The Greatest "Science fiction, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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. 276. Raven Stratagem by Yoon Ha Lee

    In this military science fiction sequel, an interstellar empire finds itself on the brink of rebellion as a brilliant tactician, believed to be dead, takes over a fleet by possessing the body of a captain. The empire's complex calendar-based technology and societal structure come under threat as the protagonist executes a cunning stratagem to outmaneuver both the empire's tyrannical rulers and the invading alien forces. As the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including soldiers and a rogue servitor, the story delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the intricate dance of warfare and politics in a universe where belief shapes reality.

    The 11220th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 277. Revenant Gun by Yoon Ha Lee

    In the final installment of a science fiction trilogy, the universe is still reeling from the aftermath of a vast interstellar war, where calendrical mathematics dictate the nature of reality itself. An artificial intelligence with the memories of a brilliant tactician is resurrected in a cloned body to serve a faction seeking to maintain its dominion over the remnants of the shattered empire. Meanwhile, a soldier who has survived against all odds must navigate the shifting allegiances and political machinations of various factions, as they all converge on a looming, final confrontation that could reshape the fabric of society and the very stars they inhabit. With intricate world-building and complex characters, the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the cost of war.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 278. The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1961 where a meteorite has devastated the Earth and accelerated the space race, the narrative follows an astronaut as she navigates the complexities of space exploration and her role in the international effort to colonize Mars. Facing both technical challenges and social dynamics within the crew, she must contend with the era's pervasive sexism and political tensions, all while dealing with the personal sacrifices required for humanity's survival. The book blends historical detail with speculative fiction, exploring themes of duty, ambition, and the drive for scientific advancement against the backdrop of an alternate history of the space program.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 279. The Consuming Fire by John Scalzi

    In this science fiction novel, the sequel to a space opera series, an interstellar empire is on the brink of collapse due to the failure of the extradimensional Flow, the sole means of interstellar travel. As political intrigue and rebellion threaten to tear the empire apart, the emperox must confront internal and external enemies while seeking a way to save humanity from impending isolation and the subsequent downfall of civilization. With the help of a brilliant scientist and a cunning diplomat, the emperox navigates the treacherous political landscape, racing against time to uncover the secrets of the Flow before it's too late.

    The 11231st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 280. The Rosewater Insurrection by Tade Thompson

    The book is the second installment in a science fiction series set in a near-future Nigeria, where an alien biodome has appeared in the town of Rosewater. This sequel expands on the complex relationship between humans and the alien presence, as the city of Rosewater becomes the epicenter of political upheaval and a struggle for independence. The narrative follows multiple characters, including a sensitive government agent, an ambitious politician, and a journalist, as they navigate a tumultuous landscape of espionage, alien technology, and societal change. As the insurrection gains momentum, the characters confront their loyalties and the implications of a world where humanity is no longer the dominant species.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 281. The Rosewater Redemption by Tade Thompson

    In the gripping finale of a science fiction trilogy set in Nigeria, the city of Rosewater faces existential threats from within and beyond. The alien biodome that has been the source of much of the city's problems and prosperity begins to reveal its ultimate intentions, while political factions vie for control, and characters with psychic abilities play a crucial role in the unfolding events. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, the novel weaves together complex narratives involving alien life, espionage, and individual destinies, culminating in a battle for survival that will determine the future of Rosewater and the world at large.

    The 11238th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 282. Harrow The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In this darkly imaginative and complex sequel, the protagonist, a necromancer with unmatched powers, confronts the aftermath of an epic space battle and the loss of her mentor. Now, she must navigate the treacherous politics of an immortal empire as its empress's right hand. While grappling with unreliable memories and a mind that seems to be unraveling, she faces internal and external threats, including potential madness and a lingering, enigmatic enemy. As she trains in the arcane arts of the dead, she must solve the mysteries of her past and the riddles of her present to protect the future of her world.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 283. Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi

    The narrative unfolds through the lives of two siblings endowed with extraordinary powers, set against the backdrop of systemic racism and societal turmoil in America. The older brother's abilities emerge amidst the violence of the Los Angeles riots, while his younger sister's powers manifest as a form of telekinesis. As they navigate a world rife with injustice and the carceral state's oppressive reach, the siblings grapple with the potential and limitations of their gifts. The story is a searing exploration of anger, hope, and the indomitable spirit of resistance, examining whether supernatural abilities can be a catalyst for change in a world entrenched in institutionalized inequality.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 284. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

