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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
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
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.
Get ready for epic space adventures.
By Olivia Mason
From sci-fi epics to incredible documentaries, these movies are out of this world.
By Aliza Polkes
These are the sacred Star Wars texts you're looking for.
By Carolyn Cox & Shabana Bachu
This is galactic news.
These fascinating books prove science fiction can envision more than dystopias and apocalypses.
How many of these best of the best have you read?
By Chris Mahon
Transport yourself today with these stellar movies and TV shows.
By Allison Wild
Open your ears—and your heart—to these terrific tales.
By Carolyn Cox
Watch some of your favorite stories come alive on the big screen.
By Allison Wild