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Here are **five** recently-published, highly-reviewed science-fiction (or sci-fi adjacent) novels that your friend might love — each with a little summary so you can pick the one that best fits their taste. --- ## 1. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024)       **Why it stands out:** * A time-travel/spy/romance mash-up: in near-future Britain a secret “Ministry of Time” has extracted historical figures (“expats”) and a civil servant (our narrator) helps them adapt. ([Wikipedia][1]) * It’s gotten strong attention: the debut novel by Bradley, praised for its wit, genre-blending and perspective. ([Fantasy-Hive][2]) * Themes of identity, empire, migration/dislocation pulsing through the sci-fi conceit. ([Tar Vol on][3]) **Best for your friend if they like:** historical sci-fi, time travel, romance + thriller, characters out of time. --- ## 2. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (2024)       **Why it stands out:** * Tells the story of a robot (‘Annie’) designed as the perfect companion/sexual partner who begins to question her existence and autonomy. ([What Is Quinn Reading?][4]) * Highly acclaimed: the novel received standout reviews for its exploration of identity, power, and technology. ([Kirkus Reviews][5]) **Best for your friend if they like:** provocative near-future sci-fi, stories with AI/robots, and thematic depth about humanity & power. --- ## 3. Dissolution by Nicholas Binge (2025)       **Why it stands out:** * A mind-bending sci-fi thriller: memory erasure, time loops, and a couple navigating hidden technology and conspiracies. ([Wikipedia][6]) * Positive critical reception: described as “mind-blowing” and “expertly crafted” in reviews. ([Wikipedia][6]) **Best for your friend if they like:** cerebral sci-fi, time manipulation, mysteries with a speculative edge. --- ## 4. Extremophile by Ian Green (2025)       **Why it stands out:** * Identified by critics as one of the best sci-fi novels of 2025 so far. ([Five Books][7]) * While I couldn’t dig up a full detailed summary in my search, its inclusion in expert “best of” lists signals strong interest and acclaim. **Best for your friend if they like:** up-and-coming titles, want something fresh and less widely read yet critically praised. --- ## 5. Private Rites by Julia Armfield (2025)       **Why it stands out:** * Another novel flagged among the *Best Science Fiction Books of 2025*. ([Five Books][7]) * Themes: sisters, climate crisis, near-future Britain — merging domestic drama with spec-fiction. **Best for your friend if they like:** character-driven stories with speculative stakes, climate-change themes, literary-leaning sci-fi. --- ### 🧭 Recommendation summary * For **big themes & high concept** → *Dissolution* or *Annie Bot*. * For **blend of romance + time travel + intrigue** → *The Ministry of Time*. * For **fresh voices in 2025** → *Extremophile* or *Private Rites*. * If your friend is based in India (or sourcing from India): check local availability/edition or international shipping. If you like, I can **pull together 10-15 top recent sci-fi novels** (with availability in India/Kindle) and mark which are best for different tastes (e.g., space opera, near-future, climate fiction). Would that be useful? [1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ministry_of_Time_%28novel%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Ministry of Time (novel)" [2]: https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/2024/04/the-ministry-of-time-by-kaliane-bradley-book-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "THE MINISTRY OF TIME by Kaliane Bradley (BOOK ..." [3]: https://www.tarvolon.com/2024/12/19/sci-fi-novel-review-the-ministry-of-time-by-kaliane-bradley/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sci-fi Novel Review: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley" [4]: https://www.whatisquinnreading.com/reviews/annie-bot-book-review?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Sci-Fi Book Review: 'Annie Bot' by Sierra Greer" [5]: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sierra-greer/annie-bot/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ANNIE BOT - Reviews" [6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissolution_%28Binge_novel%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Dissolution (Binge novel)" [7]: https://fivebooks.com/best-books/best-science-fiction-books-of-2025-andrew-m-butler/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Best Science Fiction Books of 2025"