Answer Details

Here are three **highly-reviewed, recently published** science-fiction novels that would make excellent suggestions: --- ### 1. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024)       **Why it stands out:** * Published in 2024 and already nominated for major awards (including the 2025 Hugo & Locus) so very recent. ([Wikipedia][1]) * Strong reviews highlight its imaginative alien ecology, political themes (authoritarian rule, labor camps), and proficient storytelling. ([Tar Vol on][2]) * A good pick if your friend enjoys “hard” or thoughtful SF with world-building and big ideas. **Potential caveat:** * Some reviewers felt certain themes were familiar and the pace dips in parts. ([Tar Vol on][2]) * Might be a denser read than some lighter SF. --- ### 2. The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing‑Guwa (2023)       **Why it stands out:** * Debut novel published July 2023; well-reviewed with starred reviews from several outlets and won the 2024 Compton Crook Award. ([Wikipedia][3]) * Described as a fast-paced space-opera / spy thriller hybrid, involving political intrigue, colonization, a young protagonist recruited as a spy. ([The Quill to Live][4]) * Great choice if your friend likes adventure + political stakes in sci-fi. **Potential caveat:** * Some reviewers felt the world-building could have been deeper or more expansive. ([The BiblioSanctum][5]) * Less “hard” sci-fi; more character-driven and plot-driven tone. --- ### 3. Orbital by Samantha Harvey (2023)       **Why it stands out:** * Published Nov 2023; won the prestigious 2024 Booker Prize (rare for sci-fi) signalling strong literary acclaim. ([Reuters][6]) * Unique concept: follows six astronauts aboard the International Space Station over 24 hours as they orbit Earth multiple times — focusing on existential themes, humanity, beauty of Earth from orbit. ([The Guardian][7]) * Ideal if your friend is interested in more literary, reflective science-fiction (rather than just action-packed). **Potential caveat:** * Some readers expected more plot or action and found it quieter or more meditative. ([Writing at Large][8]) * Shorter length, more atmosphere than epic space-adventure. --- If you like, I can pull up **5–10 more** recent SF novels (from the last 1-2 years) with a wider range of sub-genres (space opera, cyberpunk, climate-sci-fi, etc.) so you can send a longer list to your friend. Would you like that? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_Clay?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Alien Clay" [2]: https://www.tarvolon.com/2024/09/02/sci-fi-novel-review-alien-clay-by-adrian-tchaikovsky/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sci-fi Novel Review: Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky" [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Splinter_in_the_Sky?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Splinter in the Sky" [4]: https://thequilltolive.com/2023/08/10/the-splinter-in-the-sky-by-kemi-ashing-giwa-science-fiction-book-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Splinter In The Sky - Stuck In My Craw" [5]: https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/07/28/book-review-the-splinter-in-the-sky-by-kemi-ashing-giwa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Book Review: The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa" [6]: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/british-writer-harvey-wins-booker-prize-space-story-orbital-2024-11-13/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "British writer Harvey wins Booker Prize for space story 'Orbital'" [7]: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/16/orbital-by-samantha-harvey-review-the-astronauts-view?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Orbital by Samantha Harvey review – the astronaut's view" [8]: https://writingatlarge.com/2024/12/29/book-review-orbital-a-novel-samantha-harvey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Book Review: Orbital: A Novel – Samantha Harvey"