Answer Details

Here are **five highly-reviewed, recently published science-fiction novels** that would make excellent suggestions for your friend. I’ve included a variety of styles and sub-genres so you (and they) can pick based on what kind of sci-fi they enjoy. --- ### 1. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (2023)       * This is Emily Tesh’s first full-length novel (after some novellas) and it has received considerable acclaim — it won the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel. ([Wikipedia][1]) * The premise: Earth was almost destroyed in an alien war; a human frontier station remains; the novel explores survival, identity, and human-alien interaction. ([Wikipedia][1]) * Why it might appeal: It blends space opera with character-driven themes and has been praised for its freshness and thoughtfulness. * Note: If your friend likes big interstellar stakes *and* emotional depth, this is a strong choice. --- ### 2. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (2023)       * Winner of the 2024 Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. ([The Guardian][2]) * The story: A marine microbiologist’s career takes her from the depths of Earth’s oceans to an ambitious space-mission beyond the solar system. ([The Guardian][3]) * What stands out: The novel is lauded for its dreamy, poetic prose, meditations on life, science, exploration, and the human place in the cosmos. ([Deedi Reads][4]) * Great for: A reader who enjoys science-fiction that leans toward literary fiction — slower tempo, more reflective. --- ### 3. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024)       * Published in 2024, and has been getting strong reviews for its imaginative world-building and political undertones. ([Tar Vol on][5]) * Plot snapshot: On an alien planet (a penal colony) with bizarre biology, a scientist exiled from Earth uncovers the secrets of life and power. ([Wikipedia][6]) * Why to pick it: If your friend enjoys “weird biology”, dystopian overtones, and speculative alien worlds, this one delivers. * Note: It’s quite dark and intense in parts, so maybe better for someone ready for something heavier. --- ### 4. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024)       * Winner of the 2024 Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction. ([Goodreads][7]) * Story outline: A time-travel agency recruits historical figures (including one who died in the Arctic) into 21st-century Britain; it’s smart, playful, and also emotionally grounded. ([The Guardian][8]) * Ideal for: A reader who enjoys time-travel, humour mixed with serious themes (imperialism, cultural legacy), and an accessible pace. --- ### 5. Chaos Terminal by Mur Lafferty (2023)       * Published in late 2023, part of the “Midsolar Murders” series; received positive reception for its blend of detective/mystery + space sci-fi. ([Wikipedia][9]) * Premise: On a massive space station, a murder investigation involving alien wasps, AI vehicles, and human scientists. * Good for: A reader who likes hybrid genre (sci-fi + mystery), a fun, engaging story with high concept world-building but less heavy philosophically. --- ### A few tips when choosing & recommending: * **Match tone & sub-genre**: If your friend likes hard sci-fi (science-heavy), then “In Ascension” or “Alien Clay” might hit the mark. If they prefer lighter or more adventurous/scifi-mystery mixes, “Chaos Terminal” or “The Ministry of Time” could be safer. * **Check reading commitment**: Some of these are dense / slower paced (e.g., “In Ascension”), others are more plot-driven. * **Edition/availability**: Since your friend is based in the UK (you mentioned Portsmouth), check UK editions and shipping. * **Trigger/content awareness**: Some books deal with heavier themes (dystopia, authoritarian regimes, trauma) — worth being mindful if your friend prefers lighter fare. If you like, I can **pull a longer list (10-15 books) with mini-reviews and cover images**, and we can include a range of budgets/lengths (novellas, shorter novels, from 2023-25). Would you like that? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Desperate_Glory_%28novel%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Some Desperate Glory (novel)" [2]: https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/24/martin-macinnes-novel-wins-arthur-c-clarke-award-in-ascension-science-fiction?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Martin MacInnes wins Arthur C Clarke award for 'intense trip' of a novel" [3]: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jan/22/in-ascension-by-martin-macinnes-review-a-deep-dive-into-sea-and-space?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Ascension by Martin MacInnes review – a deep dive into ..." [4]: https://deedireads.com/book-reviews/in-ascension?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Ascension by Martin MacInnes - Book Review" [5]: https://www.tarvolon.com/2024/09/02/sci-fi-novel-review-alien-clay-by-adrian-tchaikovsky/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sci-fi Novel Review: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky" [6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Clay?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Alien Clay" [7]: https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/readers-favorite-science-fiction-books-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Readers' Favorite Science Fiction 2024 — Goodreads Choice Awards" [8]: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/dec/02/five-of-the-best-science-fiction-books-of-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Five of the best science fiction books of 2024 - The Guardian" [9]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_Terminal?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Chaos Terminal"