Man, our tastes align quite a bit in both Sci Fi and Fantasy. Like I mentioned the on the other video, you've got a great vibe and I'm glad you took the plunge into longer form content here on YT. Not jealous you have more subs in 2 videos than I do in 8 months. Nope, not at all :). Killer video Smitty!!
I got goosebumps when I saw Demon in White as you #1. I read this back in pandemic days and I was wondering why no one was shouting it out the rooftops. So glad it’s getting the attention it rightful deserves recently. DIW was my favorite until I reached Ashes of Man, the fifth in the series. Ugh wish I can be you so I can experience it all anew!! Keep us posted on your wild journey!
I was going to come say the same thing, highly recommend doing the second era. I think its better also, the impact of decisions in the first series and the character perspectives chosen for the second era are more impactful then the first era. And the battles are just wild, especially in the most recent book.. Eagerly awaiting the final. Also stumbled onto suneater earlier this year. Couldn't agree more, that series is phenomenal couldn't put it down until I finished disquiet gods.
Project Hail Mary is one of my all time favorites 👏🏽 Just started the Sun Eater series, and now I can't wait to get to Demon in White! (Also I'm here from tiktok and so excited to find your channel here)
@@Smitty1423 I read the first and a little bit of the second book of the sun eater series. I put it on the backburner because it was so slow. I also didn't like how the narrator (the MC) always spoils things lol. "This will be the last time I would ever see her" "Little did I know, his majesty had a surprise in store for me" stuff like that.
@Smitty1423 Dude you need to get to Kingdoms of Death. Suneater is easily my favorite Sci fi series of all time. Book 6 is the best in the series so far imo.
YES! Demon in White isn’t only my best sci fi book of all time, it just rose to my best book of all time (fiction/non fiction/ contemporary/classic)! A literary marvel to behold!
My top 5: 1. Firestar (first book of the Firestar Trilogy) 2. Time Enough for Love 3. Dune 4. Foundation by Asimov 5. Starship Troopers Honorable mention: The Martian
Love the enthusiasm for Howling Dark. Have yet to read any of these, but if you haven't yet, I would recommend trying Foundation by Isaac Asimov and Ender's Game and if you enjoy it, try Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. They're my favourite Sci-fi of all time thus far.
You need to read the three body problem and it’s sequels if you enjoyed dune. It has a lot of the same creative juice in a way, it also is super plot based, and the characters aren’t as bad as people think they are. Book one is like a mystery kind of thing, but books two and three will blow your mind,
This was perfect! Added Project Hail Mary and Demon in White (going to jump into the 1st book). My favorite scifi so far is 'Children Of Time' series. Happy to come across your Channel!
I’m currently reading golden son. If I keep my pace I’ll finish it in about 3-4 days. It’s a great book and I already have morning son on stand by. Once I read that because of your recommendations the sun eater series is my next series I want to really read. Thanks to you I got into reading so thanks a lot.
I think you might be the first person I’ve found who loved Morning Star the most of the Red Rising Saga. Golden Son was a bit too fast paced for me - I couldn’t recover from what happened before something else happened. Morning Star was my Goldilocks book - it was juuuuussssst right.
🙏 You’re giving me life right now. Dark Matter is another favorite of mine! Recursion is AH-mazing and the Wayward Pines trilogy is a great sci fi/horror blend. It’s hard to pick a favorite from Crouch’s work - it’s all unique and good in its own right.
Your list honorable mention - Dune - I've read 5. Morning Star - haven't read 4. Ready Player One - haven't read 3. Dark Matter - I've read 2. Project Hail Mary - I've read 1. Demon in White - Haven't read 5 of my favorites in no particular order Dune - Frank Herbert Hyperion - Dan Simmons Children of Time - Adrian Tchaikovsky Starship Troopers - Robert A Heinlein Anathem - Neal Stephenson I want to read all of the books in your list that I haven't read yet. Keep trucking brother
I'm about 75% into Anathem right now, slow start but I'm really enjoying it, and I just ordered the first 2 Hyperion books so hopefully I'll jump into those in August. Also I've heard good things about Children of Time, so on my next haul I may check that out...Good stuff
Great list! If you are a fan of Dune and the Sun Eater series, you would enjoy Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Also the three body problem is some of the best and most unique scifi I’ve ever read and there’s a show out now that’s killing it so far! Definitely also check out more of Blake Crouch’s stuff if you haven’t already
I listened to Project Hail Mary on Audio and was blown away. It is definitely in the conversation as my favorite book ever. I lean more toward scifi so I'm going to be giving some of these a try.
guess it's finally time to start reading sun eater. some else mentioned it but children of time is a must read for some hard sci-fi, it's truly incredible! adrian tchoikovsky also writes a lot of fantasy & i've heard the doors of eden is a great blend of the two genres you might enjoy. love the channel!
Golden Son and Light Bringer are my favorite books in the Red Rising saga. I also love Morning Star, but the later books in the series are truly ALL masterpieces. Definitely recommend picking the series back up at some point!
Hey Smitty. Read Recursion. Whew many twist and turns. Great! Read 1st Red Rising some time ago and loved it. I am inspired to continue series. Probably start over with Red Rising to refresh. I have Dark Matter but haven’t read it yet. Love your channel and style. 👍💚
Dude sun eater sounds amazing I gotta try that! I’m almost done with Wheel of Time then I might skip over to scifi for a little! Love your channel right now!
