16 Best Hard Science Fiction Books

1.

To The Stars
L. Ron Hubbard

2.

2001: A Space Odyssey
Arthur C. Clarke

2001: A Space Odyssey has rightly earned its status as a science fiction classic in the popular imagination--largely in part to Kubrick's interpretation on the big screen. However, the printed page version of the story is definitely worth your attention. The novel has far more breathing room for the hard SciFi aspects of the tale which is sure to reward serious science fans. 

3.

Revelation Space
Alastair Reynolds

The first installment of Reynolds’ Revelation Space series is packed with mind-blowing scientific concepts. In addition to its epic plot-line and engaging characters, the book features realistic theories of hard SciFi including:

• Evolution of alien species, 
• Impact of cyborgs on day to day life
• Suppression of historical truth. 

Plus, Revelation Space is a pretty sweet adventure! So, give this a read when you get a chance.

4.

Ninefox Gambit
Yoon Ha Leee

Ninefox Gambit is the first part of the Machineries of Empire series and a worthy introduction to Lee’s hard SciFi style. As a reader, you are transported into a complex space empire where complex mathematical concepts have a magic-like hold on the inhabitants. Aside from the scientific clout and mathematical marvels, there are epic wars and memorable characters to encounter. And some of the weaponry found in this book won;t be found anywhere else. This hard SciFi novel is truly unique.

5.

The Three-Body Problem
Cixin Liu

The three body problem by Cixin Liu is widely praised as one of the best examples of hard science fiction in existence. It also is a front-runner for the Chinese Sci-Fi genre. Be warned, however. The Three Body Problem is no easy read. It deals with some punishing scientific concepts in precise detail. Yet, for those prepared to go the distance with this yarn, they are rewarded with a rich and gripping story. The Three Body Problem is perfect proof that science fiction can blend serious scientific concepts with a captivating story.

6.

The Enemy Stars
Poul Anderson

Poul Anderson’s The Enemy Stars is one of the older hard SciFi tales on the list. But don't let it fool you. It's a fine example of how the genre has evolved and improved over the years. The scientific concepts include considerations of the speed of light, the nature of matter, and intergalactic travel. One of the most impressive aspects of Anderson’s work is the fact that he rewrote the tale to update the scientific info found within it. An important read for those who wish to gain a historical perspective on the hard SciFi genre.

7.

Blindsight
Peter Watts

Blindsight is one of the most critically acclaimed hard science fiction stories of recent years. It was a finalist for multiple prizes within the genre including a Hugo Award. The list of scientific concepts found within Blindsight is extensive and includes:

• The idea of free will, 
• Exploration of consciousness, 
• And even Game Theory! 

The story centers on the investigation of a mysterious comet. And throughout, the narrative and hard SciFi elements blend wonderfully to reward the reader.

8.

Dragon's Egg
Robert L Forward

Dragon’s Egg is a truly fascinating hard science-fiction tale. It deals with astonishing concepts such as Neutron Stars and the evolution of theoretical lifeforms. Forward’s tale is rightly regarded as a classic within the hard science-fiction world. It paints a gripping but believable picture of the development of civilizations and unknown lifeforms. Anyone with an interest in evolution, alien civilization, and the interaction between different lifeforms will find a lot to enjoy here.

9.

Foundation
Isaac Asimov

There is no disputing Asimov’s status as a true titan of the science fiction world. And Foundation may be one of his absolute best. It's such a perfect example of hard science fiction as it features complex and developed yet entirely fictional scientific disciplines. For added genre points, the story’s protagonist is a mathematician. Foundation asks questions such as the nature of destiny and the ability of mathematics to predict societal change.

10.

Mission of Gravity
Hal Clement

You know you’re in for a hard SciFi ride to enjoy when you find scientific ideas cropping up in a book’s title. And that definitely holds true for Mission of Gravity. The serious science found in the tale is nicely balanced. This is partly due to the fact that the book was originally serialized (meaning its narrative structure was originally intended to keep readers coming back for more). Mission of Gravity has a lot to savor for hard SciFi fans--including theoretical alien races and planets where the laws of gravity differ with fascinating consequences.

11.

Red Mars
Kim Stanley Robinson

Red Mars is the product of author Kim Stanley Robinson’s personal obsession and fascination with the red planet. In fact, it’s widely accepted that Robinson had studied Mars for around fifteen years before putting pen to paper. And the story absolutely reflects this level of detail. Readers are treated to an enticing story that makes the exploration and adaption to Mars seem both fascinating and plausible.

12.

Rendezvous With Rama
Arthur C. Clarke

Clarke makes his second appearance on our rundown of worthwhile hard science fiction and rightly so. Rendezvous with Rama won both the Hugo and Nebula awards when it was released, and is still a gripping read over 40 years on. Along with its epic storyline, Rendezvous with Rama deals with hard science concepts. Astronomy and ecological/societal impacts of humanity’s interactions with intergalactic objects are just a few.

13.

Starfish
Peter Watts

Peter Watts begins his Rifters series with Starfish. It's a hard SciFi tale combining ideas from bio-engineering and future capitalism wrapped up in a magnetic plot. Like all the best science fiction, Starfish makes the reader reflect deeply upon the type of world we are building and the consequences of this. Whether you’re a fan of serious scientific theory or incredible characters and mystery, Starfish has plenty to offer.  

14.

Accelerando
Charles Stross

One of the most intriguing scientific ideas of our time is the singularity. Accelerando by Charles Stross is arguably the finest fictional treatment of the singularity concept out there. It consists of interconnected short stories which explore the impact of a singularity from several historical perspectives. Stross creates a believable and absorbing world in this unique telling. For anyone interested in singularity notions or of innovatively structured science-fiction, Accelerando is an essential read.

15.

The Diamond Age
Neal Stephenson

The Diamond Age defies easy genre classification. But its effective use of ideas related to nanotechnology makes it great for hard SciFi fans. As well as looking at conventional scientific concepts, Neal Stephenson treads into sociological territory. He considers ideas such as class and ethnicity through a science fiction lens. Many have likened The Diamond Age to a Dickensian science fiction story.

16.

Diaspora
Greg Egan

Diaspora is a fine example of a hard science fiction story which pulls no punches. It forces the reader to engage with the concepts provided. Greg Egan deals with scientific ideas--including several incredibly complex physics paradigms theorized by Egan himself. In addition to the typical hard sci-fi ideas, Diaspora focuses on contemporary issues such as the meaning of gender and humanity’s relentless pursuit of self-enhancement.