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
Classic novels and modern titles populate this timeless and enduring subgenre.
If entering Area X sounds like your kind of adventure, here are some other stories you’ll want to explore.
These coffee table books delve into worlds both fantastic and far, far away.
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Books within books, stories within stories. These sci-fi/fantasy novels are perfect for people who can never have enough books.
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TJ Klune's cozy, queer sci-fi novel won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.
It's grim outside, and these books are even grimmer.
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Explore the sci-fi Grand Master’s legendary tales.
Twenty winners will receive the seventh book in the bestselling series, The Murderbot Diaries.
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These new and award-winning titles make for great gifts.
Let your star sign select your next read!
Stories with thrills and chills that you can finish in a single sitting.
Looking for something new to read? Try some of the year's best novels.
Plus, more sci-fi/fantasy authors who use field expertise to craft their stories.
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Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice … and some say in a swarm of flying fish zombies.
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Looking for a new story to try? Keep an eye out for these exciting books.
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