Although written in 1965, Dune, by Frank Herbert, continues to be one of the most highly influential science-fiction novels today — loved by generations of fans and revered as inspiration for sci-fi/fantasy classics like Star Wars and Game of Thrones [1]. With a film adaption [2] featuring Zendaya [3] and Timothée Chalamet [4] on its way to theatres later this year, fans will get to see the gripping story of Paul Atreides and his family and people told again on the big screen. But for those looking to dive into the compelling pages of a book rather than a movie, we've compiled a list of 15 books similar to Dune that are sure to feed your sci-fi soul.
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
On the eve of Armageddon, amidst a galaxy-wide war, seven pilgrims set off on a final voyage to Hyperion [5]: a world on which a creature both worshipped and feared lives. Each holds a secret, and one carries the fate of humanity in his hands.
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
In Stranger in a Strange Land [6], a human being raised on Mars and recently returned to Earth, Valentine Michael Smith, finds himself struggling to understand the societal norms and prejudices faced by humans. Meanwhile, he also has to teach them his galactic-born beliefs in watersharing, grokking, and love.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Andrew "Ender" Wiggin and his older siblings Peter and Valentine hold the fate of Earth in their fingertips and within their family tree in Ender's Game [7]. Their participation in computer-stimulated war games directly influences a centuries-long war between Earth and an alien enemy.
The Martian by Andy Weir
Stranded on Mars after being nearly killed by a sandstorm that forced his fellow crew of astronauts to evacuate back to Earth without him, The Martian [8] is Mark Watney, who finds himself with limited supplies and no way of notifying those on Earth that he's still alive. Using his engineering skills, tenacity, and unending desire to make it back home, Watney must face one obstacle after the next if he ever wants to see his loved ones on Earth again.
2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke.
2001: A Space Odyssey [9] tells the iconic tale of a new discovery made on the Moon — one which can change mankind forever. As men are sent to the Moon for the first time to recover it, they are faced with terrible, unexpected obstacles that gravely threaten the success of their mission.
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
Pvt. William Mandella has been tasked by an elite Military unit to dive into the galaxy and travel through space and time to fight Earth's alien enemy in a thousand-year conflict in The Forever War [10]. While Pvt. Mandella is set on doing everything he can to get home, he soon realises that "home" might be worse than his galactic battlefield, due to the unexpected fact that in space he ages months while the Earth he left behind ages centuries.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep [11] (which inspired Blade Runner) follows Rick Deckard, who is tasked with killing rogue androids in a world full of humans. He must complete his task of "retiring" the dangerous robots and saving humanity — the problem is that said androids take the shape of humans and none of them want to be found.
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
In the midst of what some consider "The Third Space War" and others "The First Interstellar War," a trusty recruit from the future goes through the most gruelling boot camp in the universe to prepare for a battle against an enemy that threatens mankind in Starship Troopers [12].
Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
In Rendezvous with Rama [13], Rama, a galactic object weighing more than ten trillion tons flying through the solar system at an alarming rate, carries celestial beings ready to connect with mankind for the first time. Their arrival will spark mankind's wildest dreams, as well as confirm their darkest fears.
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
In Foundation [14], the Galactic Empire is dying after 12,000 years of reigning supreme. After seeing visions of barbarism and warfare lasting 30,000 years into a post-galactic-empire future, Hari Seldon, creator of the science of psychohistory, gathers the greatest minds in the Empire and brings them all to salvation on a small planet at the edge of the galaxy he calls the Foundation. He soon learns that the Foundation is not exempt from the exact dangers he attempted to evade.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Removed from Earth just seconds before it was demolished, Arther Dent finds himself on a galactic journey with his friend, Ford Prefect: a supposed out-of-work actor who secretly played a key role in creating The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy [15], the ultimate guide for travelling through space.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
A former colony on the moon wages rebellion against its masters on Earth in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress [16]. In a world governed by novel laws regarding family structure and societal roles, a computer technician, a young female agitator, and an elderly scholar lead the movement in hopes of successfully revolting against their Earth-bound oppressors.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Written in 1931, Brave New World [17] explores a futuristic World State inhabited by genetically-modified citizens. With a social hierarchy based on one's intelligence and predicted advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, manipulation, and conditioning, this early 20th century novel examines what life could be like in an AI-run future.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
In Ready Player One [18], teenager Wade Watts escapes life's troubling realities by tuning into the OASIS: a virtual utopia filled with hidden puzzles that promise power and fortune for whoever can unlock them. Watts gets to work solving the puzzles, but soon learns that his opponents are willing to kill in order to claim the prize.
The Stars, Like Dust by Isaac Asimov
The Stars, Like Dust [19] is the story of Biron Farril, a student at the University of Earth. He is forced to flee after the planet Tyrann wages war against Earth, killing his father and nearly claiming his life, too. In opposition of Tyrann, Farril joins a galactic revolution that forces him to decide between betraying the woman he loved or the rebellion that promises to save him.