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
The Binti author discusses the powerful relationship at the heart of Wild Seed, and how the TV adaptation will defy expectations.
From the classics to modern works, these books represent the best of the best when it comes to sci-fi and fantasy.
These under-the-radar books will get under your skin.
By Olivia Mason
There’s something so satisfying about absorbing an entire narrative in one sitting. That's why we love these incredible tales.
Read an excerpt from Octavia E. Butler’s sci-fi novel—soon to be an Amazon TV series from Viola Davis and Nnedi Okorafor.
Great writers don't just get fan letters—sometimes they send them, too.
By Aliza Polkes
A creative team including Nnedi Okorafor and Viola Davis will bring the sci-fi novel to life.
Mary Robinette Kowal, Martha Wells, and John Krasinski are among this year's nominees.
In honor of Women's History Month, we're looking back on the genius and fury of the late feminist sci-fi author.
By Carolyn Cox
Discover these rip-roaring sci-fi thrillers.
Celebrate the late Adams' birthday today with this thought-provoking lecture.
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.
By Carolyn Cox
Octavia Butler passed away 13 years ago, but as these writers explain, her work is more urgent now than ever before.
By Carolyn Cox
Here are some of the most fascinating facts we learned about the late author from Neil Gaiman's Don't Panic.
The author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy had a few thoughts to share about our very own planet.
Get to know the woman who changed science fiction and fantasy.
By Olivia Mason
The Sci-Fi and Fantasy Hall of Famer wrote genre fiction with a conscience.
By Olivia Mason
Meet this year's must-read series.
By Carolyn Cox
Take a timey-wimey ride through Who history with these great episodes from new and classic Who.
By Mike Chen