'Best' SF and fantasy novels list

[vilakins]

From nwhyte via communicator, the 'best' SF and fantasy novels of the 20th and 21st centuries from the Locus poll. Bold means I've read it, italic means I didn't finish it, and struck out means I didn't like it.

Comments

[lolmac]

I personally really liked: The Hunger Games, Old Man's War, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, The Anubis Gates. None of them are laughs and giggles, but they all have enough light to offset the dark and bleak -- even The Hunger Games (which is truly brilliant writing).

I have very fond memories of McCaffrey, although I eventually ditched most of her books (I actually kept Dragonflight, though).

I selectively enjoy Bradbury, Lovecraft and Gaiman for pure style, and The Last Unicorn, Swords of Lankhmar, and Conan the Barbarian as key items from their own moments in cultural history.

I don't read Stephen King on principle -- I simply Do Not Do horror, no matter how well-written.

I won't read GRR Martin for many different reasons, ranging from loathing the books to loathing the author, and I salute you for having the strength to steer clear of him.

[vilakins]

Thanks, I will try some of those, but not the Hunger Games. I doubt it's my thing, esp if the main character drowns a kitten.

I've enjoyed all the Gaiman I've read and really should get my hands on more. I will not read horror unless it's funny like the zombie book set at a con, and I have no intention of reading--or watching--the G R R Martin stuff. I like to be entertained, not depressed or revolted.

[vjezkova]

I am glad I am not the only one who would not read G.R.R.Martin´s book. I share your view of it - dark, depressive...I am possibly that old-fashioned on who demands that the Good wins over the Evil.
So No S. King for me either.
Recently I returned to S.Lem - do you know his Astronauts? Not very optimistic either but full of humanity.
I liked Pullmans trilogy Northerc Lights, The Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass, very original!
I do have a collection of sci fi and fantasy, some titles from your list too.

[vilakins]

I've read quite a few Stanislaus Lems and this year bought several from the 2nd-hand bookshop. Thanks for reminding me; I must find them.

[lolmac]

*blinks* Drowns a kitten?!?

Um, I'll go back and check our copy, but I sure don't remember any drowned kittens. There's a cranky cat that the protagonist doesn't drown -- in fact, she saves the cat a couple of times, because it's her sister's cat.

That said: it's brilliant writing, as I said, and I loved the book. But it's an emotional roller coaster. 'Savagely dystopic' is just the starting point. There are so many good books to read in the world, after all, and we get to choose which ones we take in!

[vilakins]

I'm just going by what someone I don't know posted somewhere, that she tried to drown a kitten. OK, that's wrong, butI'm still not keen on dystopias unless there's hope and some lightness. I really loved Ready Player One; could hardly put it down.

[lolmac]

Oh, I LOVED Ready Player One -- talk about an instant favourite!! I just finished re-reading it, in fact, and was sad at the end simply because there wasn't any more of it.

[vilakins]

That's how I felt!