For Readers: Blog

Surefire science fiction

Reach for the stars and then keep on going! Packed with epic world-building and sharp social commentary, these science fiction and speculative reads are ready to transport you through time and space.

Start off small with Aimee Ogden’s novella Emergent Properties, a mystery about a sarcastic robot turned investigative reporter. When AI Scorn wakes up with a wiped memory bank, it’s clear that there’s a big scoop in the works, and someone wants to keep it under wraps. This slim volume packs a punch with a fast-paced plot, plenty of suspense, and a thoughtful look at the power that corporations wield. [e-book | print]

The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei follows Maya, a reformed thief of alien artifacts, who is recruited for the ultimate heist. When rumors surface of a legendary object that can save an ancient civilization, Maya is recruited to locate the grail. It’s not long before Earth’s military joins the hunt, and the stakes reach an all-time high for humanity and aliens alike. Emotional and thrilling, this is an adventure for the ages. [e-book | print]

If you think sci-fi and rom-coms are the perfect combination, check out Emily Hamilton’s cozy space opera The Stars Too Fondly. After sneaking onto an infamous abandoned spaceship, a group of friends accidentally finds themselves on a course to a faraway planet, accompanied by an intriguing hologram captain. As they try to find their way back home, friendships strengthen, love blossoms, and the laws of physics bend. [e-book | print]

This Great Hemisphere by Mateo Askaripour is a thought-provoking work of speculative fiction. It’s 2529 and society is divided between the Dominant Population and the Invisibles, second-class citizens who are literally invisible. Despite her Invisible status, Sweetmint has achieved some success, but when her brother is accused of a major crime she puts it all on the line to find and protect him. Part mystery and part dystopian story, this futuristic read tackles timely issues. [e-book | print]

Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky is an offbeat post-apocalyptic tale about a pair of survivors on an adventure. The survivors just happen to be robots! Breaking free of their assigned roles when human civilization finally collapses, they go on an adventure to search for meaning in this new world. This imaginative story takes the existential journey trope and turns it into something clever and memorable. [e-book | print]

Can’t choose between science fiction and fantasy? With Robin Sloan’s Moonbound, you get the best of both worlds. Thousands of years in the future, long after humanity loses control of Earth, a boy sets off on a quest. Accompanied by an AI voice in his head, his adventure is anything but the typical coming-of-age story. Readers will love exploring a world transformed by talking animals, robots, and wizards in this inventive and atmospheric read. [e-book | print]

⏤Laura