Answer Details

Here are five recent – and well-reviewed – science-fiction novels that would make excellent suggestions for your friend: --- ## 1. *In Ascension* by Martin MacInnes (2023/2024)       **Why it’s great:** * The novel spans from oceanic trenches to deep-space exploration, following a marine scientist whose discoveries lead her far beyond Earth. ([inkwellmanagement.com][1]) * Critics praise its “intellectually rich” approach and the way it toggles between the micro (life on/under Earth) and the macro (space, the cosmos). ([Kirkus Reviews][2]) * It’s garnered major recognition: longlisted for the Booker Prize (2023) and winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award (2024). ([Wikipedia][3]) **Good for:** A reader who likes thoughtful, expansive SF with strong science and character work. --- ## 2. *Some Desperate Glory* by Emily Tesh (2023)       **Why it’s great:** * A standalone space-opera debut that’s already won the Hugo Award for Best Novel (2024). ([Wikipedia][4]) * Features high-stakes interstellar conflict, strong themes of ideology, revenge, identity and queer characters. ([Macmillan Publishers][5]) * Described as “action-packed” yet deeply grounded in character and moral questions. ([Macmillan Publishers][5]) **Good for:** A reader eager for a bold, modern sci-fi story with strong characters and emotional stakes. --- ## 3. *Alien Clay* by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024)       **Why it’s great:** * Set on a harsh alien world called Kiln, the novel combines xenobiology, prison-camp survival, and political dissent. ([Kirkus Reviews][6]) * The author is well-known in SF circles; this book was a finalist for major awards (e.g., Hugo, Locus) and received strong critical reviews. ([Wikipedia][7]) * Reviewers highlight the novel’s blend of speculative biology and authoritarian politics: “a savagely satirical take on the consequences of repressive doctrine.” ([Kirkus Reviews][6]) **Good for:** A reader who enjoys intellectually provocative SF with a gritty edge and thought-provoking themes. --- ## 4. *Chaos Terminal* by Mur Lafferty (2023)       **Why it’s great:** * A sequel in the “Midsolar Murders” series: the protagonist is an amateur detective on a space station, blending mystery and sci-fi. ([Wikipedia][8]) * Reviewers describe it as “rip-roaring” with a delightful cast of aliens, AI vehicles, scientists and diplomats. ([Wikipedia][8]) **Good for:** Someone who appreciates fun, fast-paced SF mixing detective mystery and space drama rather than just hard science. --- ## 5. *The Ministry of Time* by Kaliane Bradley (2024)       **Why it’s great:** * Recognised by readers: on the shortlist/finalists for the 2024 Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction. ([Jenny Sandiford][9]) * Mixes time-travel, spy thriller, workplace comedy and speculative themes: according to a preview, “time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingenious exploration of power”. ([Simon & Schuster][10]) **Good for:** A reader wanting something more genre-blending and accessible, with a fun speculative twist rather than heavy hard-science focus. --- ### Summary Table | Book | Year | Why Recommend | | ---------------------- | ------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | *In Ascension* | 2023/24 | Deep, thoughtful SF bridging ocean and space; award-winner | | *Some Desperate Glory* | 2023 | Bold debut space-opera; queer characters; Hugo winner | | *Alien Clay* | 2024 | Thought-provoking xenobiology + politics; strong SF | | *Chaos Terminal* | 2023 | Fun space-station detective SF; lighter but smart | | *The Ministry of Time* | 2024 | Time-travel/spying mash-up; reader-favourite list | --- If you like, I can pull together **10 more** recent (2022-2025) SF novels with a bit of variety in sub-genres (hard SF, space opera, cyberpunk etc.), so you’ll have a broader list for your friend. Would you like that? [1]: https://inkwellmanagement.com/books/in-ascension?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Ascension by Martin MacInnes at InkWell Management Literary Agency" [2]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/martin-macinnes/in-ascension-macinnes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "IN ASCENSION | Kirkus Reviews" [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Ascension?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Ascension" [4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Desperate_Glory_%28novel%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Some Desperate Glory (novel)" [5]: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250835000?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Some Desperate Glory" [6]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/adrian-tchaikovsky/alien-clay/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ALIEN CLAY | Kirkus Reviews" [7]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Clay?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Alien Clay" [8]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_Terminal?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Chaos Terminal" [9]: https://www.jennysandiford.com/book-reviews-latest/10-best-science-fiction-books-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Best Science Fiction books of 2024! The winners of the 16th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards as decided by readers. — Jenny Sandiford" [10]: https://www.simonandschuster.com/p/parade-best-scifi-fantasy?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Parade Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy of 2024 | Simon & Schuster"