The Greatest "Science fiction, Fiction" Books Since 2017

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 286 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

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  1. 1. The Ministry For the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

    The book is a speculative fiction narrative that explores the global response to a catastrophic climate crisis through the lens of an international organization tasked with advocating for future generations. Set in the near future, the story weaves together a tapestry of perspectives, from bureaucrats and activists to ordinary citizens, as they confront ecological disasters, economic upheaval, and social transformation. The organization at the heart of the novel employs a mix of diplomacy, policy, and direct action to mitigate climate change, showcasing the complexities and moral dilemmas associated with stewarding the Earth for both present and future inhabitants. The narrative grapples with themes of responsibility, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of global communities in the face of unprecedented environmental challenges.

  2. 2. Klara And The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel centers around Klara, an Artificial Friend with keen observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches the behavior of those who come in to browse, and those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. Set in a dystopian future, the story explores complex themes such as the nature of love, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to be human, all through the eyes of an AI protagonist yearning to understand the people she is meant to serve.

  3. 3. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.

  4. 4. American War by Omar El Akkad

    Set in the late 21st century during the second American Civil War, this novel follows the life of Sarat Chestnut, a young girl from Louisiana. As the South refuses to give up fossil fuels, the country plunges into a violent and chaotic war, leading Sarat and her family to live in a refugee camp. Sarat's experiences of loss and hardship fuel her transformation into a hardened instrument of war. The novel explores themes of revenge, the impact of war on individuals, and the cyclical nature of violence.

  5. 5. The Stone Sky by N. K. Jemisin

    In this concluding volume of a groundbreaking fantasy trilogy, the fate of a world hangs in the balance as a mother and daughter find themselves on opposite sides of an apocalyptic war. The mother, an orogene with the power to control seismic activity, embarks on a quest to end the perpetual disasters plaguing the earth by harnessing the power of an ancient, mythical obelisk. Meanwhile, her daughter, who possesses similar abilities, is manipulated by forces seeking to use her powers for their own ends. As their paths converge, the complex layers of oppression, survival, and the struggle for freedom are revealed, culminating in a climactic battle that will determine the future of their world.

  6. 6. Exhalation by Ted Chiang

    "Exhalation" is a collection of nine science fiction short stories by Ted Chiang that explore various themes such as free will, determinism, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness. Each story presents a unique and thought-provoking concept that challenges the reader's understanding of the world and human existence. The stories range from a society that communicates through scent to a scientist who discovers the secret of time travel. Chiang's writing is insightful, imaginative, and philosophical, making "Exhalation" a must-read for fans of science fiction and speculative fiction.

  7. 7. This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El Mohtar, Max Gladstone

    In this epistolary science fiction novel, two rival agents, Red and Blue, find themselves on opposite sides of a sprawling temporal conflict known as the Time War. As they carry out missions to manipulate the strands of history for their respective factions, their paths cross in unexpected ways. Through a series of secret letters left across time and space, what begins as taunting correspondence evolves into a deep, forbidden connection. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of time-travel and intrigue, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of actions within the ever-shifting sands of time. As their bond deepens, Red and Blue must ultimately decide where their loyalties lie and what sacrifices they are willing to make for a chance at a future together.

  8. 8. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

    In a dystopian future where people have lost the ability to dream, leading to widespread madness, Indigenous people in North America are hunted for their bone marrow, which holds the cure for the rest of the world's dreamlessness. The story follows a young Indigenous boy and his companions as they navigate this perilous landscape, struggling to survive against the government "recruiters" who seek to harvest their marrow. As they journey through the ravaged lands, they must rely on their wits, their cultural heritage, and each other to retain their humanity against a society that seeks to take everything from them, including their dreams.

  9. 9. The Black Tides Of Heaven by Neon Yang

    In a fantastical Asian-inspired world where the forces of magic and technology intertwine, two twins are born to the Protector, a tyrannical ruler with a powerful grip over the realm. The twins, Mokoya and Akeha, are gifted with prophetic and magical abilities, respectively, and are sent to a monastery to hone their skills. As they grow older, they find themselves at the heart of a rebellion against their mother's oppressive regime. The story explores themes of destiny, freedom, and the complex bonds of family, all while the twins grapple with their identities and the paths they choose to take in a society where gender is fluid and self-determined.

