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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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17 Unique Steampunk Books from the Past 35 Years

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

9 Unsettling Sci-Fi Books Like Lord of the Flies

Like William Golding's masterpiece, these gripping novels explore the thin line between human and savage.

The Top 10 Most Destructive Sci-Fi Weapons

From Star Wars to Doctor Who and beyond, these are the most destructive weapons ever imagined in sci-fi.

6 Unique Time Travel Books Fans Shouldn't Miss

These incredible timey-wimey reads represent the sheer variety the genre offers.

Who Is H.G. Wells? Exploring the Sci-Fi Legacy of The Time Machine Author

H.G. Wells was just one of science fiction’s “founders,” but his work made sure the genre mattered.

19 Must-Read, Magical Neil Gaiman Books to Bewitch You Right Now

From fantasy to nonfiction and everything in-between, these books by Neil Gaiman will bewitch you.

In the Shadow of the Towers: Jeff VanderMeer Imagines 9/11 in an Alternate Reality

The Annihilation author explores President Bush's experience through a speculative fiction lens in "The Goat Variations."

Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle to Be Adapted for TV by Nightcrawler Producer and A24

The author gave her blessings to the project before she passed away in 2018.

Mary Shelley: 15 Fascinating Facts About the Sci-Fi Pioneer

In honor of her upcoming birthday, unearth the mysterious, macabre genius behind fiction's most enduring monster.

Congratulations to the 2019 Hugo Award Winners!

Time to add these award-winning reads to your shelf.

Fritz Leiber's Conjure Wife Wins the Best Novel Retrospective Hugo Award

The announcement was made August 15th during the 77th annual WorldCon festivities.

7 Visionary Quotes from Sci-Fi Futurist Bruce Sterling

The prescient author of Islands in the Net and Schismatrix foresaw many aspects of modern life.

13 Thrilling Space Movies That Explore the Final Frontier

From sci-fi epics to incredible documentaries, these movies are out of this world.

57 Star Wars Quotes from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

These are the sacred Star Wars texts you're looking for.

10 Solarpunk Books for When You Crave Optimistic Sci-Fi

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

50 of the Best Science Fiction Books Ever

How many of these best of the best have you read?

Stream It Tonight: The Best Sci-Fi on Amazon Prime Right Now

Transport yourself today with these stellar movies and TV shows.