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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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Cat Names for Your Nerdy Feline

Searching for the right name for a new furry friend? Allow us to be of assistance.

Octavia Butler's Dawn to Be Adapted for TV

Ava DuVernay, director of the upcoming "A Wrinkle in Time" adaptation, is at the helm of the project.

8 Great Quotes from Sci-Fi Master Clifford D. Simak

The award-winning author certainly left his mark on the science fiction and fantasy community.

What If Wars Were Fought by Traveling Through Time? 

In Andre Norton’s “The Time Traders,” tensions between the United States and Russia are heightened when time travel is introduced into the equation.

The 13th Doctor Can Teach Us a Lot About Being Human

Doctor Who's first-ever female doctor has inspired controversy, but if we listen, there's a lot the she can reveal.

Science Fiction Predictions That Came True

Worlds that once seemed far off in the future have turned into our reality.

What If You Woke Up to Find Earth Destroyed?

Philip Wylie’s 1971 classic science fiction novel predicted a dark future for the year 2017…

[CLOSED] The Portalist's HUGE Summer Reading Giveaway!

We're giving away 20 exciting sci-fi and fantasy books to kick off the new season.

10 Space-tacular Books Like The Martian

There's so much more of the Red Planet to discover.

8 Brilliant Books for Fans of Orphan Black

Celebrate the final season of the sci-fi masterpiece with these eight clonetastic books.

7 Books That Warn Us About Technology Taking Over

You may regret saving everything to the Cloud after reading these books…

8 Sci-Fi Thrillers for Fans of Gravity

Space and suspense combine to create thrilling adventures.

Re-Read: Octavia Butler’s Parable Series

Octavia Butler scholar Adrienne Brown finds that things today are eerily similar to the apocalyptic world imagined within Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents.

The Future of War, Peace, and Military Science Fiction

Military science fiction doesn’t have to just be about space battles and glory. It can examine why we, as a culture, choose to make war—and how we can change.