10 Modern SciFi Reads I Can't Stop Talking About

[@SwamiRabbi]

This is one of the best Sci fi book recommendation videos out there. It's so refreshing to see a list that doesn't just copy and past from the awards sites.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Wow high praise!! Thank you!

[@MilosMilutinovicNS]

Actually, at least half of the books have been either nominated or have received (major) awards. That said, I actually never heard of not a single book: not bad in itself, but I am missing my personal favorites like Bear, Gibson, Simmons, and definitely the Expanse series. But it's one person's opinion. I might give a try to one or the other book, but I can't invest so much time in these trilogies and universes. There's just too much stuff to read.

[@SwamiRabbi]

@@MilosMilutinovicNS Wow, this statement just took years away from my life. It reeks of pretentiousness, drips with boredom and, as is the case with every pretentious person who thinks they're a million times smarter than they actually are that I've ever encountered online, it totally misses the point. Why am I not surprised that what you're missing is the pretentious list, lazily copy and pasted from a million other predictable lists? Why am I not surprised that you don't actually read much but just strut the idea of it for how you think it makes you look? Thanks for reminding me why I found this video and list to be so refreshing :)

[@MilosMilutinovicNS]

@@SwamiRabbi you're entitled to that opinion but you seem way too triggered. I guess you don't like to be wrong. Drink your grande caramel almond caffee latte and calm down. If you watch the video you'll notice these words on the books that say "nominated/won...xy". The fact that I never heard of any of these books just proves my point of there being too much content in general; that does not mean that these books are bad. You make the pretentious assumption that the authors I listed would be featured on "main stream" lists, I haven't seen Simmons or Bear on most but that is irrelevant. I am currently reading the 4th book of the Expanse series and loving it and when I say I don't have time to invest in trilogies/series I mean: I have a life.

[@SwamiRabbi]

@@MilosMilutinovicNS Au contraire, I love to be wrong, that's the best time to learn and develop. What I absolutely don't like is pretentiousness and folks who make statements to make themselves feel smart with zero contribution or furtherance to a discussion. Your points are useless, ironically you're stating that my statement regarding the list being different is wrong while still wanting the list to reflect the usual suspects. Cognitive dissonance at it's finest. You do understand that their is no such thing as right or wrong when judging works of art? This video was refreshing to me, by all means if you want to see lists with the same old names on them go elsewhere, you do also know what the scroll button is for?

[@lesbiiianic]

i absolutely love your editing style, it makes it so much more interesting to watch! always looking for more sci fi recs and it’s so hard to find sci fi booktubers

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Aww!! Thank you for watching!!

[@JFM284]

I read Remanent Population because of your recommendation. I can't express how much I LOVED it. It's the kind of book that stays with you. I often find my mind drifting over and visiting Ophelia in her world.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

🔥 🔥 🔥 Thank u so much for telling me! This made my day!

[@matthewhockey3473]

Some solid recs here and very refreshing to see a channel where its not just the same books everybody else has already recommended a million times. Definitely subscribing.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thank you and welcome!!

[@billkeon880]

Phlebas is great and not confusing. Audiobook is also fantastic. Villain’s voice is hilarious. Use of Weapons is quite challenging though because of structure, but great

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Good to know!!

[@bazoo513]

_UoW_ is the best among _Culture_ works,. IMO.

[@billkeon880]

@@bazoo513 UoW has to be considered his best for the amazing structure of the time lines (and the story). Don’t know another novel doing this

[@bazoo513]

@@billkeon880 Yes, but not only that. Showing the various interventions in which the protagonist (which shall be not named here for the reason those who read the novel understand) participates, it illustrates complex ethics the Culture employs then dealing with less advanced societies. And there is a lot of diverse material for fans of military SciFi.

[@IronhandedLayman]

Use of Weapons destroyed me… makes the previous two books in the Culture series pale in comparison.

[@wmpmacm]

I have read most if not all of Iain Banks' books. Player of Games was my first, also. The Culture, sentient Star ships, and Orbitals is an amazing set of concepts.This is a great series. Try Consider Phlebas next.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I will!! I have the physical copy!

[@Dyaus81]

Try Excession if you can. Loved it!

[@wmpmacm]

@@Dyaus81 I have :-) Twice :-) Good story

[@maciejmadej3410]

learned about your channel through the alliance and you've become one of my absolute favorite booktube creators. keep at it, loving the vibe

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thank you 😊 so kind!!

[@danielzielinski3821]

I think Adrian Tchaikovsky's Children of Time would be up your alley based on your list here. It's one of the best scifi books I've read. It's got generations ships, deep space exploration, sentient spiders, evolution, tribalism, first contact, and a lot more. Check it out!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Good recommendation!! I absolutely loved it!!! Actually i finished the entire series- have you read the sequels?

