Science Fiction Books Stories

Since the publication of the first-ever sci-fi book—arguably Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein—the genre has been in constant dialogue with our present. Sci-fi books encourage readers to envision new realities, and often prove prescient, both in imagining tech that eventually becomes real, and predicting events that come to pass.

The breadth of the genre can make it seem intimidating to new readers, but we recommend 50 of the best sci-fi novels ever to start your reading voyage. Or, you can explore sci-fi’s eras in chronological order, from the early classics by authors such as Jules Verne and H.G Wells and the so-called Golden Age of Sci-Fi, to the New Wave, to more recent must-reads from the past few decades. 

Alternatively, it’s possible to break your sci-fi book exploration down into subgenres. Do you prefer interstellar epics with drama on a galactic scale? Consider space opera. Do you want your stories to be grounded in reality and natural sciences? Then hard sci-fi is probably for you.

Or perhaps you’re a veteran sci-fi reader whose shelves are heavy with staples of the genre. In that case, The Portalist recommends hidden gems and underrated books to complete your collection. 

Regardless of where you are on your sci-fi reading journey, The Portalist’s sci-fi book stories can guide you on your voyage among the stars 

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Eyes of Iris Is Full of Thrills, Mystery, and Intrigue

Author Joshua A.H. Harris takes readers into the mind of a 20-year-old genius who might just be humanity's last hope.

Slice-of-Life SFF That Are Magically Ordinary

These stories take you inside the everyday lives of enchanting characters.

7 of the Best Science-Fiction and Fantasy for Women

Take your pick from feminist classics and contemporary reads.

The Best SFF Still to Come in 2025

From Mesopotamian retellings to toxic vampires, you need to add these books to your TBR pile.

7 Ways to Consume Dune and the World of Arrakis

Frank Herbert's masterwork has expanded well beyond the original manuscript.

8 of the Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books for Men

These novels offer well-written male characters to root for and plenty more.

Mutant and Proud: Science Fiction and Fantasy Books to Read Based On Your Favorite X-Men

Whether you snikt, bamf, or sugah your way through life, your next SFF read is waiting.

22 Unique Steampunk Books from the Past 35 Years

By our watch, these steampunk-filled tales are sure to make time fly.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Books You Can Read for $5 or Less

Looking for a great read at an even better price? Try one of these titles!

7 Snarky Science Fiction Books for Murderbot Fans

These speculative novels are full of artificial intelligence and real wit.

5 of Our Favorite Science Fiction Books by Catherine Asaro

The author of the Skolian Saga also holds a PhD in chemical physics.

Books Like The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

If you loved Haldeman's enduring science fiction classic, consider these great titles.

Freaky Fungal SFF for Anyone Missing The Last of Us

These hallucinatory reads are full of shrooms, spores, and more.

The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books for Animal Lovers

From Animorphs to Redwall, these stories starring lovable critters are heartwarming and full of adventure.

Solarpunk Books for When You Crave Optimistic Sci-Fi

These fascinating books prove science fiction can envision more than dystopias and apocalypses.

These Dark Science Fiction Books Inspired Greats Like Stephen King

Greatness begets greatness in these amazing and thrilling dark science fiction books.

Brian Stableford’s Future History Series in Order

Exploring a classic series from one of the best in speculative fiction.