Sci-fibooks serve a great many purposes, from offering readers distant galaxies to escape into to imagining what the future could look like — for better or for worse. Some of the best science-fiction novels examine the impact of technological and societal advancements on human beings. Of course, other additions to the category take readers to space, exploring other civilizations and even other species.
Despite settings that are quite different from our present-day backdrops, good sci-fi books raise conversations that feel relatable and relevant. They explore such topics in imaginative and sometimes outlandish ways, ideally leaving readers with a lot to think about once they’re finished.
And while many sci-fi masterpieces are standalones, some of the greatest additions to the genre have spun out into series.Having multiple books to explore a concept can be beneficial to sci-fi stories, though whether an extended narrative lands depends on how it’s handled.
There are quite a few sci-fi series that are masterpieces overall, maintaining a high quality across multiple books. Many of them have great reputations, and rightfully so. Forreaders just getting into the sci-fi genre, they’re obvious picks, as they showcase the heights it can reach.
8Dune
By Frank Herbert
Frank Herbert’sDuneis a sci-fi classic, andthe rest of the books in theDuneseries are just as compelling, cementing its legacy as a masterpiece. There’s a reasonDenis Villeneuve’sDunemovieshave been such successes; they deliver on the epic scope and complex themes of Herbert’s sci-fi series.
And those elements of the books are precisely what ensures their staying power all these years later.The world Herbert builds inDuneand its sequels is truly impressive, helping the political drama land.
Following Paul Atreides on his journey to fulfill his destiny in the first threeDunebooks also makes for a fascinating character study, one that will upend expectations and force readers to think. And while the later books shift perspective, they’re still worth reading, as they’re just as complex and engaging.
7The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy
By Douglas Adams
Although Douglas Adams’Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxycan be read as a standalone,it’s worth diving into the rest of the series, as it’s a gem in its entirety. It’s no secret thatThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxyis a sci-fi classic, with its blend of satirical humor and philosophical discussions still resonating decades later.
Books In The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy Series In Order
1979
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
1980
Life, the Universe and Everything
1982
So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish
1984
Mostly Harmless
1992
The other books in this series build on the first one’s strengths, continuing to unpack the human experience and meaning behind it in fun and lighthearted ways. Those looking for sci-fi that’s deep and thoughtful but never gets too dark will understand exactly why these are lauded as masterpieces in the genre. It’s not easy to pull off that balance, but Adams manages it impressively.
6The Expanse
By James S.A. Corey
The Expanseis one of the biggest and most recognizable modern sci-fi series, and the success of its TV adaptation is a testament to how beloved it really is. Written by author duo James S.A. Corey, the nine-book series even won the Hugo Award for Best Series in 2020. That’s no small feat, and it speaks to the impact the books have had since the first was published in 2011.
Frequentlyreferred to as “Game of Thronesin space,“The Expansehas many carefully crafted storylines and character arcs, all of which converge in an impressive manner. It’s set in a future where humans have conquered space and now live there, and the series explores the repercussions of that.
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Leviathan Falls
2021
Although the firstExpansebook,Leviathan Wakes,has the feel of a murder mystery, the series expands significantly over the course of its run — and delves much deeper into the politics of its futuristic world. Its exploration of colonialism and its impact is masterfully done, and its individual character journeys are just as compelling.
5Earthseed Series
By Octavia E. Butler
Octavia E. Butler is a must-read sci-fi author, and although herEarthseedseries is only two books long, it’s a harrowingmasterpiece on par withThe Handmaid’s Tale. Comprised ofParable of the SowerandParable of the Talents,theEarthseedseries is set in the United States in the not-so-distant future Butler has imagined— and it’s one that feels all too possible.
Parable of the Sowerexplores humanity’s response to societal collapse, unpacking how belief factors into it, as well as the consequences of leaning into religion at such times. Its commentary is thoughtful and relevant, even years after the book’s publication, andParable of the Talentsproves an impressive follow-up.
There’s a reasonParable of the Sowerwas nominated for a Nebula Award andParable of the Talentsactually won one: because both novels are masterfully crafted.These books showcase Butler’s storytelling at its finest, and they’re necessary reads for sci-fi fans, especially those who enjoy a dystopian spin on the genre.
4The Foundation Trilogy
By Isaac Asimov
The late Isaac Asimov is a legend in sci-fi spaces, andhisFoundationseries remains a masterpiece in the category. Spanning hundreds of years, theFoundationbooks open with the fall of one galactic empire and the beginning of another. The books have a huge scope, making them all the more impressive, and Asimov’s raises important discussions surrounding governing and power.
Unsurprisingly, theFoundationbooks won several notable sci-fi awards, including a Hugo Award for All-Time Best Series in 1966. Apple TV+‘sFoundationTV show also received high praise from sci-fi fans, with the story’s legacy spanning mediums. The books are considered classics for good reason, and they’re must-reads for anyone who loves the category.
3Remembrance Of Earth’s Past
By Liu Cixin
Readers will recognize Liu Cixin’sRemembrance of Earth’s Pastseries by its first book,The Three-Body Problem, but the entire thing is well worth reading. The series explores the first meeting between humanity and extraterrestrials, presenting two vastly different responses. Humanity becomes divided by those who embrace the aliens’ arrival and those eager to get rid of them.
2006
2008
Death’s End
2010
This division opens the door to explore all sorts of interesting themes, including the conflicts that arise when people are driven to different extremes. That makesThe Three-Body Problemand its sequels feel all too relevant, and it’s clear they resonated with readers. These masterpieces are being adapted on Netflix, andThe Three-Body Problemalso won a Hugo Award.
2Red Rising Saga
By Pierce Brown
You’d be hard-pressed to find a sci-fi reader who hasn’t heard of Pierce Brown’sRed Risingsaga, which is still one book away from completion (but remains a masterpiece nonetheless). The initialRed Risingtrilogy introduces a dystopian future where human beings have colonized Mars and established a color-coded caste system.
2019
2023
Red God
TBA
Darrow and his fellow Reds are under the impression their suffering will pave a better future for the next generation, but he soon discovers a more sinister conspiracy at play. This results in him infiltrating the upper classes, leading to a narrative about rebellion.Red Rising’s explorations of power and oppression are incredibly resonant and well done, which is why the books are so beloved.
1Binti
By Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor’sBintiseries is another highly praised sci-fi masterpiece, comprised of three different sci-fi novellas. The first won a Hugo and Nebula Award, driving home its impact on the sci-fi category overall.Bintifollows its title character on her pursuit for knowledge, a journey that takes her to Oomza University, which is in constant conflict with an alien race.
The Night Masquerade
Binti’s narrative forces a deeper look at the two groups at odds with one another, examining how knowledge and connection can bridge such differences.Bintiis truly a masterful addition to thesci-figenre, and it’s one I wish more people would talk about. While it’s highly acclaimed, it deserves even more love from mainstream audiences.
