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hen suggesting highly-reviewed, recently published science fiction novels, it's helpful to consider books from the past couple of years that have earned critical acclaim and popular praise. Here is a selection of some of the best titles from 2024 and 2025, according to sources like The New York Times, Five Books, and Reddit's r/printSF community. Highly-reviewed novels from 2025 The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: This novel has been featured prominently on "Best of 2025" lists. It centers on a civil servant who is tasked with assisting a time traveler—a 19th-century explorer plucked from his era to join a bizarre, top-secret government program. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Another highly acclaimed 2025 release from an author with a strong sci-fi reputation, this novel follows a service robot that has developed sapience. Its primary purpose: to serve its human master. The plot unfolds as the robot sets out on a quest to become "a hero". Annie Bot by Sierra Greer: In this story, the robotic companion of a human owner has its programming suddenly overwritten by a new, more advanced "personality." This highly reviewed book is a provocative exploration of identity, relationships, and artificial intelligence. Metallic Realms by Lincoln Michel: A group of friends finds the lines blurring between their real lives and the epic fantasy world of the Star Rot Chronicles, which they wrote together. This meta-fiction narrative from the author of The Body Scout is a funny and mind-bending read. Private Rites by Julia Armfield: Featured in The Guardian and on the Five Books lists for 2025, this novel is an immersive and challenging read from the award-winning author. Notable recent novels (2023–2024) The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville: A unique collaboration that is part of a larger multimedia project, this book follows an 80,000-year-old warrior in a story that blends high-concept sci-fi with philosophical themes. System Collapse by Martha Wells: The latest installment in the award-winning Murderbot Diaries series was released in late 2023. It continues the adventures of a security android that has hacked its own governor module to gain independence, all while still reluctantly protecting humans. Chasing the Phoenix by Michael Swanwick: The renowned sci-fi author returns with a fast-paced, humorous adventure. This 2024 book follows a human and a genetically engineered dog with human intelligence, both con men, in a far-future China. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: This 2021 release remains a popular, highly-reviewed science fiction novel. It's a gripping story of a sole survivor of a mission to save the Earth, with a plot full of hard science and witty humor. The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler: This philosophical and suspenseful novel explores themes of communication and consciousness. In the near future, scientists discover a new species of hyper-intelligent cephalopods.