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I'll search for the most acclaimed recent science fiction novels to give you current recommendations.Based on the recent reviews and awards, here are some excellent science fiction novels from 2024 that would make great recommendations: ## Top Picks from 2024: **In Ascension by Martin MacInnes** - This won the Arthur C Clarke Award and was nominated for the Booker Prize. It explores scientific discovery and the wonder of biological life while examining family relationships and personal experience. **System Collapse by Martha Wells** - The seventh Murderbot Diaries book won the Locus Award for Best Sci Fi Novel. If your friend hasn't read the series, they should start with the first novella, *All Systems Red*. **Redwood and Wildfire by Andrea Hairston** - Set in a post-apocalyptic world with nostalgia militias and darknet lords, it follows Cinnamon Jones running a festival with help from AI trained on her ancestors' memories, border collies, and a Ghost Mall full of community leaders. **The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett** - This mystery-infused science fiction novel features strong social commentary and was widely praised throughout the year. **Yours for the Taking by Gabrielle Korn** - A feminist exploration where Annie, designed to be the perfect girlfriend, begins questioning her role and autonomy. **The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull** - Explores the encounter between Anna, an office worker, and Ssrin, a many-headed serpent alien, as they're drawn together amid a universe-spanning horror broadcast. These represent a strong mix of award-winners, debut novels, and books from established authors covering everything from literary science fiction to space opera and cyberpunk.