Where to Find More Great Sci-Fi

If the best sci-fi books 2017 piqued your interest, you may want to delve into older titles, which laid much of the groundwork for the genre we know and love today. If this seems right up your street then it would be worth checking out [old sci fi novels]. For example, you can find common themes in many older sci-fi titles, which are re-visited in later novels such as these ones. The progression of sci-fi throughout the years is a fascinating thing to look at, especially if you enjoy seeing how authors have used common themes in different ways. Alternatively, for something a bit more recent you could check out [best science fiction books 2016] to see the books which came the year before this list was released.

“For those new to science fiction, it’s a good idea to start with some of the classics, before progressing onto more modern works,” stated professor David Chen, author of several works about the progression of the sci-fi genre. “You’ll see how much things have changed over time, and you can identify the common threads between all of them.”

Answering Your Burning Questions About 2017 Sci-Fi

Here are some common questions readers often have about the best sci-fi books of 2017:

• What makes a science fiction book “best”?
  A “best” science fiction book is often a combination of thought-provoking themes, compelling characters, imaginative world-building, and well-crafted prose, coupled with an impact on the genre as a whole.

• Are these books suitable for younger readers?
  While some of these novels are complex and may be more suited for adults, some, like Artemis, can be enjoyed by teens, depending on their reading level and maturity. For a selection of science fiction books more suited for younger readers, [sci fi for 12 year olds] could be an interesting place to look.

• Where can I find reviews for these books?
  You can find reviews on popular sites like Goodreads, Amazon, and other book-review websites and blogs. Many book reviewers also have YouTube channels or podcasts, which can be another good place to explore.

• What are some common themes in 2017 science fiction?
  Common themes include climate change, social inequality, political corruption, the nature of consciousness, and the impact of technology on society.

• Are there any movie or TV adaptations of these books?
  While not all of these books have been adapted, given how popular they have become it is only a matter of time before some of them are made for screen. This is common for many best selling sci-fi books.

• How did the Best Sci Fi Books 2017 influence future science fiction?
  Many of these novels, particularly The Stone Sky and New York 2140, have influenced contemporary science fiction by popularizing narratives about marginalized communities and raising environmental awareness.

• What if I want to read more similar novels?
  If you’ve enjoyed these novels, you could look at books written by the same authors, or search for books by other writers who focus on similar themes.

The Final Frontier

The best sci fi books 2017 represent a landmark year for the genre, offering readers thrilling adventures, thought-provoking explorations, and insightful social commentary. These novels continue to be worth revisiting and discussing, and demonstrate the enduring power and relevance of science fiction. Whether you are a long-time fan of the genre or new to it, these titles offer something valuable and enjoyable to everyone.