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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
These climate fiction books explore diverse visions of humanity's future.
By Mike Chen
Celebrate the late author's 77th birthday with these fascinating facts about the Jurassic Park author.
By Carolyn Cox
Seek freedom and become captive of these sci-fi books like Dune.
One of speculative fiction's greatest would have turned 90 this year on October 21st.
We're counting down the top eight sci-fi horror films for your late-night viewing...if you dare.
Prepare to enter...the reading zone.
By our watch, these steampunk-filled tales are sure to make time fly.
By Carolyn Cox
Like William Golding's masterpiece, these gripping novels explore the thin line between human and savage.
From Star Wars to Doctor Who and beyond, these are the most destructive weapons ever imagined in sci-fi.
By Chris Mahon
These incredible timey-wimey reads represent the sheer variety the genre offers.
By Mike Chen
For those who take their science fiction with a side of accuracy...
H.G. Wells was just one of science fiction’s “founders,” but his work made sure the genre mattered.
From fantasy to nonfiction and everything in-between, these books by Neil Gaiman will bewitch you.
The Annihilation author explores President Bush's experience through a speculative fiction lens in "The Goat Variations."
By Olivia Mason
The author gave her blessings to the project before she passed away in 2018.
By Carolyn Cox
In honor of her upcoming birthday, unearth the mysterious, macabre genius behind fiction's most enduring monster.
By Carolyn Cox & Xavier Piedra
Time to add these award-winning reads to your shelf.
By Carolyn Cox
The announcement was made August 15th during the 77th annual WorldCon festivities.
By Carolyn Cox
The prescient author of Islands in the Net and Schismatrix foresaw many aspects of modern life.