    In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, born in a world where travel between parallel universes is possible, is one of the rare individuals who can traverse these alternate realities due to her counterparts being dead in other worlds. The story delves into themes of identity, privilege, and survival, as she navigates complex relationships and a web of secrets. Her unique position allows her to gather intel across worlds, but it also places her in grave danger, leading her to confront her own past and the stark disparities between different versions of her life and society. As she moves through these spaces, she must grapple with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of having a place to call home.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 285. The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1960s where a meteorite strike has accelerated space exploration, the novel follows a female astronaut as she navigates the complexities of lunar politics, espionage, and personal sacrifice. With Earth facing environmental catastrophe, the space program becomes a beacon of hope for humanity's survival. The protagonist must contend with sabotage attempts that threaten the stability of the lunar colony, while also grappling with societal expectations and her own ambitions. As the space race intensifies, she is drawn into a dangerous game of political intrigue and must use her wits and courage to ensure the success of the mission and the safety of her colleagues.

    The 11253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 286. The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

    The book revolves around a brilliant scientist who specializes in cloning and genetic engineering. Her life takes a dark turn when she discovers that her husband has been having an affair with a clone she created—a replica of herself, but more compliant and tailored to his desires. When a violent incident leaves her husband dead, the scientist and her clone must dispose of the body and cover up the crime. As they work together, they grapple with complex questions of identity, morality, and the ethics of cloning, all while trying to outsmart a world that may not be ready to understand or accept their existence. The narrative delves into themes of betrayal, personal autonomy, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

    The 11265th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 287. Monster Hunter Memories: Grunge by Larry Correia, John Ringo

    This novel is a thrilling entry in a popular urban fantasy series, blending action, humor, and supernatural elements. It follows the story of a Marine veteran who, after a life-altering encounter with a supernatural entity, joins a secretive organization dedicated to hunting and neutralizing monsters that threaten humanity. Set in the 1990s, the protagonist navigates the challenges of adapting to civilian life, the complexities of working within a team of unique and skilled individuals, and the dangers posed by a variety of monstrous foes. The narrative is rich with detailed world-building, intense combat sequences, and a deep exploration of the characters' backgrounds and motivations, making it a compelling read for fans of action-packed fantasy adventures.

    The 11303rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 288. Artemis by Andy Weir

    This science fiction novel is set in the late 21st century, focusing on the life of Jasmine "Jazz" Bashara, a young woman living in Artemis, the first and only city on the moon. Jazz is a small-time smuggler, struggling to make ends meet in the lunar colony's domed society. When she's offered the chance to commit the perfect crime for a lucrative reward, she jumps at the opportunity. However, she quickly finds herself entangled in a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself. As she navigates a web of alliances and enemies, Jazz must use her wit and resourcefulness to survive and prevent the destruction of the only home she's ever known.

    The 11306th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 289. A Star Wheeled Sky by Brad R. Torgersen

    This science fiction novel unfolds in a distant future where humanity has spread across the stars, thanks to mysterious alien gateways. When a new, unexplored gateway is discovered, it sparks a frenzied race among various factions of a fragmented human civilization, each seeking the potential new world and resources it could lead to. The story weaves together the perspectives of diverse characters, from a seasoned starship captain to a rebellious freedom fighter, as they navigate political intrigue, warfare, and the unknowns of space to secure a future for their people. Amidst the backdrop of interstellar conflict, the novel explores themes of survival, the quest for knowledge, and the hope of finding a new home among the stars.

    The 11310th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 290. The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

    This novel follows a young woman who, after a personal upheaval, moves in with her uncle to help run his quirky museum of oddities. When she discovers a mysterious hole in the museum's wall, it leads her into a series of surreal, alternate realities filled with terrifying creatures and endless, hollow spaces. Teaming up with a fellow traveler, she embarks on a harrowing journey to find her way back home, facing not just the physical dangers of these other worlds but also confronting her deepest fears and insecurities. The narrative weaves a tale of adventure, horror, and self-discovery, as the protagonist learns the true meaning of courage and resilience in the face of the unknown.

    The 11317th Greatest Book of All Time

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