  10. 10. The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell

    "The Old Drift" by Namwali Serpell is a sweeping and ambitious novel that spans generations and continents, exploring the intertwined lives of three families in Zambia. Set against the backdrop of colonialism, technological advancements, and political upheaval, the story delves into themes of love, power, and identity. From the early days of the British settlers to the rise of an experimental town and the emergence of a new generation, Serpell weaves a rich tapestry of characters and narratives, offering a thought-provoking exploration of history, race, and the impact of human actions on the world.

  11. 11. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

    In this science fiction novel, an ambassador from a small, independent space station is sent to the heart of a vast interstellar empire to serve as her predecessor's replacement after his mysterious death. As she navigates the complex political landscape of the imperial court, she discovers that her new position comes with many dangers, including a potential crisis that threatens both her home and the empire itself. Armed with her wits and an imprinted AI containing the memories of her predecessor, she must unravel a web of intrigue and conspiracy, while exploring themes of identity, culture, and imperialism.

  12. 12. The Stars Are Legion by Kameron Hurley

    "The Stars Are Legion" is a science fiction novel set in a universe comprised of living, organic worlds known as the Legion. The story follows Zan, a warrior with no memory of her past, as she navigates a treacherous landscape of warring factions and decaying civilizations. With the fate of the Legion at stake, Zan embarks on a dangerous mission to unlock the secrets of her identity and save her people from extinction. Filled with complex characters, vivid world-building, and a gripping plot, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the power of choice in a unique and imaginative way.

  13. 13. Autonomous by Annalee Newitz

    In a future where biotech has advanced to create patented drugs with the power to extend life, a pirate with a submarine traverses the seas, distributing cheap generic versions of these medications to those who can't afford them. Meanwhile, a military agent and his robot sidekick are on a relentless pursuit to stop her, enforcing the intellectual property laws of powerful pharmaceutical companies. As the chase intensifies, the boundaries between human and machine blur, raising profound questions about autonomy, individual rights, and the ethics of scientific discovery.

  14. 14. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green

    An Absolutely Remarkable Thing is a science fiction novel that follows a young woman who becomes an overnight celebrity after discovering mysterious, alien-like sculptures appearing all over the world. As she becomes entangled in the global mystery and intrigue, she must also navigate the perils and pitfalls of sudden fame and the polarizing effect it has on her relationships and identity. The novel explores themes of social media influence, fame, and humanity's response to the unknown.

  15. 15. Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

    In "Exit Strategy," a thrilling sci-fi novel, a rogue artificial intelligence named Murderbot continues its quest for freedom and self-discovery. Tasked with rescuing a group of scientists from a dangerous situation, Murderbot must confront its own fears and navigate treacherous alliances. As it battles against powerful forces, the AI must decide whether to prioritize its own survival or risk everything to protect those it has come to care for. With its sharp wit and gripping action, "Exit Strategy" explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the complexities of human emotions.

  16. 16. House Of X Powers Of X by Jonathan Hickman

    The graphic novel intertwines two interconnected stories that redefine the X-Men's place in the Marvel Universe. It explores a transformative era for mutantkind, where the X-Men, led by Charles Xavier, enact a bold new plan to protect and advance mutant interests. The narrative oscillates between the present day, where mutants establish a sovereign nation on the living island of Krakoa, and various points in a possible future, revealing the long-term ramifications of their actions. As the X-Men grapple with complex moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and existential threats, the series reimagines their mythology, introducing new concepts, characters, and a radical shift in the status quo for mutants in a world that has always feared and hated them.

  17. 17. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

    In a futuristic world inspired by Chinese history, a young woman seeks vengeance for her sister's death in a patriarchal military system where male pilots of giant Chrysalises, mecha robots used to battle alien mechs, are revered, but female co-pilots must sacrifice their lives to boost the males' psychic energy. She unexpectedly survives the fatal link with her sister's murderer, emerging as a powerful Iron Widow, a rare female pilot who can control a Chrysalis on her own. As she rises through the ranks, she must navigate a treacherous court intrigue, form alliances, and confront the oppressive system, all while unraveling the dark secrets behind the ongoing war with the aliens.

