A book of short stories to ease you in. If you’re thinking of the Will Smith film, try to forget about it (don’t we all?). This book is comprised of nine short stories, connected by the narrating figure of Dr. Susan Calvin and woven through with ideas of the interaction between humans and robots. The stories can be read separately, but we recommend reading them all through. Just don’t expect to see any mass-murdering robot rebellion here.

It’s time to stop just saying you’ve read this book, and actually get to it. Welcome to a world of literal Thought Police, where 2+2=5, and Big Brother reigns supreme. The only downside to this dystopian work of art is the unironic inspiration it proved for a vapid and narcissistic reality show, which depressingly underlines the realism of Orwell’s speculative future

Start with the first book and we will be surprised if you aren’t inspired to carry on reading the rest of the five-part trilogy (yes, you read that right). Where else will you find advice on “What to do if you find yourself stuck in a crack in the ground underneath a giant boulder you can’t move, with no hope of rescue”? Hilarious, ridiculous, and endlessly entertaining, don’t let the huge page count deter you, it’s mostly nonsense after all.

Another novel which many people never take the time to read. Set in our dystopian nightmare, a world where the only purpose books serve is to be burned by firefighters. A short yet disturbing commentary on the effects and potential consequences of television and mass media, and the role of censorship within society. More character than plot based, an absolute must-read (and it’s short, too).

No robots or aliens in sight, this novel is pure adventure and discovery. Travel under the seas with our protagonist, and experience the wonders of the giant squid and underwater forests. Verne seemingly predicted many modern functions of the humble submarine, but there are some fantastical elements in here that even modern technology has not yet caught up with. Different from the rest of this list, but no less exciting or worthwhile.

Before there was Doctor Who, there was H. G. Wells. Time travel has long inspired science fiction authors, and Wells’ novel is a cornerstone of the genre. Telling the story of the Time Traveller who visits both 802,701 AD and approximately 30 million years further into the future, the novel explores the possibility of a fourth-dimension, and the process of human evolution.

You have probably seen the film, but may not have been aware of the novel by Clark, which was developed concurrently with the film by Stanley Kubrick. Both the film and the novel were based on earlier works from Clark, so this novel is a natural progression. Arthur C. Clarke was at the forefront of science fiction writing, and his thoughts are absolutely worth reading.

You may have seen us mention Ender’s Game once, or a hundred times, and for good reason. Many modern novels are reminiscent of this story of children being used an pawns in an alien war, because it is a message which still resonates today. Short and (bitter)sweet, the novel is even being adapted for a 2013 film, so now is the perfect time to get in and read it before the film spoilers hit.

Although unquestionably gothic fiction, there is no denying the science fiction elements of Shelley’s famous story. In fact, the 1818 novel is one of the earliest examples of the science fiction genre, and is a damn good one at that. Granted, the literary style may not be to everyone’s taste, but the imagery of Shelley’s imagined monster makes it more than worth pushing through.

To finish, a novel which would make the top of many classic lists. Exploring the perils of consumerism, as well as the dangers of technological advances, Huxley presents the World State where people are bred and conditioned to suit the future roles they have been designated with, and the Reservation, where people can be parents and read Shakespeare. The stark comparison addresses elements of human nature and state control.