Great video. The only one on your list I've read is Ready Player One. It hit that sweet spot of futuristic and nostalgia. I didn't think it was possible, but here we are.
It's so funny that I ran across your channel because I've been debating well over a decade about starting a channel about my favorite genre which is sci-fi books. I was looking for some new books to read and I just popped by your channel thank you kid
Project Hail Mary was my first 5 star sci-fi of the year I loved it so much! My top 5 includes Illuminae and 4 different Adrian Tchaikovsky books, his sci-fi stuff just hits different, I’d highly recommend The Doors of Eden and Children of Time if you haven’t checked him out yet!
Howling Dark is in the middle of the left bundle 😅 had spotted it before you brought it up 🎉 Edit: I had this comment posted before the end of the vid 👍🏻
I just started getting into audio books and so far I have listened to Level Five narrated by Macleod Andrews and Quantum Radio narrated by Ray Porter, both were awesome! Looking forward to listening to Level Six and checking out more of A.G. Riddle books.
My top 5: Skyward, Red Rising, Mazerunner, Super Powereds, Ready player one. Also first 4 books of Sun Eater are currently free on audible right now if you're a member, I'm definitely going to start listening to those. I only listen to books so not a true book junkie but loving this channel and glad I found it. Red Rising series was a fantastic listen, the amazing narrator helped me like those books even more. Adding many of your books to my future listening list.
If you enjoy some humor with your Sci fi I recommend Dennis E. Taylor’s series Bobiverse. It’s definitely a lighter read than the ones you have listed but still worth reading.
How many of your favorite sci-fi books/series thus far also have really cool maps, charts, glossaries or other supplemental materials? Which ones do you think could be adapted into a full-cast audio experience even better than a movie or tv series?
If I’m not mistaken the sun eater series (Demon in White) is the only book on here that has a glossary. In terms of adaptation, Ready Player One, Dark Matter and Project Hail Mary(soon) are already adapted. Would love to see Sun Eater tho
Let’s go with some recommendations. One of it is Commonwealth Saga - it’s a duo starting Pandora’s Star. It’s a kind of space opera but… kinda not. First contact, conspiracy theory, murder mystery, how the society handles some stuff, there are some intense war parts with close combat and space battles but mainly character heavy thing. Even has a strange portal fantasy like story element for one storyline. All in 2 books. Oh yes, you are missing Octavia Butler… to be shocked. Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. 👌🏽 Books to meditate on? Banks - Culture. Great example of the series is Player of Games. It’s on the level of Dune. Of course we can’t leave out Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead when you talk about Red Rising. We know that everyone says it’s based on Hunger Games and that based on Ender’s Game… Speaker for the Dead on the other hand was the original idea of the author why he wrote it. And that’s a very different story. Both got Hugo and Nebula awards for a reason. And just for a taste from cyberpunk Altered Carbon trilogy. Yes, it has a bit similarities to the Netflix show at least in s1, but that was it, it has awesome action scenes, the main character is crazy as heck (written in first person), it’s not really technology focused it uses only as a tool, so it’s fun not annoying to always listen to the tech speech. You didn’t hear enough the Three-Body Problem? 😁 I chose some books that are not so usual on booktok.
All of the booktubers are talking about the Sun Eater series, and I HAVE to go read it sometime! 😩 I don’t usually read sci-fi, but the Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is my favorite book of all time.
Project Hail Mary is my #1 Sci-fi book. Its so damn good I've read it so many times since its came out. Definitely recommend audiobook for this one its such a good audiobook! You are right Rocky is such a great character.
Glad to have stumbled across another Sun Eater fan. If Demon in White was emotional, buckle up, the following books are quite the wild ride! Love the channel!
Thing about Dune is it might be the greatest, yes, but once you've read Dune Messiah and Children of Dune (God Emperor should be read as well) it takes several steps forward and makes Paul maybe the best character ever written as he's explored post Jihad. Each of those first four could be a contender for best in the series. Have Empire of Silence on my shelf waiting to be read, I'm so stoked. Just have to finish Guy Gavriel Kay's Tigana first (then a quick Zito Madu's The Minotaur at Calle Lanza)
Cool to see a new booktuber with similar tastes! I would recommend continuing with Red Rising series, I think Darrows journey into the future of ruling is fascinating. Also, I’ll make a plug for a classic that’s one of my all time favorites, Hyperion!
Ready Player 1!!!! I LOVED it, my first sci fi book, read it last summer. It put me into a reading slump, in a good way, I didn't think there'd be another book as good as that.
1. The Book of the New Sun by Wolfe 2. Speaker for the Dead by Card 3. A Fire Upon the Deep by Vinge 4. Ender’s Game by Card 5. Dune by Herbert I respect our difference in opinions, but for me Project Hail Mary doesn’t come within a mile of Dune, even if it is highly entertaining. TBOTNS raised the ceiling I didn’t realize I’d set for how great I thought stories could be. Wolfe was the man.
Sci-Fi is my second favorite genre as well. I just finished Dark Matter a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing. I'm in the process of acquiring the Sun Eater series (I have books 1, 4, 5, and 6, I prefer hardcover books and I'm having a hard time finding books 2 and 3 at a reasonable price) but I'm really excited to read it. I haven't read any of the other books on your list but Project Hail Mary is definitely on my TBR. My personal favorite Sci-Fi is Ender's Game.
