Sci-Fi & Fantasy Archives - Bookishnerd

Top 17 Best Sci-fi Audiobooks

Sam — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:31:00 +0000

So most of my information here is for authors, but as a huge book nerd myself (it’s literally in the name), I really can’t help but spend some time talking about the genres I love.

And one of those is science fiction.

Specifically, I’d like to talk about science fiction audiobooks, because that’s primarily how I consume things these days, and a good audiobook with a good narrator can really make or break a story for me.

So, let’s dive into my best sci-fi audiobooks that I’ve found, and that you can get through Amazon, Audible, your favorite library app, or wherever you get your audiobooks.

Keep in mind, if you click some of these links and buy something, I get a small piece of that. It costs you nothing extra and every bit goes to my coffee fund, for which my day job thanks you.

The Best Sci-fi Audiobooks

Here’s the full list if you wanted to see it all scrunched up into a cozy guide. I’ve ordered these from worst to best (although the worst one is still one I would highly recommend, and keep in mind that this is all my little opinion).

For a more detailed breakdown of each book, continue reading below…

17. We Are Legion (We Are Bob), by Dennis E. Taylor

Sale

We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1

Audible Audiobook
Dennis E. Taylor (Author) - Ray Porter (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
09/20/2016 (Publication Date) - Audible Originals (Publisher)

When I first started listening to a book that included “We Are Bob” in title, I didn’t really think I expected it to be all that good, to be honest.

But you know what? It actually was!

The story is about a guy who pays money to have his head cryogenically preserved upon his death. Decades after he dies, his brain is reawakened and he’s now an AI. It’s a really unique sci-fi, with a light-hearted comedic flair, which I really like. (You’ll soon see that I have very few of the depressing options on this list).

This started out as an Audible original, so it’s made for audio. And it won Audible’s own Best Science Fiction Book of 2016. Go check it out.

16. Red Rising, by Pierce Brown

Sale

Red Rising

Audible Audiobook
Pierce Brown (Author) - Tim Gerard Reynolds (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
01/28/2014 (Publication Date) - Recorded Books (Publisher)

This is one of those books that almost doesn’t feel like a science fiction. It feels almost more like a high-tech epic military fantasy. But it’s definitely sci-fi. It’s just got a lot of armies and classes and hero’s journey-ings that it feels more like an epic.

But this book by Pierce Brown is a great one. It’s about a guy from a genetically engineered race of humans, bred to be a servant class, who rises up to overthrow the superiorly bred humans and leads this huge revolution. I’m not doing it justice. It’s great.

It’s read by Tim Gerard Reynolds, who is an amazing narrator. You’ll see his name pop up all over the place, particularly with some of the epic fantasy/sci-fi books out there.

The series has also spawned a lot of sequels, including a graphic novel, which is great.

15. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

Sale

Brave New World

Audible Audiobook
Aldous Huxley (Author) - Michael York (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
01/16/2008 (Publication Date) - Blackstone Audio, Inc. (Publisher)

We had to fit a couple of classics into this list, and Brave New World is one of the best. It’s a dystopian novel, which aren’t my favorite if I’m being honest, but it’s also one of the dystopian novels that started it all. It and one more that I’ll talk about shortly.

The novel is set in the year 2540 AD and deals with the ramifications of certain scientific technologies, imagining a world with completely different ideas about reproduction, and psychology.

There are many different versions of this audiobook, since it was published way back in 1932. But this is the latest and greatest, with Michael York as the narrator. With the renewed interest in this book due to that new Peacock version, you know the one with Han Solo, I thought I had to include this on the list.

14. 11-22-63: A Novel, by Stephen King

Sale

11-22-63: A Novel

Audible Audiobook
Stephen King (Author) - Craig Wasson (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
11/08/2011 (Publication Date) - Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher)

Okay, I’m not always a huge Stephen King fan. Just not that into horror.

But hot damn, I have never been so riveted to a story as I was when I listened to 11-22-63.

This is more of a loose science fiction. The only sci-fi part of it is that the main character goes back in time. There isn’t much explanation as to why, and little thought about it other than as a mechanism to accomplish the real goal: stop President Kennedy from being assassinated.

It’s really a great story, enough to make me think that Mr. King should really give more thought to doing more books of this type. I quite prefer his non-horror books.

13. Children of Time, by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Sale

Children of Time

Audible Audiobook
Adrian Tchaikovsky (Author) - Mel Hudson (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
05/02/2017 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

This is one of those newer books that I read and was like, hey, this is actually surprisingly good!

The story is about a group of refugees fleeing a dying Earth, going to a distant planet that is supposed to be terraformed for their purposes, but they encounter another civilization there. Awkward…

The audiobook is beautifully read by Mel Hudson, and is one of those Audible Originals that was really quite good, definitely optimized for audio. I highly recommend it.

12. 1984, by George Orwell

No products found.

So, I’m not a fan of dark or dystopian sci-fi. I like my speculative fiction to be hopeful and inspiring. That said, with everything that has been going on the last few years, I can’t not put 1984 on the list.

I mean, what can I say about this book. It’s the book that first created a scarily possible dystopian future onto paper. And having it in audio does not help with my nerves.

Granted, the narration is amazing, it’s just that this book can get creepily familiar at times, and I honestly don’t like it. That said, it’s a classic for a reason, and one that everyone should read in his/her lifetime, even if it touches on topics that might be a little uncomfortable.

11. Leviathan Wakes, by James S. A. Corey

Sale

Leviathan Wakes

Audible Audiobook
James S. A. Corey (Author) - Jefferson Mays (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
06/30/2017 (Publication Date) - Hachette Audio (Publisher)

Ever seen the Expanse? It’s a great television show. Full of intricate worldbuilding (or I should say solar system building), with plenty of gritty details. Well, that was based on this series by James S. A. Corey, which is actually the pen name for two authors: Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck.

The story is about an unusual alien entity being discovered in the solar system by some scientists who would use it for some not great reasons, all while there’s a cold war going on between Earth and Mars. Tensions escalate as everyone tries to get their hands on this proto-molecule, but it has plans of its own.

If you saw the show, you’ll definitely like the book. And even if you didn’t see the show, you should definitely start with the book first.

10. Heir to the Empire, by Timothy Zahn

Sale

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: (20th Anniversary Edition), The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 1

Audible Audiobook
Timothy Zahn (Author) - Marc Thompson (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
09/06/2011 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

I had to get at least one Star Wars book on here…

And yes, I know, Star Wars is more like Space Fantasy, but I couldn’t help myself. I love a good Star Wars books.

And this is no ordinary Star Wars book, it’s the one written in 1991 that kind of launched the whole Star Wars publishing thing. It’s no canon in the same way that the new movies are, but elements from this story have definitely made it into other, more recent stories, such as the Mandalorian.

This version is a 20th Anniversary edition, and it’s read by Marc Thompson, who is a delight to listen to. It also has Star Wars music and sound effects to add to the immersion.

Get your hands on a copy, stat.

9. Galaxy’s Edge, by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole

Sale

Galaxy's Edge

Audible Audiobook
Jason Anspach (Author) - R.C. Bray (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
02/20/2018 (Publication Date) - Podium Audio (Publisher)

Speaking of Star Wars, I also had to get at least one indie title on here as well, and that had to be Galaxy’s Edge by Jason Anspach and Nick Cole. It’s a lot like Star Wars, and even shares a name with the Star Wars theme park. But these guys had the name long before Galaxy’s Edge ended up in Disney Land and Disney World.

