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Here are four highly-reviewed recent science fiction novels that make strong suggestions for your friend — each offering something distinctive in theme, tone and appeal. I’ve included multiple perspectives on why they stand out, and outlined for what kind of reader they might be best. 1. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024/2025) 6 Why it’s highly-regarded Winner of the 2025 Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. Five Books +1 Reviews highlight its chilling, intimate voice told from the vantage of a robot companion. One review calls it “an intense, compelling tale … ultimately about the human condition.” The Guardian +1 Thematically rich: explores AI autonomy, gender dynamics and abusive power relationships in a speculative setting. www.kathleenhaagenson.com +1 What kind of reader will love it Someone interested in psychological, character-driven sci-fi rather than just action or space opera. A reader who appreciates ethical & social commentary embedded in speculative technology. If your friend enjoys darker tones, questioning identity and what it means to be “human”, this fits well. Things to note The subject matter includes abuse and soft dystopia – it's not light escapism. The pace is more contemplative and unsettling rather than fast-paced adventure. 2. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) 6 Why it’s highly-regarded Frequent mention in “best of 2025” round-ups for sci-fi books. Five Books +1 Reviewers note its blend of satire, existential reflection and classic robot-narrative tropes: one calls it “a funny yet cautionary tale of mankind’s downfall in the aftermath of AI job replacement.” The Crow The protagonist is a robot valet who by accident kills his master and then must find his place in a world of machines — conceptually intriguing. Tar Vol on What kind of reader will love it Someone who enjoys witty or satirical science fiction, especially around AI and automation themes. A reader who likes “what if” speculative plots with a twist and commentary on society. Good for someone who enjoys robot-narrated or machine-point-of-view stories. Things to note Although entertaining, some reviewers found parts of the execution repetitive or the plot episodic. Ancillary Review of Books +1 Less of a conventional action-thriller, more of a thought experiment. 3. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) 6 Why it’s highly-regarded Named in several “best new sci-fi” lists, especially for 2024/2025. Goodreads +1 Described as “a gleeful romp across genres” (spy thriller + time travel + romance) by one reviewer. Literary Review Has crossover appeal: time-travel elements, historical characters “expats” from bygone eras in modern Britain. Toby A. Smith What kind of reader will love it Someone who loves time-travel or alternate-history with fun, quirky elements and a lighter tone. A friend who enjoys genre-blending (sci-fi + romance + spy thriller). Good if they like a mix of speculative idea and character drama rather than pure hard science. Things to note Some reviews mention the sci-fi mechanics are lightly treated and there are tonal shifts (romance ↔ thriller) that may not work for all. Karissa Reads Books If the friend prefers hard-science plots and rigorous world-building, this might feel more airy. 4. (Bonus) If they like hard space-opera/harder sci-fi: While the three above are excellent, if the recipient prefers expansive, planet-spanning, more traditional sci-fi, you might consider items from 2025’s “biggest new books” list (e.g., one called Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky, mentioned in a 2025 list). Pan Macmillan I don’t have as deep reviews for it yet, but it shows promise. ✅ My Recommendation: Top Picks & Matching Top pick: Annie Bot — for most readers who appreciate thought-provoking, modern sci-fi with strong thematic depth. Second pick: Service Model — for those intrigued by robot-led narratives and satirical tone. Third pick: The Ministry of Time — for someone who prefers lighter, genre-mixing time-travel fiction. 🔍 Quick SMART-style criteria: Specific: Each book offers a clear hook (robot companion, robot valet, time-travel bureaucracy). Measurable: Each has strong reviews or award recognition. Achievable: All are published and accessible in 2024/2025. Relevant: All fall squarely in contemporary science fiction, aligning with your interest. Time-bound: Because your friend will read sooner rather than later, these are fresh recent releases (rather than decades-old classics). If you like, I can pull together 5-10 more titles (with a variety of sub-genres: hard sci-fi, space opera, climate sci-fi, cyberpunk) including their international editions (UK/EU) and available e-book formats — would that be helpful?