Answer Details

If you’re looking for standout, well-reviewed recent science fiction novels to recommend to a friend, here are **five** terrific picks — published within the last couple of years and each offering something distinct. --- 1. ## In Ascension by Martin MacInnes (2023/24) This novel follows marine biologist Leigh as she explores a mysterious ocean trench and then a mission into space. Reviewers praise its intellectual ambition and emotional depth — “an interesting investigation of home and interpersonal responsibilities through deep-sea and far-space travel.” ([Kirkus Reviews][1]) It won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for 2024, recognising it as one of the standout sci-fi books of its year. ([The Guardian][2]) **Why it’s great**: Beautiful writing, big ideas (deep sea → space → existence), and solid critical acclaim. **Possible caveat**: It can be slow in parts and more contemplative than action-packed. ([Reddit][3]) --- 2. ## The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) A debut novel with a quirky, genre-blending approach: time-travel + workplace dynamics + love story. The plot: a civil servant is assigned to be a “bridge” to a time-expat (from the 1800s) as part of a government project to test time travel. ([Bookshelf Fantasies][4]) It’s been described as “a time-toying spy romance that’s truly a thriller.” ([Kirkus Reviews][5]) **Why it’s great**: Fresh voice; blends sci-fi ideas with character dynamics and humour. **Possible caveat**: Some reviewers felt the sci-fi underpinning was weaker than the romance/workplace parts. ([Reddit][6]) --- 3. ## Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024) This one is provocative: it tells the story of a humanoid AI companion (Annie) whose programming starts to push against her role, raising questions of autonomy, intimacy, and identity. ([Kirkus Reviews][7]) It has won major awards and attracted attention for how it frames AI & human‐relationship themes. ([The Guardian][8]) **Why it’s great**: Sharp, relevant themes;-- especially for readers interested in tech/AI + societal questions. **Possible caveat**: It deals with some uncomfortable dynamics (power, control, domestic abuse) so may not be for all tastes. ([Reddit][9]) --- 4. ## The Mercy of the Gods by James S.A. Corey A newer entry by a well-known sci-fi author (James S.A. Corey is best known for his space-opera work). This one appears on “best of 2024” lists. ([Maude's Book Club][10]) **Why it’s great**: Strong credentials + likely to appeal to those who enjoy big-scale space opera and sweeping conflict. **Possible caveat**: If your friend prefers more literary or slower sci-fi, this might skew toward action/scale. --- 5. ## Space Oddity by Catherynne M. Valente A fun, imaginative pick: this appears as one of the noteworthy sci-fi books of 2024 (and is a sequel in a beloved space-opera style). ([Maude's Book Club][10]) **Why it’s great**: If the reader enjoys quirky, inventive space opera with lots of flair, this is a strong match. **Possible caveat**: If they prefer “hard” science grounding, this may be more playful than serious. --- ### How to pick which to send * If they love **literary, introspective sci-fi** → go with *In Ascension*. * If they favour **time-travel or romance mixed with sci-fi** → *The Ministry of Time*. * If they are into **AI, human-machine relationships, ethical questions** → *Annie Bot*. * If they enjoy **classic space opera / sweeping interstellar scope** → *The Mercy of the Gods* or *Space Oddity*. * If you’re unsure, pick two contrasting ones (e.g., *In Ascension* + *Annie Bot*) to give them variety. --- If you like, I can **compile a list of 10 or 15** of the *best recently published* science-fiction novels (with ratings, brief blurbs, and maybe Australian availability) to give your friend a full “top picks” list. Would you like me to do that? [1]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/martin-macinnes/in-ascension-macinnes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "IN ASCENSION | Kirkus Reviews" [2]: https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jul/24/martin-macinnes-novel-wins-arthur-c-clarke-award-in-ascension-science-fiction?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Martin MacInnes wins Arthur C Clarke award for 'intense trip' of a novel" [3]: https://www.reddit.com/r/IReadABookAndAdoredIt/comments/1h6x789?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Ascension by Martin MacInnes" [4]: https://bookshelffantasies.com/2024/12/26/book-review-the-ministry-of-time-by-kaliane-bradley/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Book Review: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley" [5]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kaliane-bradley/the-ministry-of-time/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "THE MINISTRY OF TIME - Kirkus Reviews" [6]: https://www.reddit.com//r/Fantasy/comments/1ltq6ap?utm_source=chatgpt.com "2025 Hugo Readalong: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley" [7]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sierra-greer/annie-bot/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ANNIE BOT | Kirkus Reviews" [8]: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/25/arthur-c-clarke-science-fiction-award-annie-bot-sierra-greer?utm_source=chatgpt.com "'Intense' novel about robot abused by her boyfriend/owner wins Arthur C Clarke science fiction award" [9]: https://www.reddit.com/r/murderbot/comments/1bn4ulr?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Annie Bot by Sierra Greer" [10]: https://www.maudesbookclub.com/book-feed/the-10-best-science-fiction-novels-of-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2024 — Maude's Book Club"