[@lnuhfer]

Amazing book

[@lnuhfer]

Are the sequels as good as the first book?

[@In20xx]

Great list. When I saw Oryx And Crake on your list I knew I had to see what else you're recommending!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Hope you were happy with the others! U may really like embassytown

[@TexasPelican]

HAHAHAH loved the dust kickup when you hit the pile! LOL!!!!🤣

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Fun right??

[@JennyOTheWoods-nz2bc]

Your channel popped up in my feed, never seen it before and now I’ve orders two new books! The Mountain in the Sea and Dawn. Thank you for making the video.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Hope you enjoy it! Dawn is by far my favorite of the two!!

[@lindablake]

Try the Binti books by Nnedi Okorafor. Her concept of sentient beings other than earthlings is really fascinating. And Binti is a character for the classics.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I will!!! I have heard so much about the series. Thanks for the recc.

[@ritac9769]

SO many of Nnedis books are really great sci-fi/fantasy. I particularly loved Remote Control recently.

[@phoebebaker1575]

Yes! I read every one of her books as soon as it comes out. (Except the Akata Witch series. Something didn’t sit right with me about those.)

[@ClaireStClare]

Elizabeth Moon's Speed of Dark is another soft sci-fi story told from a unique perspective.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I need to check that one out!

[@larrygreene9276]

@@secretsauceofstorycraftshe is a great writer and these two are her best

[@ryang.5094]

Thank you. 🎉This video was awesome! I’ve been looking for something to read for a long time and I added like five books to my Amazon cart. Just wanted to say thank you.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I appreciate you saying so!! I hope you love them!!

[@tomswift3482]

The last two books in the Margaret Atwood Maddaddam trilogy are absolutely fantastic. She puts the whole story together in a beautiful design. Well worth reading. One of my favorite tales, a grand trilogy.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Good to know! I’m excited to get to them

[@grey_wulf]

I've recently rekindled my interest in sci-fi and am so glad I found this channel! Subbed.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Awesome! We are sooo happy you are here! Welcome

[@MightyFerg1]

I don't know why Consider Phlebas attracts so many negative comments online.... I think it's a fine book and actually one of the better Culture novels (though I think Use Of Weapons and Surface Detail are probably the best of a very good array of novels.) Regarding the actual game in Player Of Games, Banks's decision not to explain in detail the rules of The Game is probably a deliberate thing. The story is what matters.

[@EmpressNoriko]

First time watching. I am so excited to see someone talk about Remnant Population! I have read that book at least 5 times. the first time was in my early 30s and each time I reread it as I get older, now 55, I find more to relate to. How often do we get a senior citizen protagonist in sci-fi? Not just long lived, but in her twilight years? Ophelia is such a fantastic character. If you are interested try Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon. The theme is autism and Moon does have a child (now adult) on the spectrum. When I was teaching I donated a copy to my school library for the teachers. On the fantasy side her Paksennarrion books are terrific. Dawn was the first Octavia Butler book I read as well and I was blown away. I’ve since read most of her books/stories and am sad I will soon run out. Oryx & Crake, Semiosis, Embassytown, Ninefox Gambit, Mountain in the Sea and the Culture books were all already on my TBR. I read the Wake trilogy when it first came out and though I don’t remember the details I enjoyed it a lot as I do all of Sawyer’s books. Calculating God by him is a top 10 fave that I even got my sci-fi hating Dad to read and love. Definitely subscribing as our tastes seem similar. Great video.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yes!!! I was going to say, our tastes seem to have alot in common. I agree about having older protagonists! We should see it more. So glad you are here!! You are second person to recommend speed of dark, but i will def pick it up! Thanks for the reccomedations. And thanks for watching!! Also ps- read calculating god last year. It was in my top books of 2022. Sooo good!

[@Lichdom4Dummies]

I've read the Machineries of Empire series twice now after being stunned by Ninefox Gambit. It's honestly surprising how little I've seen about it - it's got a ton of unique ideas, and great queer rep. Great list :) Excited to explore the recs I haven't read!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I agree! It needs more readers. If you havent read “the outside” by hoffman you might really like that one too…

[@rfdarsie]

Great list. These lists are definitely a public service! Here's one you may not have come across. It's "The Color of Distance" by Amy Thompson, and it's one of the best first contact books I've ever read. There's also a sequel that is not nearly as good, but this one is amazing.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thanks for recommending!! I havent heard of it! Man its expensive…. Thanks for watching

[@carlkligerman1981]

If you are tackling the Culture novels I would highly recommend you go with “Look to Windward” next. ‘Consider Phlebas” is tough going, but Windward is Banks’ masterpiece and absolutely brilliant, hilarious and unputdownable. Edit: OMG, finally a book tuber talking about Mieville! Have you read the City and the City? And the Bas Lag trilogy is also outstanding (Iron Council is mind-blowing!). Railsea…etc etc…

