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Based on multiple awards lists and reader recommendations from 2023, 2024, and 2025, here are five highly reviewed, recently published science fiction novels to suggest to a friend. 1. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (2023) Synopsis: The final surviving humans, having lost Earth decades ago, prepare for one last desperate war in space. Kyr, raised from birth to fight, begins to question her indoctrination, leading to a path of rebellion and exploration. Why it's highly reviewed: This Hugo Award-winner for Best Novel was praised as a gripping and thoughtful queer space opera that explores gender identity, rebellion, and humanity's survival. 2. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) Synopsis: An adventure mixing time travel, romance, and history, this novel follows a civil servant who is tasked with assisting a time-traveler from the Victorian era. She must help acclimate him to 21st-century life, but their working relationship soon grows more complicated. Why it's highly reviewed: Critics hailed its blend of humor, romance, and thoughtful exploration of history and identity. It was shortlisted for the 2025 Arthur C. Clarke Award and nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award. 3. Starter Villain by John Scalzi (2023) Synopsis: After inheriting his estranged uncle's supervillain enterprise, a man named Charlie must contend with the hidden volcano lair, unionized henchpeople, and a feline-led council of evil cats. Why it's highly reviewed: Known for his humor and accessibility, Scalzi delivers a fun, fast-paced read with an engaging plot and likable characters. It received a Hugo Award nomination and was a Goodreads Choice nominee. 4. Translation State by Ann Leckie (2023) Synopsis: Set in the same universe as Leckie's award-winning Imperial Radch series, this standalone novel follows three characters caught up in the search for a missing elder, a type of sentient, space-faring species. The story is an intimate exploration of identity, relationships, and the meaning of belonging. Why it's highly reviewed: This character-driven space opera earned nominations for multiple major awards, including the Nebula and Hugo Awards. 5. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (2023) Synopsis: This "literary" science fiction novel follows a marine biologist who, after a childhood of navigating a complex family life, embarks on a dangerous and existential journey into a deep-ocean cavern. Why it's highly reviewed: Praised for its reflective tone and big ideas, it won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award and was longlisted for the Booker Prize