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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The Enduring Anger of Joanna Russ

In honor of Women's History Month, we're looking back on the genius and fury of the late feminist sci-fi author.

VIDEO: Neil Gaiman Discusses the Lasting Legacy of Douglas Adams

Celebrate the late Adams' birthday today with this thought-provoking lecture.

Don't Panic Explores Douglas Adams' 'Lost Year' in L.A.

Neil Gaiman's book Don't Panic: Douglas Adams & The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy shines a light on lesser-known aspects of Adams' career—including his challenging first year in L.A.

Samuel R. Delany and Others on Octavia E. Butler's Legacy

Octavia Butler passed away 13 years ago, but as these writers explain, her work is more urgent now than ever before.

Fewer Than 42 Facts About Douglas Adams

Here are some of the most fascinating facts we learned about the late author from Neil Gaiman's Don't Panic.

“Parrots, the Universe and Everything”: What Douglas Adams Learned from Traveling the World

The author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy had a few thoughts to share about our very own planet.

10 Andre Norton Books Everyone Should Read

Get to know the woman who changed science fiction and fantasy.

7 Thought-Provoking Books by Theodore Sturgeon

The Sci-Fi and Fantasy Hall of Famer wrote genre fiction with a conscience.

The 11 Best Doctor Who Episodes for New Fans

Take a timey-wimey ride through Who history with these great episodes from new and classic Who.

Read the True Story Behind One of the Best Star Trek Episodes Ever

In a 1988 essay, Harlan Ellison revealed the story behind “The City on the Edge of Forever,” one of the most acclaimed episodes of Star Trek.

SNEAK PEEK: Read a Preview from Leigh Bardugo’s King of Scars 

In the first chapter from Leigh Bardugo’s new novel set in the Grishaverse, a young boy faces his worst nightmare on a stormy night.

8 New Books We Can't Wait to Read This January

The weather outside is frightful, but these books look so delightful.

First Read: Poul Anderson's Operation Chaos and Operation Luna

Seasoned sci-fi and fantasy editor Betsy Mitchell dives into Poul Anderson's urban paranormal duology for the first time. 

10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books That Need Adaptations

Are you there, Hollywood? It's us, sci-fi and fantasy fans.

8 Scary Creatures from Sci-Fi Books

In space, no one can hear you scream—and if you're picking up one of these books, that might be for the better.

10 Riveting Facts About Stanislaw Lem

The late writer Stanislaw Lem lived a fascinating life, and left behind an influential legacy.