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
From past lives to fey abductions, step into the wild unknown with these suspense-filled speculative reads.
In space, nobody can hear you scream.
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Here's what to read while you wait for the film adaptation of Andy Weir's latest book.
Travel far beyond your basic English class curriculum…
Author Joshua A.H. Harris takes readers into the mind of a 20-year-old genius who might just be humanity's last hope.
These stories take you inside the everyday lives of enchanting characters.
Take your pick from feminist classics and contemporary reads.
From Mesopotamian retellings to toxic vampires, you need to add these books to your TBR pile.
Frank Herbert's masterwork has expanded well beyond the original manuscript.
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These novels offer well-written male characters to root for and plenty more.
Whether you snikt, bamf, or sugah your way through life, your next SFF read is waiting.
By our watch, these steampunk-filled tales are sure to make time fly.
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These speculative novels are full of artificial intelligence and real wit.
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Tales of swords, sorcery, and ships among the stars.
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Lock up your treasures and unlock adventure.
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The author of the Skolian Saga also holds a PhD in chemical physics.
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Scroll your way through different worlds.
These hallucinatory reads are full of shrooms, spores, and more.
If you loved Haldeman's enduring science fiction classic, consider these great titles.
By Jena Brown