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I havent read city & the city but i own it. And i also picked up perdido street station!! Looking forward to it!! As for culture- im not sure yet but i will check that one out. I heard use of weapons next so i bought it, but im not sure

[@wmpmacm]

Thanks :) I am beginning The Three Body Problem again. I was a bit lost the first time through, but for some reason the author's intent (but not the emerging/ hidden story line - carefully exposed as the reader keeps pace) is a bit easier to discern. Also:I have reserved China Meiville's book on your recommendation :-) I am glad I found you 🙂

[@regaling]

Man, you did it again. You made my TBR bigger! It's all good. I think it's inspiring and it makes me keep on reading. So thank you.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Anytime 🤓

[@cammychoate]

I somehow didn't stumble across Octavia Butler until last year when I read Parable of the Sower and holy hell, everyone needs to read everything she has written

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Agreed!

[@yw1971]

Try her 'Wild seed'

[@HaMiT93]

To me reading Oryx and Crake felt like that scene in A Clockwork Orange which they forced Alex to watch disturbing and violent films. That book hits hard af.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I’m glad it wasnt just me!! I have to read clockwork orange soo ….

[@lindablake]

I thought her greatest creation in this trilogy was the created humanoids based on what Atwood knows about the most likely future environment, human sociology, and human anatomy. The books are threatening, just like The Handmaid’s Tale, because this brilliant woman has gotten so close to hard truths.

[@arara2139]

Than you so much, I'm very hyped about my reading journey this fall

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yay!! Hope u enjoy!!

[@KuhDoda]

I like that I haven’t heard of any of these. I’m a relatively new reader and I feel I’ve already read most popular “top tens”. I knew it was an ignorant thought but I was starting to think I’ve already read all the “great” books so this was refreshing

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thank you for saying so! I hope you find some awesome ones on this list- i also have a second list in case you need more!

[@andreaslermen2008]

I can agree, that Consider Phlebas is a bad start into the Culture novel's. Player of Games and Use of Weapon are the best to get a first insight of the Culture. I may take a look into two or three books you recommended, but I have a huge backlog of books atm. Reading SciFi for nearly 50 years, I always enjoy something new.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Its incredible to see scifi growths and changes in trends. Im only now becoming a serious scifi fan- its invigorating to discover and explore! And Im so happy to hear it doesnt stop!

[@jonah_k]

Appreciate the reading recs. When I look at my completed reads list of SF, I have a huge dessert... Between Ender's Game (1986) and Ancillary Justice (2013), I can only say I've read the Harry Potter books and maybe 2-3 more books. I'm collecting more for TBR, but need to prioritize a few to fill in this huge gap and get more convinced that modern SF can bring a lot to the table.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

You arent alone! For some reason folks dont talk much about some of the more modern stuff, but we should! Def consider a few of these!

[@helsinkifrostbites]

Nice! Definitely checking out Mountain in the Sea and Remnant Population sometime soon. You've picked some of my absolute favourites - I recently listened to the Maddaddam trilogy in audiobook format in the car, and it was one of the best audio productions I've heard yet. Highly recommended.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yay!! U will def like Embassytown if you havent already

[@helsinkifrostbites]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft I loved Embassytown. I got Perdido Street Station as a present from a friend years back, and it led me to a whole China Miéville rabbit-hole trip until I ran out of his books. The quality of his books wobbles about a bit, but it's always interesting, always weird. Embassytown is one of the highlights.

[@stephenwolberius]

I'll be checking out the Mountain in the Sea. Great line-up, but that one stood out to me.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Good its awesome!!! 🤩

[@LevelUpYourFandom]

the mountain in the sea caught me by such surprise. it is so much about the nature of consciousness and i loved it so much

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yay!!!! I’m so glad 😀 you had similar experience

[@vojtechpribyl7386]

With the Remant Population I think the author might have been inspired by current situation. In many countries the villages are abandoned with younger people moving to the city to work any only the old ones staying behind in a formerly lively places. The same goes for various industrial ghost towns or even cities where thousands used to live and now there is just a handful of residents.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

🔥 this is a great observation

[@TheShadesofOrange]

So excited to talk about the rest of the Machineries Empire with you. And I really appreciate hearing about your experience with Oryx and Crake. I still haven't pulled the trigger on buying the the audio but I likely will

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

You really shoupd try it given how much u like atwood!!

[@chrisw6164]

“The characters are really spoiled, terrible people.” Wuthering Heights in space, got it

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Haha 😆 exactly.

