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Here are five recently-published science fiction novels that have been getting strong reviews—great options to send your friend. They span a variety of moods and sub-genres, so you can pick according to what your friend tends to like. 📚 Top picks 1. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) 6 Why it’s worth recommending: A time-travel premise with a twist: modern day UK government rescues “expats” from historical eras (who were going to die) and assigns “bridges” to help them adapt. Wikipedia +2 The Guardian +2 The book mixes romance, thriller, speculative ideas about identity and empire, as covered in a review calling it “a seriously fun sci-fi romcom” with serious themes. The Guardian +1 It’s been recognized as one of the best new sci-fi books of 2024. Five Books +1 Good for: someone who likes time-travel, character-driven stories, and a lighter (yet thought-provoking) tone. 2. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) 6 Why it’s worth recommending: A hard-science-fiction tale in which a biologist who opposes a fascist Earth government is exiled to a labor-camp on an alien planet. Wikipedia It’s been acknowledged for strong recognition: finalist for major awards (Hugo, Locus) in 2025. Wikipedia +1 Good for: someone who enjoys more serious, speculative, challenging sci-fi with strong world-building. 3. Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds (2024) 6 Why it’s worth recommending: A sequel in Reynolds’ (hard-)space-opera universe (the “Prefect Dreyfus Emergencies” trilogy) that has earned a starred review in Publishers Weekly. Wikipedia For readers who favour large-scale interstellar scope, big conspiracies, and strong technical/speculative elements. Good for: someone who already likes space-opera, sprawling futuristic settings, or big epic arcs. 4. The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey (2024) 6 Why it’s worth recommending: A space-opera novel set in a human-colonised future where Earth has been conquered; it explores themes of resistance and identity. Wikipedia Given its authorship (Corey) this will appeal to fans of big series and strong pacing. Good for: someone who doesn’t mind jumping into a large universe, or is okay starting a new trilogy. 5. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024/25) 6 Why it’s worth recommending: A provocative, sharply written novel about a sex-robot designed to be a perfect companion, who begins to question her own status and autonomy. What Is Quinn Reading? +1 It won the prestigious 2025 Arthur C. Clarke Award for best science fiction novel. The Guardian Good for: someone who loves near-future speculative fiction with social commentary, gender/identity themes, etc. ✅ My recommendation for your friend If your friend tends toward fun, accessible sci-fi with some romance or lighter tone → start with The Ministry of Time. If they prefer serious, big-scope sci-fi → go with Alien Clay or Machine Vendetta. If they like thought-provoking, near-future social sci-fi → Annie Bot is ideal. And if they love classic space-opera → The Mercy of Gods is a solid pick. If you like, I can pull together 10 or more recent sci-fi novels (2023-2025) with brief blurbs and links for each, so you have a larger list to send. Would you like that?