My Top 5: Books That Shaped Me as a Sci-Fi Fantasy Author (Part 1)

As a sci-fi fantasy author, I’m often asked which books influenced my writing style, world-building, and storytelling. Like many authors, the stories that shaped me most are the ones that completely pulled me in. Books that pushed the boundaries of imagination, built unforgettable characters, and stayed with me. These are the books that helped inspire me as a new author.

If you’re part of the #BookTok or #SciFiBooks community, you’ll probably recognize a few of these, and if not, they’re absolutely worth adding to your list.

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series:

• Part 1: Top 5 books that shaped me as an author

• Part 2 (coming soon): The top 5 books that directly inspired GwenSeven

• Part 3 (coming soon): The top 5 authors I always keep an eye on

1. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Few sci-fi books hook me on the first page. This one had me from beginning to end without letting go.

2. Revelation Space by Alastair Reynolds

The best military sci-fi book I have ever read. Period.

3. Neuromancer by William Gibson

This was my first introduction to cyberspace and cyberpunk. It opened my imagination to the unseen and unseeable.

4. 11/22/63 by Stephen King

I pretty much love everything Stephen King writes because of the characters he builds. This one was top notch.

5. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Such a great story involving alien interaction, the will to survive, and what someone is really willing to do when it matters most.

These books didn’t just entertain me, they expanded what storytelling could be. From immersive world-building to high-stakes tension and deeply human characters, their influence shows up in everything I write.

If you’re a fan of science fiction books, fantasy series, or character-driven storytelling, you’ll likely see parallels of my writing style with my top five listed above.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll share the books that directly inspired the world and story of GwenSeven. And don't miss Part 3, where I highlight the authors I continue to follow and learn from. Want to know something else? Let me know HERE.

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