[@sx200n1]

For a single book I highly recommend 'prefect' by Alistair Reynolds. It is set in his universe so whilst there are other books that begin in his universe, this standalone book doesn't need you to have read any of them as it does a really good job of explaining things. It was the very first of his books I read, and it is outstanding.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Never heard of this one! Thank you

[@BigDaddy13515]

What a great list so many books I haven’t heard of! I think Consider Phlebas is a fine place to start I actually had a lot of fun with it. You just have to understand your not getting as much perspective from the Culture. It immediately gives you perspective and an idea of how other species and worlds view the Culture. I’m also biased bc Culture series is my favorite space opera of all time lol.

[@nathangriffiths6218]

Consider Phlebas was the first Banks novel I read, absolutely blew me away. Brilliant work.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I will pick it up!!

[@ipodgolfer13]

Ugh. I needed this video. I just finished the Three Body Problem series and I need something to continue this existential dread that the series sent me in to.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

😂 glad i could help

[@JohnG225]

Great video. So many of these are on my TBR. Really enjoyed Player of Games.Sadly it's the only Culture book I've enjoyed so far. DNFed Consider Phlebas and Excession. Did manage to finish Use of Weapons, but it was a bit of a chore. But don't take my word for it - I am very much in the minority it seems.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Oh no- that makes me worried!! I’ll still try them but thanks for making me aware….

[@janisdavis6261]

Omg!!! I'm so happy i found you! Finally someone who loves the same type of books...so helpful. Thank you.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Anytime!! I’m so glad you are here tooo!!

[@browniemike]

Hello Secret Sauce Lady, very well done reviews, this is my first video from you. I will be following you going forward, and I will check out your earlier episodes. Your definition of “modern” sci fi works for me, and it is good to focus on modern books, I don’t want to cover the classics again. Thank you!

[@kniknayme9865]

Thks for the picks! Miéville’s books are just wow. Still scratchin' my head about City and the City.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yay!! Can’t wait to pick it up soon!! Thank u for watching.

[@wmpmacm]

Oh, and thank you for introducing me to Bookpilled. I read for content and it is good to have some indepth insight into what is out there.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Hope you enjoy Matt! He is amazing!

[@JPruinc]

You should check out Snow Crash and SevenEves by Neal Stephenson. Former is cyberpunk and latter is celestial catastrophe survival sci-fi.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Excellent suggestions!! Loved both!!

[@dirtcopdualsport]

Great choice for number 1! That series I couldn’t stop reading and it’s been living rent free in my head for over a year now!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thank you!! It was soo good!

[@wkrapek]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve almost been in despair.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Sorry to hear that 😟 there are great books out there -- just harder to find I think…

[@thatellipsisguy8984]

Neal Stephenson - Anathem. Academic monks tackle 4th contact… Alastair Reynolds - Chasm City. Never has a tale spanning hundreds of years seemed so immediate; also an excellent entry to a whole universe. Second others with Mielville's City and the City and agree with Player of Games, but Excession is my Banks #1. I'd love to know where you place William Gibson given his overall longevity and recent successes…

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

This is a great lisf! I own several of these but have yet to pick them up…. Thank you for helping me prioritize!

[@smb123211]

Perfect! Your review site is possibly the best on the web with your mix of enthusiasm, intelligent commentary, contemplative questioning and inserted "art". Most sites are, "This book is great because it was fun" or "Here's what happened." You strike that happy medium by telling us just enough to entice us. Three that sound like you. Paul Hardy's The Inquisitor's Progress (an inquisitor in a medieval kingdom dies only to discovers he is a game figure in a virtual reality game created within a virtual reality game... He climbs through realities and meets an alien intelligence who forces him into a life or death contest. Spectacular. Last Man on Earth Club is a quirky, captivative ..therapy session(!) of the last humans from various Earths in the multiverse. Sounds corny but it is such food for thought. Eversion (Reynolds) was a tour de force of writing and ideas. Two timelines intertwine, bleeding into each other, hinting at the unimaginable truth. I love all his works.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

High praise! Thank you! I really want to get ahold of eversion! i am so curious about it and have heard very good things.

[@Verlopil]

I thought Luna was good too once it got going. Remnant Population is a favorite of mine. It's such a unique story and Ophelia is just great. Wake sounds interesting. I've found that with Sawyer I love his first books but any sequels are weaker. I think I'll read the first one. I have a question about the Culture series. I bounced hard off the first one. Are the books fairly standalone? Is there an overarcing story? Thank you again for your eclectic recommendations. I find that we have similar tastes. I read Mountain in the Sea on your rec and it was great!

