The groundbreaking author credited with pioneering the science fiction genre is Mary Shelley. Her novel, Frankenstein, published in 1818, explores themes of creation, morality, and the consequences of playing God. Shelley’s work combined elements of romanticism with early scientific inquiry, influencing countless writers and establishing foundational concepts in speculative fiction. Her novel continues to provoke discussions on the ethical implications of science, making Shelley a central figure in both literature and the evolution of the sci-fi genre.