This series was self-published as a kind of Star Wars fan letter, a Star Wars what-if story, even though it’s not actually a Star Wars story.

It’s since become so popular, that it’s gone and spawned a ton of sequels and side stories, including many by different authors. There’s even one written by Karen Traviss, who has actually written Star Wars books before.

8. Off to Be the Wizard, by Scott Meyer

Sale

Off to Be the Wizard: Magic 2.0, Book 1

Audible Audiobook
Scott Meyer (Author) - Luke Daniels (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
11 Pages - 03/18/2014 (Publication Date) - Brilliance Audio (Publisher)

Okay, so this one has one foot in science fiction and one in fantasy, but it’s really a sci-fi book because it involves time travel and digital wizardry.

It’s about a guy who discovers that there is a universal code governing the universe, and that he can manipulate it. So of course, he travels back in time so he can be seen as a wizard.

I’ve actually had a few people comment that this book wasn’t that great, but when I probe further, I learn that they read the Kindle version. They didn’t listen to the audiobook version.

This is one of those books that is essential to read in audio format. Luke Daniels is a brilliant narrator, and he really makes the comedy of this series come to life. I love him.

7. Foundation, by Isaac Asimov

Sale

Foundation (Apple Series Tie-in Edition)

Audible Audiobook
Isaac Asimov (Author) - Scott Brick (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
04/20/2010 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

Ever heard of Isaac Asimov? I’m pretty sure you have, especially if you’re into sci-fi. That’s because the guy kind of wrote the book (several books actually) defining science fiction. Things like the laws of robotics.

Anyway, the Foundation is one of his most well known, and for good reason. It’s a highly speculative look at how large empires that span solar systems rise and fall. It’s a great look not only at sci-fi ideals, but at sociology as well.

This particular version is read by Scott Brick, who is just such a phenomenal narrator. I could listen to his voice all day.

6. Skyward, by Brandon Sanderson

Sale

Skyward

Audible Audiobook
Brandon Sanderson (Author) - Suzy Jackson (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
15 Pages - 11/06/2018 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

If you’re a fantasy fan, you definitely know who Brandon Sanderson is. For the sci-fi fan, you’re in luck. He’s got one sci-fi series that starts with Skyward.

It’s kind of an Ender’s Game meets How to Train Your Dragon, kind of story. There’s a battle school, and the main character discovers a sentient spaceship that she then learns to fly. It’s a lot of fun, and full of classic Sanderson twists and turns.

Go get it, I highly recommend this author.

5. The Martian, by Andy Weir

Sale

The Martian

Audible Audiobook
Andy Weir (Author) - Wil Wheaton (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
01/01/2020 (Publication Date) - Audible Studios (Publisher)

This is another one to keep you glued to…wherever you’re sitting/standing/lying down. The Martian is the tale of someone who gets left behind on Mars, and has to survive until an expedition can be sent back to pick him up.

It’s a hard science fiction, full of actual…well…science. And that’s part of what makes it so interesting. It’s actually not one of those books that a lot of people would think of as science fiction.

The audiobook is narrated by Wil Wheaton, who if you didn’t know, is sci-fi royalty. Kind of. He was that kid in Star Trek the Next Generation that seemed to annoy everyone.

And speaking of Wil Wheaton…

4. Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline

Sale

Ready Player One

Audible Audiobook
Ernest Cline (Author) - Wil Wheaton (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
08/16/2011 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

Wil Wheaton also narrates this book by Ernest Cline, the story of a boy caught up in a huge scavenger hunt for billions upon billions of dollars, all in this virtual world.

It’s one of the nerdiest books to ever come out, full of just about every geek reference you could think of. So of course I loved it.

It’s also one of those books that is hard to put down…or to stop listening.

I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a crash course in about fifty different nerd things, but also a genuinely good book.

3. Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card

Sale

Ender's Game: Special 20th Anniversary Edition

Audible Audiobook
Orson Scott Card (Author) - Stefan Rudnicki, Harlan Ellison, Gabrielle de Cuir (Narrators)
English (Publication Language)
12/30/2001 (Publication Date) - Macmillan Audio (Publisher)

When the fate of humanity rests in the hands of a young boy, you can bet we’re going to be in for some great sci-fi times.

I was lucky enough to not have the ending spoiled for me when I first read Ender’s Game, and I was glad I went in fresh. It’s got an incredible ending you guys. You just have to read it.

Ender’s Game is largely considered one of the best sci-fi stories ever, and tells the story of a young boy who is recruited into a space battle school to eventually fight and lead a war against an alien threat.

It’s good, you guys. Go read it.

2. Dune, by Frank Herbert

Sale

Dune

Audible Audiobook
Frank Herbert (Author) - Scott Brick, Orlagh Cassidy, Euan Morton (Narrators)
English (Publication Language)
12/31/2006 (Publication Date) - Macmillan Audio (Publisher)

If you’re in any kind of sci-fi circle, you’ve heard of Dune. It’s largely considered the biggest and best science fiction novel of all time. And I would agree with that. It’s basically the Lord of the Rings of science fiction, with worldbuilding to rival even that of the professor.

The story is about a young boy who is the result of thousands of years of genetic breeding, who is thrown into a plot to destroy his whole house. It’s got so much worldbuilding, philosophy, theocracy, and character development. Seriously, you guys. You need to check it out.

So if it’s so great, why isn’t it number one? Well…

1. Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams

Sale

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Audible Audiobook
Douglas Adams (Author) - Stephen Fry (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
04/28/2005 (Publication Date) - Random House Audio (Publisher)

When it comes to best sci-fi books, I probably would put Dune first, but this is a list about best sci-fi audiobooks. And with that in mind, I can’t not put Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy first.

This is a book that is really meant to be read out loud. In fact, it’s based on a radio play that came out first.

This book is a comedy, and it’s read by the great comedian and voice artist, Stephen Fry. This mashup results in one of the best audio experiences I’ve ever had in my lifetime.

Hitchhiker’s Guide is 100% my top recommendation for the best sci-fi audiobooks. If you listen, you’ll understand. It doesn’t really get any better.

Final Thoughts

So those are my top picks for science fiction audiobooks. I hope you find these enjoyable, especially if you haven’t read some of these in the past. Take a look at all the links and see if there’s anything that tickles your fancy. You already know my favorites.

Cheers!

Jason

The post Top 17 Best Sci-fi Audiobooks appeared first on Bookishnerd.

J.R.R. Tolkien Books: in Chronological & Release Order Guide

Sam — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 16:14:00 +0000

So when I set out to write this article, I realized that there are actually several ways to read all the J. R. R. Tolkien Books in order. You could read by release date, or by chronological order if you’re doing just the fantasy, Middle-Earth-related stories.

I also realized that there are quite a number of other works written by Tolkien or closely related, that I thought really were worth including, even though they’re not directly part of the Lord of the Rings saga, the Hobbit, or its prequels.

So I decided to do three things here.

Give you the chronological order of Tolkien’s Middle-earth Novels
Give you the release date of the same
Give you a few bonus reads that you really should check out if you’re into Tolkien.

