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 

17886299aeac-spaceship.png

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.

16 of the Best Audiobooks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fans

Open your ears—and your heart—to these terrific tales.

12 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book to Movie Adaptations That Are Worth Watching

Watch some of your favorite stories come alive on the big screen.

7 Books Like Stranger Things to Turn Your World Upside Down

Grab some Eggos and settle in for these 7 tales of supernatural sci-fi frights.

5 Things Every Fantasy Writer Can Learn from Earthsea

We're looking back at some of the lessons to be learned from Ursula K. Le Guin's brilliant Earthsea series.

8 Brutally Honest Harlan Ellison Quotes

These punchy words of wisdom by the award-winning science fiction writer are as insightful as they are witty.

The Best of the Best: 10 Must-Read Works by Harlan Ellison

A celebration of the prolific writer, Grand Master, and “most contentious man on Earth.”

10 Octavia Butler Quotes to Live By

On what would have been her 72nd birthday, we look back at some of the brilliant author's most timeless words of wisdom.