Whenever I fall in love with an author’s new work, I instinctively browse their portfolio, particularly in search of their first novel. There’s something intimate about reading an author’s first published foray into storytelling, and it's awe-inspiring to witness how much they’ve flourished since then.
Last year, I wrote about the 12 best sci-fi and fantasy books published in 2020, which featured many exceptional debut authors. This time I’d like to highlight some of the best sci-fi and fantasy debut novels of all time...in my own humble opinion, that is. Let me know if you agree with these selections!
Zahrah the Windseeker
Nnedi Okorafor’s first novel revolves around Zahrah, a young village girl who is ostracized due to the growing vines atop her head.
Aside from introducing a fascinating fantasy world where people grow computers from seeds and use flowers as currency, this book also delivers a heartwarming tale about friendship and belonging.
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
It’s no secret that anything N.K. Jemisin touches turns into a timeless masterpiece, and her award-winning debut is no exception.
Set in a chaotic universe where gods dwell among mortals, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms tells a story that explores the dark nature of power and challenges those who wield it. This is a compelling first installment to a fantasy series that’s known for its rich mythology, unique worldbuilding, and masterful storytelling.
The Song of Achilles
For avid fans of Greek mythology and retellings, look no further than The Song of Achilles!
Following the tragic love story between Achilles and Patroclus, this beautifully written debut has warmed and broken many readers’ hearts since its publication. If you ever feel like dehydrating your tear ducts, this is the read for you.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
This ambitious space opera follows the treacherous adventures of the Wayfarer crew and is told through the perspective of a young space explorer who subconsciously yearns for a family.
Set in space but grounded in human emotions, Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is the literary equivalent of a wormhole, effortlessly sucking readers in.
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Red Rising
The Red Rising saga is undoubtedly one of the most popular YA dystopian series to date—and for good reason.
In its first installment, readers are introduced to a color-coded caste system and a grief-stricken young man who is determined to overthrow the ruling class. And the twist? To take down his enemies, Darrow must first join them and rise through their ranks.
An Unkindess of Ghosts
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon follows a premise where Earth has been totally decimated and the last of humanity must rely on a massive space vessel to safely take them to a mythical Promise Land.
Through the eyes of an intersex and autistic healer named Aster, this powerful debut novel explores hard-hitting themes such as slavery, generational trauma, racism, and mental illness.
Empire of Sand
Drawing inspiration from Mughal India, Empire of Sand offers a dazzling, albeit dangerous, fantasy that features desert spirits, religious fanatics, and a fearsome empire built on bloodshed. It also delivers an agonizingly slow-burn romance between a half-Amrithi noblewoman and a soft-hearted slave.
This is absolutely perfect for fans of romantic fantasy with generous amounts of angst!
The Poppy War
The Poppy War is a phenomenal military fantasy that touches on the Second-Sino Japanese War. It is largely told through the perspective of Rin, a dark-skinned war orphan-turned-Sinegard scholar who later discovers that she possesses unearthly powers which could change the course of history.
Unapologetically delving into the very real repercussions of war and conquest, R.F. Kuang’s debut is not for the faint of heart.
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Trail of Lightning
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where fearsome monsters terrorize the land, Trail of Lightning is centered on Maggie Hoskie, a supernaturally gifted monster hunter.
Drawing inspiration from Native American mythology and offering elements of mystery, Roanhorse’s debut novel is uniquely spellbinding.
A Memory Called Empire
For sci-fi fans who enjoy political machinations and murder mysteries, A Memory Called Empire might just be your cup of tea.
In a time of political instability, Ambassador Mahit Dzmare must navigate the imperial court and a far too seductive alien culture, all the while investigating the murder of her predecessor.
Raybearer
The premise of Raybearer can be summed up into one intriguing question: What if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?
With an incredibly skilled hand, Jordan Ifueko weaves an unforgettable tale about loyalty and desire, vengeance and justice, and identity and belonging.
Teeming with wonderfully dimensional characters and carefully crafted worldbuilding, this debut novel has set the bar much higher for the next generation of YA fantasy.
The Wolf of Oren-Yaro
First released in 2018 and reintroduced traditionally in 2020, The Wolf of Oren-Yaro is the latest blueprint for character-focused epic fantasy.
Following a notoriously ruthless queen who is hellbent on keeping her kingdom together, this story delivers a uniquely provocative narrative that leaves readers wanting more. Intriguing, compelling, and most of all, addictive.