I typically just read Fantasy... but I'm delving into Sci-Fi now, and have started Empire of Silence... I'm absolutely and utterly hooked on Suneater. I'm being converted into a sci-fi fan..
My dip into scifi is Halo. I have the first book but going thru what im on right now before i start it, but ik ill like it already because loved the games growing up.
loved your video!! I always try to get people to read my favourite sci fi and favourite book in general of all time because I never see anyone even knowing that book. And it’s Metro 2033. this one got me into reading as an adult and it really will forever be my favourite, just the atmosphere and bleakness are so heavy and because of this book I always get a little uneasy travelling by the subway or metro. The main character really goes through quite heavy stuff as well and the uncertainty if he could make it through the next chellange at all just really hit the nail. it’s more post apocalyptic than your 'typical' sci fi but I really hope that at least one person may find it interesting and gives it a try :)
I loved Project Hail Mary and Dune, but haven’t read the others on your list (yet). I’d highly recommend checking out Ender’s Game as an easy read to mix up the pace. It’s a quick and easy read that really surprised me with its depth and themes.
I started watching you on tiktok, and because of you i started the Cosmere (tysm for this, finished WoR last week), now i want some sci-fi and i find again your video, so i already know the 5 books are bangers, tysm and keep the good work!
Great list! I’ve heard phenomenal things about Howling Dark, so I’m excited to hear Demon in White surpassed that level for you. I don’t know what I’m doing not reading Sun Eater, but I will someday! 😅
Just finished PHM. It’s was great read for me, but it’s crazy how I never see any of The Expanse books on anybody’s top list. I’ve read them all twice through and can’t think of many books I’ve enjoyed more.
I don't know about the order of books, but some of my favorites are Nemesis Games by James S A Corey, Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie, and Requiem Moon by C T Rwizi
Another banger! Keep it up! I’m personally so excited to start the sun eater series! I’m a bit newer to reading sci-fi, but I’ve read the entire ‘the expanse’ series and LOVED it! I also really really loved ready player one
Great list! Those are some stellar books! I do highly recommend you continue with the rest of the Red Rising books, the journey gets even more epic. Here are some more recs for you: The Expanse series is amazing. The House of Suns by Reynolds is incredible. Anything and everything by Tchaikovsky (his fantasy series Shadows of the Apt is on my top ten list), but for sci-fi I especially recommend the Children of Time trilogy, Dogs of War, Cage of Souls. I also recommend The Remebrance of Earth's Past by Cixin Liu, especially books 2 and 3 are fantastic.
Ive started reading Sci Fi for the first time recently (used to exclusively read fantasy before) and my first sci fi book was Hyperion and man it blew me away! Chapter 1 is the best opening chapter I've read of a book period. Highly recommend. About to finish book 2 then I'm gonna check out Empire of Silence
Well done on your rapid channel growth! I read Red Rising earlier this year, like you I thought it was ok. But i have heard before that it gets better and better. Ready Player 1 gets a lot of shit for being basic, but I enjoyed it mainly for the 80s nostalgia. I read Dark Matter a month or two back, it was a fun airport thriller type of thing, i blew through it an afternoon. The sci fi elements i thought were cursory but i didn't really care. I loved PHM last year, had a blast, I loved Rockie and the bromance. His 2nd book was pretty bad tho. I am a recent convert to Sun Eater, i finished Demon in White last month, it's a contender for my book of the year. The first three were a 9, 9.5 and 9.5 for me. I'm half way through the 4th book and so far it's less great than the first three. I was lucky to have a chat with Ruocchio on my channel a few weeks back, enjoyed talking with him. 👍📚🚀👽🎬
Sun Eater rocked my whole world in December. I immediately reread them. My husband read and reread them. We talked about them so much. We are both heavy readers and are both huge fans. We are currently laughing our asses off with Dungeon Crawler Carl, which is extra great as an audiobook.
This vid just popped in my feed. Great list. Ive read all but RP1 & agree with your thoughts. Like others here, Id recommend The Expanse & after that, if you enjoy mind blowing scifi concepts, check out Alastair Reynolds. Start him with Eversion & then roll right into Revelation Space. Also, Hyperion will be an instant all timer.
I’ve seen so many people hyping up sun eater. Guess i’ll finally give it a shot. Also it’s funny you put the third book here when the others (apparently) get even better
I've read all the books on your list but your #1. Looking forward to checking it out. If you liked ready player one, you should check out Player of Games by Ian M Banks. It's one of The Culture series. A must read for anyone into gaming. Also, if you liked Project Hail Mary, check out We Are Legion, We Are Bob; excellent sci-fi ride.
Loved Project Hail Mary and Dune, and quite liked Dark Matter but didn't really feel the ending was the best. Pierce Brown and Ruocchio are on the reading list, but I am waiting until the final book is finished before I start them. Eagerly anticipating those moments though! Great video!
Oh you gotta continue red rising, the follow-up trilogy is incredible. You should also check out The Stars my Destination by Alfred Bester. Written in 1956 and it was waaay ahead of its time. It blew my mind. it Super short book. I may be wrong but I think it was the first we saw a main character that was actually not a good guy, the all-american hero. The kind of book you have to read multiple times.
Dude I don't do Tiktok but love your CZcams videos. You have the SAME reading taste and in some cases top 5s as me. Looking forward to more of this content!
