Answer Details

Here are five highly-reviewed, recently published science-fiction novels you could send to your friend. If you tell me their preferred sub-genre (space opera, cyberpunk, hard SF, etc.), I can pick a few more fine-tuned picks. | Title | Author | Year | Key appeal | | -------------------- | ------------------ | ------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Annie Bot | Sierra Greer | 2024/25 | Explores AI autonomy via a robot companion navigating abuse, identity, and freedom. Multiple strong reviews. ([What Is Quinn Reading?][1]) | | Extremophile | Ian Green | 2024 | Near-future London, climate collapse, bio-hacking punk culture. Noted for its world-building and urgency. ([No Rerolls][2]) | | Alien Clay | Adrian Tchaikovsky | 2024 | Biologist in exile on an alien planet; revolt, weird biology, anti-human-exceptionalist themes. ([Wikipedia][3]) | | The Mercy of Gods | James S.A. Corey | 2024 | Space-opera epic (first book in a new trilogy) by well-known authors; strong world-building and character focus. ([Wikipedia][4]) | | The Ministry of Time | Kaliane Bradley | 2024 | Time-travel thriller/romance with humour, identity themes; recognised by Goodreads Choice Awards. ([Esquire][5]) | **Recommendation:** If your friend likes **character-driven near-future SF** (climate themes, bio-tech, identity) go for *Extremophile* or *Annie Bot*. If they prefer **big world-spanning adventures or space opera**, choose *The Mercy of Gods*. **Assumptions & caveats:** * “Recently published” here means ≈ 2024 onward. * Reviews and acclaim vary; I focused on books with multiple credible reviews. * Availability may depend on region/edition. If you like, I can dig up **10 more** with a wider range of styles (hard SF, cyber-punk, first-time authors) and send you a shortlist with links. [1]: https://www.whatisquinnreading.com/reviews/annie-bot-book-review?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sci-Fi Book Review: 'Annie Bot' by Sierra Greer" [2]: https://norerolls.co.uk/2024/07/27/book-review-extremophile-by-ian-green/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Book Review: Extremophile by Ian Green" [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Clay?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Alien Clay" [4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mercy_of_Gods?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Mercy of Gods" [5]: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g60078949/best-sci-fi-books-2024/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The 30 Best Sci-Fi Books of 2024 - Esquire"