Answer Details

This curated list of recent, highly-reviewed science fiction novels includes award winners, critically acclaimed works, and popular choices. The recommendations span various subgenres, from hard sci-fi and space opera to cozy sci-fi and dystopian thrillers. Standalone novels Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) Synopsis: An astronaut wakes up with amnesia on a mission to save the Earth from an extinction-level event and must piece together his memories to succeed. Why it's recommended: Following the bestselling The Martian, Weir delivers another scientifically-grounded, suspenseful, and humorous story. It was a Goodreads Choice Award winner and named a favorite by former U.S. President Barack Obama. The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler (2022) Synopsis: A near-future speculative thriller about the first contact with a newly discovered species of intelligent octopuses, and the global race to control the ramifications of that discovery. Why it's recommended: The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of communication, intelligence, and humanity's place in the universe. It was shortlisted for the 2024 Arthur C. Clarke Award. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel (2022) Synopsis: A time-bending literary mystery that spans centuries, from 1912 British Columbia to a future moon colony, all linked by a mysterious anomaly. Why it's recommended: From the author of Station Eleven, this critically acclaimed novel is known for its beautiful prose and deep exploration of parallel worlds and human nature. The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi (2022) Synopsis: A lighthearted and fun adventure where a food delivery driver is recruited to work for a secret organization that protects massive, dinosaur-like monsters in a parallel dimension. Why it's recommended: This escapist "lockdown novel" offers a thrilling and humorous story with a high-concept premise. The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera (2023) Synopsis: In a world where reality is shaped by the minds of its inhabitants, a man born to a dead god's cult must seek his long-lost father in a fantastical city. Why it's recommended: This imaginative novel won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2023 and was a Hugo Award nominee in 2024. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (2023) Synopsis: After Earth's destruction, the last of humanity train for war in a space station. A young warrior's worldview is shattered when she discovers the truth about her people and the war. Why it's recommended: This queer space opera features a remarkable character arc and won the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) Synopsis: A robot servant with an unusual fault murders his owner and is thrust into a world where a collapsing human society has given way to a struggling robot ecosystem. Why it's recommended: Tchaikovsky explores themes of programming, sentience, and purpose in this original and entertaining standalone story. Series and collections The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (2017–present) Synopsis: A series of highly entertaining novellas and novels told from the point of view of a self-hacking, socially-awkward security android who just wants to be left alone to watch its shows. Key recent entries: Network Effect (2020) and System Collapse (2023). Why it's recommended: A fan and critic favorite, the series has won numerous awards, including multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. It's beloved for its humor, fast pace, and deep emotional core. The Imperial Radch series by Ann Leckie (2013–2023) Synopsis: This space opera series explores themes of empire, personhood, and justice from the unique perspective of a re-bodied starship artificial intelligence. Key recent entries: The standalone novel Translation State (2023) serves as a great entry point into the universe. Why it's recommended: The first book, Ancillary Justice, won the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke awards. The full series won the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Series. The Final Architecture series by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2021–present) Synopsis: A fast-paced space opera trilogy set eighty years after the Earth is destroyed. An enhanced human and his crew must face the return of an alien enemy. Key recent entry: Shards of Earth (2021) is the first installment. Why it's recommended: This action-packed series is acclaimed for its epic world-building and inventive alien species. Exhalation by Ted Chiang (2019) Synopsis: A collection of nine philosophical short stories that explore complex ideas with humanistic storytelling. Why it's recommended: For a friend who prefers shorter fiction, this collection is a masterful showcase of intelligent and thoughtful science fiction. It won the Locus Award for Best Collection.