Answer Details

Here are five highly-reviewed recent science-fiction novels I’d recommend—each bringing something fresh and memorable to the genre. Feel free to pick 1–3 for your friend depending on their tastes (e.g., more introspective, more hard-SF, etc.). 1. Annie Bot by Sierra Greer 6 A smart, provocative novel about a robot (“Annie”) built for companionship and what happens when she begins to grow beyond her programming. What Is Quinn Reading? +2 Strange at Ecbatan +2 It recently won the prestigious Arthur C. Clarke Award (2025) for best science-fiction novel published in the UK. The Guardian Why it stands out: it uses a near-futuristic premise to probe intimate themes — identity, autonomy, relationships — while still being very readable. Good for someone who enjoys AI / robot stories, psychological depth, ethical questions, rather than space epics. 2. Private Rites by Julia Armfield 6 Published 2024, this novel features three sisters in a flooded, climate-ravaged world dealing with family trauma, secrets, and survival. The Guardian Reviews highlight its vivid prose and emotional heft: “the prose is exquisite, rich yet intimate… encompassing the overwhelmingness of the climate crisis as well as deeply personal moments” The Best Possible Time Good for someone who is open to speculative fiction that blends SF, family drama, and gothic elements. 3. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley 6 A debut (2024) that mixes time-travel, romance, and workplace comedy: the protagonist works in a newly founded ministry tasked with handling “time-expats”. Wikipedia +2 Five Books +2 Has received strong reader attention (including a large number of votes in the Goodreads Choice Awards 2024). Goodreads Good for someone who likes lighter-toned SF with big ideas, maybe a romantic twist, and a fun premise. 4. Extremophile by Ian Green 6 One of the “best science-fiction books of 2025” according to a curated list. Five Books While I don’t have as many detailed review quotes at hand for this one (yet), given the recognition it’s a solid pick. Good for someone who wants something more “pure SF” (less romance, more exploration) and wants to stay on top of recently released works. 5. Alien Clay by Adrian Tchaikovsky 6 Published March 2024. This novel takes a biologist exiled to a labor camp on an alien planet, exploring ideas of evolution, oppression, and what it means to be human. Wikipedia Good for someone who enjoys big-idea SF, alien settings, strong world-building, and a more intense tone. Quick summary table Book Tone / Style Good if your friend likes… Annie Bot Near-future, intimate, AI/robot Relationships + ethics + readable SF Private Rites Atmospheric, climate-crisis + family drama Speculative + emotional depth The Ministry of Time Time-travel + romance + fun premise Light-hearted but smart SF Extremophile Upcoming/new release, more “pure” SF Staying current, exploratory themes Alien Clay Alien planet, intense world-building Traditional SF adventure with depth If you like, I can pull 10 more (or 20) recent SF releases (2023-2025) with short blurbs, sorted by sub-genre (hard SF, space opera, climate SF, AI/robot, etc.). Would that be useful?