The Best Recent Science Fiction and Fantasy Books
Chances are, if you’re looking for books in the science fiction and fantasy genres, you have plenty of options in front of you. From classic authors like J.R.R. Tolkien to modern visionaries like George R. R. Martin, the sheer volume of outstanding books can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s our roundup of the best recent science fiction and fantasy books – all guaranteed to be worth your time.
Action-Packed Bestsellers
It’s all about the action-packed bestsellers when you’re looking for a great science fiction and fantasy novel. Here are some of the highest-rated and most popular books of this type released in the past few years.
• The Name of The Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss – This popular fantasy novel is the first in a trilogy and follows the adventures of a magical innkeeper and former soldier, Kvothe.
• The 5th Wave, by Rick Yancey – This bestselling young adult science fiction novel is the first in a trilogy and follows a group of kids trying to survive a devastating alien attack.
• The Martian, by Andy Weir – This bestselling science fiction novel follows the story of a human astronaut stranded on Mars, and his attempts to survive on the harsh planet.
• Red Rising, by Pierce Brown – This science fiction adventure novel is the first in a trilogy, and follows the story of a human slave on a distant planet.
• Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead – This young adult fantasy novel is the first in a popular series and follows the story of two teenage vampire princesses struggling against an oppressive government.
Thought-Provoking Page-Turners
If you’re looking for science fiction and fantasy novels that will make you think, these are some of the highest-rated and most popular books released in the past few years.
• Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson – This science fiction novel follows the story of a hacker and virus expert as he navigates a world of high tech and low morals.
• The Windup Girl, by Paolo Bacigalupi – This science fiction novel is set in a future Thailand, where genetic engineering and energy shortages have changed the world.
• The Dark Tower Series, by Stephen King – This sweeping fantasy saga spans eight books and follows the journey of “The Gunslinger” as he races to the titular Dark Tower.
• The Codex Alera Series, by Jim Butcher – This fantasy series features a complex world of political intrigue and magic, and follows the story of a young but powerful sorcerer striving to protect his people.
• 1984, by George Orwell – This classic science fiction novel follows the story of a man living in a dystopia, and his attempts to find freedom and truth in an oppressive society.
Epic Fantasy Favorites
When it comes to epic fantasy novels, these books have earned top reviews from readers and critics alike.
• A Song of Ice and Fire Series, by George R.R. Martin – This classic fantasy series follows the stories of multiple characters as they navigate a complex and dangerous world of ancient castles and dragons.
• The Wheel of Time Series, by Robert Jordan – This sprawling fantasy series has grown to encompass 14 books and follows the story of a young man tasked with destroying the evil beings threatening his world.
• The Lord of the Rings Series, by J.R.R. Tolkien – This timeless classic consists of three novels, and tells the story of a small but powerful hobbit on a quest to save his world from an evil lord.
• The Kingkiller Chronicles, by Patrick Rothfuss – This popular fantasy trilogy follows the story of Kvothe, a legendary hero, as he struggles with family secrets and delves ever closer to an ancient mystery.
• The Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling – This classic young adult fantasy series follows the adventures of a teenage wizard and his friends as they attempt to save the world from the powerful dark wizard, Voldemort.
Delightfully Offbeat Stories
Sometimes, you just want a book filled with wild fun and unexpected twists. Here are some of the most unique science fiction and fantasy novels released in the past few years.
• Thunderhead, by Neal Shusterman – This sci-fi novel follows the story of a future world where all decisions are made by a computer – with unexpected side effects.
• The River of Teeth, by Sarah Gailey – This exciting fantasy novel follows the story of a mismatched group of mercenaries hired to unleash genetically engineered hippos into the Mississippi river.
• Illuminae, by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff – This young adult science fiction novel follows the story of two teens who must fight for their lives on a damaged spaceship.
• Feed, by Mira Grant – This science fiction novel follows a world where the majority of the population relies on technology to communicate and control their lives – with unexpected consequences.
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams – This classic science fiction comedy follows the adventures of a hapless human who is almost forced to save the universe.
When it comes to science fiction and fantasy books, there are plenty of classic novels and modern page-turners to choose from. No matter what kind of books you’re looking for – action-packed bestsellers, thought-provoking page-turners, epic fantasy favorites, or delightfully offbeat stories – you’ll find a great selection of options in this list. So go ahead – curl up with a book and enjoy!
