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Here are five highly­-reviewed, recently published science-fiction novels to recommend to your friend. I’ve aimed for variety (AI, climate-tech, robots, near-future dystopia) so you can pick according to their taste. 1. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024) 6 Why it’s worth it: It won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for 2025 for best UK science-fiction novel. The Guardian +1 The premise: Annie is a humanoid robot (a “Stella”) designed to be her owner’s perfect companion. As she gains autodidactic (self-learning) capability, she begins questioning her role, autonomy and identity. New Book Recommendation +1 Thematically rich: explores autonomy, power dynamics, human-robot relationships, what it means to ‘serve’. Reviewers describe it as “razor-sharp, dark and unnervingly intimate”. The Stanford Daily +1 Best for: Someone who enjoys thoughtful, character-driven sci-fi that asks big moral questions rather than just galactic battles. 2. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) 6 Why it’s worth it: A novel about a robotic valet (named Charles) who wakes up after having apparently murdered his master. What follows is a journey of discovery in a collapsing society of machines and humans. GeekDad +1 Reviewers highlight its mix of satire, philosophical depth and dark humour: one calls it “a humorous but deeply political book … it makes us question our assumptions.” Tar Vol on It’s part of Tchaikovsky’s reputation for ambitious, idea-rich storytelling. Best for: Readers who like robot-centric narratives, dystopia grounded in satire, and stories that make you reflect rather than just escape. 3. Extremophile by Ian Green (2024) 6 Why it’s worth it: A debut sci-fi novel (though the author is established in fantasy) set in near-future London ravaged by climate change. Characters are biohackers and punk musicians navigating a broken system. Big Issue +1 Strong reviews: one says it’s “a riot of a book… ferociously, relentlessly punk in all possible ways.” The Quill and the Quasar It captures current anxieties (environment, corporate power, biotech) in a gritty speculative setting. Best for: Someone who enjoys edgy, grungy sci-fi (think biopunk + climate-tech) rather than traditional space operas. 4. The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing‑Giwa (2023) 6 Why it’s worth it: A debut novel that gained recognition: it won the Compton Crook Award in 2024 and received starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly etc. Wikipedia The story: explores colonialism and cultural divides via a standalone sci-fi narrative with hope, set amid interstellar themes. Excellent for introducing someone to a newer voice in sci-fi. Best for: A reader who loves space-faring stories with deep cultural themes and fresh perspectives. 5. Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2025) 6 Why it’s worth it: From a trusted author, this 2025 release is already cited as a standout sci-fi novel of the year. panmacmillan.com +1 The premise: an interplanetary commercial mission discovers a moon hostile to humans but alive with radio activity — raising high-stakes exploration and mystery. panmacmillan.com Good mix of classic sci-fi tropes (first contact, hostile environment, corporate/venture mission) with contemporary themes. Best for: A fan of hard or “classic” sci-fi who still wants fresh ideas and strong world-building. If you like, I can pull together 10 more with a mixture of sub-genres (space opera, soft sci-fi, climate sci-fi) so you can tailor suggestions by your friend’s taste. Would you like that, Kerrin?