Jeff VanderMeer entranced readers with his 2014 novel Annihilation. The story follows the journey of four women who are on the 12th expedition into a mystifying and bewildering region only known as “Area X.”
Each previous expedition has been filled with the disappearances of many expedition members and suicides, aggressive cancers, and mental trauma for those who somehow made it back.
With stunning and vivid descriptions of Area X as well as a riveting plot, Annihilation won the Nebula Award for Best Novel upon its release. It was quickly adapted into a feature film starring Natalie Portman, Gina Rodriguez, and Oscar Isaac, released in 2018.
VanderMeer’s Southern Reach Trilogy contains two more novels that explore the mysterious Area X. Authoritywas released in May 2014, and Acceptancefollowed quickly in September.
If you found yourself captivated by Area X and the enthralling world that lies within, then here are 30 more sci-fi books that will transport you to worlds near, far, and everywhere in between. Bring your imagination.
“Dune” by Frank Herbert
1965 | Chilton Books
Since Timothee Chalamet and Oscar Isaac led the newest adaptation released in 2021, Dune has returned to the spotlight. That’s not to say that this true science fiction classic ever truly left. However, a new audience is now exploring Frank Herbert’s incredibly imaginative world that has inspired the likes of cultural cornerstones like Star Wars.
Dune won both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award when it was released in 1965 and immediately captivated audiences with its vibrant and original universe.
The story follows the young Paul Atreides as he finds himself fighting for the survival of not just himself but the whole of House Atreides in their struggle against House Harkonnen on a planet that’s just as deadly as his foes. Like the Spice harvested on Arrakis, Dune will have you addicted immediately.
“Ringworld” by Larry Niven
1970 | Ballantine Books
While other stories like that of the Halo game series or The Mandolorian make use of massive ringworlds to help tell their tales, Ringworld by Larry Niven is the OG. Released in 1970, it was and still is a landmark in science fiction.
Set on a massive artificial ring world orbiting the sun, the story is fast-paced, and the plot is action-packed. Niven challenges the reader with thought-provoking questions about the nature of intelligence, the ethics of space exploration, and the fate of civilizations in the face of changing technology.
Beginning with The Fifth Season, which was released in 2015, the Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin is a seminal work of modern science fiction. With enough novels in the genre to have a library of her own, Jemisin truly flexes her mastery of world-building in this series. So much so that she made history by winning the Hugo award three years in a row. One for each novel in the trilogy.
The Fifth Season starts this emotional rollercoaster at the beginning of the end of the world. The Obelisk Gate and The Stone Sky complete a trilogy that is laced with complex characters and themes of oppression, resistance, and resilience. Each novel is told from a different character’s perspective, which only adds to what is already an imaginative and thought-provoking story. No matter what kind of books you like, you are guaranteed to enjoy every page of this explosive series. So what are you waiting for?
“All Systems Red” by Martha Wells
2017 | tordotcom
It all starts with Murderbot. Seriously, that’s the name of the hilariously sarcastic and anti-social cyborg protagonist in the first entry in Martha Wells’s The Murderbot Diaries series.
Murderbot is a security unit on a space expedition. The problem is that it would rather watch the entire TV and entertainment catalog that it managed to hack and download from the company satellite feed than do its job.
Winning four different awards for “Best Novella” in 2018, the story thoughtfully and often hilariously explores themes like the nature of consciousness and the ethics of creating artificial life. All Systems Red is definitely a different style of story within the genre but it is nevertheless entertaining and enjoyable. Catch up on all of Murderbot’s adventures and get your copy today.
“Exhalation Stories” by Ted Chiang
2019 | Knopf
Although it is a collection of short stories and not a stereotypical novel, Exhalation Stories by Ted Chiang is still widely regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction and fantasy literature.
The stories in this collection range from thought experiments that consider the nature of time and reality to meditations on the nature of consciousness and the meaning of existence. Each story is a unique and captivating experience that invites readers to question their assumptions and engage with important ideas in new and exciting ways.
