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For highly-reviewed, recently published science fiction novels from 2024 and 2025, here are some excellent recommendations, many of which have received award nominations or significant reader praise: Award-Nominated and Critically Acclaimed The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley: A time-travel novel that blends romance and espionage. It was a Booker Prize 2024 winner and a New York Times bestseller, praised for its unique premise and compelling narrative. Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell: This novel, which blends sci-fi/fantasy elements with a focus on relationships, won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2024. Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer: The latest addition to the acclaimed Southern Reach series returns to the mysterious Area X. VanderMeer's work is known for its environmental themes and weird fiction style. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky: Known for his unique explorations of alien encounters and survival (like in Children of Time), this 2025 release is a highly recommended work in the genre. The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera: This highly-rated novel was a finalist for several major awards, including the Hugo and Nebula Awards in 2024. Popular and Highly-Rated by Readers The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey: Described as "mesmerizing, incredible and terrifying," this book has been called one of the best sci-fi books of 2024 by fans of the genre. When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi: A witty and "entirely serious take on a distinctly unserious subject" (the moon turning into a giant wheel of cheese) that has garnered strong reader interest. The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville: This collaboration tells the story of an 80,000-year-old warrior, offering a blend of action and deep world-building that has proved popular with readers. Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino: A surreal and darkly comic novel that explores grief and loneliness through an unreal plot, receiving strong critical and reader reviews. For a Friend Who Enjoys the "Classics" If your friend is interested in modern books that channel the spirit of classic sci-fi, they might enjoy titles from recent years that are still very popular and widely recommended: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie