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Here are five highly-reviewed, recently published science fiction novels that you can confidently recommend to your friend. Each has its own flavor, so you can pick based on what kind of SF they like (time-travel, AI/robots, climate drama, etc.). 1. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) A debut novel that blends time-travel sci-fi, romance, thriller and cultural themes. Plot: A British-Cambodian woman works for a government “Ministry of Time” and becomes the “bridge” for a time-traveller from the 1840s. The Guardian +1 Why it stands out: It’s been called “a seriously fun sci-fi romcom” while also engaging with empire, identity and climate change. The Guardian Considerations: Some reviewers feel it tries to do too much and some sci-fi elements are under-explored. Reddit +1 Good for: Someone who enjoys accessible but smart genre-mixing, and doesn’t mind a lighter tone. If you like: Time-travel stories, culture/clash narratives, romance + sci-fi. 2. Private Rites by Julia Armfield (2024) A quieter, more literary/speculative SF novel with climate-drama and eerie tone. Plot: Three queer sisters reunite after their father’s death in a flooded world where rain never stops. Financial Times +2 The Guardian +2 Why it stands out: Strong writing, evocative mood, and blends family drama + climate speculation. Book Reporter +1 Considerations: It leans more toward speculative/atmospheric than high-action. Good for: Readers who like introspective SF, emotional themes, environmental collapse settings. If you like: Mood-driven stories, slow burn, literary speculative fiction. 3. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) A robot-centric satirical sci-fi that examines identity, servitude and collapse. Plot: A robotic valet/murderer (“Charles”) whose master is dead, exploring what it means to serve and exist in a world crumbling around him. Tar Vol on +2 The Quill to Live +2 Why it stands out: Combines humor, social commentary, AI/robot perspective and a dystopian backdrop. britishfantasysociety.org Considerations: Some readers found the repetitiveness or tone a little heavy. GeekDad +1 Good for: Sci-fi fans who like machine consciousness, satire, existential questions. If you like: Robots with agency, speculative AI stories, dystopian but thoughtful worlds. 4. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) Harder science-fiction, more alien, more speculative. Plot: A biologist on Earth rebels against a fascist regime, gets exiled to an alien planet, explores alien life and resistance. Wikipedia Why it stands out: Received recognition (special citation for Philip K. Dick Award) and praised for world-building and thematic depth. Wikipedia Considerations: More demanding, heavy on the speculation and less on light readability. Good for: Fans of “hard” SF, alien worlds, big ideas about evolution/authoritarianism. If you like: Complex world-building, philosophical underpinnings, exploration of “otherness”. 5. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (2023/2024) A beautifully written speculative science-fiction novel with cosmic scale. Plot: A marine biologist investigating deep-sea life ends up on a mission into space; transitions from oceanic depths to the stars. The Wall Street Journal +1 Why it stands out: Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award 2024. The Guardian Considerations: It might be more contemplative and less “action-packed” than some readers expect. Good for: Readers who like sweeping scope, moments of wonder, science + philosophy. If you like: Big ideas, sense of awe, speculative journeys that span depth & space. Tips for Your Recommendation Ask your friend what kind of SF they prefer: space opera / hard sci-fi / character-driven / climate-speculative / robot/AI. Maybe send two of these: one lighter/accessible (like The Ministry of Time), one deeper or more experimental (like Alien Clay or Private Rites). If they are based in India (you said you are in Delhi), check availability of local editions or shipping for international authors. If you like, I can scan for 10-20 more titles (including upcoming 2025 releases) with global availability and include Indian-market friendly options. Would you like that?