[@scifiron]

Thank you. A wonderful introduction to new books I hadn’t heard of before. You have given me a real gift, for someone who calls himself scifiron!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

🔥 You are so welcome! Enjoy ☺️

[@miless544]

I found "EmbassyTown" to be an engaging read, although I don't know if I'd call it a First Contact strory. It has an interesting, underlying concept dealing with communication between species, and what unforseen consequences that may have.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

It’s still echoing around in my head…. As for first contact its hard to categorize but communication for first time with sentient non human life, didnt know what else to call it. Luckily categories are all in our mind….

[@bobhawke7373]

I just subscribed. Thanks for the recommendations. A few there I've never heard of that I am keen to dig into. Always searching for good sci fi.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Welcome! And i hope u find some you love!

[@bobhawke7373]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft Thank you. I'm also keen to delve into your back catalogue of vids. Your channel looks really interesting. All the best to you.

[@JB-hq9yj]

These are intriguing books to check out that I’ve never heard of before. Thanks. Not sure if Red Rising qualifies but just finished the first trilogy and it was amazing.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

It counts! ☺️

[@joem7889]

Consider reading This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, 2020. Short and enjoyable read. You may want to read it more than once, I'm about to crack it open for a second time. Also, Recursion by Blake Crouch, 2019, Appocolypse 7 by Gene Doucette (2021). Stay away from the Three Body Problem trilogy; some compelling ideas; others not so; over-hyped.

[@Joshmosis2.0]

So I read Consider Phlebas first, years ago, and I really enjoyed a lot of it, but for some reason it had the feel of a fix up novel. A lot of smaller parts that didn't feel as seamless as it should be. However, even though I wasn't very satisfied with the story as a whole, it left some STRONG imagery in my head. There are some absolutely stunning sequences in that book, including one of my favorite action scenes in any book ever. I just read it again a week or so ago, after having read a ton of the other Culture books, and I appreciated it much more the second time around, after having a better understanding of the universe. That said, Player of Games is still a superior book and a perfect starting place.

[@RosLanta]

I read Remnant Population a long time ago, I would be lying if I said I remember much! She has written other books I love though, especially Once a Hero (book 4 of Serrano Legacy, though it's not essential to read the first three to read that one) which I've reread countless times over the years. Ninefox Gambit and The Mountain in the Sea are both on the list of books I would like to read in April. Whether I will get through very much of that list in the 10 days remaining is another matter 😂

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I will cheer for you!! (And nobody will blame you if you keep reading them into may 😜) and thank you so much for watching!!

[@larkendelvie]

Once a Hero is one of my favorite books - I reread it at least once a year.

[@dalejones4322]

Great video Whitney. You always cover so many books. Most of these I had never heard of. Right now Michael has me on kind of a Greg Egan kick. I read Axiomatic, short stories, and really liked it. I decided to tackle Diaspora. Yikes lol. The first 10 to 15 pages explaining how beings in the virtual reality are born, I think lol. My head was swimming. I looked back at a page I just read and counted like 7 sentences with words I'd never seen or didn't know the meaning of(old guy, high school diploma, limited vocabulary here lol). It finally started moving pretty good then I hit another wall with explanations of worm holes and various theories about it lol. It's starting to take off again and other than the walls I'm hitting, it's been pretty good. I hope I have smooth sailing from here on in.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Good luck!! 🍀 its always fun to challenge yourself with your reads

[@dalejones4322]

​@@secretsauceofstorycraft I just finished Diaspora and I was wondering if you had ever read it and what you thought of it? Do you have a video about it? Thanks

[@bazoo513]

20:00 - I agree about _Lilith's Brood_ series, but a novice reader would perhaps be well advised to start with Butler's only short fiction and essay collection, _Bloodchild and Other Stories_ and proceed if they "click" with it. I did.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Excellent recommendation!

[@kid5Media]

The Culture novels are the reason SF was created as a genre.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

😂

[@Demortixx]

What even is a culture novel?

[@prosetheus]

Just read Phlebas and PoG last year. Absolutely loved them. Consider Phlebas is very filmable.

[@nikolaiwhite4255]

I doubt that

[@HannahSegullah]

@@Demortixxthey’re a series by Iain M. Banks

[@Spirit_lights]

To add another book to this (that I guarantee that a lot of other people would agree with): Project Hail Mary. It’s the book that initially got me into sci-fi (yes, I’m new to the genre) and it’s currently my favorite book I’ve ever read. The characters are charming, yet relatable, the story doesn’t feel like the reader is getting left behind yet still giving accurate science as well as theories. It was also written by Andy Wier, same person who made the Martian (also an awesome book) but I think it was a bit stronger, with a bit kore of an enticing story. TLDR; Project Hail Mary is a great book, you should read it.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I loved loved loved PHM!!! I’m so glad you got into the genre thru it! What a wonderful representation and a fun read! Thanks for sharing!

[@phoebebaker1575]

The audiobook is a stunning performance by Ray Porter.

