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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
Sometimes short fiction stays with you the longest.
Women have always been part of SFF.
The best of the best of last year's SFF.
By Grace Felder
These thought-provoking reads ask what really makes us human.
By Grace Felder & Carolyn Cox
These authors are just a few of the important voices in the sci-fi and fantasy community who have brought us strong, feminist characters.
From Fantastic Four comics to books on craft, Butler’s life was organized around reading.
By Carolyn Cox
SFF is about more than just action and adventure.
By Shealea Iral
Discover these twists on well-known tales.
By Shealea Iral
The classic New Wave novel won the Locus Award in 1972.
By Carolyn Cox
How many have you read?
See the world through different eyes.
By Grace Felder
Moon over these apocalyptic adventures.
By Grace Felder
These authors deserve to be read all year round.
These SFF reads have been the subject of controversy and censorship.
Feline hungry for some sci-fi? Explore these stories of interstellar kitties.
Tales of telekinesis, telepathy, and turbulent kids and teens.
By Jena Brown
Tales of the good, the bad, and the out-of-this-world.
By Jena Brown
These spectacular space adventures are filled with complex, interweaving narratives.
By Jena Brown
McIntyre expanded the world of SFF, both in life and after her passing.
By Carolyn Cox