Hugonauts: The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time

Dive into a lively discussion about the 2025 Nebula Awards, exclusively featuring fantasy nominees this year. The hosts break down fantastic titles like 'Rakesfall' and 'A Sorceress Comes to Call,' exploring themes of female agency and intricate narratives. They dissect character depth, including a shapeshifter's poignant journey and the challenges of familial trauma. Discover why the landscape of fantasy captivates readers, particularly today's younger audience, while enjoying humorous insights on literary trends and awards.

Gordon Burroughs, a resident expert on fantasy literature and contributor to surveys for audience input, shares his profound knowledge of the genre. He discusses the top ten fantasy novels as voted by fans, exploring intricate tales like 'The Way of Kings' and transformative journeys in 'Earthsea.' The conversation dives into themes of language in 'Babel' and the complexity of characters in the 'First Law Trilogy.' Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, showcasing the lasting emotional impact of these beloved stories on readers.

As always, no spoilers until the end when we do our plot explainer and discussion.Join the Hugonauts book club on discord!Or you can watch the episode on YouTube if you prefer videoSimilar books we recommend: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsThe Murderbot Diaries by Martha WellsMonk and Robot series by Becky Chambers

That said, there are some problems with this book too, which made this a fun one to talk about - Brent liked it a lot more than Cody did. Plus, love em or hate em, Asimov thought up some very alien aliens.As always, no spoilers until the end when we get into the full plot explanation and discussion. NEW THRU 2025-05-15: Fill out our listener survey to tell us your favorite fantasy novels and series, and see them covered in an episode soon!Join the Hugonauts book club on discord!Or you can watch the episode on YouTube if you prefer videoSimilar books we recommend: The Foundation trilogy by Isaac AsimovThe Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven and Jerry PournelleThe Expanse by James S.A. Corey

If you like gritty cyberpunk settings, a page-turning, action-driven plot, and a lot of visceral explorations of violence and sexuality, this one's for you. If you're looking for deep characters, a carefully crafted plot, or philosophical ideas, this might not be your next read.As always, no spoilers until the end when we get into the full plot explanation and discussion. This episode is sponsored by The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh, which is available in print or kindle edition here.Join the Hugonauts book club on discord!Or you can watch the episode on YouTube if you prefer videoSimilar books we recommend: Neuromancer by William GibsonTitanium Noir by Nick HarkawayPermutation City by Greg Egan

Solid characters, amazing worldbuilding, and an epic plot that will keep you interested all the way through (and that's no mean feat in such a long book). If you've been thinking about trying out Peter F. Hamilton this is the right place to start.As always, no spoilers until the end when we get into the full plot explanation and discussion. This episode is sponsored by The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh, which is available in print or kindle edition here.Join the Hugonauts book club on discord!Or you can watch the episode on YouTube if you prefer videoSimilar books we recommend: The Salvation Series, Void Trilogy, and Pandora's Star by Peter F. HamiltonThe Culture Series by Iain M. BanksHouse of Suns by Alastair Reynolds

Ann is also the author of Ancillary Sword, Ancillary Mercy, Translation State, Provenance (all set in her Imperial Radch universe), and the excellent stand-alone fantasy novel The Raven Tower.Join the Hugonauts book club on discord!Or you can watch the episode on YouTube if you prefer videoWe talked with Ann about: 1:12 Becoming a writer later in life5:06 The inspiration for the Radch and Ancillary Justice7:48 Creating a gender-less empire12:43 Writing from the POV of an AI16:56 Invisible exposition20:26 Space opera inspired by the real world26:16 Audiobooks and pronunciation34:14 Will we get to see inside the Radch Dyson sphere?35:49 Recent books Ann likes and her influences42:22 Blurbing Murderbot44:16 Ann's next book is set on a rogue planet!

Discover the intrigue of first contact novels, from Sagan's 'Contact' to H.G. Wells' 'War of the Worlds.' The hosts engage in playful debates over their top picks, exploring themes of communication, morality, and humanity's reactions to extraterrestrial life. Journey through haunting narratives like 'Roadside Picnic' and thought-provoking gems like 'The Left Hand of Darkness,' which challenge perceptions of gender and identity. Listen as they highlight how these sci-fi tales mirror real-world issues and the excitement of upcoming adaptations!

Dive into the gripping world of climate fiction as hosts dissect the compelling narrative of a UN initiative tackling extreme heat waves. They explore the emotional resilience of a character facing climate disasters, highlighting the power of storytelling. Innovative solutions to climate change, like glacier pumping and wildlife corridors, ignite discussions on urban planning challenges. Moral dilemmas surface with the Children of Kali, questioning the ethics of climate violence. The episode wraps up by connecting themes of colonization and environmental resilience in recommended sci-fi reads.

Dive into the unsettling world of a young delinquent and his gang in a dystopian setting. Explore the unique language of NADSAT that adds depth to the narrative. Discover how classical music shapes character development while examining themes of crime, punishment, and state intervention. The moral complexities of justice and forced reform prompt thought-provoking discussions. Additionally, uncover classic literature recommendations that resonate with these profound dystopian themes.