I've been reading SF for way too long to have a top 5, but a few that might make that kind of list: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein Trading in Danger, Elizabeth Moon On Basilisk Station, David Weber Quarter Share, Nathan Lowell Star Guard, Andre Norton Janissaries, Jerry Pournelle March Upcountry, Weber and John Ringo Hammer's Slammers, David Drake Forever War, Joe Haldeman Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes Weapons Shops of Isher, A.E. Van Vogt Science Fiction Hall of Fame V. 1, various
I bought a used copy of Project Hail Mary about a year ago and I think I’m finally going to get to it after I finish my current book. I’m more of a horror novel kinda guy, but I’m also waiting to read Dunr and I’ve been looking pretty hard at some Blake Crouch books. Glad to see you recommended some of the things on my TBR! Can’t wait to see the new setup for your videos! Later gator 🐊
Great video! I added Project Hail Mary to my tbr list from your 6 star vid on tiktok. I'll check it out before the movie comes out. Is there another Sci-fi book you would recommend to someone for their first Sci-fi book that wasn't on the list or should I go ahead with Project Hail Mary? Also starting Mistborn today!!! :) Happy reading Smitty!
The algorithm is algorithming. I followed you on TikTok for months and months, and CZcams finally brought me here.
Let’s gooo that’s so dope
Man, our tastes align quite a bit in both Sci Fi and Fantasy. Like I mentioned the on the other video, you've got a great vibe and I'm glad you took the plunge into longer form content here on YT. Not jealous you have more subs in 2 videos than I do in 8 months. Nope, not at all :). Killer video Smitty!!
Super dope and you will get there for sure! Subbing now
I got goosebumps when I saw Demon in White as you #1. I read this back in pandemic days and I was wondering why no one was shouting it out the rooftops. So glad it’s getting the attention it rightful deserves recently. DIW was my favorite until I reached Ashes of Man, the fifth in the series. Ugh wish I can be you so I can experience it all anew!! Keep us posted on your wild journey!
Ahhh excited to continue the series! And yes Demon in White absolutely insane
@@Smitty1423the next three books are just as good as the first three!!! Sun Eater is the greatest sci fi series of all time. Second to none.
Defiently worth starting the second trilgoy Dark Age and Light Bringer Top Morning Star by a long shot.
Wild if true
Oh yeah man idk how brown does it the second arc is better than the first. Light bringer is an all time great.
I was going to come say the same thing, highly recommend doing the second era. I think its better also, the impact of decisions in the first series and the character perspectives chosen for the second era are more impactful then the first era. And the battles are just wild, especially in the most recent book.. Eagerly awaiting the final.
Also stumbled onto suneater earlier this year. Couldn't agree more, that series is phenomenal couldn't put it down until I finished disquiet gods.
@@Smitty1423Yes, it's so worth it to continue the Red Rising series. I was planning to make a comment similar to this
Will counter and say that I don’t think RR gets better than it did in book 2/3 but I still have really enjoyed the second arc.
Personally i wouldn’t have went into many details of project Hail Mary. Finding out about the secondary character was the best part of the story.
Fair
Project Hail Mary is one of my all time favorites 👏🏽
Just started the Sun Eater series, and now I can't wait to get to Demon in White!
(Also I'm here from tiktok and so excited to find your channel here)
Ahhh so dope you are here from TikTok! You gotta let me know your thoughts on Sun Eater 👀
@@Smitty1423 I read the first and a little bit of the second book of the sun eater series. I put it on the backburner because it was so slow. I also didn't like how the narrator (the MC) always spoils things lol. "This will be the last time I would ever see her" "Little did I know, his majesty had a surprise in store for me" stuff like that.
Top 5 sci fi
1. Speaker for the Dead
2. Earth Afire
3. Skyward
4. Rondevous with Rama
5. Dune
You gave me some good recs here
@@Smitty1423 thanks man I appreciate your book reviews.
My top 5
5.Kindred
4.Empire of Silence( read this because you recommended it. It didn’t disappoint)
3.Leviathan Wakes
2.1984
1.Sea of tranquility
Ahh that’s so fire! You gotta continue the sun eater series for sure and great list!
@@Smitty1423 I started book 2 today. I had other books on my TBR I’ve been meaning to start but now I gotta push them back
Yay O E Bultler! My favorite by her is the Earthseed books and Dawn
Can’t wait for you to read Disquiet Gods. That was one of the wildest reading experiences ever
Really ready for it
I can't wait to read proyect hail mary. I just started reading and am in the middle of the sword of kaigen.
That book was such a banger
@Smitty1423 Dude you need to get to Kingdoms of Death. Suneater is easily my favorite Sci fi series of all time. Book 6 is the best in the series so far imo.
@@dooby7437 wow
Demon in White is so so good. Best sci fi book ever written.
Yes 1000%
YES! Demon in White isn’t only my best sci fi book of all time, it just rose to my best book of all time (fiction/non fiction/ contemporary/classic)! A literary marvel to behold!
Like wow this book is soooo good
3 Body Problem series. 2nd book Dark Forest was amazing! The Mountain in the Sea was great. I agree on Dune and Red Rising.
@@sigw7080 gotta check those out!
My top 5:
1. Firestar (first book of the Firestar Trilogy)
2. Time Enough for Love
3. Dune
4. Foundation by Asimov
5. Starship Troopers
Honorable mention: The Martian
Love the enthusiasm for Howling Dark. Have yet to read any of these, but if you haven't yet, I would recommend trying Foundation by Isaac Asimov and Ender's Game and if you enjoy it, try Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. They're my favourite Sci-fi of all time thus far.
