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If you're looking for great recently-published science fiction novels to suggest to a friend, here are five standout picks (from 2024-25) that have earned strong reviews. I can pull together more if you like a particular sub-genre or tone. 1. The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey (2024) This is the first book in the Captive’s War trilogy. Wikipedia +1 Why pick it: Big space-opera scale: a human-settled planet conquered by aliens, captives striving to keep their humanity. Wikipedia Fans of epic interstellar fiction (politics, survival, aliens) will likely enjoy it. Good to note: If your friend prefers leaner, more character-driven SF (rather than sprawling space opera), you might mention that up front. 2. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) A strong recent novel that’s getting award recognition. Wikipedia +1 Highlights: Set on an alien planet, with a biologist protagonist exiled from Earth. Wikipedia It explores themes of biology, evolution, authoritarianism — good for someone who likes science + speculative ideas. Good to note: More on the idea-rich side than “light page-turner” maybe. 3. Private Rites by Julia Armfield (2024) This one is a bit different: weird, atmospheric, speculative with strong literary leanings. Book Marks +1 What stands out: Three queer sisters navigate family trauma, climate-ruined city (constant rain/flooding) + surreal horror elements. The Guardian Reviewers praise the world-building and writing: “Character-driven speculative fiction with strong world-building and fine writing.” Kirkus Reviews Good to note: If your friend enjoys genre-bending—part SF, part horror, part literary—they’ll likely appreciate this one. If they prefer straightforward action/SF, less so. 4. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024) A very timely, thought-provoking novel on AI, identity and power dynamics. sfbook.com +2 The New Yorker +2 Why it pops: Told from the perspective of a robot designed as a companion, who begins to question her existence and autonomy. The New Yorker Won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for best SF novel (UK) in 2025. The Guardian Good to note: Packed with ideas about human/robot relationships, autonomy, consent. If your friend likes “what it means to be human” plus near-future tech, this is a winner. 5. Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds (2024) For the hard-SF/traditional space-opera fans, this one fits nicely. Wikipedia Why you might send it: It’s part of a well-known SF universe (Reynolds’ Revelation Space) and brings in big ideas, technology, investigation. Wikipedia If your friend enjoys big cosmic scope + tech + mystery, this is likely to satisfy. If you like, I can pull together a longer list of 10-12 recent & highly-reviewed SF novels (2023-25) across sub-genres (hard SF, near-future, climate-SF, AI-focus) — and send you a PDF with covers, blurbs & where to buy. Would that be helpful?