Project Gutenberg | Best Science Fiction Books on Gutenberg.org

Project Gutenberg is the perfect website for readers. Why? Because it provides hundreds of thousands of free e-books for people to enjoy on their laptop screens. Its primary collection includes classics, for which copyrights have expired, which is great for people who love literature. From fantasy to romance to sci-fi and horror, their collection spans genres. Today, we’re recommending some best science fiction books on Gutenberg.org for all sci-fi lovers out there!

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

The original sci-fi classic, this book follows a geology professor, Lidenbrock who chances upon an ancient manuscript. This manuscript reveals reveals a very important secret. It claims to have found a way to reach the Earth’s hot molten core. Lidenbrock simply cannot pass on an opportunity to investigate such an important discovery in the history of science. And so he sets out on an expedition to the centre of the earth with his nephew Axel and Iceland native Hans. Together, they scourge antediluvian forests, natural geological museums and marine and subterranean creatures as they journey not just to the centre of the earth but to the origins of life.

Watchbird by Robert Sheckley

This is an eclectic collection of science-fiction short stories that is considered among Sheckley’s best works. The title story follows a company that manufactures watchbirds, or drones that catch pheromone signals that indicate a person’s intent to murder. But what happens when this AI decides to alter the definition of murder and moral and other questions enter the picture? Other stories such as ‘Warrior Race’ and ‘And Beside Still Waters’ are just as mindboggling and thought-provoking – signs of a true science loving moralist.

The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle

One of the forgotten works of Doyle that was overshadowed by Sherlock Holmes, this book follows a journalist called Edward Malone. The woman he loves rejects him for his banality and he decides to prove his worthiness to her. He is thus in search of a grand adventure. Incidentally, he stumbles upon a Professor George Challenger who claims to have access to an alternate world. This world consists of pterodactyls and ancient monsters, and is Malone’s perfect chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his beloved.

The World Set Free by HG Wells

A futuristic masterpiece from the master of science fiction, H G Wells deals with the hugely relevant and massively heavy themes of nuclear weaponry and war. The story is sent an imaginary world war-esque scenario where the world is facing a threat of imminent destruction. Written just before the actual first world war broke out, it is an immensely prophetic read – describing Brexit, atomic weapons and the feasibility of a functioning EU. There are of course elements of science fiction, but the book doesn’t feel like fantasy at all. It feels like reality, or more so, like a nightmare. This one’s a must read for everyone.

Triplanetary by E E Smith

This imaginative fiction involves an interstellar war between two ancient races – the Arisians and Eddorians with Earth as the prize. The Arisians have foreseen the destruction of the universe due to the malevolent forces of the Eddorians. Hence they set out with a breeding operation on every planet aimed at creating super-warriors to defeat the Eddorians. With memorable characters such as Clio that have come to define the sci-fi genre, this book will linger on in your memory.

The Big Trip Up Yonder by Kurt Vonnegut

This is an anthology of short stories that span various aspects of the sci-fi genre. The titular short story is set in a futuristic age, after the concoction of a kind of elixir called ‘Anti-Gerasome’ which puts of old age. However, the result is that the population of the earth has grown dramatically to the point of unsustainability and lack of resources. Our protagonist is Gramps, an old man who has lived for many years. But now his grandchild plans to murder him, and his family is fighting for inheritance. This is a book that will blow your mind.

Also Read: Books With Secret Societies That Will Captivate You