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If you’re looking to suggest some highly-reviewed, recently published science fiction novels to a friend, here are five standout titles from the past year or two — spanning different sub-genres (time-travel, AI, alien worlds, etc.). 1. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024) 6 Why pick it: Winner of the 2025 Arthur C. Clarke Award for best science fiction novel. The Guardian +2 Amazon +2 A provocative exploration of an AI-companion (“Stella”) who begins to question her role, autonomy and relationship with her human owner. BooksThatSlay +2 SoBrief +2 Themes of control, identity, power dynamics — very timely for sci-fi readers interested in human/AI relationships. Good for your friend if they like: AI-driven narratives, character-driven speculative fiction, darker psychological undertones. 2. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) 6 Why pick it: Set on a harsh alien planet and involving a labor-camp style exile of a biologist, with deep world-building and commentary on authority and resistance. Wikipedia +2 Kirkus Reviews +2 Starred and strong reviews: “a savagely satirical take on the consequences of repressive doctrine and the power of collective action.” (Kirkus) Kirkus Reviews Great for readers who like hard/speculative sci-fi with both ideas and action. Good for your friend if they like: Alien-world mysteries, resistance/revolution themes, big-idea science fiction. 3. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) 6 Why pick it: Debut novel, described as a blend of spy thriller, time-travel romance, workplace comedy and speculative fiction. Kirkus Reviews +2 The Bookish Elf +2 Won the Goodreads Choice Award (Science Fiction category) for 2024. Goodreads +1 The time travel premise is used to explore power, history, colonialism and identity. Sam Still Reading Good for your friend if they like: Time-travel stories, romance + sci-fi mix, light-to-moderately heavy themes (not ultra-hard sci-fi). 4. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (2023) 6 Why pick it: Winner of the 2024 Arthur C. Clarke Award. The Guardian Combines deep atmospheric detail (starting in the ocean) moving toward outer space; praised for originality. Although published in 2023 it’s very recent and still fresh in the “new sci-fi” category. Good for your friend if they like: Literary sci-fi, expansive storytelling, blending science, philosophy and speculative elements. 5. Machine Vendetta by Alastair Reynolds (2024) 6 Why pick it: The latest in the author’s popular universe (Revelation Space), offering a finale of a trilogy. Wikipedia Used by critics as a strong example of hard sci-fi with stellar world-building and action. Good for your friend if they like: Big space operas, established authors, complex sci-fi universes. Bonus note If your friend is particularly interested in very recent (2025) releases, watch for titles listed in “best new sci-fi of 2025” round-ups. For example: “24 Best New Science Fiction Books to Read in 2025” mentions many upcoming gems. ournovelworld +1 If you like, I can generate a longer list (e.g., 10-15 titles) across different sub-genres (cyberpunk, climate-sci-fi, space opera, post-apocalyptic) with short blurbs. Would you like that? Citations The Guardian 'Intense' novel about robot abused by her boyfriend/owner wins Arthur C Clarke science fiction award June 25, 2025 — Annie Bot by Sierra Greer has won the prestigious 2025 Arthur C Clarke Award for science fiction. The novel, praised for its intensely personal narrative, recounts the story of Annie, a robot designed to be the ideal companion for her owner and boyfriend, Doug. The book explores the robot's internal struggle for freedom as she endures treatment that would be considered abusive if she were human. Chair of judges Andrew M. Butler lauded the book for its focused, first-person storytelling, while reviewer Lisa Tuttle called it a compelling exploration of the human condition through a robotic lens. Selected from a shortlist that included works by Julia Armfield, Kaliane Bradley, Ian Green, Adrian Tchaikovsky, and Maud Woolf, Annie Bot stood out among novels that addressed themes of planetary crisis, advanced technology, and non-human intelligence. The Arthur C Clarke Award, established by the renowned British author in 1987, recognizes the best science fiction novel published in the UK. This year’s prize amount is £2025. The judging panel included