Let’s dive in.

The Chronological Order

If you’re interested in just the chronological order of Tolkien’s books, here it is in brief:

Some of these were published posthumously by Tolkien’s son, Christopher Tolkien, but contain stories set in the world of Middle-earth. Additionally, I obviously can’t include any texts that aren’t set in Middle-earth in this list, which is why I have the bonus section below.

But for now, let’s dig into each of these in turn.

1. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
481 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

The Silmarillion was actually published in 1977, after Tolkien’s death. But chronological it comes first.

If you’re a fan of the lore of Middle-earth, this is definitely the book for you. It reads a lot more like a history book than a novel, so if you’re looking for a light read, maybe skip over this one. But honestly, it’s a HUGE compendium of background stories that take place thousands of years before the main Lord of the Rings books.

It really gave me quite the respect for Tolkien and the world he created, because the amount of work that went into crafting this history is monstrous.

2. Beren and Luthien

Beren And Lúthien

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
289 Pages - 06/01/2017 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Beren and Luthien was published a lot more recently, much like The Children of Hurin and The Fall of Gondolin. But it’s one of Tolkien’s most important stories.

Now, this story takes place during the Silmarillion. Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R Tolkien’s son, collected all of the many versions of Beren and Luthien that his father produced and placed them together so you could see the evolution of Tolkien’s thought process while constructing this story.

Also, if you didn’t know, Beren and Luthien is a love story between a mortal man and an Elf maiden. It’s a great, mythical kind of love story, but the best part is that Tolkien actually had the words Beren and Luthien inscribed on his and his wife’s headstones. Which is just the sweetest thing.

3. The Children of Hurin

The Children Of Húrin

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
322 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

The Children of Hurin was the first of the three Silmarillion-era novels to be published in modern times. And honestly guys, get ready on this one, because it’s a doosy of a depressing story.

It’s about a man called Turin who has just one bit of bad luck after another, do to a curse that Morgoth (the dark lord at the time) placed on his family. And boy does it get dark.

This tale also takes place during the Silmarillion (but after Beren and Luthien), but it offers more story material than is contained in the Silmarillion, making it more complete.

4. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
305 Pages - 08/30/2018 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Lastly in this sort of Silmarillion-era trilogy, we have the Fall of Gondolin. Gondolin was a huge Elf city that was super awesome. Think Rivendell combined with Minas Tirith, but like, 20 times cooler.

As you might be able to guess, Gondolin falls in the course of this story. It’s one of the more epic tales that Tolkien ever wrote, and it’s a shame that it never got the full novel treatment, because it would have been just as epic, if not more so, than the Lord of the Rings.

Like Beren and Luthien, this work contains several versions of the story, edited together, so we can see Tolkien’s progressive thought process behind the writing. And like the other two in this trilogy, these events takes place during the Silmarillion.

5. Unfinished Tales

Unfinished Tales Of Numenor And Middle-Earth

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
465 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Unfinished Tales is best placed here, but doesn’t really have a chronological placement. It’s a collection of various tales, some of which are adapted or hinted at in the previous four volumes, but that nevertheless are essential reading for lore junkies.

It also contains some explanatory essays that I love, particularly about the wizards, and about Galadriel.

6. The Hobbit

The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again (Lord of the Rings)

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
297 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Okay, at this point you may or may not have read all of this background reading material. But my guess is that you’ve read, or at least know about the Hobbit. I read this during middle school, and it still remains one of my favorite books.

The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins being caught up in an adventure to find and slay a dragon to help 13 dwarves reclaim their home. It’s a great adventure, steeped in mythology, that really started Tolkien’s popularity as an author.

It’s also, by far, the best place to start reading Tolkien’s work.

7. The Fellowship of the Ring

The Fellowship Of The Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
432 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Following the success of The Hobbit, Tolkien’s published asked him to write a sequel. The result was The Lord of the Rings, though it wasn’t released for nearly 20 years later. And at the time, since this was only 10 years following the end of World War II, there was a paper shortage, as so Tolkien’s publisher couldn’t publish the massive Lord of the Rings volume in one go. So Tolkien was forced to break it up. And the result was three volumes, starting with The Fellowship of the Ring.

Fellowship tells the story of Frodo Baggins, the heir of Bilbo Baggins, discovering that the ring he had inherited was really the One Ring, an ancient weapon of power belonging to the Dark Lord Sauron, and he wants it back. So Frodo has to leave his comfortable house with his closest friends, and they go on various adventures, meeting up with the likes of Aragorn, Gandalf, and others to form the titular Fellowship as they journey to destroy the ring.

8. The Two Towers

The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings: A Special Collector's Edition of the Epic Masterpiece. A Must-Have for Any Tolkien Reader's Library

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
448 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

The Two Towers continues the adventures from Fellowship but at this point, the Fellowship has split into several distinct groups. Frodo and Sam are on their own, continuing to travel to Mount Doom, and the rest are in Rohan, where they get caught up in the local problems there due to Saruman the White, a wizard who has gone bad.

But you probably know this story.

The Two Towers was released the very same year as Fellowship, but later because of the paper shortage. But since Tolkien already had all three books completed, this didn’t have to wait long.

It’s great, and one of my favorites on this whole list. But none are quite as good as the next one on this list, which is 100% my favorite of the bunch.

9. Return of the King

The Return Of The King: Being the Third Part of the Lord of the Rings

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
432 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Return of the King concludes the amazing story of the ring, and let me tell you. It is epic! I won’t spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read these or watched the movies, but you should definitely read the Lord of the Rings, just so you can get to this last novel. It’s my favorite, if you couldn’t tell.

And that ends the chronological order of the books. Tolkien did have plans for more stories after this, but he ended up abandoning his plans for that, which I’m actually kind of glad about. There’s a finality to Return of the King that makes a sequel unnecessary. And by the way, if you want to see more on the chronological order for Middle-earth-related stories, I’d check out this epic timeline.

The Release Order

Now if you’re not interested in the chronological order of these Middle-earth books, you might like going through them in release order, as follows:

This is probably how I would recommend most beginners start out. If you don’t count yourself among Tolkien fans just yet, start with the Hobbit.

Bonus: Other Books by J. R. R. Tolkien

But really, if you’re a fan of Tolkien, or perhaps you’ve already read every Tolkien book listed above, you should definitely check out some of these bonus options. They’re different, covering various miscellaneous texts, scholarly texts, and translations that Tolkien did, but they’re definitely important to his legacy. Here they are in brief:

The History of Middle Earth

Sale

The Histories of Middle Earth, Volumes 1-5

J.R.R. Tolkien (Author)
English (Publication Language)
08/26/2003 (Publication Date) - Del Rey (Publisher)

The History of Middle Earth is a collection of several books edited by Christopher Tolkien that cover a lot of the miscellaneous texts, fragments, and notes that his father had on Middle Earth. It’s great if you want to learn more of Tolkien’s thought process, along with a few nuggets of lore that you don’t get in any of the other books.

It contains 12 volumes, though only the first five are easily accessible on Amazon.

