speculative fiction examples

10 Must-Read Speculative Fiction Novels That Will Ignite Your Imagination

If you are a fan of speculative fiction and looking for your next captivating read, you've come to the right place. Speculative fiction, also known as sci-fi or fantasy, takes readers on thrilling adventures in imagined worlds or alternative realities. Here are 10 highly recommended speculative fiction novels that will transport you to new realms:

1. "Dune" by Frank Herbert: This epic masterpiece is set in a distant future where interstellar travel, political intrigue, and ecological struggles take center stage. Frank Herbert's world-building skills will leave you in awe.

2. "1984" by George Orwell: Considered a classic in dystopian fiction, this thought-provoking novel paints a grim picture of a totalitarian society controlled by Big Brother. Orwell's cautionary tale on surveillance and government manipulation remains relevant today.

3. "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien: Journey to Middle-earth and join hobbits, elves, dwarves, and wizards in their quest to destroy a powerful ring. Tolkien's richly detailed world and complex characters have captivated readers for generations.

4. "Neuromancer" by William Gibson: As a pioneer of cyberpunk, Gibson takes us into the near-future where hackers and artificial intelligence mingle. This gritty, high-tech adventure is a must-read for fans of virtual reality and futuristic settings.

5. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood: Set in a patriarchal society, this dystopian novel follows Offred, a handmaid assigned to bear children for elite couples. Atwood's haunting prose and powerful social commentary make this a modern speculative fiction classic.

6. "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card: This award-winning science fiction novel takes place in a future where gifted children are trained to defend Earth against an impending alien invasion. Card's exploration of morality and the consequences of war will keep you hooked from start to finish.

7. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling: The start of the beloved Harry Potter series introduces readers to the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Rowling's imaginative storytelling and lovable characters have bewitched millions of readers worldwide.

8. "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin: In this groundbreaking novel, Le Guin explores themes of gender and sexuality in a society where individuals are neither fully male nor female. This thought-provoking work will challenge your preconceptions.

9. "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson: Combining cyberpunk with a post-apocalyptic setting, Stephenson's fast-paced novel delves into a world where virtual reality, corporate control, and ancient Sumerian myths collide. Prepare for a gripping and mind-bending ride.

10. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins: Join Katniss Everdeen in this thrilling dystopian series where teenagers are forced to partake in a brutal televised battle. Collins' gripping narrative and themes of resilience and rebellion have made this a runaway success.

For more speculative fiction recommendations or to explore these authors' other works, visit reputable book review sites like Goodreads or Book Riot. Indulge in the limitless worlds of speculative fiction and let your imagination soar!
Apocalypse Survival Chronicle Fiction
Apocalypse Survival Chronicle

Zombies are everywhere, animals are mutating, and the air is filled with bestial bloodshed. This is not a biohazard crisis, but the arrival of the apocalypse! Should humanity escape or fight back? Geeky otaku Zhou Yulong relies on his experience from online slaughter games and knowledge from American movies to seek a glimmer of hope in this end of the world. This novel starts off slow, but becomes increasingly thrilling towards the end. Don't miss out! Book club chat group: YY. PS: The book has been released and the first 1.1 million chapters are free. Please continue to support it. PS: Please help by bookmarking it below, just one click will do. ↓

364.65 Million words | 2023-03-16 19:13Update

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The Years I Was a Sorcerer Fiction
The Years I Was a Sorcerer

The practitioner, the use of the Dao. The five arts of Daoism, mountain, medicine, destiny, physiognomy, divination, are often used to benefit humanity and achieve the cultivation of the three thousand merits. Ever since I was born, it seems that I have been destined to have a connection with Daoism. Through a series of fortuitous events, I comprehended the profound mysteries of the Dao, and thus embarked on a path that is unknown to others, a journey filled with wonders, mysteries, and unthinkable experiences. The five fingers calculate the fate of all living beings, and a hexagram determines the destiny of generations and the prosperity of the nation. I, as a sorcerer, will narrate my legendary experiences, unveiling the mysterious world of Daoist practices to all. I speak with unwavering honesty, and my words should not be taken lightly! For friends who enjoy browsing Baidu Tieba, you can follow my personal Tieba page. There, you will find various information about me, and I will actively engage with everyone. Join the "My Journey as a Sorcerer" Communication Group 1: (Group is full, only vacant spots available!) Join the "My Journey as a Sorcerer" Communication Group 2: (Group open for joining! Thousands of spots available, welcome to join!) Join the "Friends of Humble Readers" Communication Group: (For friends who are interested, please follow and share my Weibo page)

