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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Interview: Sci-Fi Grand Master Joe Haldeman Talks Adaptation and Simulation

We spoke to the Forever War author about his new graphic novel, and the very nature of reality. 

Cover Reveal: See the Final Cover for Neil Gaiman's Don't Panic

You voted! Now it's time to take a peek at the winning final cover (as promised, we'll also reveal the meaning of life).

It's Aliens vs. Ninjas in This Rip-Roaring Space Adventure

In Timothy Zahn's Blackcollar series, a Resistance fighter teams up with space ninjas to defeat alien tyrants.

Here's What You Need to Know About Asimov's Foundation

Apple adapted Isaac Asimov's Foundation series into a TV show. Here's everything to know about Isaac Asimov's Foundation series. 

9 Moving Quotes from Sci-Fi Master Ursula K. Le Guin

Late novelist Ursula K. Le Guin was ahead of her time in every way.

Night Train to Rigel: Space Travel Has Never Been So Cool

When an ex-spy receives a ticket aboard a galactic train, he's tasked with preventing the outbreak of a devastating space war.

Counting Down the 10 Greatest Sci-Fi TV Series Ever

Which of these best sci-fi shows are your favorites?

Mirage: Somaiya Daud’s Diverse Debut Fantasy Novel

This Moroccan-inspired novel confronts prejudice and colonialism on another planet.

A Tale of Two Wastelands: Fallout and Harlan Ellison's "A Boy and His Dog" 

Many Fallout fans still don't know that the franchise was partially inspired by Harlan Ellison's seminal short story. 

The 5 Coolest Technologies from Hard Science Fiction

These are some of the most fascinating pieces of tech ever envisioned in hard science fiction — and they might become reality sooner than you'd think.

Truth Is Change: The Evolution of Octavia Butler's Cover Art

Octavia Butler's editor looks back at some of the worst — and best — out-of-print covers for the late author's influential books.

Announcing the 2018 Hugo Award Winners!

See a list of winners from last night's historic ceremony — then download the titles and start reading!

Love Among the Stars: Twisting Tropes Through Queer Sci-Fi

It can be dark and gritty in space — but for writers of queer romance, sci-fi settings also bring newfound freedom.

Artificial Intelligence Goes Rogue in This Technothriller by Peter Riva

In a future controlled by computers, a codifier discovers a terrifying secret that places everyone at risk.

Dragons Come to Space in This Timothy Zahn Sci-Fi Thriller

A 14-year-old con becomes the host of an endangered dragon—and embarks on his most perilous undertaking yet.

Midworld: The Alan Dean Foster Novel That May Have Inspired Avatar

When humans arrive on the planet Midworld, they convince an unsuspecting native to help them find a depleting natural resource.

How Isaac Asimov's I, Robot Prepares Us for a Future Controlled By AI

The short stories in Isaac Asimov's I, Robot may prove useful when it comes time to welcome our robot overlords.

If You're a Fan of Ursula K. Le Guin, Read Eleanor Arnason's A Woman of the Iron People

When an anthropologist investigates an alien society on a foreign planet, she begins to question the benefits of human intervention.

Fun Facts About 9 Great Science Fiction Authors

Which seminal author supported themselves with a job as a potato chip inspector?