The Book of Lost Tales, Part I
The Book of Lost Tales, Part II
The Lays of Beleriand
The Shaping of Middle-earth
The Lost Road and Other Writings
The Return of the Shadow
The Treason of Isengard
The War of the Ring
Sauron Defeated
Morgoth’s Ring
The War of the Jewels
The Peoples of Middle-earth

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Sir Gawain And The Green Knight, Pearl, And Sir Orfeo

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
247 Pages - 07/27/2021 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Tolkien did several translations in his life, since he was actually a philologist and a professor at Oxford as his day job.

Among the most important is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which is commonly used as the translation for this particular poem.

Tolkien also did some other translations, like one for Beowulf, but Sir Gawain is the main one that I wanted to mention here.

The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun

The Legend Of Sigurd And Gudrún

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
389 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

I didn’t know about this one until I started researching this article. But The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun is a collection of two poems that Tolkien wrote in the epic tradition. It’s inspired by Norse Mythology, which Tolkien knew a lot about, and is even written in the same style as ancient Norse writings in the Poetic Edda.

The Fall of Arthur

The Fall Of Arthur

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
239 Pages - 05/23/2013 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

This was an unfinished poem that Tolkien wrote about the legend of King Arthur, and was published long after his death. It imitates the style of Beowulf, but is clearly inspired by the Arthurian legends.

Letters from Father Christmas

Letters From Father Christmas

Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)

Okay, you guys, if you haven’t heard of Letters from Father Christmas, you really need to give it a look. You see, Tolkien actually wrote letters to his kids as if they came from Santa Clause himself, and it’s the most adorable thing in the world.

Naturally, being Tolkien, he ended up creating a whole world of the North Pole, complete with all the kind of worldbuilding you’d come to expect, with elves, polar bears, and goblins.

Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien

Sale

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded Edition―Revealing Insights into the Life of Middle-Earth's Creator

Hardcover Book
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
720 Pages - 11/14/2023 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

This is a collection of letters that Tolkien sent to various peoples, such as his family or his editor. They end up creating a kind of interesting Q and A, and chances are you’ll find the answers to a lot of your Tolkien-related questions here. For example, you’ve probably wondered why the eagles didn’t just fly the ring to Morder. Well, Tolkien addresses that in his letters.

Tales from the Perilous Realm

Tales From The Perilous Realm

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
430 Pages - 02/15/2012 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Tales from the Perilous Realm is a collection of Tolkien’s short stories, and it’s the one I recommend most if you want to see some of Tolkien’s short fiction. It includes:

Roverandom
Farmer Giles of Ham
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil
Leaf by niggle
Smith of Wootton Major

Of these, only “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil” has any direct relation to Middle-earth, but the others are great stories in their own right.

The Nature of Middle-Earth

The Nature Of Middle-Earth

Amazon Kindle Edition
Tolkien, J.R.R. (Author)
English (Publication Language)
467 Pages - 09/02/2021 (Publication Date) - William Morrow (Publisher)

Lastly, I thought I’d include a newer addition to the Tolkien mythos. The Nature of Middle-earth is kind of an extension of the History of Middle-earth series, written by Carl F. Hostetter, who is a leading Tolkien scholar.

This one is brand new, as of this writing, and it’s good to see that there’s still love to be had in the world of Middle-earth. We haven’t seen the end of these books yet.

The post J.R.R. Tolkien Books: in Chronological & Release Order Guide appeared first on Bookishnerd.

15 Best Michael Crichton Books: The Techno-Thriller Genre

Sam — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 04:47:53 +0000

The name Michael Crichton always rang a bell, but I couldn’t recognize where I knew it from until a couple of years ago when I came across his best rated book on Goodreads – Jurassic Park. That’s right! Crichton’s the brain behind one of the most iconic ‘science gone wrong’ stories of our time. I’ll never forget going to see the movie as a child and having very specific nightmares about tyrannosauruses, so you can imagine how excited I was to realize that the source of my dino-obsession (and nightmares) came from this author.

Discovering this sent me down a rabbit-hole of his other work – which is mostly in the sci-fi, techno-thriller, and medical fiction genres. It’s definitely different from what I usually read, but I found his novels very easy to follow and I loved the immense amount of detail that goes into his writing, making for very immersive stories that get you hooked.

I’ve compiled a list of the best Michael Crichton books I’ve loved, so if you’re looking for something to keep you on the edge of your seat – keep reading.

How I rated these books

I’m a mood reader, so whatever I felt at the end of the book makes it into my rating. But there are a few more things I think about when deciding on it:

Whether the plot makes sense
Whether there are interesting characters and character arcs
If the style of writing is appealing
Whether the book is worth a second read
What other readers say about them

Best Michael Crichton Books List

Best Michael Crichton Books Reviews

1. Jurassic Park – My Favorite

Jurassic Park

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, genetic engineering, thriller, adventure, fantasy, horror, classics, adult
Content warnings – Gore, blood, death, animal death, violence, sexism, child death, fatphobia
Type – Series
No. of pages – 400
First publication – November, 1990
Goodreads rating – 4.09

Synopsis

Humankind’s most thrilling fantasy comes true when John Hammond, the owner of a bioengineering firm, manages to genetically engineer dinosaurs. With prehistoric creatures now roaming in an island off of Costa Rica, the firm’s owners contemplate whether their dinosaur ‘park’ is safe to be opened to the public. But as mysterious events threaten the safety of the park, Hammond and his team begin to realize that by attempting to divert the course of nature, they may very well be threatening the existence of humanity itself.

I was itching to read this as soon as I found out that Jurassic Park the movie came from Jurassic Park the book, so I did, and it landed right at the top of my best Michael Crichton books. The nostalgia for my dinosaur-obsessed self was strong and I absolutely loved discovering Crichton as a writer, so it definitely made for a five-star read.

I really liked the attention to detail in the book, covering how it all started. Crichton does not spare us any detail on the side of science, giving us the nitty-gritty behind every discovery and every plot development making it easy for us commonfolk to follow (and now I’m half-convinced I can revive an entire species myself. Stay tuned for how that one ends 🦕).

The characters and their growth arcs in the book were some of the best I’ve seen in the sci-fi genre. The way Crichton dives into the thoughts and backgrounds of the characters makes it easier to understand why they behave the way they do. For example, Ian Malcolm, the mathematician, comes across cocky and annoying but when I know what his motivations are, I can’t help but be grateful for his presence because he shares all our concerns about a park teeming with a newly revived species.

Speaking of, the book also covers the actual ethical implications of messing with nature. The entire time I was reading the book, there was this dread hanging over my head about the lines we are crossing as we experiment against the natural order of the world.

Having now read Jurassic Park, I can see how Crichton spares no detail when building characters and the plot whereas Spielberg has left out some details to make room for action and drama. I still love both, but I’m super glad I got to read the book so I have the full context.

So if you’re looking for a hair-raising adventure filled with lots of dangerous decisions in the name of science, easy-to-love characters, and of course, dinosaurs, this book is your one-way ticket to Jurassic Park. Pick it up for the dinosaurs and stay for the thrills!

