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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Who Wrote Star Wars?

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"Every time you find yourself here, it’s because you chose to come back."

7 Affecting Walter Tevis Books 

The late author used stories about aliens to explore humanity.

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Explore a Great and Secret Knowledge with these unforgettable reads. 

The 25 Best Sci-Fi Books from the 2000s Decade

The first decade of the new millennium ushered in essential new sci-fi.

12 Books like the Chronicles of Amber Series

Epic adventures for fans of Roger Zelazny's singular saga.

Everything We Know About the Rendezvous With Rama Movie

Denis Villeneuve will direct this long-awaited Arthur C. Clarke adaptation.