Answer Details

Here are five highly-reviewed and recently published science-fiction novels that would make excellent suggestions for your friend. I’ve included a bit of info (without giving away spoilers) so you can pick a few that match their tastes. 1. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (2023) 6 A space-opera-style novel in which humanity survives in a small station after Earth’s destruction; one human soldier begins to question everything she’s been told. Wikipedia +1 Noted for strong themes of authoritarianism, identity, revenge, and growth. Lesbrary +1 It won the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Wikipedia Why send it: If your friend enjoys action, space-opera scale, strong character arcs and ethical/moral complexity, this one’s a standout. 2. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (2023) 6 Follows Leigh Hasenbosch (a microbiologist) from deep-sea research to space expedition in a near-future setting. Wikipedia +1 The novel was described as “richly atmospheric, full of brilliantly evoked detail… capturing numinous strangeness” by The Guardian. The Guardian Why send it: For a friend who prefers more contemplative, literary-leaning SF with scientific grounding and scope from micro (cells) to macro (the cosmos). 3. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) 6 Published March 2024. The plot: a biologist exiled to an alien planet labor camp, confronted with a fascist human government and strange planetary biology. Wikipedia Received a special citation from the Philip K. Dick Award and was a finalist for major SF awards. Wikipedia Why send it: If your friend enjoys morally challenging SF, alien worlds, political intrigue, and “what if” scenarios with guts. 4. The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey (2024) 6 A space-opera from the authors behind The Expanse, published August 2024. Humans are conquered by alien race (the Carryx) and must navigate survival under occupation. Wikipedia Why send it: For someone who enjoys big scale, gripping space-saga, alliances vs occupiers, and strong world-building. 5. Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds (2024) 6 Published 2024, part of the long-running Revelation Space universe (hard SF), focusing on investigations, machine intelligences, and big questions. Wikipedia Why send it: Ideal for the reader who likes hard science fiction, multi-layered plots, mystery + space tech, and established SF universes. If you like, I can pull 10 or even 20 such highly-reviewed, recently-published SF novels (with links & categories like “hard SF”, “space opera”, “climate-SF”, “first contact”, etc.). Would that be helpful?