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Some of the most highly-reviewed and recently published science fiction novels of 2024 and 2025 offer a wide range of subgenres, from hard sci-fi and social commentary to space opera and literary fiction. Highly recommended sci-fi novels from 2025 The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: This novel has appeared on numerous "best of 2025" lists and was highlighted by The New York Times. It features a civil servant who is tasked with assisting a time-displaced Victorian explorer adjust to life in modern London. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer: Praised by The New York Times, this book follows an advanced companion bot named Annie and examines the complexities of love, artificial intelligence, and what it means to be human. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky: From a popular and prolific author, this novel was recognized on Five Books' list of the best science fiction of 2025. It is a story about a reprogrammed robot butler who must grapple with his own existence in a changing world. Private Rites by Julia Armfield: This book appears on Five Books' list of the best science fiction books of 2025 and is set in a world ravaged by environmental collapse. Standout sci-fi novels from 2024 The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey: The first book in The Captive's War series, this space opera was highly anticipated and received strong reviews upon its 2024 release. It is also featured on Goodreads' "Scifi published in 2024" list. Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah: Shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award, this dystopian novel is set in a future where incarcerated people compete in gladiator-style competitions. Its social commentary has drawn comparisons to The Hunger Games. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh: A winner of the Hugo Award in 2024, this book follows a young woman who seeks to avenge humanity's destruction. It explores themes of gender roles and identities within a futuristic society. The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler: This philosophical novel was shortlisted for the 2024 Arthur C. Clarke Award. It explores humanity's first contact with a new species, an intelligent, non-humanoid life form on a remote island. The Book of Love by Kelly Link: Noted by Locus Magazine on its list of NPR's best books of 2024, this story centers on three teenagers who are brought back to life to complete a task. Critically acclaimed novels from late 2023 Metallic Realms by Lincoln Michel: Published in late 2023, this novel has received strong reviews and follows a group of sci-fi writers in Brooklyn as they blur the lines between fiction and reality. Transform the World edited by J. Scott Coatsworth and others: This anthology, released in late 2023, features 14 stories exploring innovative ways the world could be improved