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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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Dystopian Novels Like The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Classic novels and modern titles populate this timeless and enduring subgenre.

18 Heart-Pounding Books Like Jeff VanderMeer's Annihilation 

If entering Area X sounds like your kind of adventure, here are some other stories you’ll want to explore.

11 Beautiful Sci-Fi/Fantasy Coffee Table Books

These coffee table books delve into worlds both fantastic and far, far away.

16 Meta Fantasy Novels About Books, Stories, and Libraries

Books within books, stories within stories. These sci-fi/fantasy novels are perfect for people who can never have enough books.

20 Books About Alien Contact and Messages from Outer Space

Extraterrestrial life is calling, whether you’re ready to pick up or not.

The Best Books of 2023: In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

TJ Klune's cozy, queer sci-fi novel won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.

Spooky SFF Reads Like Last to Leave the Room

It's grim outside, and these books are even grimmer.

[CLOSED] Enter for Your Chance to Win System Collapse by Martha Wells

Twenty winners will receive the seventh book in the bestselling series, The Murderbot Diaries.

10 Must-Read SFF Books Based on Your Favorite Trope

Sci-fi and fantasy books are full of interesting tropes. Here are 10 of our favorites.

8 Great Books to Gift SFF Fans

These new and award-winning titles make for great gifts. 

10 Cozy LGBTQ+ SFF Reads to Curl Up With

Books that feel like your favorite fuzzy blanket. 

9 Spooky Novellas You Can Read Before Halloween 

Stories with thrills and chills that you can finish in a single sitting.

15 of Ray Bradbury's Best Books

Where to start with the best of the best. 

The 6 Books Nominated for the 2023 Hugo Awards

Looking for something new to read? Try some of the year's best novels.

Sci-Fi Spaceships That Contain Worlds Within Them

Sometimes the spaceship really is bigger on the inside.

Why ‘The Water Outlaws’ by S.L. Huang Is a Must-Read for Fantasy Lovers

Plus, more sci-fi/fantasy authors who use field expertise to craft their stories.

Inventive Causes for Zombie Apocalypses

Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice … and some say in a swarm of flying fish zombies.