I’m reading The Cyberiad by Lem right after finishing Red Rising and man, it’s like night and day. I feel like most books I’ve read recently from the sci fi shelf are “X in space” or “Y in the future”. Even nebula or Hugo prizes (lookin’ at you “this is how you lose the time war”, although the ending redeems it) are more focused on delivering an engaging story than on exploring the implications of a setting. Which is fine but not what I’m looking for.
I’ve found plenty of short stories (eg Ken Liu) that I’ve enjoyed, and I think Three Body Problem also manages it. I’ve heard great things about Tchaikovsky but I’m a bit wary after my recent disappointments.
I’m purposefully not saying “hard sci fi”, because I think more whimsical stories can still make you feel that sense of wonder (one of my favorites is “Star maker” by Stapleton). Anything where you can’t swap the setting without altering majorly the plot is interesting to me.
Since I’m already asking, hopeful rather than grim would be my preference. I see enough despair in my daily life.
by AffectionateSet9043