Below is an overview of his major series and why they are essential reading for any sci-fi or fantasy fan. 1. The "Secret City" ( Taynyy Gorod ) Cycle

The Last Admiral of the Zagrata , Red Rocks , and The Treasures of the Pure .

Which of these genres—, cyberpunk , or steampunk —interests you the most for your first read?

Moving away from magic, Panov dives into . In a world where oil has run out and powerful "Enclaves" have replaced traditional states, humanity is obsessed with digital transcendence and nanotechnology.

This is Panov's most famous series, which single-handedly popularized the genre in Russia. The premise is that modern Moscow hides a secret society of ancient magical races (the Chuds, Lyuds, and Navs) who lived on Earth long before humans.