Answer Details

Here are **five highly-reviewed, recently published science-fiction novels** to suggest to your friend — each with a different vibe so you can pick based on what they like (space opera, hard sci-fi, debut voice, etc.). --- ### 1. Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (2023)       * This is a space-opera with emotional stakes: after Earth is destroyed in a war, humanity survives via integration with alien species — but some humans remain isolated off-station. ([Wikipedia][1]) * It *won* the 2024 Hugo Award for Best Novel. ([Wikipedia][1]) * Why send it: It blends big speculative ideas + character depth, perfect if your friend enjoys “what happens after humanity’s big screw-up” type stories. --- ### 2. The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing‑Giwa (2023)       * A debut novel published in July 2023; it received starred reviews in multiple outlets and won the 2024 Compton Crook Award. ([Wikipedia][2]) * Thematically interesting: tackles colonialism, cultural divides, and speculative futures in inventive ways. ([Wikipedia][2]) * Why send it: Great for someone who wants fresh voices in sci-fi and isn’t just going for the big names. --- ### 3. Starter Villain by John Scalzi (2023)     * A novel by a well-known author (Scalzi) published in 2023. It won the 2024 Dragon Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and was a finalist for the 2024 Hugo. ([Wikipedia][3]) * Plot: An ex-business reporter gets caught up in a super-villain scenario (so a fun, lighter tone). ([Wikipedia][3]) * Why send it: If your friend enjoys witty, fun reads with speculative premises rather than ultra-serious ones. --- ### 4. Antimatter Blues by Edward Ashton (2023)       * Published March 2023; sequel to Ashton’s *Mickey7*. ([Wikipedia][4]) * The story involves space colonists, an antimatter bomb, alien societies — solid hooks for sci-fi fans. ([Wikipedia][4]) * Why send it: For someone who enjoys series/continuations, big ideas, and action + moral/ethical questions in space. --- ### 5. Orbital by Samantha Harvey (2023)       * Published November (UK) / December (US) 2023. ([Wikipedia][5]) * The story: Six astronauts over 24 hours on the ISS — mixing psychological, existential, space-setting. ([Wikipedia][5]) * It won the 2024 Booker Prize. ([People.com][6]) * Why send it: For a reader who likes more literary sci-fi (space as backdrop, deep introspection) rather than just high action. --- If you like, I can pull together **10 or more** recommended titles (including 2024/2025 releases) categorized by style (hard sci-fi, space opera, near-future, debut authors), and include hyperlinks to buy them or view sample chapters. Would you like me to do that? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Desperate_Glory_%28novel%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Some Desperate Glory (novel)" [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Splinter_in_the_Sky?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Splinter in the Sky" [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_Villain?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Starter Villain" [4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimatter_Blues?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Antimatter Blues" [5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_%28novel%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Orbital (novel)" [6]: https://people.com/orbital-by-samantha-harvey-wins-2024-booker-prize-8744439?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Orbital\" by Samantha Harvey Wins 2024 Booker Prize"