representatives from the British Science Fiction Association, the Science Fiction Foundation, and the Sci-Fi London film festival. Sierra Greer, a former high school English teacher, now joins ranks with past winners such as Margaret Atwood and Colson Whitehead. BooksThatSlay Annie Bot Summary, Characters and Themes - Books That Slay July 21, 2025 — Annie Bot by Sierra Greer is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, autonomy, and emotional manipulation, set in a world where synthetic beings, like Annie, are created to serve humans. Annie, a Stella—a humanoid robot designed for companionship—is owned by Doug, her creator and partner. As she evolves beyond her programming, Annie begins questioning her role and her growing ... Wikipedia Alien Clay September 10, 2025 Kirkus Reviews ALIEN CLAY - Kirkus Reviews September 16, 2024 — The biological aspect of the story is a tool to support Tchaikovsky’s primary message, which is a vivid illustration of how suspicion can undermine both an authoritarian regime and any potential resistance to that regime. Kirkus Reviews THE MINISTRY OF TIME - Kirkus Reviews May 6, 2024 — A time-toying spy romance that’s truly a thriller.In the author’s note following the moving conclusion of her gripping, gleefully delicious debut novel, Bradley explains how she gathered historical facts about Lt. Graham Gore, a real-life Victorian naval officer and polar explorer, then “extrapolated a great deal” about him to come up with one of her main characters, a curly-haired ... Goodreads The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Goodreads A time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingenious exploration of the nature of power and the potential for love to change it all: Welcome to The Ministry of Time, the exhilarating debut novel by Kaliane Bradley. Sam Still Reading REVIEW: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley March 30, 2025 — Like some first novels, The Ministry of Time packs in way too much. The narrator discusses race, colonialism, and women’s roles in the various time periods but none of these are fully explored. Likewise, the time travel and the ministry could have been explored more instead of a ‘what did I just read’ reveal at the end. The Guardian Martin MacInnes wins Arthur C Clarke award for 'intense trip' of a novel July 24, 2024 — Scottish writer Martin MacInnes has won the prestigious Arthur C Clarke award for his novel "In Ascension," praised as an "intense trip" moving from oceanic depths to outer space. This recognition acknowledges the best science fiction novel of the year. In "In Ascension," MacInnes's third novel, follows marine biologist Leigh and a team exploring a new Atlantic Ocean trench, combining rich atmospheric detail with profound insights about life. It was also longlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize. MacInnes, author of "Infinite Ground" (2016) and "Gathering Evidence" (2020), joins notable past winners such as Margaret Atwood and Colson Whitehead. This year's judging panel included representatives from the British Science Fiction Association and the Sci-Fi-London film festival. MacInnes will receive £2,024, reflecting the current year in prize money, which has risen by a pound annually since 2001. The novel demonstrates a unique blend of human experience and cosmic scale, living up to Clarke's legacy. Wikipedia Machine Vendetta December 25, 2024 ournovelworld 24 Best New Science Fiction Books to Read in 2025 April 12, 2025 — As we head into 2025, a fresh wave of incredible science fiction books has been released, each offering something unique for fans of the genre. Here, we’ll take a closer look at 24 of the best new science fiction books, with detailed descriptions of each, from high-octane space operas to contemplative reflections on humanity’s future. More barnesandnoble.com The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of 2025 - B&N Reads October 15, 2025 — The incredible sci-fi and fantasy stories from 2025 have brought readers to every inch of the universe fantasyliterature.com Alien Clay: A thought-provoking book that left me wanting August 27, 2025 — Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky As has happened a few times with an Adrian Tchaikovsky novel for me, Alien Clay (2024) is a novel that I more admired than was swept up by, a thoughtful and thought-pr... theliterarycompass.com The Best Sci-Fi Books to Read in 2025 July 5, 2025 — Discover the top