Enders Game is odd. I couldn't get through it, but some people really like the author.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Piers Anthony: His Incarnations of Immortality series is wonderful and potentially offensive for his interesting view on religion. While the entire series would be a good read, book 7 And Eternity is fantastic and seriously blasphemous. Please enjoy.
Isaac Asimov: He is known for a number of wonderful science fiction classics. I highly recommend The Gods' Themselves. The title is somewhat misleading. It is not based on religion but science.
Lincoln Child: His books are more technically/scientifically oriented then the ones he writes with Douglas Preston. I found Terminal Freeze to be particularly disturbing. Expect graphic violence.
Michael Creighton: While known for the movies for Jurassic Park and Congo, the books are more reasonable, although more technical. And graphic.
John Darnton: I really liked his book Neanderthal. It goes into archaeology and how some discoveries are not healthy for the people finding them.
Peter David: I know his writing for Star Trek The Frontier Series. He wrote the entire series. Captain Calhoun is an interesting combination of Star Trek characters. Somewhat like taking Worf and combining him with Captain Kirk. For those who like Star Trek, and can handle plots more in line with the original series, I recommend it wholeheartedly.
C.S. Friedman: This Alien Shore is a science fiction book that just grabbed my mind and wouldn't let go. I have not seen another book like it. It has aspects that are similar to other science fiction books, but it is definitely worth reading.
W. Michael Gear and Katherine O'Neal Gear: They write individually and as a team. I have read one of their Anasazi books but cannot remember the title. I have also read Raising Abel, a fantastic book on genetics, science and running afoul of religion.
Robert Heinlein: Stranger in a Strange Land gives a very interesting view on organized religion. It could be incredibly offensive do to its views on religion. I will note that a female character makes a comment that indicates the writer has problems with women. Please ignore it. The book is worth reading.
Frank Herbert: I love Dune. Its a great read. It does have some content that might not go over well with all readers. Baron Harkonen is not a good person.
Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child: They have a series with a main character named Pendergast. He is a oddly appealing FBI investigator with odd hobbies. Pendergast investigates crimes with paranormal and downright bizarre aspects. They also have books that are loosely affiliated. The Ice Limit leaves you wondering at the end exactly what type of screw up the characters caused. Expect graphic violence.
James Rollins: His Sigma series is really good. I recommend reading them in order, or they won't make sense. His other books are great too. He does wonderful things with science. His writing is so captivating that readers will suspend disbelief for the utterly insane.
William Shatner: I do get a good laugh at his acting. His writing is fantastic, however. He has Star Trek titles and the Tek Wars series. His Star Trek books obviously involve Captain Kirk. His writing is better then his acting.
Marion Zimmer Bradley: I am particularly fond of Forest House and Firebrand. Have mature topics and violence. She also is known for Mists of Avalon which I could never get into.