327.48 Million words | 2022-04-27 18:51Update

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Death Train Fiction
Death Train

The black train roared in... Underneath its wheels, blood filled the air, bones piled up!! ********** (Million-word completed work, from an experienced author, purchased rights, seeking upvotes and collections) PS: Readers who enjoy this book, join the group.

201.42 Million words | 2021-09-03 15:39Update

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Summoning Spirits Fiction
Summoning Spirits

"The Summoning of Spirits" People have souls, whether you believe it or not. Let me tell you about the eerie things my grandmother did to summon spirits for others. Faint-hearted individuals, beware! This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to real-life events or persons is purely coincidental. "The Summoning of Spirits" was first published on Heiyan Reading Website, exclusively signed. I hope everyone can support the genuine version on Heiyan Reading Website. Thank you!

478.41 Million words | 2021-05-25 16:36Update

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The Years I Became a Birdman Fiction
The Years I Became a Birdman

As the saying goes, "The mountain is not tall without immortals, and the water is not deep without dragons. Just as people are not afraid to turn into birds, as long as they can fly." It seemed like nonsense, but this was how Zhang, in his twenties, thought at this moment. He was staring at his flamboyant feathers, feeling speechless and full of complaints about why he had to turn into a bird. And a rather small one at that. Perhaps he didn't know that, just as he was passionately cursing in the streets, a tragicomedy called fate was quietly unfolding once again. If you, dear readers, find "The Years I Became a Bird Person" enjoyable, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!

48.66 Million words | 2021-06-09 12:20Update

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The Era of Cataclysm Fiction
The Era of Cataclysm

New Zealand experiences a sudden mutation, causing all humans and animals to become incredibly hungry, devouring everything in sight, and transforming into monsters. Chef Bai Yi struggles to survive alongside his daughter, only to discover that New Zealand has become a Devil's Island. Little do they know, this is just the beginning of a world-changing transformation. From possessing immense physical strength to mastering mysterious and profound techniques, from dazzling and powerful combat skills to a leisurely and unrestrained life, can such a future truly exist? The evolution of life triggered by humanity itself will completely alter the fate of the world.

150.82 Million words | 2020-11-07 03:45Update

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Desperate Game Fiction
Desperate Game

Because of grabbing red envelopes, my classmates in the class died one by one. This is a despairing game, perhaps the next one to die will be me.

293.22 Million words | 2022-03-15 00:49Update

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Mr. Yin and Yang Fiction
Mr. Yin and Yang

【Chinese Dream Essay Contest Entry】In the hidden corners of the city, countless inexplicable things happen every day. There are devouring spirits in the ghostly inn, a fox demon falling in love with a human, and a corpse demon in the ancient tomb of the Warring States period. I walk on the boundary between yin and yang, just a bewildered urban cleaner, specializing in cleaning up the terrifying things that lurk in the city. However, except for those who have personally experienced it, no one knows what these things really are. Are they ghosts? Demons? Corpses? I am fortunate to be one of those who have experienced these things, but it is also tragic, because I am one of those who have experienced these things... Completed works "Supernatural Tales" and "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons," quality guaranteed, please rest assured to collect them.

321.76 Million words | 2022-06-02 04:28Update

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Laozi is a toad. Fiction
Laozi is a toad.

