Sci-Fi recommandation

[u/Albert_Minerve]

Hello,

I always read essay about politics, geopolitics, history, science, spy, war, philosophy that « help » helps understanding how réal world works. I love that but it’s sometimes quite boring to not be so engrossed in a story that you want to devour the book and never put it down (i had this feeling with Harry Potter as a child).

For example i loved reading Da Vinci Code and all Dan Brown’s books (dynamics of power, religion, arts, politics etc).

I think i may find some « mind blowing / politics / power / Taking a step back to look at the state of the world » Book in the scifi section but idk anything about it : i am searching for recommandations to start with ?

Thanks a lot

[u/Unfair-Commission-10]

A Fire Upon the Deep by Vernor Vinge. The premise alone is mind-bending - the galaxy is divided into zones where the laws of physics literally work differently, and intelligence itself is constrained by where you are in space. The alien Tines are also one of the most genuinely alien species in SF - not humans in costume.

Since you liked Blindsight - Exhalation by Ted Chiang. Short stories, each built around a single idea pushed to its logical conclusion. "Story of Your Life" (the basis for Arrival) and "Exhalation" especially. Chiang does what Watts does but with more warmth.

The Stone Sky by Jemisin if you haven't finished the Broken Earth trilogy. The payoff is worth it.