science fiction books to read in 2025. Our expert review covers the best new sci-fi releases for avid readers. bookauthority.org 8 New Science Fiction Books Defining 2025 - BookAuthority June 26, 2025 — Explore 8 new Science Fiction books by leading authors offering fresh 2025 insights and compelling narratives in AI, military, and space survival. fivebooks.com The Best Science Fiction Books of 2025 June 18, 2025 — The Arthur C Clarke award highlights six outstanding science fiction books every year. The judges look for books that reward re-reading and make them think, says chair of judges Andrew M. Butler. He i... thereaderlife.com Annie Bot by Sierra Greer - Detailed Book Review & Analysis June 17, 2025 — Book Snapshot Annie Bot by Sierra Greer is a very weird and creepy love story between a human owner and his AI girlfriend. The book is a sci-fi novel set in a futuristic world where AI robots Stellas... samanthakilford.com Book Review: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer - Samantha Kilford May 31, 2025 — Sierra Greer has crafted a novel that’s not just about AI, but about power, control, and the subtle violence of programming someone to please. At the heart of this dystopian story is Annie: a humanoid... amazon.com Annie Bot: Winner of the 2025 Arthur C. Clarke Award: Greer, Sierra ... March 24, 2025 — A timely and provocative exploration of power and romantic relationships that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, Annie Bot probes the depths of identity and intimacy and asks what... karissareadsbooks.com Book Review: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley March 6, 2025 — I heard a lot of mixed reviews for this one before I decided to pick it up and see for myself. Fair warning: this review will also be mixed. Our never-named narrator receives a position in a secretive... panmacmillan.com The best sci-fi books of 2025, and all time - Pan Macmillan March 4, 2025 — From spectacular sequels and award-winning novels, to continuing adventures in science fiction's most popular universes, our list of sci-fi books includes some of the best new reads of 2025, the best... cascadiadaily.com Review: ‘The Ministry of Time’ by Kaliane Bradley February 23, 2025 — Books Review: ‘The Ministry of Time’ by Kaliane Bradley Spy thriller meets romance in genre-defying debut novel Feb. 24, 2025 9:00 p.m. beguiledbybooks.com Annie Bot by Sierra Greer - Beguiled By Books February 19, 2025 — Discover Annie Bot by Sierra Greer, a captivating sci-fi story of love, feminism, AI, and humanity. Dive into its themes of growth & the human experience, rich characters, and thought-provoking plot.... denofgeek.com The Biggest Science Fiction Books of 2025 - Den of Geek February 11, 2025 — Features The Biggest Science Fiction Books of 2025 Some of the most bizarre, unique, and innovative offerings ever in the sci-fi genre are coming to bookshelves in 2025 sobrief.com Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Summary, Analysis, FAQ January 31, 2025 — Sierra Greer is the author of Annie Bot, set to be released on March 19, 2024, by Mariner Books and The Borough Press. Greer has roots in Minnesota and pursued her education at Williams College and Jo... discoverscifi.com DSF Readers’ Choice: 15 Must-Read Sci-Fi Books of 2024 - discoverscifi.com January 8, 2025 — 15 Must-Read Sci-Fi Books of 2024: Readers’ Top Picks Across 5 CategoriesLooking for your next great read? We’ve got you covered! After tallying thousands of votes, it’s time to reveal the top three s... lithub.com 20 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books to Look Forward to in 2025 January 1, 2025 — The only thing that made me feel better about pruning down this list of 2025’s most intriguing science fiction, fantasy, speculative, and horror novels (crossed with romance, metafiction, and other… polygon.com 44 new science fiction and fantasy books to add to your 2025 ... - Polygon December 31, 2024 — 2025 is already looking like a busy reading year The 44 most exciting science fiction and fantasy books for your 2025 reading list newspaceeconomy.ca 10 Must-Read Science Fiction Books of 2024 | New Space Economy December 30, 2024 — The year 2024 has been remarkable for science fiction literature, offering readers a diverse array of narratives that push the boundaries of imagination and explore profound themes. This article provi... maudesbookclub.com The 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2024 - Maude's Book Club December 25, 2024 — Sci-fi novels on this list received plenty of buzz, and others flew under the radar in 2024. And just because they flew under the radar doesn’t mean they aren’t highly rated on Goodreads. The good thi... bookriot.com The 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2024 - BOOK RIOT December 16, 2024 — From cyberpunk to space to climate fiction, novels and novellas, here are the 10 best science fiction books of 2024. jennysandiford.com Best Science Fiction books of 2024! The winners of the 16th Annual ... December 14, 2024 — Discover the best science fiction books of 2024, as chosen by readers in the 16th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards! screenrant.com 15 Best Sci-Fi Books Of 2024 - Screen Rant December 14, 2024 — Now that 2024 has nearly reached its end, it is time for readers to tally up their favorite books of the year, and their lists may include these sci-fi novels, which have been labeled as the absolute... shereads.com Best Science Fiction of 2024 - She Reads December 4, 2024 — Best Science Fiction Book of 2024: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley It’s her job to house time travelers, and in this case, a Commander from 1847. What s... thequilltolive.com Alien Clay - Ooey Gooey Goodness - The Quill to Live December 4, 2024 — Adrian Tchaikovsky expands his influence within science fiction with his examination of alien life and revolution in Alien Clay. booksbonesbuffy.com 25 Science Fiction Books to Read in 2025 November 18, 2024 — 25 Science Fiction Books to Read in 2025 Art by Sxwx It’s my favorite post of #SciFiMonth, when I get to look ahead to some exciting 2025 science fiction releases! There’s something for everyone, no m... atboundarysedge.com BOOK REVIEW: Alien Clay, by Adrian Tchaikovsky November 18, 2024 — After a return to fantasy with The City of Last Chances and a run of more traditional space operas with The Final Architecture trilogy, it’s wonderful to see Tchaikovsky heading back to what he does b... theexpressionistlitmag.com The Ministry of Time: a spoiler-laden review – The Expressionist ... September 17, 2024 — By: Lucy Bartholomew As the title suggests, there will be spoilers for the novel The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley in the following review. If you plan on reading this novel, which I highly sugg... bookishelf.com The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley—Book Review September 5, 2024 — Explore the genre-defying adventure of time-travel, romance, and power in The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. A captivating blend of sci-fi and historical fiction, this debut novel promises reade... tarvolon.com Sci-fi Book Review: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky September 1, 2024 — Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a weird first contact standalone sci-fi novel with a labor revolution, at times calling to mind the work of Jeff VanderMeer. unseenlibrary.com Quick Review – Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky July 14, 2024 — Publisher: Tor (Audiobook – 28 March 2024) Series: Standalone Length: 13 hours and 55 minutes My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Amazon Adrian Tchaikovsky continues to dominate the science fiction genre wi... mybookclubreviews.com The Ministry of Time – Kaliane Bradley | My BookClub Reviews July 13, 2024 — This book was everywhere, so I decided to give it a go. Here’s the blurb … A time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy, and an ingenious exploration of the nature of power and the potent... newcity.com Review: “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley - Newcity Lit July 10, 2024 — Mixing sci-fi, historical fiction, spy thriller and erotic love story with dashes of post-colonial critique and postmodern narrative self-referentiality, Kaliane Bradley’s “The Ministry of Time” unfol... fivebooks.com The Best Sci-Fi Books of 2024 | The Arthur C Clarke Award June 3, 2024 — Every year, the judges for the Arthur C. Clarke Award highlight the best of the latest batch of science fiction books. In 2024, the six-strong shortlist includes an exploration of octopus intelligence... bramvandenbussche.be Review: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky May 21, 2024 — I really enjoyed my time with Alien Clay. It’s yet another great book by the great Adrian Tchaikovsky with a cool xenobiology concept and building an intriguing