Best Science Fiction Writer and Why

[Chimeco]

I'm curious what people consider the premier hard science fiction writer nowadays. I'm talking more about space opera/theatre than fantasy.

I'd have to champion Dan Simmons personally.
His Hyperion/Endymion series is out of this world. And his new work in Illium just blows my mind in depth and imagination. Way beyond Clarke or Hubbard, or Asimov for that matter, as far as vision. I think Clarke has the technical edge over Simmons, but not by much. Simmons does his homework but he doesn't get into explanation and theory much which can be good and bad both. As far as story goes, Simmons is a master. I think only Orson Scott Card (Ender series) and Greg Bear (Forge of God) maybe comes close to telling such technical masterpieces. And then maybe Heinlein or Larry Niven (ringworld series) and Asimov (a.k.a mr. roboto).

[knivesout]

The premier 'hard science fiction writer' 'nowadays' doesn't necessarily have to be the same as anyone's 'best science fiction writer'.

Hard sf and space opera don't perfectly overlap either. David Brin's Uplift books might be seen as a bit of both, but Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars books are hard sf rather than space opera in the sense of interstellar adventure, while much of Alastair Reynold's work is space opera, even if it partakes of hard-sf ideas.

Sorry if this seems like nitpicking, but I'm not at all certain if this thread is meant to be another 'favourite sf writer' sort of topic, or a topic specifically about favourite authors from one of many subgenres of SF.

[Chimeco]

huh.

maybe you're trying to see too much into it. forget the definitions. try posting an opinion instead, about the topic. I ask out of interest. Not to parse definitive commentary on stuff Merriam-Webster has already accomplished. I think you understand the gist of my question, but if it helps, I can simplify it by asking, 'Who do you think the best science fiction writer is today?'

[Grawgos]

I would have to say Orson Scott Card. But at the same time I must be honest and admit that I have read very few Sci fi authors. I am more into fantasy. I just think he is a great story teller. Everything you could want in a book, he brings it. Enders game is still one of the best books I have read and Enders Shadow was handled incredibly well. I also loved his Homecoming series. I thought it was very intelligent and original. There is just something about his style. The way he describes things, the pacing of the books. His books never leave you wanting or wondering. Execept wanting the next book in the series. He just has it all if you know what I mean. At least in my opinion.

[NSMike]

I hope no one berates me for stating the obvious, but I love Asimov. I love everything Foundation, especially his newer ones where he ties Foundation in with the Robot series. Of course, when I say newer, I mean the ones that came out in the 80's. I've yet to read the whole Robot series, primarily because I got distracted by Wheel of Time.

I would have to say that Asimov is the best because of his ability to include those little tidbits of scientific explanation, and still leave tons of room for brilliant plots and characters. The science tidbits appeal to the little scientist in me that loves stuff like that, while the plots and characters reinforce everything I love about reading in general, and there're still enough mysterious things about his universe to appeal to the fantasy lover in me. On top of it all, especially in Foundation, there's the occasional venture in to political intrigue, so he covers pretty much everything I like to read, since I enjoy the occasional Clancy novel.

I'll have to give a salute to C.S. Friedman too. She has a trilogy of Fantasy novels that are kind of like sci-fi novels too because the people are colonists from Earth, but they're really fantasy novels. I'd suggest looking into them if you've not heard of them. "Black Sun Rising", "When True Night Falls", and "Crown of Shadows". But, the reason I mentioned her is "This Alien Shore." This is a true sci-fi novel, with a very interesting concept. I loved it, so look into it, and her, if you haven't yet.

[Tsujigiri]

I'd have to champion Peter F Hamilton, I enjoyed his Nightsdawn collection immensely, but then it's not 'pure' sci-fi due to the supernatural/horror elements in the plotline.
However, as a Space Opera it is a bloody good read that you can really allow yourself to get completely lost within.

[knivesout]

I believe the opening question was confusing enough for the Merriam Webster retort but well, I don't think we've done a best SF writer thread thing for a while anyway.

Prose style is something I care a lot about as a reader. While I have sat (and will continue to sit) through some fairly pedestrian prose if it is written in the pursuit of a really nifty SF idea, I tend to rate stylistically excellent writers higher.

I'd have to say that I think two of the best stylists in SF are Jack Vance and the late Cordwainer Smith. Ray Bradbury is of course simply one of the best short story writers in any genre he cares to write in. The best writer in this sense working in SF today is Adam Roberts, as far as I'm concerned.

[Princess Ivy]

I'll second that one JP. I've a definate fondness for his work

[zorcarepublic]

I would say Ben Bova for his Grand Tour series. I prefer other authors more, but Ben Bova is the best author in this category.

[Sulphonic]

Originally Posted by Tsujigiri

I'd have to champion Peter F Hamilton, I enjoyed his Nightsdawn collection immensely, but then it's not 'pure' sci-fi due to the supernatural/horror elements in the plotline.
However, as a Space Opera it is a bloody good read that you can really allow yourself to get completely lost within.

I'd go for Peter F Hamilton too at the moment , but it changes every year for me.!

I'm just a sucker for good old fashioned space operas, its my reason and I'm sticking to it.

All of your choices so far are brilliant..as a consequence my "to read" list gets ever longer.

[Drachir]

Right on NSMike, Asimov it is. The quality of his writing and the breadth of his imagination is stunning.

[Leto]

Originally Posted by Drachir

Right on NSMike, Asimov it is. The quality of his writing and the breadth of his imagination is stunning.

The proof that tastes greatly differs from one person to another. Asimov's novel writing is far from stunning IMO. Good but I found Fondation boring to death. Greatly prefers his non-fiction works, they were really stunning.

Not talking about the overhyped Peter F Hamilton mentionned a few post above.

Still IMO, none can name the Best Science Fiction Writer, the genre is so big (even within every sub-genre), you can hardly compare one talented writer to another.

In terms of quality, for the living authors, I tend to buy Robert Silverberg books without questionning myself. No matter what the subject of the book, I know I'll be entertained and in the same time have some food for thought. And his style is one of the purest I've seen (both in English or translated in French by Pierre-Paul Durastanti IIRC).

For the dead authors, if I had one to name it would be of course Frank Herbert. Aside from his masterpiece Dune and the sequels he wrote very different types of stories, but always full of humanitarism. However i recognize his style is on the heavy side.

[Winters_Sorrow]

Well I love many different sci-fi authors - Harry Turtledove, Bova (esp Orion series), Asimov & Jose Farmer (Dayworld series)
But there are others too - David Brin, Anne McCaffrey & Frank Herbert

but I thought I've give an honourable mention to Walter Jon Williams.
I've only just recently started reading his work, but his Praxis series is brilliant and I throughly recommend it to all sci-fi fans (especially you space opera ones! )

[Buddhajeb]

My personal favorite is David Wingrove. A smaller name, but his Chung Kuo series is excellent. Writes about what happens if/when the Chinese take over the world.

[stencyl]

I agree with Leto. I'd be hard pressed to name one author as the best. Many of the ones mentioned would make my list of the best writers. I would have to include LeGuin and Gibson.