I’ve heard about those! They are on the list for sure
i’m split between if i prefer sci fi or fantasy. also finish the red rising series, i think dark age will be one of your favorites.
Yeah I’m split too and will do!
Loving the shirt, I really gotta get more into sci-fi. Suneater is high priority.
You gotta check out sun eater! Thanks for the compliment!
You need to read the three body problem and it’s sequels if you enjoyed dune. It has a lot of the same creative juice in a way, it also is super plot based, and the characters aren’t as bad as people think they are. Book one is like a mystery kind of thing, but books two and three will blow your mind,
I have it on my list for sure!
This was perfect! Added Project Hail Mary and Demon in White (going to jump into the 1st book). My favorite scifi so far is 'Children Of Time' series. Happy to come across your Channel!
Happy you are here too! I need to check out Children of Time I have been putting it off for too long
Great list. Hadrian Marlowe is that guy! If you loved Morningstar, wait until you read the other books in the Red Rising Saga. You’re in for a treat.
@@KindlesandKicks he really is that guy! Half mortal ✊🏾
I’m currently reading golden son. If I keep my pace I’ll finish it in about 3-4 days. It’s a great book and I already have morning son on stand by. Once I read that because of your recommendations the sun eater series is my next series I want to really read. Thanks to you I got into reading so thanks a lot.
Okay, when you move upstairs, we’re going to need that bookshelf tour!
I think you might be the first person I’ve found who loved Morning Star the most of the Red Rising Saga. Golden Son was a bit too fast paced for me - I couldn’t recover from what happened before something else happened. Morning Star was my Goldilocks book - it was juuuuussssst right.
Got you
🙏 You’re giving me life right now. Dark Matter is another favorite of mine! Recursion is AH-mazing and the Wayward Pines trilogy is a great sci fi/horror blend. It’s hard to pick a favorite from Crouch’s work - it’s all unique and good in its own right.
Your list
honorable mention - Dune - I've read
5. Morning Star - haven't read
4. Ready Player One - haven't read
3. Dark Matter - I've read
2. Project Hail Mary - I've read
1. Demon in White - Haven't read
5 of my favorites in no particular order
Dune - Frank Herbert
Hyperion - Dan Simmons
Children of Time - Adrian Tchaikovsky
Starship Troopers - Robert A Heinlein
Anathem - Neal Stephenson
I want to read all of the books in your list that I haven't read yet.
Keep trucking brother
Love this list! I have a few on mine as well that I need to check out
I'm about 75% into Anathem right now, slow start but I'm really enjoying it, and I just ordered the first 2 Hyperion books so hopefully I'll jump into those in August. Also I've heard good things about Children of Time, so on my next haul I may check that out...Good stuff
A Sci-Fi list! My recommendations for the genre are The Expanse series and if you don’t have plans for the future, The Horus Heresy.
That series is on my list for sure!
@Smitty1423 the lore and worldbuilding of Warhammer 40K is phenomenal, I've heard great things about the novels as well 💯.
Great list! If you are a fan of Dune and the Sun Eater series, you would enjoy Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Also the three body problem is some of the best and most unique scifi I’ve ever read and there’s a show out now that’s killing it so far! Definitely also check out more of Blake Crouch’s stuff if you haven’t already
It’s on my list for sure!
I listened to Project Hail Mary on Audio and was blown away. It is definitely in the conversation as my favorite book ever. I lean more toward scifi so I'm going to be giving some of these a try.
Book was incredible
Project Hail Mary got me into reading. I dont even remember how i found it but man that book was just so intriguing
And now they are making it a movie! Hopefully they do it justice!
@@Smitty1423 Ryan Gosling as Ryland? It's defo gonna be a hit!
guess it's finally time to start reading sun eater. some else mentioned it but children of time is a must read for some hard sci-fi, it's truly incredible!
adrian tchoikovsky also writes a lot of fantasy & i've heard the doors of eden is a great blend of the two genres you might enjoy.
love the channel!
Might be time and yepp I gotta check it out!
Golden Son and Light Bringer are my favorite books in the Red Rising saga. I also love Morning Star, but the later books in the series are truly ALL masterpieces. Definitely recommend picking the series back up at some point!
It’s on the list to pick back up for sure
Dude Sun Eater became my favorite series overnight
Like so insane
Hey Smitty. Read Recursion. Whew many twist and turns. Great! Read 1st Red Rising some time ago and loved it. I am inspired to continue series. Probably start over with Red Rising to refresh. I have Dark Matter but haven’t read it yet. Love your channel and style. 👍💚
@@pattypage6723 appreciate that and yepp read Recursion and it was absolutely fire!
Dude sun eater sounds amazing I gotta try that! I’m almost done with Wheel of Time then I might skip over to scifi for a little!
Love your channel right now!
@@Thomas.R.Howell thanks and yeah sun eater is insane
Great selection of novels. I loved all of these books. Hyperion Cantos and Use of Weapons also up there for me.
Great video. The only one on your list I've read is Ready Player One. It hit that sweet spot of futuristic and nostalgia. I didn't think it was possible, but here we are.
That one was so damn good
It's so funny that I ran across your channel because I've been debating well over a decade about starting a channel about my favorite genre which is sci-fi books. I was looking for some new books to read and I just popped by your channel thank you kid
@@IMBROKENLEG this is your sign!