[@maxturgeon89]

Great video, thanks for discussing all these great books! I definitely want to pick up Semiosis

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Wonderful!! So glad to hear it! Let me know what u think when ur done.

[@yodasears]

I think Excession is the best Culture novel - but that's because it is my favourite novel. Player of Games was what got me into the series. My read was we never got much description of the game, because Gurgeh spent 70 years studying it; it was too broad a scope to compress into the novel.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

You are not alone in recommending excession!! I will have to make it there! And thanks for your explaination- this does make sense… although i still wish he had rold us somethinf about it….

[@siisch46]

Wow. Loving your book recommendation videos!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

🔥 thank you!!

[@mikejcross]

Thanks for another v interesting video. I read Butler's trilogy and enjoyed as it came out in UK pb (must read it again); I also really like her last novel Fledgling. As you loved Moon's Remnant Population, I strongly recommend her other standalone novel, Speed of Dark; it won a Nebula, and is set in a near-future North America with some technological advances, one of which is a technique for identifying and curing for Autism which only works up to a certain age. The main character is adult and neuro-diverse, working for a company which relies on his data analysis skills, which are far superior to those of neurotypicals.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

!!! I plan to pick up more of her stuff. I heard of her vela series- trading spaces or something. But i will go see if i cant get speed of dark. Thank you!! I liked fledgling, i read it last year. I plan to read everything butler ever wrote!

[@phoebebaker1575]

I just finished Suzanne Palmer’s Finder series. My favorites out of the series were books 2 and 4. Book one was pretty awesome, too. It pulled me in, after all. This is a fun, space adventure type of series, where the main character is a repo man with a conscience. From Scotland.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Woah! I will have to move that up in my tbr!! Thank you!

[@phoebebaker1575]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft I just finished Remnant Population, by Elizabeth Moon, based on your recommendation. I loved it. I have tomatoes growing in my garden right now. Amazing how Moon showed the nuances of interpersonal interaction! A true classic.

[@Cmdtheartist]

A lot of good suggestions. Thank you. Also, I loved Consider Phlebas, I don't know why so many people have a problem with it. I might have a few criticisms about an author, but I never say anything about a book, other than "Read it". Also, Cormac McCarthy does a real good job at bleak future. Too good a job.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Haha 😂 u are right about cormac. It would b a tough struggle against him and atwood. Will have to think on that. I’m glad u said that about consider phelbas because I do want to read it…. So now I will find out wjat this is all about

[@ThoughtReset-rn1vi]

Loved the graphics and your content.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

🙏 thank you!!!

[@Joshmosis2.0]

I totally agree with you about The Mountain in the Sea, easily my favorite new release from 2022. If you're looking for something with similar vibes about consciousness, I highly recommend Observer by Nancy Kress. It gets into quantum science, so it's a bit of a mind screw, but I really really enjoyed it. In any case, I love your channel!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thank you 😊 I have been needing to read more by Kress so i’ll keep on lookout

[@skarphld]

I completely agree with everything you said about the books on your list that I have read, and intend to dive immediately into the others, beginning with Dawn.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I hope u are as floored as I was with dawn!!

[@everrit]

Melville's Perdido Street Station is so excellent, the opening prolouge describes a river and you just know its the Thames and London that he used as a point of departure, brilliantly written.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Can’t wait to start this one!!

[@dixieflatline1189]

Embassytown is a fantastic intellectual read, but my favourites are Mieville’s earlier works - Perdido Street Station and The Scar in particular. Yes his later works add depth and better frameworks for him to work with - but his early days showcase his raw talent and breadth of imagination

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I did but perdido street station- I will have to pick it up soon….

[@StudyButte]

I loved Player of Games - probably my favorite Culture book. I've ready other Sawyer (the one about the Neanderthals from a parallel universe) and that was great. Among the Culture books, i liked Consider Phlebas a lot, and Use of Weapons was really interesting. Great reviews - keep it up!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thanks! I want to pick up hominids and consider phelbas… i will plan to do so soon :) appreciate you watching!!

[@nicksothep8472]

I love the idea of language changing the way you look at, and the way you understand the universe, as it's absolutely true. Speaking two languages and understanding two more, not so good though, really opened my mind to so many things, most important of which is language completely changing the way you look at things, so I can only imagine how an alien language could completely re-wire your brain. So hey! You got a new subscriber, truly enjoying these 👍🏻🖤🛸

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thanks! You really should check out embassytown! Its a really interesting book

[@nicksothep8472]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft thanks for the suggestion 👍🏻 🖤

[@phoebebaker1575]

You might enjoy R. F. Kuang’s Babel. A kind of magic is employed when an object has two translations of a word engraved on it, but the translations don’t exactly match. There’s power in the unsaid part of the word. Strong character development and a “school of wizardry” setting make it a fun, but deep read.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

