15 Best Science Fiction Books to Read in 2024

Discover the best science fiction books that will transport you to new worlds, starting with classics like Dune and Ender's Game.
Dune coverNeuromancer coverFoundation cover

Choosing the best science fiction books is like picking a favorite child—not easy! We’ve sorted through epic space battles, intriguing time loops, and mind-bending technology to bring you the cream of the crop. Our focus is on captivating stories that stretch your imagination and challenge your perception of reality. Get ready for an adventure through the cosmos and beyond!

On this list:

15 Dune by Frank Herbert

Dune cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1965
  • Pages: 412

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Dune is a mix of politics and space adventure. The desert planet of Arrakis is the setting. It will blow your mind!

14 Neuromancer by William Gibson

Neuromancer cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 271

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Neuromancer is the book that gave us cyberpunk. It’s all about hackers, AI, and living online. Still excites readers today.

13 Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 255

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Asimov’s ideas are what make this book great. It’s about a future empire, and math that predicts the future! Wild, right?

12 Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash cover

  • Genre: Cyberpunk
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1992
  • Pages: 480

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Snow Crash mixes virtual reality with reality. It’s fast-paced and filled with cool ideas and a pizza-delivering samurai.

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

The Left Hand of Darkness cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1969
  • Pages: 304

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A classic of sci-fi literature, exploring gender and society on the icy planet of Gethen. It’s deep and thought-provoking.

10 Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Hyperion cover

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

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Hyperion is a space opera with a twisty narrative. Each character’s story adds to the depth. It’s a space rollercoaster.

9 The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester

The Stars My Destination cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1956
  • Pages: 255

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A revenge story set in the future. It has teleportation and a badass main character. It’s a fun blast from the past.

8 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Brave New World cover

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1932
  • Pages: 268

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Brave New World explores a future that’s too perfect. It’s a bit scary but makes you think about society and freedom.

7 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

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

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Kids saving the world in space! Ender’s Game is action-packed with a surprising twist. Great for young and old.

6 Ringworld by Larry Niven

Ringworld cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1970
  • Pages: 342

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Ringworld’s concept is what set it apart: a giant ring around a star! The exploration is epic and filled with surprises.

5 The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 369

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Get ready for a survival story on Mars! The Martian is funny, smart, and filled with science. It kept me turning pages.

4 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

2001: A Space Odyssey cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1968
  • Pages: 221

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A deep dive into evolution and technology. It’s visually stunning and thought-provoking. A classic space exploration tale.

3 The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

The Forever War cover

  • Genre: Military Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1974
  • Pages: 236

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Inspired by the Vietnam War, it deals with time dilation and the effects of war. A poignant tale with real emotions.

2 Kindred by Octavia Butler

Kindred cover

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1979
  • Pages: 287

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Time travel with a twist! Kindred’s story is gripping as it deals with slavery and race. Emotional and powerful journey.

1 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

  • Genre: Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1979
  • Pages: 208

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This book tops our list of the best science fiction. It’s hilarious! Adams gives us a universe where humor, absurdity, and philosophy mix perfectly. The journey starts when Earth gets demolished to build a space highway. Arthur Dent, the Earth’s sole survivor, hitchhikes his way through space with his alien best friend, Ford Prefect. You get to laugh, learn, and wonder about life. Even my dog seemed interested when we read aloud the bit about the Babel Fish! Quirky characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox, Marvin the Paranoid Android, and Deep Thought make it an unforgettable ride. If you want something that makes you laugh while making you think, this is the book for you. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

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!