Set in the virtual reality world known as the OASIS, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline absolutely delights with its nostalgic and geeky 1980s pop culture references.
Wade Watts is a teenager who lives in a poverty-stricken area of Oklahoma City known as the “stacks,” When the founder of the OASIS, James Halliday, dies, he presents the world with a quest: find the Easter Egg hidden in the OASIS. The person who finds the Easter Egg first will not only inherit Halliday’s immeasurable wealth but also complete control of the OASIS.
With its imaginative world-building that plays on our nostalgia, Ready Player One is a wonderfully entertaining adventure, especially for those who experienced all of the pop culture references that litter the story. But whether or not you grew up a child of the 80s and 90s doesn’t matter; Ready Player One is, at its heart, a fantastic adventure story that will have you wanting to load up into the OASIS yourself. So, are you ready?
“1984” by George Orwell
1949 | Secker & Warburg
An all-time classic, 1984 by George Orwell, remains relevant and thought-provoking to this day. Written in 1949, the book is a dystopian portrayal of a future society in which the government has complete control over the lives of its citizens.
Through the experiences of the main character, Winston Smith, the novel explores themes of totalitarianism, government surveillance, and the manipulation of language and history. 1984 serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked government power and a reminder of the importance of individual freedom and autonomy.
The novel’s impact on popular culture and its memorable characters and scenes have made it a classic of 20th-century literature. 1984 is a must-read book for more than one reason, and it continues to beguile readers today.
“The Kaiju Preservation Society” by John Scalzi
2022 | Tor Books
A new and inventive take on Kaiju stories, The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi blends action, humor, and social commentary in unique and entertaining ways.
Jane Vallory lives in a COVID-19-stricken New York City. After she loses her job, she is offered the chance to work for KPS, the Kaiju Preservation Society. With no other options, she says yes and finds her whole world turned upside down. Jane is forced to balance her passion for preserving the monsters with the realities of a society that sees them as a threat and wants to hunt them to extinction.
The reader follows the unexpected adventure of an unwitting human named Arthur Dent, who is swept up on a wild adventure through space and time after Earth is destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Along the way, he encounters various eccentric characters, including the depressed robot Marvin, the eccentric alien Ford Prefect, and the President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox.
Known for its witty and absurd humor, its satirical take on science fiction, and its memorable characters and scenes, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will absolutely delight and entertain you from cover to cover. If you’re ready to start your interstellar journey, then pick up a copy today. Oh, and don’t forget your towel.
“Ocean’s Echo” by Everina Maxwell
2022 | Tor Books
Tennalhin Halkana is a neuro-modified “reader.” His abilities allow him to read minds and navigate maelstroms that guard the gateway to the broader universe. Unfortunately, he’s also a reckless wealthy socialite and an incorrigible flirt. This is your hero in Everina Maxwell’s queer military space adventure Ocean’s Echo.
Tennal is suspiciously drafted into the military, and that’s where the story really takes off. Ocean’s Echo is set in the same universe as Maxwell’s debut hit, Winter’s Orbit. So if you’ve already read that, then you’ll love this. If not, then you’ve got another book to add to your list! From romance to incredible world-worldbuilding and extravagant space battles, Ocean’s Echo has everything you could want from a sci-fi novel.
“Lilith’s Brood” by Octavia E. Butler
2000 | Grand Central Publishing
“Lilith’s Brood” by Octavia E. Butler is a collection of three separate works that were originally published from 1987-1989. Released under the current title of Lilith’s Brood in 2000, these novels explore themes of race, gender, and human identity.
The reader experiences the journey of Lilith Iyapo and her descendants as they interact with a group of extraterrestrial beings known as the Oankali. The Oankali are interested in the survival of the human species and offer to help, but their offer comes with a price. Lilith must agree to mate with one of the Oankali and help preserve the human race through genetic exchange.
Nnedi Okarafor’s African futurist Binti Trilogy comprises three novellas. The first, Binti, was released in 2015 and won both the Hugo Award and Nebula Award for Best Novella.