Best for

Fans of science fiction, thriller, adventure genres, and those who love dinosaurs

Not for

Readers looking for a lighthearted and cheerful read

2. The Lost World

Lost World Jurassic Park 2

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, thriller, adventure, horror, fantasy, dinosaurs
Content warnings – Death, animal death, violence, blood, explicit language
Type – Series
No. of pages – 448
First publication – September, 1995
Goodreads rating – 3.84

Synopsis

Six years after John Hammond passed away, Ian Malcolm stumbles upon another island near Costa Rica with more dinosaurs. Joining him on this adventure are scientists Richard Levine and Sarah Harding, along with two sneaky 11-year-old kids, Kelly and Arby. Their mission is to uncover the mysteries of this new dinosaur-filled island.

The Lost World is the sequel to Jurassic Park so I didn’t think twice about reading once my trip to Jurassic Park ended. This book had a lot of focus on Ian Malcolm, so I fangirled my way into yet another dinosaur book from Michael Crichton.

Ian and his girlfriend are on an expedition led by the cloning company from the first park when they discover a horrifying truth – dinosaurs are breeding again, causing chaos all over. So our MCs find themselves once again caught up in a struggle of survival against living, breathing, incredibly dangerous dinosaurs.

Ian is a treat as usual – he’s his usual cocky, all-knowing self with a soft-spot inside the hard exterior, just soft enough to make us fall for him. I loved following his adventures this time around too, especially with his girlfriend Sarah who’s smart, adventurous, and a total girl crush.

We can’t talk about the characters in this book without talking about Richard Levine, who, if possible, is even more notorious than Ian. Add a couple of curious kids to the bunch and we have an entire cast of interesting characters to root for and go adventuring with. The cast did a lot to keep the excitement and suspense alive in the narrative with their shenanigans, and it really is just such a testament to how vividly Crichton wrote.

This book also places a lot of focus on dinosaurs – we get some pretty detailed perspectives on the different types of dinosaurs and their behaviors, explained with (fictional) science. The awesomeness of the dinos meant that I got really into dinosaurs after reading this book and now I have an entire collection of dinosaur memorabilia that I’ve grown out of, but don’t have the heart to throw out 😅.

The Lost World doesn’t just continue the Jurassic Park saga; it brings philosophical reflections, well-crafted characters, and a dose of excitement all on its own. If you’re looking for a new adventure with dinosaurs we met in Jurassic Park, pick up The Lost World today!

Best for

Fans of thrilling dinosaur encounters and high-octane action

Not for

Readers looking for a slow-paced, low stakes story

3. Timeline

Sale

Timeline: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, historical adventure, thriller, time travel
Content warnings – War, violence, gore, body horror
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 489
First publication – November, 1999
Goodreads rating – 3.86

Synopsis

In the Arizona desert, a disoriented man dies mysteriously and is quickly cremated by his associates. At the same time, archaeologists find a medieval secret, leading them to a secretive tech company that allows them to go into the past. However, as history from six hundred years ago unfolds, a fight for survival begins, spanning across time and space.

The journey that Timeline took me on is truly wild as it seamlessly switched between the present day and 14th-century France. If you’re a time-travel or a historical fiction nut (like me!), strap in because this story is one for the books!

The story revolves around the groundbreaking time-travel technology developed by the Timeline Corporation and a bunch of people experimenting with it. The company offers historians and archaeologists a chance to experience the past firsthand, but as expected with those who tamper with the past, it brings its own set of risks. I felt like Crichton did a great job taking the myth out of time travel and putting us in a whole other reality, showing us the risk of messing with the order of the world.

The plot was intriguing on its own, but I also absolutely loved that at its core, the book was basically about a bunch of dorks (Professor Edward’s team of scientists/rescuers) dealing with much more than they had initially signed up for. I got so attached to Kate, Andre, and Professor Edward that I was on pins and needles the whole time, wondering how they were going to tackle the dangers thrown in their face.

And that epilogue! Oh my god, I didn’t expect to get so emotional reading a book about time travel of all things, but Crichton really did do me in with that one. It was beautiful and really made me think about how humanity and its ways of life remain unchanged across centuries, be it in the 14^th century or the 21^st.

If you’re into historical fiction like I am and would love to read a fast page-turner full of time-traveling adventures, this is the book for you. I promise you, it’s a real treat with its blend of science and adventure – and not to mention the adorable cast of characters.

Best for

Fans intrigued by time travel complexities and suspenseful storytelling.

Not for

Readers who are looking for an easy read

4. The Andromeda Strain

Sale

The Andromeda Strain

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, thriller, horror, mystery
Content warnings – Death, medical content, animal death, explicit language, gun violence, suicide
Type – Series
No. of pages – 327
First publication – September, 1969
Goodreads rating – 3.91

Synopsis

A satellite falls in a desolate area of Arizona and twelve miles from the site, a shocking discovery is made: streets littered with dead bodies and a town wiped clean. The terror doesn’t stop there because scientists soon discover that an alien bacteria with the capacity to kill a person instantly has entered the earth.

When I started my deep dive into sci-fi thrillers, a friend told me I had to try The Andromeda Strain because it would change my perspective on aliens. I dove in skeptically but my friend turned out to be right, because now I, too, am worried about aliens that are too small to be seen by the naked eye but are dangerous enough to wipe out humanity. It’s a more reasonable fear than it sounds, I swear.

The book is a full-blown version of what could happen if the plague was caused by an alien species (think Covid-19 but make it space-y and way worse). The bacteria on the satellite that crashes in Arizona can clot up blood and kill anyone instantly and with that, I felt this sense of unease, despair, and uncertainty that Crichton clearly wanted us to feel. Mysterious diseases are always so terrifying because history says that deathly diseases can pop up at any time (as we’ve all seen), so when you add aliens to the mix, it gets even more panic-inducing.

The solution to this life-ending disease is a simple one, but Crichton makes the characters (and us) put in the work and race through the book to save humankind from its end. The ride was so intense that it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Crichton, true to his style, explains the science in pretty easy-to-grasp language most of the time, but there were some instances when I thought it was a bit science-heavy. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it because it made the story that much more realistic for me, but since the book wasn’t that long, I wish we could’ve had more plot and less focus on details.

If you’re looking for a sci-fi thriller about diseases and aliens or just interested in reading about an epidemic after the unspeakable year of 2020, The Andromeda Strain might be a perfect fit for you.

Best for

Fans of medical fiction and sci-fi

Not for

Readers looking for an uplifting story

5. Sphere

Sale

Sphere

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, thriller, horror, mystery
Content warnings – Death, confinement, gore. Sexism, violence, racism, misogyny, panic attacks
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 371
First publication – January, 1987
Goodreads rating – 3.82

Synopsis

A team led by Dr. Norman Goodman and psychologist Dr. Beth Halpern is rushed to a huge vessel that has been discovered resting on the ocean floor in the middle of the South Pacific. What they see boggles their minds – an enormous, seemingly undamaged spaceship that’s over three hundred years old. A surprising revelation about the alien intelligence behind it throws them into the unknown and now they’re faced with a mystery that challenges everything they thought they knew.

I was on the search for another alien story after reading The Andromeda Strain, so when Goodreads recommended Sphere, I decided to give it a try. And well, if you ever wondered what it would mean for humanity if an alien invasion happened, the Sphere is probably what you’d have in mind, but worse. Much, much worse.