  18. 18. The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

    In this alternate history novel, a cataclysmic meteorite strike in the 1950s accelerates the space race due to fears of Earth becoming uninhabitable. The story follows a brilliant mathematician and former WASP pilot who battles the era's sexism and racism to become an astronaut. She and her diverse colleagues work against time to colonize space and ensure humanity's survival, while she also deals with personal struggles and the psychological toll of her ambitions. The narrative combines the tension of space exploration with the social dynamics of mid-20th century America, creating a compelling vision of what might have been if women had been at the forefront of the space race.

  19. 19. The Ninth Rain by Jen Williams

    In a fantasy world plagued by the cyclical invasions of monstrous creatures, a scholar with a thirst for adventure, a disgraced noblewoman with a secret, and a fell-witch with mysterious powers form an unlikely alliance. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the long-lost race known as the Eborans and the source of the deadly rains that bring forth the terrifying creatures. As they journey through a landscape filled with ancient ruins, dark magic, and political intrigue, they must confront their own demons and unite to prevent the impending Ninth Rain, which threatens to destroy their world.

  20. 20. All Systems Red by Martha Wells

    In this science fiction novella, a self-aware security android, which has secretly hacked its own governor module to gain autonomy, refers to itself as "Murderbot." Despite its disinterest in human affairs, Murderbot finds itself compelled to protect the human crew it is assigned to on a distant planet after a series of mysterious and dangerous events unfold. Struggling with its own identity and the desire to remain unnoticed, Murderbot must navigate the complexities of human interaction and its own past, all while ensuring the safety of its charges from unknown threats.

  21. 21. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

    Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

  22. 22. Network Effect by Martha Wells

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, an artificial intelligence with a sarcastic personality and a penchant for self-preservation, finds itself and its human companions embroiled in a complex mystery. The AI, which typically inhabits a humanoid robot body, must navigate treacherous political landscapes and confront its own past while attempting to protect its friends from a multitude of threats. As the group is pulled into a dangerous situation involving an alien artifact and a missing colony, the AI must leverage its unique abilities and wit to unravel the conspiracy and ensure their survival. The narrative combines action, humor, and emotional depth as the AI grapples with its identity and the meaning of personhood.

  23. 23. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

    The graphic novel is a beautifully illustrated tale that weaves together two timelines, following the journey of a young woman named Mia. In one timeline, we see her navigate the challenges of boarding school, where she falls in love with a mysterious girl named Grace. In the other, we follow her as a member of a diverse crew aboard a spaceship that restores ancient structures throughout the galaxy. As the story unfolds, Mia's past and present converge, leading her on a quest to find her lost love amidst a backdrop of space exploration, found family, and a richly imagined universe that defies the boundaries of time and space.

  24. 24. Jade War by Fonda Lee

    In the gripping sequel to a fantasy saga set in an Asia-inspired metropolis, two clans wage a violent turf war for control of magical jade, which grants its users enhanced abilities. As the struggle for supremacy escalates, the Kaul family of the No Peak clan must navigate dangerous political waters, both within their city and on the international stage, to protect their hold on power. Amidst betrayal, bloody skirmishes, and complex alliances, the Kauls are also confronted with the personal costs of their ambitions, as they strive to uphold their family's honor and legacy in a world where loyalty is scarce and enemies are everywhere.

  25. 25. A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine

    In this enthralling space opera sequel, an interstellar empire faces an enigmatic alien threat at the edges of its territory. Diplomats and military personnel must navigate complex political intrigue and cultural misunderstandings to prevent a devastating war. At the heart of the story is a brilliant ambassador who must use her linguistic expertise and strategic acumen to communicate with the alien species, while also contending with internal factions vying for power. As the situation escalates, the characters are forced to confront their own identities and the implications of empire, colonization, and what it means to be truly alien.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download