The story follows Binti, a young woman who is the first member of her tribe to be accepted into the prestigious Oomza University. Binti’s journey takes her far from her home and into the depths of space, where she is forced to confront the reality of her heritage and her place in the universe. The book is a powerful exploration of the complexities of identity, as Binti must navigate the cultural differences between her tribe and the other students at the university, as well as her own feelings of belonging and displacement.
The following novellas of Binti: Home and Binti: The Night Masquerade complete the story. The entirety of the story spans 368 pages. It’s fast-paced and engaging from start to finish. What’s great is that you can get the entire Binti Trilogy in one book.
“Light Years from Home” by Mike Chen
2022 | Mira
Evie and Kass Shao have a rocky relationship. Fifteen years ago, their father and brother vanished on a camping trip. They found their dad a few days later, but he was convinced aliens had abducted him. However, their brother Jakob was still missing. Evie and Kass handled things in two very different ways. Kass didn’t think highly of her brother and assumed he just ran off. Evie began to pursue alien conspiracy theories relentlessly in the hope of finding Jakob.
One day Evie’s UFO group investigates a new happening and discovers Jakob is back, but he isn’t the same Jakob. He’s older, odder, and talks nonstop about an intergalactic war. Before they get the chance to fix their problems, they realize that the FBI is after Jakob. Not only that but if Jakob if what Jakob says is true, an entire space armada, too.
A classic of the science fiction genre, The Time Machine by H.G. Wells, is one of the earliest examples of time travel used in literature.
Wells tells the story of a Victorian inventor who travels through time to the far future, where he encounters two vastly different societies: the peaceful Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks. Wells explores the consequences of social and technological progress in a thought-provoking way, as well as a commentary on class struggle and the dangers of a society that has become complacent and lost touch with its roots.
The Time Machine is a powerful work of science fiction that raises important questions about the future of humanity and our place in the universe. All of this combines to make The Time Machine a must-read book for any science fiction fan.
“The Martian” by Andy Weir
2011 | Self-Published
The Martian by Andy Weir is another science fiction novel adapted into a big-budget Hollywood production. The film starred Matt Damon in the titular role of Mark Watney, for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. However, none of that would have been possible without Weir’s incredible and original novel.
The book follows the journey of Watney, an astronaut who is left behind on Mars after a disastrous mission. With limited supplies and no way to contact Earth, Mark must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive on the hostile planet and find a way back home.
Like the film that followed, the novel is fast-paced and entertaining. Filled with humor and accurate science, The Martian is a triumph of the sci-fi genre and is truly a novel that you need to read.
“Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi
2005 | Tor Books
Another entry on this list by John Scalzi, Old Man’s War, was his debut novel and one that saw him nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel upon its release in 2006. It is the first entry in his Old Man’s War Series.
The story takes place in a future where Earth’s aging population joins a military organization that provides them with new, genetically engineered bodies and sends them to fight a mysterious alien race. The novel follows the journey of John Perry, a 75-year-old man who joins the military and must adapt to his new life as a soldier, facing difficult challenges and ethical dilemmas along the way.
If you like a little bit of horror with your sci-fi, then Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes is for you.
Claire Kovalik is a soon-to-be unemployed salvager and mechanic. Days before she finds herself without a job, her crew picks up a strange distress signal. With nothing to lose, Claire and her team check it out. They discover the famous luxury spaceliner “Aurora” that vanished on its maiden voyage over twenty years ago. A score like this could be life-changing for her and her crew, but Claire is soon faced with a fight for life to avoid suffering the same fate as those that came before them.
Logan Ramsay’s life has been anything but simple. His mother was responsible for “The Great Starvation,” which caused the deaths of over 200 million people and saw gene manipulation become criminalized worldwide. Logan was imprisoned as a result of his mother’s actions.
When he finally is released, he finds work with the Gene Protection Agency, the very agency responsible for hunting down fugitive geneticists, many of whom were his former friends or colleagues of his mother. On one mission in Denver, Logan has his hazmat suit penetrated and is knocked unconscious. When he comes to, he slowly begins to notice changes to his body, and that’s where the story really takes off.