Sci fi fantasy blends!! I love anything that challenges the boundaries of genre. Thank you!!
So damn good and Sun Eater does it so welllll
Project Hail Mary was my first 5 star sci-fi of the year I loved it so much! My top 5 includes Illuminae and 4 different Adrian Tchaikovsky books, his sci-fi stuff just hits different, I’d highly recommend The Doors of Eden and Children of Time if you haven’t checked him out yet!
I gotta check out Children of time for sure
you should consider making these a top ten. a lot of people tend to have similar top 5s, but more hot takes from 6-10
Not a bad idea at all!
Howling Dark is in the middle of the left bundle 😅 had spotted it before you brought it up 🎉
Edit: I had this comment posted before the end of the vid 👍🏻
Haha I had a brain fart by not seeing it until the end lmao
I just started getting into audio books and so far I have listened to Level Five narrated by Macleod Andrews and Quantum Radio narrated by Ray Porter, both were awesome! Looking forward to listening to Level Six and checking out more of A.G. Riddle books.
I’ll have to look into these for sure!
I just caught up on Sun Eater a few weeks ago and Demon In White has launched up my all time favorite books list. Such a great series!
Book is really incredible
My top 5: Skyward, Red Rising, Mazerunner, Super Powereds, Ready player one. Also first 4 books of Sun Eater are currently free on audible right now if you're a member, I'm definitely going to start listening to those. I only listen to books so not a true book junkie but loving this channel and glad I found it. Red Rising series was a fantastic listen, the amazing narrator helped me like those books even more. Adding many of your books to my future listening list.
That’s dope!
I hope you continue on the RR series! It gets soooooo much better
But ya I agree on your thoughts on the author 🤭
@BOOKFE1N I'm confused did pierce do something or say something?
If you enjoy some humor with your Sci fi I recommend Dennis E. Taylor’s series Bobiverse. It’s definitely a lighter read than the ones you have listed but still worth reading.
Will look into it
You are giving me new books to try yay! 🖤 also I’m getting Dune soon! I’m excited😅
That’s so dope!
How many of your favorite sci-fi books/series thus far also have really cool maps, charts, glossaries or other supplemental materials? Which ones do you think could be adapted into a full-cast audio experience even better than a movie or tv series?
If I’m not mistaken the sun eater series (Demon in White) is the only book on here that has a glossary.
In terms of adaptation, Ready Player One, Dark Matter and Project Hail Mary(soon) are already adapted. Would love to see Sun Eater tho
Let’s go with some recommendations. One of it is Commonwealth Saga - it’s a duo starting Pandora’s Star. It’s a kind of space opera but… kinda not. First contact, conspiracy theory, murder mystery, how the society handles some stuff, there are some intense war parts with close combat and space battles but mainly character heavy thing. Even has a strange portal fantasy like story element for one storyline. All in 2 books.
Oh yes, you are missing Octavia Butler… to be shocked. Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. 👌🏽
Books to meditate on? Banks - Culture. Great example of the series is Player of Games. It’s on the level of Dune.
Of course we can’t leave out Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead when you talk about Red Rising. We know that everyone says it’s based on Hunger Games and that based on Ender’s Game… Speaker for the Dead on the other hand was the original idea of the author why he wrote it. And that’s a very different story. Both got Hugo and Nebula awards for a reason.
And just for a taste from cyberpunk Altered Carbon trilogy. Yes, it has a bit similarities to the Netflix show at least in s1, but that was it, it has awesome action scenes, the main character is crazy as heck (written in first person), it’s not really technology focused it uses only as a tool, so it’s fun not annoying to always listen to the tech speech.
You didn’t hear enough the Three-Body Problem? 😁
I chose some books that are not so usual on booktok.
Foundation? No one got love for Asimov here
All of the booktubers are talking about the Sun Eater series, and I HAVE to go read it sometime! 😩 I don’t usually read sci-fi, but the Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is my favorite book of all time.
You gotta get to it! And I’ll check that out!
Project Hail Mary is my #1 Sci-fi book. Its so damn good I've read it so many times since its came out. Definitely recommend audiobook for this one its such a good audiobook!
You are right Rocky is such a great character.
Glad to have stumbled across another Sun Eater fan. If Demon in White was emotional, buckle up, the following books are quite the wild ride!
Love the channel!
Insane if true and thank you!!
Project Hail Mary is getting an adaptation with Ryan Gosling!!! i'm hyped!
Ready for it
Thing about Dune is it might be the greatest, yes, but once you've read Dune Messiah and Children of Dune (God Emperor should be read as well) it takes several steps forward and makes Paul maybe the best character ever written as he's explored post Jihad. Each of those first four could be a contender for best in the series.
Have Empire of Silence on my shelf waiting to be read, I'm so stoked. Just have to finish Guy Gavriel Kay's Tigana first (then a quick Zito Madu's The Minotaur at Calle Lanza)
That’s fire and I will look into continuing Dune!
You had me at Dark Matter!!! ❤
That’s fire
Thank you 🙏🏽 Dark Matter was really good…can’t wait to checkout your other recs
Dark matter was soooo good and hope you enjoy them!
Cool to see a new booktuber with similar tastes! I would recommend continuing with Red Rising series, I think Darrows journey into the future of ruling is fascinating. Also, I’ll make a plug for a classic that’s one of my all time favorites, Hyperion!
I’ll have to check it out!