Nobleman. Unparalleled talent, leaving others in the dust. Crimson cap. In that year, the snowstorm swept across the capital, and I made a remarkable achievement. Red-robed Watchers fan group: Group number I'm in the QT voice room 【】 [Novel] Flames of War Jest at Kings?Crazy Demon `Fans, everyone can chat together when free Link address: http://qt.qq.com/go.html?roomid=

484.39 Million words | 2022-09-16 15:36Update

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Super trash system. Fiction
Super trash system.

Xiao Zhang, the youngest researcher at the Military Science Academy, crossed over to the 28th century with a "Clean Earth Treasure." For survival, as well as for his ideals and ambitions, he rose up from being an underachiever, leading his comrades with a cutting-edge garbage recycling system of the 28th century. Together, they outsmarted American spies, caught extraterrestrial creatures, beautified Earth, and dominated the cosmos. The 28th century was an era of unified China, a century where garbage covered the Earth, and a century of advanced technology and alien invasions. Interested in witnessing the glory of the 28th century? Join Xiao Zhang in his battles.

294.62 Million words | 2020-08-01 12:49Update

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Became wildly popular through live streaming in the infinite stream. Fiction
Became wildly popular through live streaming in the infinite stream.

The copy artificial intelligence is complete and can be slaughtered now! Seeking collection for the sequel "After I Finished Playing the Mad Supporting Villain, I Became a Slacker". After the world distorted into an infinite survival game, Jian Yuntai lived a miserable life, with no money, no home, and sleeping under a bridge, forced to work countless jobs. He eagerly anticipated his awakening, ready at any moment to enter a copy and earn money, but little did he know that one moment of unconsciousness would disrupt all his plans. When he woke up, he found himself bound to an electric chair, surrounded by a group of heavily armed individuals who regarded him with fear and vigilance. As he made a move, everyone pointed their guns at him. The trembling leader took a few steps back and said, "Don't come any closer, ah!" Jian Yuntai: ??? ※※ The live broadcasting team welcomed a new member, let's listen to their story

194.07 Million words | 2021-03-03 11:06Update

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Corpse Brother Fiction
Corpse Brother

An accidental pollution incident at a water plant shattered the monotonous life of a loser named Xiaofei. Confronted with the unprecedentedly powerful Shi brother, Xiaofei resolutely embarked on a journey to find his girlfriend. However, he encountered numerous difficulties along the way, gradually feeling overwhelmed as an ordinary human being. After injecting a body-enhancing drug purchased online, his hidden potential began to erupt. Overcoming various challenges and defeating all sorts of mutated Shi brothers, Xiaofei discovered the mastermind behind the mutations, a sinister figure with razor-sharp fangs...

413.21 Million words | 2023-02-19 22:46Update

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League of Legends: Who Will Rise Above Fiction
League of Legends: Who Will Rise Above

When Chinese athletes mockingly laugh at playing video games and still manage to become champions, as someone who makes a living from esports, all you need to do is measure the length of their arrogant faces with your self-coded shoes! When parents, relatives, friends, and even society look at esports with disdain, thinking that you, who are engaged in this profession, are not focused on real work, all you need to do, as someone who truly loves esports, is give them a resolute turn of your back! Have you ever considered that in future years, there will be an event in the Olympic Games that combines lightning-fast reflexes in milliseconds, seamless teamwork among five individuals, and breathtaking maneuvers that push the limits of reaction speed – it is esports! Let the fervent devotees of the world shout "Demacia" with passion! Editor's friendly reminder: This book is also suitable for non-gamers to read! (The original title of this book is League of Legends)

275.16 Million words | 2023-06-04 20:30Update

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Summoning the Undead in an Online Game Fiction
Summoning the Undead in an Online Game

For Qin Wen, spending four years in college immersed in gaming meant that graduation equated to unemployment.

144.45 Million words | 2021-02-28 17:05Update

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Horror High School Fiction
Horror High School

An extraordinarily ordinary yet extraordinarily extraordinary acceptance letter, from a nameless university. Yinkuang, a teenager who loathes school to the extreme, is reluctantly brought to this so-called "university" by that piece of paper. And then, he realizes that his previous hated school was nothing short of paradise. In this "university," Yinkuang's sole goal in life is to obtain that cursed and bloodstained graduation certificate!

