Top 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2025

Discover the best science fiction books that will transport you to other worlds with mind-bending plots and thrilling adventures.

Dune coverThe Left Hand of Darkness coverNeuromancer cover

Buckle up, folks! We’re about to blast off into the universe of the best science fiction books. When selecting books for our esteemed list, we focused on mind-bending plots, unforgettable characters, and worlds so vividly built that you’d think we traveled there on our last vacation. From tales that bend the very fabric of reality to epic sagas that feel like you’re watching a blockbuster movie, this top 10 best science fiction book list has it all. Without giving away any spoilers, these books aren’t just tales— they’re experiences that will make even those who think Klingons are a type of cheese fall in love with the sci-fi genre.

On this list:

10 Dune by Frank Herbert

Dune cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1965
  • Pages: 896

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A classic that weaves politics, religion, and ecology into an epic tale. Once got sand in my shoes trying to quote it on a beach!

9 The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Left Hand of Darkness cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1969
  • Pages: 336

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A gender-bending tale that made us question everything we knew. My dog even stopped barking to listen when I read aloud.

8 Neuromancer by William Gibson

Neuromancer cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 271

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Cyberpunk’s grandaddy. It’s like Blade Runner on paper, minus the rain. I once tried to jacking into the matrix after reading this.

7 Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 480

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Action-packed, virtual reality, and pizza delivery! We laughed, we learned, we never ordered pizza the same way again.

6 Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Hyperion cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1989
  • Pages: 482

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This space opera kept us on the edge of our seats. It’s like Canterbury Tales but with more explosions.

5 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

2001: A Space Odyssey cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1968
  • Pages: 304

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Space mystery with a side of existential dread. We once asked our Alexa to stop singing ‘Daisy’.

4 The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

The Three-Body Problem cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Hard Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2008
  • Pages: 400

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Mind-bending physics with alien invasion. We never looked at our physics books the same way.

3 The Expanse Series by James S.A. Corey

The Expanse Series cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Space Opera
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: varies

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Epic space opera where we fell in love with spaceships and political drama. We’re still waiting for the next convention.

2 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

  • Genre: Science Fiction, Military
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 324

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Action, strategy, and a twist that made us question our own childhoods. We’re still training for the bug invasion.

1 Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 244

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Chosen as the best science fiction book due to its expansive universe and profound impact on the genre. It explores the rise and fall of empires, human resilience, and the power of knowledge. Asimov’s storytelling captivated us with its intricate plot and vast scope. We couldn’t help but feel like mini historians on a grand adventure. The Foundation series was a game-changer, influencing countless authors and stories. We remember discussing “psychohistory” over coffee, thinking we were futuristic statisticians. The book’s depth and foresight make it a timeless piece that feels relevant even today. After reading it, even our calendars seemed exciting!

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!