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For highly-reviewed, recently published science fiction novels (2024/2025), several titles have received strong acclaim and nominations for major awards. Here are some of the best books you could suggest to your friend: Award Winners & Top Nominees ** The Ministry of Time** by Kaliane Bradley: This novel, a Goodreads Choice Award nominee and a Good Morning America book club pick, blends time travel with romance and political intrigue, following a civil servant who must help an accidental time traveler from the Victorian era adapt to the 21st century. ** Service Model** by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Acclaimed by several sources and a Goodreads nominee, this book follows a robot servant who embarks on a journey through a post-apocalyptic Europe, exploring themes of artificial intelligence and humanity. ** Absolution** by Jeff VanderMeer: A surprise fourth volume in his popular Southern Reach series, this book has been highly discussed and praised for its return to the mysterious and atmospheric Area X. ** The Mercy of Gods** by James S.A. Corey: The start of a new series, this book has garnered positive reviews and high ratings on Goodreads for its fast-paced, action-packed space opera style, perfect for fans of The Expanse series (written by the same authors). ** Some Desperate Glory** by Emily Tesh: A winner of the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel, this book offers a gripping queer space opera about a young soldier raised on a warship who discovers a new perspective on the galaxy she was trained to fight against. ** In Ascension** by Martin MacInnes: Winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and nominated for the Booker Prize, this is a more literary work focusing on a deep-sea diver's journey and her exploration of a mysterious, seemingly bottomless trench, blending personal narrative with cosmic wonder. Other Notable Recent Releases ** Annie Bot** by Sierra Greer: A nominee for the Goodreads Choice Awards, this novel is an exploration of what it means to be human through the eyes of an advanced companion robot. ** Death of the Author** by Nnedi Okorafor: A compelling and meta novel about a struggling author whose career changes after writing a blockbuster sci-fi novel, exploring AI and storytelling. ** The Mars House** by Natasha Pulley: This novel has received good ratings for its story about a woman seeking asylum on a terraformed Mars while dealing with political complications.