Answer Details

Here are **four** highly reviewed recent science‐fiction novels that I’d recommend passing on to your friend — each offering quite different styles and themes. If you tell me their flavour (hard SF vs space opera vs character-driven vs speculative) I can suggest a longer list too. --- ### 1. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes       * Publication & acclaim: Published in 2023. It was long-listed for the Booker Prize, and won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for best science‐fiction novel. ([Wikipedia][1]) * What it’s about: It follows Leigh, a marine scientist whose work goes from deep‐ocean trenches to space missions. The novel weaves intimate human drama (family, memory, identity) with big cosmic/marine‐science themes. ([Kirkus Reviews][2]) * Why it stands out: Reviewers praise its “beautifully constructed” prose that toggles “between the minute and the vast, the personal and the theoretical.” ([The Scotsman][3]) * Good for: A reader who enjoys literary SF, reflective tone, big themes rather than pure action. --- ### 2. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky       * Publication & acclaim: Published 2024. Received strong reviews (e.g., Kirkus calls it “a savagely satirical take …” ). ([Kirkus Reviews][4]) * What it’s about: On the planet Kiln, a biologist exiled by a repressive Earth government is sent to explore bizarre alien ecology and confront a regime’s ideology. ([Kirkus Reviews][4]) * Why it stands out: Great for readers who love strange alien worlds + political underpinnings. The “alien ecology” is richly conceived. Some readers note pacing/clarity issues but overall very evocative. ([Reddit][5]) * Good for: Fans of speculative world‐building, alien ecosystems, science fiction with social/political commentary. --- ### 3. The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing‑Giwa       * Publication & acclaim: Debut novel published July 2023. Earned starred reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, etc. ([Kirkus Reviews][6]) * What it’s about: Enitan, from a colonised moon, becomes embroiled in imperial politics, murder and espionage in a floating capital (“the Splinter”). Themes of colonialism, identity, power. ([Kirkus Reviews][6]) * Why it stands out: It blends soft SF with space opera + strong social commentary. Excellent for someone who wants something more than “just space battles”. * Good for: Readers who like diverse voices in SF, power/colonial themes, world‐building with character at its core. --- ### 4. The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey       * Publication & acclaim: Featured in “Best science fiction books of 2024” lists. ([Parade][7]) * What it’s about: I don’t have a full synopsis here, but the author is well known (for the Expanse series) and this is a standalone/new direction, making it a safe “big name” pick. * Why it stands out: Good balance for someone who wants something accessible but still fresh. * Good for: Readers who like big scale space opera with strong pedigree. --- If you like, I can **compile a list of 10–15** recent (2023–2025) science-fiction novels — including more under-the-radar ones — across a range of styles and lengths, with UK availability for your friend in the UK (or in the UK/Europe market). Would that be helpful? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Ascension?utm_source=chatgpt.com "In Ascension" [2]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/martin-macinnes/in-ascension-macinnes/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "IN ASCENSION | Kirkus Reviews" [3]: https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/books/book-review-in-ascension-by-martin-macinnes-4022101?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Book review: In Ascension, by Martin MacInnes" [4]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/adrian-tchaikovsky/alien-clay/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ALIEN CLAY | Kirkus Reviews" [5]: https://www.reddit.com//r/printSF/comments/1m0tr5d?utm_source=chatgpt.com "I loved the \"Children of...\" series and the Shards of Earth series but I just finished Alien Clay and thought it was meh at best. What did others think?" [6]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kemi-ashing-giwa/the-splinter-in-the-sky/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "THE SPLINTER IN THE SKY | Kirkus Reviews" [7]: https://parade.com/books/best-science-fiction-fantasy-sci-fi-books-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The 51 Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books of 2024 - Parade"