"Oryx & Crake" (Atwood's best!) and "Embassytown" are two of the best... Two authors who are experts at character and world-building. As a muti-linguist and language teacher, I found "Embassytown" especially fascinating. Mieville is amazing (Just give-in and ride the prose). Wow, indeed. 💜

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yay!! 😁 another embassytown fan! I absolutely agree- although both are highly disturbing… both are haunting and worth reading

[@michaelmoraga2926]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft Indeed! 'Disturbing' is not something I purposefully seek out in fiction, so it is telling that I have gone back and read "Oryx & Crake" more than twice (I also really like her prose). Thanks for your fantastic list. Greetings from Japan.

[@wmpmacm]

Just reserved Embassytown at my library. 🙂 I love your presentation.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thank you, tell me what you think when you are done….

[@shawshankzak1153]

Consider Phoebus is fantastic, I have read it multiple times. But Use of Weapons is my favourite culture novel, closely followed by Excession.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I have use of weapons! But feel like i need to try consider phelbas….

[@CptvonChaos]

Here's a "few" to check out. Modern SF: Nocturne For A Dangerous Man," Marc Matz. Smoke Eaters, Ask Kickers, Flame Riders, Daughters of Forgotten Light, Sean Grigsby. .Planetside, Spaceside, Colonyside., Michael Mammay. Noumenon, Noumenon Infinity, Noumenon Ultra, Marina J. Lostetter. Grunt Life, Grunt Traitor, Grunt Hero, Weston Ochse. Strange Robby, Selina Rosen. Older: The Female Man, Adventures of Alyx, Picnic on Paradise, Joanna Russ, Any Tanith Lee books or short stories with the exception of "Heroine Of The World (a strange misfire, as Ms. Lee is a very talented author). Any Gordon Dickson, especially "Love Not Human." Any David Drake, Walter Jon Williams, Keith Laumer, C.J. Cherryh, Joe Haldeman, Rosemary Edghill/eluki bes shahar, Larry Niven. the BOLO series created by Keith Laumer, and the Thieves World series, Robert Asprin and Lyyn Abbey.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

So many to explore. I loved mammay’s planetside series and i picked up noumonon recently but havent gotten to it yet!

[@ancv65]

I love your recommendations! I added all of them to my tbr 😆

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Wonderful!! Thanks so much for watching! I hope you find some good ones

[@thefatbeanie]

That’s a really good list, I’d try to add a McDevitt in there somewhere, as well.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Which one?

[@thefatbeanie]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft “Seeker” is, of course, a Nebula winner and I love the Alex Benedict stuff, but I’d suggest “Engines of God”. The ‘Hutch’ series, I found, more engaging as a character drama.

[@helsinkifrostbites]

The Luna trilogy! Why don't more people talk about the Luna trilogy! I got so invested that by the end of the third book I had to design my own Corta Hélio t-shirt. I recognise what you said about the start being hard to get into though - the first couple of chapters just felt like a soap opera with bitchy power maneuvering and spoiled teenagers. Then it grabbed me :)

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I had exact same experience!!

[@thekeywitness]

I really enjoyed his novel River of Gods. His prose is so immersive.

[@bretgrandrath2935]

Every review of Semiosis makes me think of 40,000 In Gehenna by CJ Cherryh. Probably because I'm a huge Cherryh fan but the similarities are striking. Give it a read sometime. I'd like to hear an unbiased opinion. It's a stand alone in the Alliance/Union universe Elizabeth Moon often has, ahhhh, older women in her books. Great-aunt Grace in the Vatta's War series is my favorite.

[@LezjianJen]

Margaret Atwood!! Yaaas, yaaas, yaaaas Margaret Atwood is QUEEN~ we good😊

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

😃

[@OrigamiByEd]

I read the Octavia Butler books in the late 80s. There is a compilation of the three called Xenogenesis.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Yes! They r fantastic! Covered in my Octavia Butler video. U should give it a watch if u got the time

[@sket179]

Many books that were new to me. I've seen ninefox in library and I dnf's Phlebas and Embsssytown. But i loved Player of Games and the city and the city. Probably because those are more palatable. Player of games has one of the coolest beginnings ever: this story starts with a battle that is not a battle, and ends with a game that is not a game. 😊 Happy to see Sawyer's wake there too. I've read the trilogy twice, and was always wondering if this is higher lit and or ya or not. Also I pondered that it's interesting to read a book about a disabled protagonist, and how accurate it could be. My recommendation which us not usually on lists is Max Barry's Lexikon. It's about the power of words and manipulation. It's a page turner and horrifying and exciting at the same time.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Wow thanks! I have some of max barry’s books on my shelf. Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@sket179]

Of course I enjoyed the video! It had more variety than most videos. It has some soft spoilers, but not too much I think. I think that I'll add ninefox, remnant population and mountain in the sea to my list. I've read providence by Barry, which is great and/but quite polished and solid. Jennifer Government was fun in a over the top Scalzi way. But Lexikon is the one that really shook me. One non-scifi book that also had a similar impact in me was Yanagihara's A Little Life. Both of these books evoked some strong emotions in me, and left me pondering life's mysteries for several days.

