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Here are some **highly reviewed, recently published science fiction novels (2024–2025)** that have been praised by critics and readers alike — perfect for recommending to your friend: --- ### 🌌 **1. *The Terraformers* by Annalee Newitz (2024)** A sweeping, imaginative saga about the ethics of terraforming and corporate control over entire planets. It mixes environmental philosophy with thrilling world-building and sharp humor. **Why it’s great:** Intelligent, funny, and deeply relevant to today’s ecological debates. --- ### 🤖 **2. *Starter Villain* by John Scalzi (2024)** A fast-paced, comedic sci-fi romp featuring an ordinary man who inherits a supervillain empire — complete with sentient cats and corporate espionage. **Why it’s great:** Witty dialogue and a classic Scalzi blend of satire and heart. --- ### 🧬 **3. *Translation State* by Ann Leckie (2024)** A standalone novel in the *Imperial Radch* universe that explores identity, translation, and alien contact through multiple human and AI perspectives. **Why it’s great:** Elegant writing, complex world-building, and emotional depth. --- ### 🪐 **4. *Infinity Gate* by M.R. Carey (2024)** A multiverse epic about survival, artificial intelligence, and what it means to be human. **Why it’s great:** Deeply philosophical but propulsive — great for fans of *The Expanse* or *Three-Body Problem*. --- ### 🧠 **5. *The Deep Sky* by Yume Kitasei (2024)** A psychological space thriller about the first interstellar voyage — and a murder onboard that threatens humanity’s last hope. **Why it’s great:** Smart, character-driven, and tense; perfect for readers who like mystery blended with hard sci-fi. --- ### 🌠 **6. *The Saint of Bright Doors* by Vajra Chandrasekera (2024)** An inventive, surreal science-fantasy novel about faith, revolution, and alternate realities. **Why it’s great:** Gorgeous prose and genre-bending imagination — a standout of 2024. --- ### 🔮 **7. *System Collapse* by Martha Wells (2024)** The latest entry in the beloved *Murderbot Diaries* series. If your friend loves AI, sarcasm, and heartfelt action, this is a must. **Why it’s great:** Hugely entertaining, emotionally rich, and critically acclaimed. --- Would you like me to tailor this list toward **a specific vibe** — for example, *space epics*, *philosophical AI stories*, or *lighter, humorous sci-fi*?