The story immediately kicks off with a wild discovery – there’s a mysterious alien spacecraft hiding in the Pacific Ocean. And it gets better – the powerful ‘sphere’ inside it can make your wildest fears and desires come to life. I won’t say more because I want you to explore this tumultuous journey by yourself and feel what I did, but I’ll leave you with this: this book has one of the most original plots of Crichton I’ve come across.

I also think that it was this originality that added so much philosophical and psychological depth to the book. The entire time I was reading this book, I was thinking about what makes us strong as humans and how humanity is susceptible to its own desires. It helped that the entire story unfolded in the mysterious depths of the Pacific Ocean, giving us the perfectly eerie and intense backdrop for musings about the unknown.

Crichton, like always, makes us ponder the consequences of scientific advancement while exploring the idea of a powerful life beyond earth and we are torn between possibility and the danger of possibility. So if you’re looking for something suspenseful and extraterrestrial, the Sphere is a perfect read that checks all those boxes.

Best for

Those who enjoy gripping science fiction and psychological thrillers

Not for

Readers seeking a lighthearted or straightforward narrative

6. Prey

Sale

Prey: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, thriller horror, suspense, mystery
Content warnings – Death, violence, body horror, animal death, explicit language, medical content, child abuse, body shaming
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 507
First publication – November, 2002
Goodreads rating – 3.78

Synopsis

Out in the Sahara Desert, a science experiment goes wrong and nanoparticles have escaped and are now out of control. The intelligent and self-replicating swarm is designed to be a predator, and with each passing hour, grows deadlier.

When I told a hardened Crichton fan that I was getting into techno-thrillers, they repeatedly said I had to try Prey because it was one of the best pieces of speculative fiction that Crichton has produced. I agree with them, because after a riveting read that had me completely hooked, I know firsthand that Prey is unpredictable and thrilling at every turn of the page.

Let me just start by putting it out there that this book was unprecedented with a capital U. And I can’t even say Crichton didn’t warn me because our narrator, Jack Foreman, tells us on the very first page that, “Things never turn out the way you think they will.”

Foreman, along with his ominous predictions was such an amazing narrator to root for because he’s one of those characters who become heroes due to circumstance. It all starts when he’s rehired at the same place that fired him because he’s the only one with the expertise to attempt controlling these nanoparticles. So he goes all in but discovers, to his alarm, that he can’t trust anyone around him to do the right thing and put an end to the moving mass of nano predators.

One thing I loved about the plot development is the contrast between Foreman and his wife – both make different decisions in the face of overwhelming responsibility. The conflicts that came up owing to different opinions kept the tension at an all time high, and gave me enough fuel to suspect Julia, the wife, of ulterior motives. She didn’t sit well with me from the start of the story, and I was biting my nails to find out how it panned out for Foreman and Julia.

As usual, Crichton’s characteristic style of suspense and his deep emphasis on science doesn’t fail in this story either. In fact, I thought the science was even more whacky, dangerous, and closer to home in this story because it was about nanotechnology.

With Prey, you’re in for a classic tale about the dangers and ethical implications of toying with science, so if that sounds like a good fit for you, pick up this book and discover humanity’s potential to destroy the world in a chilling, absorbing read.

Best for

Fans of science fiction and techno-thriller genres

Not for

Readers looking for a low stakes thriller

7. Congo

Sale

Congo

Genre/Sub-genre – Science fiction, fiction, thriller, adventure, horror, mystery, suspense
Content warnings – Animal cruelty, injury/injury detail, animal death, fun violence, death, blood, gore, violence
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 480
First publication – January, 1980
Goodreads rating – 3.62

Synopsis

In a rainforest near the Lost City of Zinj, eight geologists are mysteriously killed and Karen Ross, who is overseeing the Congo Project, sees it on a video feed. In San Francisco, primatologist Peter Elliot works with Amy, an intelligent gorilla who starts drawing an ancient lost city. Led by Karen Ross and accompanied by the extraordinary Amy – a new expedition is launched into the treacherous Congo where dangers lurk and secrets lie low.

I have to admit I’m a little claustrophobic about rainforests, but this book came with such high praise that I set my fear aside to read Congo. No regrets at all, because I fell in love with the book, and the rainforest, from the very first page.

The adventure takes place in the jungles of Congo, following Dr. Karen, Peter – the monkey expert, and the tough Monroe Kelly. The team uses high-tech gadgets on a mission chasing a rare blue diamond, sponsored by a mysterious company – and I’m already hooked on the intrigue. The plot, the pacing, and the mystery factor made this book so immersive that I was glued to my Kindle to make sure I didn’t miss a single detail.

I absolutely loved Amy – the gorilla! I’ve always been fascinated by just how intelligent they are, and this was perfectly captured in the character of Amy. After reading the book, I have half a mind to go to a jungle, befriend a gorilla, and spend the rest of my days chilling with my new best friend, because Amy was that awesome and smart, adding a lot to the dynamics of our little scavenger team.

Also, can we talk about the ‘info dumps’? I know some may find it annoying but Crichton does it in such a natural way that you actually look forward to having oddly specific and highly relevant information thrown your way. I think this is one reason Crichton is well-loved as a sci-fi and techno-thriller writer, because he gives us the necessary context without making us wade through jargon and subject-specific concepts.

So, if you’re a fan of stories that keep you engaged from start to finish, Congo is definitely worth checking out. Bonuses include a healthy dose of science, a highly intelligent gorilla, and an action-packed adventure in the depths of a rainforest.

Best for

Readers interested in expedition challenges and high-energy action

Not for

Readers looking for a psychological thriller

8. Airframe

Sale

Airframe: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, thriller, mystery, science fiction, suspense, mystery, thriller adventure
Content warnings – N/A
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 431
First publication – January, 1996
Goodreads rating – 3.73

Synopsis

When an aircraft encounters severe turbulence, Casey Singleton, a quality assurance executive, is thrust into a complex investigation. Just as she believes she’s unraveling the truth behind the aviation disaster, a cryptic message surfaces and hints at a conspiracy that reaches far beyond the plane’s turbulence.

My odd fascination with reading about air disasters (which probably stems from my fear of flying) led me to this Crichton novel about an air disaster. Now let me tell you, this is not your typical aviation calamity tale; it’s a mesh of mystery, disaster, and detective work that had me hooked from the takeoff to the landing.

In typical Crichton-style, the book is full of suspense as it follows the mystery of what happened in the air which resulted in injuries and death, but this wasn’t the sole selling point of the book for me. I absolutely loved Casey’s character! She was super cool, independent, smart, and determined to see things through. Crichton does a wonderful job of writing a strong FMC and I couldn’t help but cheer her on.

Now, let’s talk airplanes. Airframe doesn’t just give you a thrilling story; it also serves as a mini lesson on aviation. As usual, Crichton dives into the nitty-gritty, explaining everything from airplane structure to manufacturing without talking down to his readers. I love his careful attention to detail because it makes the book easy to follow and shows me that Crichton is super thoughtful about his audience.

Airframe is a great choice if you’re looking for an exciting read about air disasters, complete with nail-biting investigations that follow it, so pick it up for a turbulent ride that you don’t want to miss!

Best for

Fans of techno-thrillers and mysteries

Not for

Readers who are sensitive to flying and air disasters

9. The Great Train Robbery

Sale

The Great Train Robbery: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, historical fiction, thriller, mystery, crime, historical adventure
Content warnings – Colonization, classism, murder, rape, violence
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 300
First publication – May, 1975
Goodreads rating – 3.88

Synopsis

In Victorian London, the charismatic Edward Pierce effortlessly moves between the worlds of the wealthy and poor and hatches a plan for the crime of the century – a bold gold theft. Little does he know, the consequences of this extraordinary robbery will involve the pride of England’s industrial era: a powerful steam locomotive. Rooted in true events, Crichton’s classic adventure is a suspenseful, surprise-laden journey along the steel tracks of a speeding train.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and when I came across this Crichton novel from the genre, I didn’t waste a single minute getting into it. It turned out to be a Jules Verne-style adventure novel, and one of my favorite Crichtons to date.

The Great Train Robbery has everything a great heist novel should have: a charming and witty MC, fast-moving scenes packed with thrill and suspense, and an ambitious plan. I’ll just say this heist plan was inspired by the actual great train robbery of 1855 and leave it at that, because it cannot get any better.

Watching Pierce, our MC, go through every little twist and turn of the plan, sort out the setbacks, and fine-tune every last detail was downright fun. It had that devilish luck usually found in classic heist novels and took the thrills up a notch or two because our stakes are high and the robbery dangerous.

I was completely taken by Pierce’s character because he’s one of the most charismatic, subtle, and gentlemanly villains I’ve come across. He can seamlessly flit through both the upper and lower classes of society and does everything he possibly can to ensure he achieves success.

In this book, we see Crichton tackling a different type of thriller genre and leading us into a historical drama but he still manages to make it thought-provoking with the development of Pierce’s character. Commenting on how society sees criminals and villains he says “Criminals are not limited in intelligence, and it is probable that the reverse is true.” And considering what Pierce gets up to in this adventure, I can’t agree more.

So if you’re in for a fun and adventurous heist-novel, The Great Train Robbery is the book you should pick up. Go for the heist, stay for the criminal – you won’t regret it.

Best for

Historical fiction and adventure enthusiasts, especially those interested in heist stories

Not for

Readers who prefer a contemporary or sci-fi thriller

10. Eaters of the Dead

Sale

Eaters of the Dead

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, thriller, horror, adventure historical
Content warnings – Sexual content, war, slavery
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 304
First publication – March, 1976
Goodreads rating – 3.69

Synopsis

In 922 A.D., an Arab courtier from the powerful Caliph of Bagdad encountered Vikings heading north. He’s taken aback by their unconventional customs – the bold Viking women, their disregard for cleanliness, and brutal rituals. As they go deeper into the Northland, he discovers the Vikings need his help to combat a horrifying monster that preys on them at night.

Continuing our streak of historical fiction from Crichton is Eaters of the Dead that takes us into the depths of history with a tale focused on Vikings and an Arab courtier named Ibn Fadlan. When I first read this, I felt like it was sneakily similar to Beowulf, and lo and behold, Crichton had actually fashioned it off the classic epic. The result? An equally epic adventure that had me hooked from the very start.

The story follows Fadlan who travels all the way from Baghdad to end up helping the Vikings get rid of a terrifying monster. The book is written in the form of a travel journal and a manuscript, and the choice of this form made for an amazing reading experience because I truly felt like I was actually following Fadlan along his trials and tribulations through his 10^th century travelog.

As is expected from a novel about fighting a literal monster, the plot unfolds with gripping action and relentless suspense. Reading it was like being in the middle of the action itself, nervously anticipating the next move of the unseen menace and not knowing what to do when the inevitable attack came.

Set against the suspense were the intriguing observations that Fadlan made of the Vikings, and I absolutely loved the contrast between action and contemplation. He is as much a historian as he is a fighter, and he documents the Vikings, their culture, and their curious way of life as they attempt to slay the deadly beast that haunts them in the night.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you might like this travelog-style thriller novel from Crichton because it’s got the perfect combo of action and intrigue. Buckle up for an exquisite dive into the life of Vikings, set in an exciting reawakening of the classic Beowulf.

Best for

Fans historical fiction and adventure, readers who like retellings

Not for

Readers looking for an urban or contemporary thriller

11. The Terminal Man

Sale

The Terminal Man

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, thriller, horror, suspense, mystery, novels
Content warnings – Ableism, fatphobia, homophobia, death, gun violence, sexual assault
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 268
First publication – March, 1972
Goodreads rating – 3.39

Synopsis

Harry Benson battles violent seizures, seeking relief through an experimental brain electrode program. Post-surgery, he discovers how to trigger soothing pulses more frequently and he escapes the hospital as a homicidal maniac, launching into a chilling and deadly rampage

I haven’t really explored medical thrillers, but when I saw that Crichton has a well-known medical thriller in his list of works, I decided to give it a shot. It was bone-chilling and exciting from the get-go, and I recommend this to anyone who wants to start exploring the genre.

The plot itself terrified me. Benson is a man who frequently suffers violent seizures, so the Neuropsychiatric Research Unit decides to apply an experimental method on him in an attempt to ‘cure’ him. This method converts Benson’s seizures to pleasurable experiences in his brain through the use of electrodes, and Benson, liking this feeling a little too much, learns to increase the simulation. However, when it becomes difficult for his brain to handle, he escapes from the hospital with a deadly intent.

The book had my heart in my throat from start to finish and I promise you, I’m not exaggerating. The breakneck pace of events accumulating with each turn of the page gave it an exhilarating feel of a superhero saga, except our protagonist wasn’t a hero; he was a man medically induced to be a maniac and I loved how unhinged and out of control he was as the villain of his own story.

While Crichton is known for piling a lot of scientific information into his novels, The Terminal Man deviates from this formula. It doesn’t give us the usual scientific information overload, but instead resorts to an explanation limited to the unfolding events. I felt like something was missing, probably because I don’t have any kind of background on medicine and would have appreciated more of that classic Chrichton detail but still, the lack of detail didn’t take away anything from the plot development or characters.

If you’re looking to switch up genres with a medical thriller, The Terminal Man might be right up your alley because it has a maniac villain that you can sympathize with, a crazy science experiment gone wrong, and a thrilling chase to make things right. What more could you ask for?

Best for

Readers who like medical experiments and psychological exploration in books

Not for

Readers looking for a contemporary or urban thriller

12. Odds On

Sale

Odds On

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, thriller, mystery, crime, mystery thriller, adventure, suspense
Content warnings – N/A
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 288
First publication – January, 1966
Goodreads rating – 3.55

Synopsis

Steven Jencks plans a big heist at Reina, a fancy hotel in Spain with two skilled helpers. He thinks he’s got everything figured out with a computer simulation and yet, he overlooks three significant factors: Annette, Cynthia, and Jenny. These three femmes fatales bring unpredictable elements to the table that no computer simulation could ever predict.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a heist movie and a techno-thriller combined to make a single work of fiction? Well, after reading Crichton’s Odds On, I no longer had to guess because I got to jump in on a heist gone wrong as variables in the plan go haywire.

Jencks, Miguel, and Bryan mastermind a plan to rob Reina, and like in all well-laid plans, they have to account for one too many variables. And in this case, the hiccups in the plan come in the form of three beautiful women and technical failures that Jencks didn’t account for.

