I had the same feeling when reading books that take place into contructed complex huge new worlds. The lord of the rings though feels familiar, probably because it is inspired by european myths.
I've been a big fan of Philip Dick as well.
Also enjoyed Robert Silverberg, Frederick Pohl, Ray Bradbery and all the ones from the golden age.
I havent been reading much sci-fi the last few years but often think of checking out the non-american sci-fi scene. A few stuff i read from chinese, indian and russian sci-fi had a refreahing new way of writing.
That's interesting. I hadn't thought to check out non-english work. I would suppose translations are freely available.
I'm not familiar with Silverberg or Pohl.
Any recommendations?
I get what you mean a bit about the constructed complex huge new worlds.
It's a bit much to handle sometimes. Like the whole xenobiology angle of the enders game series, toward the end of them -- when Ender is out traveling at light speed to new worlds, etc.
Took me a decent amount of time and multiple attempts to really feel the strength of that book.
I remember reading Silverbeg's 'Sailing to Byzantium' and liking it a lot.
Frederick Pohl has written a lot of short stories, besides his books, a good way to take a taste.
I usually prefer short stories, novellas and standalone books. Reading a three or a five book series seems to big of a 'commitment' and time is often limited.
I did enjoy reading some of the 'Dune' books, though not all of them.
Translations of non-us works are very interesting because they are set in a real context of another culture. Check women sci-fi writers from India if you want something refreshing, i don't remember titles unfortunately.