[@tamerlaaane]

Ninefox Gambit was such a tough read for me.. but i finished it. I do have book 2 on a wishlist because Rachel says its much better than book 1. Anyway, great video!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thanks for watching- i would love it if book 2 was better. I hope to find out soon!

[@SkyePie]

Soooo... we're not going to mention Red Rising by Pierce Brown or Hail Mary by Andy Weir? No Andy Weir at all? Yeah this list is ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh lol

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Hahaha everyone mentions them. We need fresh blood!!! Hahhaa

[@cbbcbb6803]

Good definition of "modern". I think an ancient Greek named Lucian wrote about space travel.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Ha thanks…. And i think you are right….

[@nevaidos]

I read The One by John Marrs this month and it was such a fun fast-paced sci-fi thriller! If you haven't read it yet and are a fan of Black Mirror, I can highly recommend it!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I need a good thriller! Thank you!!

[@nevaidos]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft No problem! It's not really that scary or tense, but it studies the consequences if we were to design a program that can match us to our soulmate based on our DNA. It follows 5 different individuals and how this affects their respective lives, so it's also a bit of a romance. The chapters are very short so it is a perfect palate cleanser for whenever you're in a slump

[@masterchief8427]

Great video…thanks for the recs!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!!

[@marcjohnson5991]

I loved remnant population. It was so different and enticing read And Dawn was amazing. Such an interesting exploration of first contact.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Awesome!! 🤩 Im so glad you had a good experience with them too!!

[@pamkemsley1824]

Becky Chambers is awesome. 5 books in the Wayfarers Series and 2 books in the Monk and Robot series (waiting for a third?) also a stand alone To be Taught if Fortunate. She is writing a new book not related to any of her previous books. can't wait!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

I agree!! To be fortunate if taught was my favorite of them all. I loved the ending of that one….

[@elisabasta]

"It was more of an eye-opening for me". That was awesome.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

👍🏻

[@TrismegistusMx]

Have you read any Greg Egan? I love everything I've read of his, but I have a soft spot for Permutation City. It explores consciousness, high technology, and the nature of reality.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

💥 you are on fire!! I just bought permutation city and several others of his- but havent started yet. I hope 🤞 to start that one very soon….

[@TrismegistusMx]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft I downloaded Semiosis at your suggestion and I'm loving it so far! Fantastic world building!

[@suzynolanart]

Elizabeth Moon has been around a while, I have read many of her books and collaborations. Thanks for mentioning this book Remnant Population. I will give it a read!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

You should it was fantastic!!

[@aleidadiaz2261]

Angela from Literature Science Alliance really loves Ninefox Gambit. She’s why it’s on my tbr..

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Thats fantastic!! She does have good taste 😎

[@BlackBrownYellowWhite]

Semiosis! Heavens! The Bamboo character! What a bloody awesome novel! I hope the second part can compete..... I haven't heard yet.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

It does in my opinion!! Cant wait for third book to come out!

[@BlackBrownYellowWhite]

@@secretsauceofstorycraft I really really enjoyed Nova by Delaney and LeGuin's Dispossessed. I'm mostly looking forward to some of the older scifi..... I don't know why but these authors seem to me less formulaic and, to me, have a firmer grip on gender and race issues.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

@@BlackBrownYellowWhite i cant blame u. Alot of their era began lots of our tolerance and other hot topic issues. 👍🏻 keep on keeping on!

[@Tetsujin-28]

OCTOPUSISISIS: Whitney in the medical field? I'm thinking she's a neurosurgeon. Shelf/Shevleses: I see Shards of the Earth and Eyes of the Void. Didn't Orbit send you an advanced copy of Uncreation?! The best BookKZbin channel ever.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

Ha! I wish!!! I would love to get an advanced copy! Sadly, I have to wait 😢 also would love the salary of a neurosurgeon but really don’t want those hours… i’m pro life balance-haha 😆

[@eyeroll-encore]

Great list! Dawn and Embassytown are two of my all-time favorites - glad you highlighted them.

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

They are really good!

[@tokyoreads4019]

I also call them audible books 😂 I’ve seen Luna around but seeing that Kim Stanley Robinson blurb on the top makes me want to pick it up even more!

[@secretsauceofstorycraft]

You’ll have to let me know what you think :)