I loved the whole summery vibe of the book that came from the hotel’s descriptions, its guests and all the partying, because it gave the heist trope a whole new face lift. I definitely had fun reading this book because the characters kept me engaged with banter and scheming and the narrative kept me guessing on where the story would take me.

This is one of the early novels by Crichton and I have to say it shows. There’s a few plot holes here and there with a couple of places where I felt the story dragged on, but thanks to the technical add-ons and the well-crafted heist plan, I could really see the exceptional thriller writer Crichton would become a few more novels later.

That said, I definitely had fun reading Odds On. This is a low-stakes heist thriller perfect for a beach read or to take a break from Crichton’s high-pressure thrillers, so I recommend Odds On to anyone who wants a lighthearted read with heist thrills, close calls, and unexpected alliances.

Best for

Fans of low-stakes heist thrillers

Not for

Readers looking for a well-written thriller

13. State of Fear

Sale

State of Fear: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, thriller, science fiction, mystery, suspense, mystery thriller, adventure
Content warnings – Cannibalism, gore, body horror, violence, car accident
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 672
First publication – December, 1987
Goodreads rating – 3.70

Synopsis

Dr. John Kenner, an environmental scientist, gets caught up in a mystery while investigating global environmental incidents that appear to be orchestrated by eco-terrorists. As he digs deeper, he realizes things aren’t as they seem, and there’s manipulation of fear for political gain. In a tense confrontation, Kenner stumbles upon a secret organization pulling the strings, but before he can expose them, a shocking revelation about his own past shakes the foundation of his beliefs.

Can I just take a minute to talk about how Crichton effortlessly weaves science and suspense together, sparing no detail all the while making the book a thrilling ride? That’s exactly what happens in State of Fear, and even though the book is huge with nearly 700 pages, I could not put it down.

So the plot follows Dr. John Kenner, who is a genius environmental scientist, and a whole gang of characters who are on a race against time to stop the world from literally being destroyed by itself. Talk about one hell of a premise.

I was sold enough by the setting, but I have to say the locations explored across the book took the cake this time. From the icy depths of Antarctica to the tropical vibes of the Pacific, Crichton paints beautiful landscapes with his words that make you feel like you’re right there, battling the elements alongside the characters. The natural beauty of the backdrop was jarring (in a good way) against the intensity of the plot, so I really think Crichton wanted to make a statement about environmental action by making the locations stand out.

Crichton also threw in facts and perspectives so seamlessly into the book, making us question everything we thought we knew about climate change which, I feel, is timely and necessary, given the climatic state of the world right now.

So, if you are in a mood for a heart-pounding and mind-expanding read, give State of Fear a read. I’m pretty sure you’d come away with more than a chilling reading experience.

Best for

Techno-thriller enthusiasts, fans of political intrigue and climate change themes

Not for

Readers looking for a low stakes thriller

14. Disclosure

Disclosure: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, thriller, mystery, suspense, science fiction, mystery thriller
Content warnings – Sexism, sexual assault, death, car accident, alcohol, cancer, racism, xenophobia
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 464
First publication – January, 1994
Goodreads rating – 3.79

Synopsis

Tom Sanders faces a dangerous game of corporate intrigue when accused of harassment and as he unravels the deceit, shadows of a sinister plot emerge. The stakes rise, and just when Tom thinks he’s uncovered the truth, a mysterious twist leaves him hanging. Can he expose the secrets, or is there more to the game than meets the eye?

Workplace drama is always a banger on screen and, of course, IRL, but this was the first time I read a book with corporate drama/intrigue/thriller as the main plotline. Trust me when I tell you it was suspenseful read full of twists and turns (and lot of tea🍵).

Tom, our senior executive MMC, is just trying to climb the career ladder when his ex, Meredith, decides to drop a harassment bombshell on his promotion parade. Honestly, all that corporate scheming, juicy accusations, and professionally-veiled drama throughout the book literally had me raising eyebrows on more than a few occasions.

The story really feels like something you might encounter at work with everyone stirring up trouble for their own benefit. I loved how the book prompted me to reflect on the crafty getups of people trying to gain power in office or outside of it. It also convinced me that anyone could be plotting something nefarious at work, so here’s looking at you, my work bestie! 😆

Crichton’s dialogue is snappy and the characters are colorful and intriguing to follow around, so the book had me feeling like I was eavesdropping on the hottest tea being spilt in the break room.

So if you are up for a corporate rollercoaster along with scandalous secrets and twists, Disclosure is the book to buckle up for. Be warned, you might come away with an unhealthy suspicion about your co-workers!

Best for

Readers who enjoy thrillers with a corporate twist

Not for

Readers looking for a sci-fi thriller

15. Pirate Latitudes

Sale

Pirate Latitudes: A Novel

Genre/Sub-genre – Fiction, historical fiction, adventure, pirates, thriller, historical fantasy
Content warnings – Violence, adult/minor relationship, death, animal cruelty, gun violence, pregnancy, racial slurs
Type – Stand-alone
No. of pages – 312
First publication – November, 2009
Goodreads rating – 3.48

Synopsis

In the Caribbean, Captain Charles Hunter sets sail in pursuit of a legendary treasure hidden in Pirate Latitudes. As his crew faces not only the Spanish fleet but also mysterious dangers, the hunt becomes a heart-pounding adventure. Yet, a cryptic revelation leaves the true nature of the prize uncertain. Will they triumph, or will they be flung far into the unknown?

Action? Adventure? Pirates? Sign me up, yes, thank you. Michael Crichton took me on an unforgettable adventure of sea battles and treasure hunts in the Caribbean, starting with Hunter’s daring pursuit of a Spanish galleon.

I was immediately taken with the premise because it scratched this super specific itch for a Pirates of the Caribbean-like setting and honestly, Pirate Latitudes is how I’d imagine the movies would read like if they were written into a book.

The story was not just about the loot (even though we were hanging around literal pirates), it was also about exploring mysterious tribes, ancient ruins, and adventuring through unexpected challenges on the way.

Crichton also weaves in political intrigue masterfully into the plot, and it really made for an awesome combo along with the piracy. Captain Hunter battles not just the sea, but also European powers and local authorities out in the hunt for him. Add to this the crew’s alliances and betrayals, and we get a Crichton-brand thriller on the high seas.

Pirate Latitudes kept me hooked with adventure, camaraderie, and unexpected turns from start to finish, so I’m recommending it for those who fantasized about becoming a pirate – the Neverland variety or the Jack Sparrow variety.

Best for

Those who like exciting stories with pirates, action, and political intrigue

Not for

Readers who want a contemporary thriller

Well, there you have it – my picks of the best Michael Crichton books. From dinosaurs and extraterrestrial life to pirates and mad scientists, Crichton has a diverse range to pick your next read from. So try out a few sci-fi or techno-thrillers that appeal to you best, and you might just discover a cool new go-to author. Happy reading!

What to Read Next

I recommend checking out ‘Humans, Bow Down’ from my list of the best James Patterson books if you want to maintain the sci-fi-high. The plot covers a post-apocalyptic dystopian society that’s been taken over by robots so it’s a bit of a switch up from dinosaurs, but it’s another interesting take on what could happen if technology went too far.

If you want more thrillers to add to your TBR, you might want to check out my collection of book lists and reviews of the thriller genre.