[Abras]

Hi,

As you can see, I'm new to these forums. I joined up specifically to make this topic, but hopefully I'll like this place enough to stick around.

Now to give you an idea of what I like. Arthur Clarke is probably my favorite writer. The Rama series was great imo, as well as Trigger and Childhood's end. I also really enjoyed his books with Stephen Baxter (I've read his Manifold series, Coalescent, and Exultant. I liked them at the time, but I've grown away from his writing).

Asimov is another big favorite, but I've only read the Foundation series (very enjoyably, but took forever), and a few short stories. So I definitely would like some suggestions, but keep in mind that I'm not too keen on reading any of his Robot books.

I've read Heinlein (Starship Troopers, Red Planet, and Tunnel in the Sky). I enjoyed them enough to want to read more, so fire away. I also just finished reading Orson Scott Card's Treason, and would like some suggestions of his best writing as well.

It should also be said that I don't really like Ray Bradbury's style. It's way, way too ornamental for me. But other than him, all other writers/books are fair game. Thanks in advance.

[Michigan]

You are going to be directed to the recommendations thread and this one will be locked. Just giving you warning. Having said that, i'm not really a huge fan of Asimov, Clarke, Card or Heinlein so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but maybe try Alastair Reynolds. He was a physicist or something like that before he gave it up to concentrate on writing full time.

[Abras]

When I made this thread there were already three recommendation threads (besides the stickied one) on the front page of this subforum. They are still there and looks like they've all been there for at least a month, so I ask you, what's the difference between those and my topic?

[ArthurFrayn]

Here's a few links to start:

http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8241&highlight=hard

http://www.sffworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11967&highlight=hard

[bio]

Stanisław Lem, and Strugatsky brothers will be an good choice.

[xvart]

...but maybe try Alastair Reynolds.

I read Century Rain by Reynolds. It was a solid read; not overly mind bending but solid none the less.

xvart.

[odo]

IMHO, Greg Egan is the best hard SF writer ever. You can try Axiomatic, an astonishing collection of short stories.

[s271]

Stanisław Lem, and Strugatsky brothers will be an good choice.
While both of them are great writers neither of them are pure hard SF. Some of the Lem's novells are hard SF (most of Navigator Pirx, _Return from the Stars _ and some other) but most of his big works - _Solaris_, _Invincible_, _Eden_ are FTL. Strugatsky brothers had never claimed to be hard SF writers, they were more concerned with social and moral issues.

Last V.Vinge _Rainbows End_ is hard SF.
Also last Richard Morgan _Thirteen_(aka _Black Man_)

[Bob Lock]

Anything by Neal Asher, if you go for his series then start with 'Gridlinked' or 'The Skinner' however, if it's a standalone novel then 'Cowl' otherwise I'd recommend Alastair Reynolds or Iain M Banks.

[Goony]

When you say "hard Science fiction" there are three alternatives:

1- hard on science
2- hard on fiction
3- hard core all over

When I started reading sci-fi, I was very picky as to which author and
which type I should read. But as I grew older, I became more interested as
to what the author is trying to present and how successful he/she is in
delivering it. My recommendation is to try to read "everything"; not only
those that are interesting to you, but also those that you don't find very
amusing. After a while, you develop a universal sense for the writing in
general, and you find a broader taste for enjoying it.

Best wishes

Goony