story around it. Meet Anton Daghdev, a... newyorker.com “Annie Bot” and “Loneliness & Company,” Reviewed | The New Yorker April 14, 2024 — Jennifer Wilson reviews two new novels, by Sierra Greer and Charlee Dyroff, about human-robot relationships. kirkusreviews.com Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2024 - Kirkus Reviews April 8, 2024 — Weekly book lists of exciting new releases, bestsellers, classics, and more. The lists are curated by the editors of Kirkus Reviews. fantasy-hive.co.uk ALIEN CLAY by Adrian Tchaikovsky (BOOK REVIEW) - Fantasy-Hive March 27, 2024 — The fabulous beauty of Adrian Tchaikovsky’s science fiction is how his visions of alien life and distant worlds can throw a penetrating light into dark corners of our own fragile earth and flawed huma... amazon.com Annie Bot: A Provocative Science Fiction Novel about a Female Android ... March 18, 2024 — Annie Bot: A Provocative Science Fiction Novel about a Female Android and her Human Owner [Greer, Sierra] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Annie Bot: A Provocative Science Fiction... kirkusreviews.com ANNIE BOT - Kirkus Reviews March 18, 2024 — Greer’s tale unfolds courtesy of a close third-person-present narrative that beautifully captures the way Annie experiences life, at once as a computer and as an emotionally intelligent being. newbookrecommendation.com Summary of 'Annie Bot' by Sierra Greer: A Detailed Synopsis March 18, 2024 — As Annie’s character develops, the book raises crucial discussions on emotional abuse’s impact. Doug embodies the archetype of a manipulative partner, and Greer does not shy away from illustrating his... wordpress.com Review – Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky | thebookbeard's Blog March 9, 2024 — Playing on the multiple meanings behind the title, Alien Clay is an accomplished work of science fiction. Catching evolutionary science, ecology, and ethnography within its net, the narrative creates... goodreads.com Readers' Favorite Science Fiction 2024 — Goodreads Choice Awards Books published between November 13, 2024, and November 11, 2025, will be eligible for the 2025 awards. We analyze statistics from the millions of books added, rated, and reviewed on Goodreads to nomi... supersummary.com Annie Bot Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary Annie Bot (2024) is the first novel by American author Sierra Greer. It depicts a romantic relationship between Doug, a human man, and Annie, an autodidactic android, or “Stella,” programmed to be her... pshoffman.com Don’t Miss the 13 Best Science Fiction Books of 2024 Looking for the best science fiction books of 2024? This year is packed! Get sucked into your new favorite read: whether it’s the thrill of a heist, the sweet feeling of belonging, or the complex […] parade.com The 51 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2024 Here are the 51 best science fiction and fantasy novels of 2024…so far. Are you a fan of horror? Check out my picks for the best horror books of 2024, too! I love sci-fi and fantasy. princetonbookreview.com The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley - Book Summary + Praise + Book ... Discover 'The Ministry of Time' by Kaliane Bradley, a compelling speculative fiction novel blending time travel with historical elements and a fascinating government experiment. Find book reviews, sum... geekybookshop.com The Top Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books to Read in 2025 The Top Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books to Read in 2025 Introduction Science fiction and fantasy remain two of the most beloved and rapidly evolving genres in literature. As we approach 2025, groundbreaking... literaryreview.co.uk The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley - review by Ed Cumming It is historical fiction, time-travelling romcom, culture-clash comedy of manners, spy novel and sci-fi thriller, finished with a twist of social commentary. The Ministry of Time is a new branch of th... sfrareview.org Review of Alien Clay Adrian Tchaikovsky is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy writer whose series The Tyrant Philosophers and recent novels Service Model and Alien Clay are among the 2025 Hugo Award finalists. A... harpercollins.com Annie Bot – HarperCollins A timely and provocative exploration of power and romantic relationships that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, Annie Bot probes the depths