By Frank Herbert. A famous series that takes place in a sprawling universe. The story explores the interactions of politics, religion, technology, and ecology.

By Hugh Howey. A five-book series set in a post-apocalyptic world. A world where optimism and dreams are punished. 3. Felix Gilman The Half-Made World. A Steampunk novel set in a world similar to the Wild American West.

By Felix Gilman. A Steampunk novel set in a world similar to the Wild American West.

By Paolo Bacigalupi. Hard Sci Fi and environmental apocalypse make up this weird, future world.

By Iain M. Banks. The story of what happens to Hell in a galaxy where humans live without physical form eternally.

By Charles Yu. A challenging and funny novel written by a Sci Fi geek that uses pop culture to make the reader reflect on the nature of consciousness.

By Ursula K. Le Guin Le Guin's novel is thought-provoking and explores culture, gender, and psychology on an alien world where gender is a choice.

By George Orwell. A classic novel that is definitively a dystopia.

By Ray Bradbury. A classic "What if?" story about book banning, happiness, and knowledge.

By Robert Heinlein. A Martian visits Earth and teaches humanity a few things--some believe it to be a guide to social change.