Science fiction has quite the ability to capture our attention. It inspires us to think deeply about the world’s vast possibilities – both present and future. These fascinating stories on the surface seem profoundly different than our reality. However, when you truly think about the complexity and fragility of life, these once implausible stories become hauntingly relatable. I’ve been diving deep into the world of science fiction this summer and have been absolutely captivated. Here are three science fiction novels that I recommend you read.
Andromeda by James Wells
Andromeda is a fascinating and chilling reflection of Earth’s future. In the novel, humanity is forced to leave a dying Earth. The population heads for the next habitable planet – but when they arrive, they find that they are not alone. One of the ships begins a war with the local alien species. Then Casey, a teenaged boy from Baltimore and his friends uncover a secret about the planet that can either cause more deadly destruction or end the war.
One of the biggest themes played out throughout the book is – will history repeat itself? After a nuclear war, Earth was devastated. World leaders decided that the only path for human survival involves fleeing the dying planet and seeking life elsewhere. Once they find a habitable planet, one thing becomes clear – it faces the same destructive threats as Earth. Powerfully relevant, James Wells’ triumphant science fiction novel begs us to examine human nature and poses the question – can we overcome greed and our destructive nature?
Heaven Sequence by Dorian McClenahan
This transfixing fiction novel makes us ponder one of life’s most profound, yet intimidating questions: what happens after we die? In Heaven Sequence, you meet Dr. Christian Alexander, a world-renowned cognitive neuroscientist who works at a neurological research center in New York City. He is driven by a childhood obsession to find his father who disappeared after his birth.
Ever since he discovered photographs of his father, Christian is led to believe that his father left to live in a far-off paradise. From that point on, Christian is consciously and unconsciously seeking to discover the realm where he lives – a place beyond the near-death experience. He hypothesizes that there is considerable cognitive activity within the human brain for several minutes after death, and that it can be measured scientifically. His post-death experiments with humans’ closest relative, the Gorilla, confirm his suspicions. Obsessed to the point of hallucinations, Dr. Alexander conducts clandestine research looking for human post-death cognition which, his inner child tells him, is the realm where his father lives. In the process he comes upon a revelation of what the human brain is capable of well after all life has left the rest of the body.
Earth’s Ecocide: Hope 2147 by David A. Collier
Earth’s Ecocide is a suspenseful and imaginative portrayal of life on Earth if the temperatures and sea levels continue to rise. With gripping climate-focused undertones and memorable characters, this is quite an impressive work of science fiction.
In the novel, author David A. Collier takes readers on a haunting journey through a world in the not-so-distant future. The global temperatures have increased, the sea levels have risen, and humanity is learning how to live alongside highly intelligent robots. As we currently manage the rise of artificial intelligence and a changing climate, I admit that this book can be a bit spooky to read.
It’s a character driven novel that reminds us to never take this beautiful planet for granted – and how our actions can have horrific implications in the future. Not only does the book chronicle a compelling story, but it also presents the issues of climate change in an engaging manner that will entertain and inspire readers. If you are a reader of climate fiction, Earth’s Ecocide absolutely must be on your list.
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