What are the characteristics of popular recent science fiction books?

One characteristic is diverse themes. Recent popular fiction books cover a wide range, from mystery like in 'The Silent Patient' to coming - of - age stories. Another is strong character development. For example, in 'Educated', the main character's transformation is very well - portrayed.

One characteristic is innovative concepts. For example, in 'The Three - Body Problem', the idea of a three - sun system and the resulting chaotic planetary orbits is quite novel. Another is diverse characters. In 'The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet', the crew is made up of various species with different cultures and personalities. Also, recent great science fiction often has a strong sense of realism in terms of scientific principles, like in 'The Martian' where the scientific details of survival on Mars are well - researched.

'Ready Player One' by Ernest Cline is also suitable for beginners. It combines science fiction with elements of 1980s pop culture. The story is set in a virtual world where the main character has to complete challenges to inherit a huge fortune. It's a fast - paced and exciting read.

One of the very popular ones is 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It has attracted a large number of readers around the world with its unique and imaginative view of the universe.

Many recent award - winning science fiction books often feature complex world - building. For example, in 'The Three - Body Problem', the author creates a detailed and mind - boggling alien civilization. They also tend to explore deep philosophical questions, like the nature of humanity in 'Ancillary Justice'.

The 'Shadow and Bone' trilogy by Leigh Bardugo has been extremely popular lately. It has a great blend of magic and a somewhat science - fiction - inspired world - building. 'The Poppy War' by R. F. Kuang is also very well - liked. It has a complex and engaging plot set in a fictional world with some science - fiction - adjacent elements. 'Six of Crows' which is also by Leigh Bardugo and is part of the same universe as 'Shadow and Bone' has been very popular among YA readers for its characters and heist - like story.

Some of the top recent science fiction books include 'The Three-Body Problem' by Cixin Liu. It presents a complex and fascinating view of the universe, with alien civilizations and scientific concepts. Another is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It's a story about an astronaut on a desperate mission to save Earth. And 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is also very popular. Its world - building and exploration of politics, ecology, and technology in a far - future setting are remarkable.

One recent science fiction book that stands out is 'Dune: The Duke of Caladan' by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. It gives more backstory to the 'Dune' universe, which is always exciting for fans. It's filled with political intrigue and great character development.

Another great one is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It follows an astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory and has to figure out how to save the Earth. It's full of Weir's signature hard science fiction elements and is a real page - turner.