Blake Crouch knows how to write an engaging and entertaining standalone sci-fi novel, and Upgrade is exactly that. If you want to find out what happens next to Logan in this New York Times bestseller, order your copy today.
“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
2006 | Vintage
Taking place in an alternate England where human clones are raised for the sole purpose of donating their organs, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro is a dystopian novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the meaning of human life.
The novel follows the lives of three friends, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy, as they navigate their existence in a world where their fate is predetermined. Haunting yet beautiful at the same time, this novel delves into the consequences of a society where the value of human life is reduced to its usefulness.
Set in one of the deepest and most expansive universes ever created, The Ender Saga by Orson Scott Card has no shortage of incredible literary work. The entire Enderverse contains sixteen novels, thirteen short stories, 47 comic issues, an audio play, and a feature-length film. The first two novels in the series: Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead, won back-to-back Hugo Awards for Best Novel upon release.
The saga begins with Ender Wiggin, a young boy recruited to attend a military school for gifted children to prepare for a future conflict with an alien race known as the Fomics. Through the novels, the reader sees Ender grow from a boy into a man who has experienced all manner of horrors.
Card is masterful in his ability to create worlds, cultures, and vivid sequences that will captivate the reader. It’s no wonder that multiple outlets have deemed Ender’s Game one of the best science fiction works of all time. To take your first step into this vast universe, order your copy of Ender’s Game today. Plus, if you find yourself hooked, there’s a trove of content within this universe for you to discover.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
1953 | Ballantine Books
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is another classic dystopian science fiction novel that has left a lasting impact on both the genre and society.
The novel takes place in a future where books are banned, and firemen are responsible for burning them. The reader follows the journey of fireman Guy Montag as he begins to question his society and the government’s motivations for censorship.
“The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer” by Janelle Monáe
2022 | Harper Voyager
What can’t Janelle Monáe do? Her debut literary work, The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, was written in collaboration with Yohanca Delgado, Eve L. Ewing, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, and Sheree Renée Thomas. The stories are all based around the world of Monáe’s 2018 album Dirty Computer and the accompanying short film of the same name.
Each work varies in length. The Memory Librarian and Nevermind are novellas, and the other three works are all short stories. Monáe and one other writer co-wrote each piece. Set in a dystopian world where technology is almost indistinguishable from Magic, the collection addresses issues such as homophobia, racism, feminism, and violence against the queer black community.
The collection has received critical acclaim and praise for its inclusive and diverse characters and the way it explores the complex nature of its overarching themes. Although The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer may differ from what is considered mainstream science fiction novels, it is nonetheless a work that is more than powerful enough to stand on its own.
“Eversion” by Alastair Reynolds
2022 | Orbit
Alastair Reynolds is one of the masters of science fiction and space operas. A lot of that has to do with the fact that he has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, which enables him to make the science in his fiction all the more plausible.
In his most recent novel, Eversion, Reynolds tells the story of Dr. Silas Coade as he travels through parallel universes set in different time periods. Filled with compelling characters, “Eversion” is a thought-provoking and imaginative story that challenges the reader’s understanding of reality and the consequences of time travel.
Eversion is a story that pushes the boundaries of what is possible and explores the limits of human understanding. Like so much of his work, Reynolds has once again delivered a page-turner that will be hard to put down.
“2001: A Space Odyssey” by Arthur C. Clarke
1968 | New American Library
2001: A Space Odyssey is widely known as Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic masterpiece. What many people don’t know is that the novel was written in tandem with the film. While the novel and film deviate in certain aspects, each is a defining work of science fiction.
The novel follows a series of interconnected events that lead to a profound discovery about the nature of existence and the meaning of human progress. The book contains mesmerizing and iconic depictions of space travel and futuristic technology, as well as one of the most chilling and devious antagonists in film or literary history in the AI HAL 9000.