282.73 Million words | 2021-02-22 06:50Update

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Earth OL Fiction
Earth OL

"The official beta version of 'Earth OL' is now open for testing! In this test, we have added a shopping mall system, a mercenary system, and a bounty system. Additionally, we have introduced six thousand different professions, greatly enriching the game's excitement and long-term engagement. As a beta player, you will receive a permanent 70% discount on purchases in the store. Also, the novel 'End of the World Insect Tide' by Sansheng has reached one million words and has been fully completed!"

22.72 Million words | 2022-08-22 05:03Update

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Lord of the Stars and Seas Fiction
Lord of the Stars and Seas

In the interstellar era, the Chinese civilization, which has experienced countless rebirths and resurgences, is once again reaching its peak. The descendants of dragons can be found throughout the vast seas of stars. A generation of special forces king was schemed against and assassinated by political adversaries and alien civilizations while on a top-secret mission. Through the help of an ancient artifact, he miraculously survives and steps onto the magnificent interstellar stage. Destruction and rebirth, glory and dreams, many alien civilizations covet from the sidelines. Can the human world break through the encirclement? {Book club number:, friends who want to join please provide the names of the male and female leads and pass the verification.}

424.30 Million words | 2021-07-23 16:01Update

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The Last Taoist Fiction
The Last Taoist

Chan Wenbin - the last holder of the Taoist seal of the Maoshan School in China, he is the most mysterious folk Taoist in China. He saves people between yin and yang, but ends up getting burned; he takes you to uncover the most unknown secrets in Taoism, revealing the password of the life and death register in the underworld; his experiences are legendary and real, but have never been widely recognized for decades. Nine years ago, at the full moon banquet of an infant in Xihong Village, Zhejiang, a Taoist made a prophecy, saying, "Although this child carries the beauty of a human, she is destined to face numerous trials and tribulations." The crowd drove the Taoist out of the gate, dismissing his words. Nine years later, the girl grew up...

377.38 Million words | 2023-02-20 22:13Update

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Bring in the wine. Fiction
Bring in the wine.

The debauched prodigal attacks the avenging beauty. The evil dog confronts the mad hound. The central states are handed over to foreign enemies, and Shen Zechuan is taken captive and brought to the capital, becoming a beaten dog. Xiao Chi, smelling the scent, instead of letting others do it, kicks Shen Zechuan, making him ill, but to his surprise, the ill man bites him back, causing him to bleed profusely. From then on, the two of them develop an intense animosity, always ready to fight whenever they meet. "Fate wants me to stay here for a lifetime, but this is not the path I chose. The yellow sand has buried my comrades, and I refuse to serve an empty destiny. The imperial decree cannot save my troops, and the court cannot feed my horses. I am unwilling to sacrifice myself for this anymore. I want to climb over that mountain and fight for my own cause."

548.32 Million words | 2020-11-15 01:38Update

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City of the Apocalypse Fiction
City of the Apocalypse

When the apocalypse arrived and hordes of zombies surged like a tidal wave, the entire world overnight descended into a living hell! In this place, if one lacks the determination to die, there is no possibility of survival! This is the end of the world for the whole world, but also for you and me! Therefore, I hate this place because it's hell! But I also love this place because it's paradise...

380.12 Million words | 2021-10-29 05:10Update

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Desert Sea Fiction
Desert Sea

In order to find his missing subordinate, Wu Xie came across the innocent teenager, Li Cu, who was involved unintentionally. The scar on the teenager's back became the key to unravel the mystery of the desert tomb. Under coercion, Wu Xie took Li Cu deep into the forbidden land of death in the desert - the ancient city of Tong Jiang. Disappeared people in the photos, mysterious figures appearing in the camera, trucks surrounding the lake, destroyed cameras, dried corpses beneath the sand dunes... in the desolate desert, what will Wu Xie and his team discover? Who will the appearance of the black glasses save? And who will be able to leave alive?

63.70 Million words | 2021-12-15 08:54Update

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