The science in science fiction doesn’t always have to make sense. Sometimes it can be made up. However, sometimes authors create their stories by using hard science fiction, writing as accurately as possible about real life. But that means the science adds layers of complexity to a story. If you don’t have a background in these sciences (like myself) hard science fiction becomes insanely complicated. Some books are more difficult to get through than others. Here are the five most complicated hard science fiction books out there.
Permutation City by Greg Egan
Ever wanted to explore quantum ontology in fiction? Look no further than this book. I’m not even sure what quantum ontology is, but this book focuses on it. Written by Greg Egan (an author known for complex, hard-hitting sci-fi), the book also explores virtual/simulated reality, computing, chemistry, and more. It also establishes a model called “Dust Theory,” which resembles the Ultimate Ensemble Mathematical Universe hypothesis by Max Tegmark. If all that makes sense to you, feel free to check out the book for more of that.
I included the Goodreads link here.
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
You might know about the three-body problem, the concept of calculating how three masses orbit each other through Newton’s law of motion. Cixin’s novel focuses on this. However, the general premise is that Earth discovers aliens who come from three stars orbiting each other. The book follows the initial event of alien contact and its aftermath. Fun fact: Cixin became the first Asian writer to win a Hugo award. Netflix also released an adaptation of it back in 2024.
Find the book on Goodreads here.
The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi
Finnish author Hannu Rajaniemi also holds a PhD in physics on top of writing, so his work includes a lot of complicated hard sci-fi aspects. This book focuses on everything from superintelligences, technological singularities, and more, things I don’t know much about, I admit. What I do know is that the protagonist is modeled after the character of Arsene Lupin. Two sequels followed this book, The Fractal Prince (2012) and The Causal Angel (2014).
Find the book and give it a shot on Goodreads here.
Accelerando by Charles Stross
Written by British author Charles Stross, this book also focuses on a technological singularity. The book, which is made up of nine short stories previously published in Asimov’s Science Fiction, focuses on three generations of a specific family during this singularity. Fun fact: people often compare aspects of this novel to Olaf Stapledon’s Starmaker, which I reviewed here.
Find the book on Goodreads here.
Anathem by Neal Stephenson
This last book combines quantum mechanics with philosophy, specifically Platonism and nominalism. The plot largely concerns a monastic order dedicated to quantum mechanics, mathematics, and other sciences, which is cut off from the outside world. One of the members of the order learns of an alien spacecraft orbiting the planet, which world leaders want to keep secret. Besides quantum mechanics and Platonism, the book also focuses on the many-worlds interpretation of the universe.
Find the book on Goodreads through this link.
If anyone knows anything about quantum mechanics, singularities, or anything else related to hard sci-fi, feel free to explain some concepts in the comments below! See you all next week for another writing post.
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