Stoked for you to get to the next two in sun eater
@@Chance.Dillon I’m stoked too
Ready Player 1!!!! I LOVED it, my first sci fi book, read it last summer. It put me into a reading slump, in a good way, I didn't think there'd be another book as good as that.
That book is so amazing
My list. Top 6 bc two are tied
T-5. These Burning Stars
T-5. Velocity Weapon
4. The Dark Forest
3. Recursion
2. Ready Player One
1. Project Hail Mary
Fire
The Dark Forest is up there for me too. That book haunts me.
1. The Book of the New Sun by Wolfe
2. Speaker for the Dead by Card
3. A Fire Upon the Deep by Vinge
4. Ender’s Game by Card
5. Dune by Herbert
I respect our difference in opinions, but for me Project Hail Mary doesn’t come within a mile of Dune, even if it is highly entertaining. TBOTNS raised the ceiling I didn’t realize I’d set for how great I thought stories could be. Wolfe was the man.
Sci-Fi is my second favorite genre as well. I just finished Dark Matter a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing. I'm in the process of acquiring the Sun Eater series (I have books 1, 4, 5, and 6, I prefer hardcover books and I'm having a hard time finding books 2 and 3 at a reasonable price) but I'm really excited to read it. I haven't read any of the other books on your list but Project Hail Mary is definitely on my TBR. My personal favorite Sci-Fi is Ender's Game.
I still need to check out Enders Game!
I typically just read Fantasy... but I'm delving into Sci-Fi now, and have started Empire of Silence... I'm absolutely and utterly hooked on Suneater. I'm being converted into a sci-fi fan..
@@chrisgoods yooo that’s so lit and that’s how I was too!
I appreciate the Dark Matter recommendation. I am going to give that one a try.
You should! It’s so damn good
I hear about sun eater so much it sounds super interesting, I'm dying to read it.
You def should check it out!
My dip into scifi is Halo. I have the first book but going thru what im on right now before i start it, but ik ill like it already because loved the games growing up.
I loved the games so much I def gotta check out the books
The next book, Kingdom of Death, is very dark and one of my favorites in the Sun Eater series.
Excited for it even though I did hear that haha
loved your video!! I always try to get people to read my favourite sci fi and favourite book in general of all time because I never see anyone even knowing that book. And it’s Metro 2033. this one got me into reading as an adult and it really will forever be my favourite, just the atmosphere and bleakness are so heavy and because of this book I always get a little uneasy travelling by the subway or metro. The main character really goes through quite heavy stuff as well and the uncertainty if he could make it through the next chellange at all just really hit the nail. it’s more post apocalyptic than your 'typical' sci fi but I really hope that at least one person may find it interesting and gives it a try :)
Will look into it
Great video, also reading the sun eater series, excited to get to demon in white!
@@TheBlazegeo let me know when you do!!
I loved Project Hail Mary and Dune, but haven’t read the others on your list (yet). I’d highly recommend checking out Ender’s Game as an easy read to mix up the pace. It’s a quick and easy read that really surprised me with its depth and themes.
Will check it out!
I started watching you on tiktok, and because of you i started the Cosmere (tysm for this, finished WoR last week), now i want some sci-fi and i find again your video, so i already know the 5 books are bangers, tysm and keep the good work!
@@vkenzo90 ahh let’s gooo this is so dope!
@@Smitty1423 hugs from Brasil bro!!! Keep it up!
Great list! I’ve heard phenomenal things about Howling Dark, so I’m excited to hear Demon in White surpassed that level for you. I don’t know what I’m doing not reading Sun Eater, but I will someday! 😅
You gotta read it and let me know!
I've never been interested in 'ready player one', but after this video, I need to read it. Thank you!
You should check it out!
Just finished PHM. It’s was great read for me, but it’s crazy how I never see any of The Expanse books on anybody’s top list. I’ve read them all twice through and can’t think of many books I’ve enjoyed more.
I gotta add it to the list!
@@Smitty1423 I just started Morning Star. Sun Eater series next on the list.
Chaos walking trilogy is one of my personal favorite sci-fi/dystopian series. It's so unique and pretty underrated.
I’ll have to look into it!
So good! Loved the video ❤️
So glad you loved it!
My top 2 sci-fi books: A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge and The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Will have to look into it!
If Ready Player One put you into a movie slump, do NOT watch Ender's Game 😋 And thanks for getting Slim Shady stuck in my head 😛😆 Great list.
😭😭😭
I don't know about the order of books, but some of my favorites are Nemesis Games by James S A Corey, Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie, and Requiem Moon by C T Rwizi
Thanks for the recs!
Red rising been my fav since 2014. Finish the rest of the series it gets way better and more adult. Howerlife🐺
Another banger! Keep it up!
I’m personally so excited to start the sun eater series! I’m a bit newer to reading sci-fi, but I’ve read the entire ‘the expanse’ series and LOVED it!
I also really really loved ready player one
You’ll love this one for sure
Great list! Those are some stellar books! I do highly recommend you continue with the rest of the Red Rising books, the journey gets even more epic. Here are some more recs for you: The Expanse series is amazing. The House of Suns by Reynolds is incredible. Anything and everything by Tchaikovsky (his fantasy series Shadows of the Apt is on my top ten list), but for sci-fi I especially recommend the Children of Time trilogy, Dogs of War, Cage of Souls. I also recommend The Remebrance of Earth's Past by Cixin Liu, especially books 2 and 3 are fantastic.