2001: A Space Odyssey is a must-read novel for both avid readers and fans of the film. It is a cornerstone of science fiction, and its influence can continue to be seen in countless other works of science fiction and popular culture.
“Altered Carbon” by Richard K. Morgan
2002 | Victor Gollancz Ltd
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a fascinating cyberpunk and science fiction novel that explores how technology can create immortality and the effects that such a thing can have on humanity.
Taking place in a future where people’s consciousness can be stored in “stacks” and transferred to new bodies called “sleeves,” thereby giving humanity the potential for immortality. The protagonist, Takeshi Kovacs, is a former soldier brought back to life to solve a murder. As he investigates, he uncovers a dark and dangerous conspiracy that threatens to destroy the very fabric of society.
Fast-paced and action-packed, Altered Carbon combines elements of noir detective fiction, cyberpunk science fiction, and social commentary creating a unique and thrilling reading experience that’s sure to enthrall you. The novel was also adapted into an equally thrilling Netflix series that vividly captures the complex world of Altered Carbon.
“Neuromancer” by William Gibson
1984 | Ace
When William Gibson released Neuromancer in 1984, he became the de facto inventor of the cyberpunk novel genre. Widely regarded as the original cyberpunk novel, Neuromancer was also the first novel to win the Hugo, Nebula, and Philip K. Dick awards for Best Novel. What’s even more incredible is that this was Gibson’s debut novel.
Set in the dark and gritty dystopian underworld of Chiba City, Japan, where people can jack into cyberspace and explore virtual reality, the reader follows the story of washed-up computer hacker Henry Case, who has been recruited for one last job. Gibson does an incredible job with his vivid descriptions of Chiba City and cyberspace.
Neuromancer has had and continues to have a profound impact on the cyberpunk and science fiction genres. Stories such as Ghost in the Shell and The Matrix have drawn inspiration from Gibson’s work. If you’re ready to plug in and explore cyberspace, then order your copy of Neuromancer. Oh, and it’s just the first entry into the Sprawl Trilogy, so there’s plenty more to explore.
“Hyperion” by Dan Simmons
1989 | Doubleday
Hyperion is the Canterbury Tales of science fiction. Author Dan Simmons drew inspiration from Chaucer’s seminal work, and it can be seen throughout the novel. The novel features multiple timelines and characters, each telling their own story that’s ultimately interconnected with the others about their experiences living under the Hegemony of Man and their journey to reach the Church of Final Atonement.
Each story is filled with detailed and vivid world-building, fantasy, mystery, and metaphysical philosophy, which delivers a wonderfully rich reading experience. Hyperion is another classic work of science fiction that continues to influence the genre today and is, therefore, more than worthy of belonging to any fan of the genre. Pick up this classic today.
“Metro 2033” by Dmitry Glukhovsky
2002 | Gollancz
Dmitry Glukhovsky’s post-apocalyptic science fiction novel Metro 2033 tells the grim story of humanity’s survival in the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war.
The story takes place in the Moscow Metro, where a group of survivors has taken refuge after a nuclear war made the surface of the earth uninhabitable. The protagonist is a young man named Artyom, who embarks on a journey to find a legendary station rumored to be the last hope for humanity. Along the way, Artyom encounters a diverse cast of characters and learns about the different communities that have formed in the aftermath of the disaster, each with its own distinct culture, beliefs, and struggles.
Metro 2033’s was only released in English in 2010 to coincide with the release of the popular video game series of the same name.With its immersive world-building and well-realized characters, Metro 2033 provides a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition amidst a ruined and chaotic world that will surely intrigue you.
“Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula K. Le Guin
1969 | Ace Books
Ursula K. Le Guin was a master of science fiction, and she delivered one of her best works with her 1969 novel Left Hand of Darkness. The novelis a powerful work that expertly explores themes of gender and identity.
Taking place on the planet of Gethen, a world where the inhabitants are ambisexual and able to switch between male and female forms, the reader follows the story of a human envoy named Genly Ai. Genly has been sent to Gethen to persuade its leaders to join a larger interstellar federation. However, his mission is complicated by the lack of gender and the resultant political intrigue, as well as his own prejudices and preconceptions about gender. Throughout the novel, Le Guin challenges readers to question their own assumptions about gender and identity and to consider the implications of a world where gender does not play the same role as it does on Earth.
It goes without saying that Le Guin was one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. Her work has been translated into over 40 languages, sold millions of copies, and won four Nebula Awards and two Hugo Awards for Best Novel. Left Hand of Darkness is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction, and Le Guin is a must-read author. You will want to read more of her work after you blaze through this classic.
“Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel
2022 | Alfred A. Knopf
Following on from her bestselling novels Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel, Emily St. John Mandel is at it again with her sixth novel, Sea of Tranquility. Crisscrossing through time and space, this novel sees Mandel deconstruct the concepts of life, death, time, and reality in a way that only she can manage.
The story follows multiple characters who live in dramatically different times. From Edwin, who lives in 1912 Canada, to Gaspery-Jacques, who lives on a moon colony in the 25th century, and everything in between, Sea of Tranquility will keep you turning the page with its powerful and poignant writing.
Final Thoughts
Science fiction is a genre that is as wide as the universes that its stories tell of. It’s always expanding and changing as technology advances around us. Some things that were only once written about as fiction are now things that we have in the modern world, and more and more often, we see fiction become a science.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many engaging works within the genre capable of capturing your imagination and transporting you to another time or universe. If you’re a lover of science fiction, you will always be spoiled for choice, but we hope this list can help narrow those choices down. Happy reading!
FAQs
What are the defining traits of the Science Fiction genre?
Science fiction is generally described as a genre that features imaginative and advanced scientific concepts and technologies. It is usually but not always set in the future. Works can take place in completely fictionalized worlds or our own. What makes science fiction so fascinating is that it cannot be truly defined within one simple explanation, as the works within the genre are always changing and evolving. The imaginations of the authors is the only truly limiter of science fiction.
Who are some of the defining authors of the genre?
With a genre so expansive, it is hard only to list a few authors. However, here are some authors who have had a lasting impact on the genre:
1. Jules Verne 2. Arthur C. Clarke 3. Frank Herbert 4. Ray Bradbury 5. William Gibson 6. Isaac Asimov 7. Ursula K. Le Guin 8. H.G. Wells 9. Orson Scott Card
What are some of the subgenres within Science Fiction?
With a genre as expansive as science fiction, there are sure to be many different subgenres. Each has its own quirks and features that make it unique. Here are some subgenres you may want to explore within science fiction and a novel from that subgenre:
1. Space Opera – Ocean’s Echo 2. Hard Science – The Martian 3. Soft Science – Where the Forest Meets the Stars 4. Military Science – Ender’s Game 5. Androids, Robots, & AI – All Systems Red 6. Apocalyptic – The Fifth Season 7. Dystopian – Fahrenheit 451 8. Cyberpunk – Neuromancer 9. Sci-Fi Horror – Dead Silence 10. Time Travel – The Time Machine
Which of these novels has been adapted into film?
1. Dune by Frank Herbert (198, 2021) 2. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (2018) 3. 1984 by George Orwell (1984) 4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglass Adams (2005) 5. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1960, 2002) 6. The Martian by Andy Weir (2015) 7. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card (2013) 8. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1966, 2018) 9. 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clark (1968) 10. Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan (2018)
Tanner McLeod grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. From a young age, he was fascinated by the adventures books could take him on. When he was five years old, his dad introduced him to the world of fantasy by reading “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” before bed. It didn’t take long for him to read those books himself. After Tolkien, he plunged headfirst into the works of Grisham, Patterson, Sapkowski, and more, which only deepened his love for crime, fantasy, thrillers, and the like.
As an adult, he gained his degree in International Studies from the University of South Carolina. Now living in Atlanta, Georgia, he spends his free time traveling, hiking, exploring all that the world has to offer, and going on his own unexpected journeys. You can find Tanner on Instagram @tannerwmcleod
