My favorite novels are from Vernor Vinge.

I didn't want to set down any of these until I was done reading them and still wanted more.

(You should read these in the order they were released although it's not mandatory.)

The Peace War (1984)

http://www.worldswithoutend.com/novel.asp?ID=371

Marooned in Realtime (1986)

http://www.worldswithoutend.com/novel.asp?ID=375

A Fire Upon the Deep (1992)

http://www.worldswithoutend.com/novel.asp?ID=40

A Deepness in the Sky (1999)

http://www.worldswithoutend.com/novel.asp?ID=47

And of course these are just a few of my favorites.

Can't forget about the Enders Game Series ! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ender%27s_Game_%28series%29

Not read much scfi in the last few years,but started again last year Peter F Hamilton Night Dawn Trilogy

definitely worth a look for fans of space opera

http://www.lucasdigital.plus.com/nightsdawn/Introduction/introduction.html

Thx VinhDucanh and Pinback.

I will have to eventually find some time to sit down and read a good book because I haven't in a number of years and when I did it was some fantasy (Wheel of Time series). I know I wouldn't mind reading something like an SciFi horror or something weird like a Event Horizon style book.

Reading book three of Saga of Seven Suns by Kevin J. Anderson, pretty standard space opera stuff.

Did any of you read the novels "Crest of the Stars". It's a very nice read. Shame only the first 3 novels were translated into English. 🙁

Not familiar with it,look up what old lair had to say and it came up with this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crest_of_the_Stars

Is this the one you mean ❓ .

Yes it's that one. The trilogy "Crest of the Stars" was translated into English. But the novels coming after it (Banner of the Stars) are sadly not translated 🙁

All I can do is hope that Tokyopop will translate it one day. For now will have to do with the Anime adaption (which isn't bad either).

Have you read any Tom Clancy? His original books, not the ones ghost-authored by his apprentices?

I never pick up a Clancy book on a Sunday night... I wouldn't make it to work on Monday morning because I would be reading all night. 🙂

Clancy's books take a little more work to read than other authors, but that is exactly why they are so captivating. He goes deep into the tech and spins incredibly realistic tales... including behind-the-scenes politics (as discussed in other recent threads here on SSC).

Any of his books are great, but here are some of my personal favs, in no particular order:

[*:1vckhwju]

Hunt for Red October -- who would think that a submarine chase (at 3 miles per hour) could be so thrilling?

[*:1vckhwju]Executive Orders -- absolutely rockin' high tech tank battle in the Middle East, among other things.

[*:1vckhwju]Debt of Honor -- did this inspire 9/11? Includes a wild ride in a Commanche stealth helicopter.

[*:1vckhwju]Patriot Games -- five minutes of real time take many pages to cover in superb detail. Would you do what Jack Ryan did in the park?

[*:1vckhwju]Without Remorse -- perhaps Clancy's most vicious tale -- the story of the man who became "John Clark -- a 'real' James Bond". How, and why, he joined the CIA. The prisoner-of-war rescue is a stunning and awe-inspiring example of what a single, well-trained, commando can do. This book has a different "feel" than the others, but it might be my favorite. It is hard to pick from so many excellent books!

The Dune series are a fantastic read, but ive been reading a lot of fantasy over the last few years,the`Sword of Truth` series by Terry Goodkind is by far the most deep and unputdownable books ive ever read! I STRONGLY RECOMMEND these to anyone!

Ive stopped reading entirely out of preference, but a few good sci-fi books I remember;

Star Soldiers - Andre Norton (Free online.)

http://www.webscription.net/10.1125/Bae ... 318276.htm

Star Rangers - (Central Control Book I )

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/n/and ... angers.htm

*Both of these came together, and are written by Andre Norton. Different series, same flavor very high sci-fi and a good read.

Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ende r's_Game

A mind bender, very suspenseful, and an absolute killer twist at the end. Also a very good look into a child's mind. Kind of creepy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat - A good series of small books about a future thief. Pretty smart.

Also google the ORIGINAL Starship troopers, Ive heard its a fantastic book. More of a social commentary on a socialist regime vs aliens, and not knowing what is worse.

OMG.... Ender's Game is truly a winner! It won a bunch of awards, and stands out as something really different from the norm. Very creative. I read the entire series so that I could find out what happens in the end. That is something like 13 books, maybe? My advice is: "Stop at Ender's Game". It is the best of Orson Scott Card. The rest are "OK", but there are better things to do with your time.

And ANYTHING by Robert Heinlein is, of course, the epitome of Sci-Fi classics. He and Asimov wrote the majority of great Sci-Fi for several decades. Starship Troopers is only one of many of his awesome books. "Friday" is a personal fav! -- one of the hottest, sexiest, sci-fi novels ever written -- while maintaining a PG13 rating. They just don't make 'em like Friday anymore!

Was having a look around HMV this morning when I came across a large fat book about the making of the Empire Strikes Back, must be some sort 30th anniversary book the same as StarWars had a couple of years ago. will have to got back and have another look tomorrow, has any one else seen it.

Yes it the 30th anniversary of the making of Empire Strikes Back I was compelled by Darth Lucas and the dark side of the marketing force to buy it there and then. 😀

"Alien Vault the definitive story of the making of the film" excellent book if you are fanboy of the film definitely check this one out.

Also got Prometheus the art of the film also another must buy.

I could recommend dozens of good sci-fi reads - but I'll just mention Coyote, by Allen Steele... an excellent read!

I strongly recommend this one :

[attachment=1354:200px-Revelation_Space_cover_(Amazon).jpg]