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Here are five highly-reviewed, recently published science fiction novels that could make excellent suggestions for your friend — varied in tone and theme, so there’s something for different sci-fi tastes: 1. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024) A near-future narrative about a custom-built robot (Annie) designed to be the perfect companion for her human owner. As she becomes more self-aware, the story probes autonomy, identity, power and the human condition via a sci-fi lens. “This is an excellent science fiction novel… exploring admittedly familiar ideas but very intelligently, and very movingly.” rrhorton.blogspot.com The novel also won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award for best science fiction in the UK in 2025. The Guardian Why it’s a good pick: sharp, thought-provoking, timely (AI + relationships + ethics). Note: It has themes of control/abuse and might be heavier emotionally. 2. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) This novel follows a scientist exiled to a brutal labor camp planet (Kiln) under an authoritarian regime, exploring weird alien biology, oppressive systems and revolution. Tar Vol on +2 At Boundary's Edge +2 Why it stands out: great world-building, rich in speculative biology + political themes. Good for: someone who enjoys “harder” sci-fi with big ideas about life, evolution and power. 3. Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2024) From the same author as above but with a somewhat different premise: a robotic valet wakes to his own existence, in a collapsing human society. Wikipedia Why it’s interesting: explores AI, robotics, what it means to “be” in a post-human or post-order world. Good for: someone drawn to existential sci-fi with a personal focus (robot’s perspective). 4. Dissolution by Nicholas Binge (2025) A more recent (2025) release. It’s a sci-fi thriller blending memory, time, and speculative intrigue. Library Journal, Booklist and Kirkus gave high praise. Wikipedia Why pick it: newer release, strong speculative concept, good for readers wanting something quite fresh. 5. All That We See Or Seem by Ken Liu (2025) A near-future thriller from award-winning author Ken Liu: a teenage hacker, VR dreaming art, disappearance, AI and social media themes. Highlighted as “one of the best science-fiction books of the year” in recent review roundups. The Guardian Why it works: blends character-driven narrative + high-concept tech ideas. Great if your friend likes near-future speculative fiction rather than distant worlds. Bonus Tip: If your friend prefers a lighter tone or more space-adventure fluff, let me know — I can pull in a few more along those lines too (for example more “space-opera” or “fun sci-fi” rather than heavy ideas). If you like, I can pull a longer list (10-15 titles) across a variety of sub-genres (space opera, cyberpunk, climate-sci-fi, etc.), and include links to where they’re available (Argentina / Spanish-language editions if needed). Would you like me to do that?