Hard Science Fiction Stories


Some sci-fi takes liberties with fact, and there’s a time and a place for those stories. But for sci-fi enthusiasts who prefer speculative fiction that’s realistic and based in science, hard science fiction is the answer. 

The term ‘hard sci-fi’ originated in a 1957 book review, around 20 years before its inverse term ‘soft sci-fi’ was coined. ‘Hard’ means that the speculation in these sci-fi stories extrapolates from real-world knowledge of natural science. Often—but not always—it’s written by scientists expanding on their own field of study. Renowned hard sci-fi authors include Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Poul Anderson, Michael Crichton, and Kate Wilhelm. 

But the relationship between hard science fiction and sci-fi is multidirectional. Much of modern technology was initially envisioned in the pages of a book, or on a TV series like Star Trek. And Asimov’s I, Robot shapes our everyday interactions with artificial intelligence.

In other words, hard sci-fi is inspired by real-world science, and inspires innovation that impacts our real lives. It’s also led to some of the coolest movies, video games, and anime ever

17886299aeac-spaceship.png

11 Sci-Fi Mysteries Like Leviathan Wakes

Is there anything better than unraveling a mystery inside an epic setting with characters you can’t help but love? We don’t think so. 

Your Favorite Sci-Fi Author's Favorite Sci-Fi Book

This list features book recommendations from bestselling science fiction authors like Pierce Brown, Liu Cixin, and John Scalzi.

Science Fiction Comedies Like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

These great science fiction books feature funny yet poignant adventures, set in galaxies far, far away.