Dune by Frank HerbertFoundation by Isaac AsimovThe Mote in God's Eye by Larry Niven
Sci-fi starter kit
17 books — 6 voters
Dune by Frank HerbertHyperion by Dan SimmonsThe Stand by Stephen        King
Best Science Fiction
3,645 books — 6,905 voters

Dune by Frank HerbertFoundation by Isaac AsimovHyperion by Dan SimmonsThe Stand by Stephen        KingThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books
8,330 books — 24,582 voters
J.R.R. Tolkien 4-Book Boxed Set by J.R.R. TolkienA Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinThe Name of the Wind by Patrick RothfussThe Way of Kings by Brandon SandersonThe Gunslinger by Stephen        King
The Best Epic Fantasy (fiction)
4,185 books — 25,689 voters

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. TolkienThe Two Towers by J.R.R. TolkienThe Return of the King by J.R.R. TolkienA Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinThe Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Best Fantasy that is Really Fantasy
331 books — 285 voters
The Way of Kings by Brandon SandersonThe Name of the Wind by Patrick RothfussThe Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. TolkienA Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinThe Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Real Epic Fantasy
165 books — 404 voters