Thank you for the recs!
Ive started reading Sci Fi for the first time recently (used to exclusively read fantasy before) and my first sci fi book was Hyperion and man it blew me away! Chapter 1 is the best opening chapter I've read of a book period. Highly recommend.
About to finish book 2 then I'm gonna check out Empire of Silence
I’m def going to check it out
Well done on your rapid channel growth! I read Red Rising earlier this year, like you I thought it was ok. But i have heard before that it gets better and better. Ready Player 1 gets a lot of shit for being basic, but I enjoyed it mainly for the 80s nostalgia. I read Dark Matter a month or two back, it was a fun airport thriller type of thing, i blew through it an afternoon. The sci fi elements i thought were cursory but i didn't really care. I loved PHM last year, had a blast, I loved Rockie and the bromance. His 2nd book was pretty bad tho. I am a recent convert to Sun Eater, i finished Demon in White last month, it's a contender for my book of the year. The first three were a 9, 9.5 and 9.5 for me. I'm half way through the 4th book and so far it's less great than the first three. I was lucky to have a chat with Ruocchio on my channel a few weeks back, enjoyed talking with him. 👍📚🚀👽🎬
That’s so dope I need to check that out!
Sun Eater rocked my whole world in December. I immediately reread them. My husband read and reread them. We talked about them so much. We are both heavy readers and are both huge fans. We are currently laughing our asses off with Dungeon Crawler Carl, which is extra great as an audiobook.
Sun Eater is so damn good!!
If you love sci-fantasy, I’d say The Book of The New Sun by Gene Wolfe..with the Alzabo Soup podcast as a companion to the reading.
@@mystikmusings5451 I’ll look into it for sure!
This vid just popped in my feed. Great list. Ive read all but RP1 & agree with your thoughts. Like others here, Id recommend The Expanse & after that, if you enjoy mind blowing scifi concepts, check out Alastair Reynolds. Start him with Eversion & then roll right into Revelation Space. Also, Hyperion will be an instant all timer.
Will look into the Expanse and Hyperion!
You saying you liked reading about different timelines reminded me of the first book in the Licanius trilogy. Cool seeing books take that perspective
I read the first book in that series need to read the other ones
I love the Red Rising series and Dark Matter as well. If you haven’t read The Culture you should check those books out.
Haven’t heard of that! Will check it out though
I’ve seen so many people hyping up sun eater. Guess i’ll finally give it a shot. Also it’s funny you put the third book here when the others (apparently) get even better
Wild if true but yeah this series is nuts
Dune is good, Hyperion is amazing, one of the best sci fi novels I've ever read. Infinity Gate is excellent as well
I gotta check out Hyperion!
I've read all the books on your list but your #1. Looking forward to checking it out. If you liked ready player one, you should check out Player of Games by Ian M Banks. It's one of The Culture series. A must read for anyone into gaming. Also, if you liked Project Hail Mary, check out We Are Legion, We Are Bob; excellent sci-fi ride.
I will look into it!
Loved Project Hail Mary and Dune, and quite liked Dark Matter but didn't really feel the ending was the best. Pierce Brown and Ruocchio are on the reading list, but I am waiting until the final book is finished before I start them. Eagerly anticipating those moments though!
Great video!
Dope and thanks!
Oh you gotta continue red rising, the follow-up trilogy is incredible. You should also check out The Stars my Destination by Alfred Bester. Written in 1956 and it was waaay ahead of its time. It blew my mind. it Super short book. I may be wrong but I think it was the first we saw a main character that was actually not a good guy, the all-american hero. The kind of book you have to read multiple times.
Thanks for the rec!
I usually read cozy mysteries (MC Beaton) and murder mysteries, but I LOVED Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary so damn good
keep grinding boss. good stuff
Appreciate it!
Dude I don't do Tiktok but love your CZcams videos. You have the SAME reading taste and in some cases top 5s as me. Looking forward to more of this content!
Incredible!
I've been reading SF for way too long to have a top 5, but a few that might make that kind of list:
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Robert A. Heinlein
Trading in Danger, Elizabeth Moon
On Basilisk Station, David Weber
Quarter Share, Nathan Lowell
Star Guard, Andre Norton
Janissaries, Jerry Pournelle
March Upcountry, Weber and John Ringo
Hammer's Slammers, David Drake
Forever War, Joe Haldeman
Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card
Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes
Weapons Shops of Isher, A.E. Van Vogt
Science Fiction Hall of Fame V. 1, various
Will add some of these to my list!
I bought a used copy of Project Hail Mary about a year ago and I think I’m finally going to get to it after I finish my current book. I’m more of a horror novel kinda guy, but I’m also waiting to read Dunr and I’ve been looking pretty hard at some Blake Crouch books. Glad to see you recommended some of the things on my TBR! Can’t wait to see the new setup for your videos! Later gator 🐊
Dope and later!!
Great video! I added Project Hail Mary to my tbr list from your 6 star vid on tiktok. I'll check it out before the movie comes out. Is there another Sci-fi book you would recommend to someone for their first Sci-fi book that wasn't on the list or should I go ahead with Project Hail Mary? Also starting Mistborn today!!! :) Happy reading Smitty!
Go ahead with PHM! And ahh Mistborn is so damn good!
Glad I found your channel!
Glad you did too!
I freaking love the suneater series so much
So damn much