Kait Mae

Star Wars, Star Trek, even The Hunger Games – science-fiction is a genre that spans several subgenres. So, I made sure to include everything from post-apocalyptic worlds to space wars in this list. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just dipping your toes into sci-fi, there’s a story for everyone. So, buckle up because we’re going hyperspeed through what the genre has to offer.

Red: ‘Red Rising’ by Pierce Brown

If you know me at all, you shouldn’t be surprised I have this on the list. Red Rising has been a favorite of mine for many years now, and I will never stop raving about it. The series follows Darrow, a Red who is transformed into a Gold to infiltrate an oppressive government.

The first book takes place in the Institute, a training ground for Golds, where survival requires cunning, strength, and alliances. As he rises through the ranks, he begins to question his morality, his allies, and what he thought he knew of the Golds.

Orange: ‘Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!’ By T.J. Klune

If you’re unsure if sci-fi books are for you, try dipping your toe in with this short story by T.J. Klune. At just over 30 pages, it’s a fun story about freedom and exploring who you are.

Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! follows Android P-23, called Douglas, as he approaches the end of his service at a factory. He’s given one week to explore the human world before reprogramming. During his one week vacation, he starts to question his existence and purpose.

Yellow: ‘The Hades Calculus’ by Maria Ying

Now, if you’re looking for something with fantasy roots, but still very science-fiction, The Hades Calculus is for you. While not technically the start of a series, there is a second book of short stories set in the world, just in case you decide you want more after this cyberpunk Greek retelling.

The Hades Calculus retells the myth of Hades and Persephone in Elysium. Hades, one of Elysium’s rulers, seeks to break a stalemate that is causing the city to collapse and finds a cyborg engineered for combat, Persephone. She seizes the opportunity to ally with Hades as they prepare for the impending war.

More of a fantasy lover than sci-fi? I got you covered.

Green: ‘Service Model’ by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Are you looking for a more comedy-based science-fiction story? You might love Service Model. It’s a satirical novel following Uncharles – he was Charles before he went rogue and killed his master.

Now, he’s on a journey of self-discovery as he explores a new world where robots seek purpose amidst humanity’s decline. He questions his identity, his sense of justice, and free will as he follows the Wonk.

Blue: ‘The Building That Wasn’t’ by Abigail Miles

Want to support a debut author? Pick up The Building That Wasn’t – it’s Abigail Miles’s first publishing that so many already love. It’s been compared to This Is How You Lose the Time War, so that’s a vote of confidence in my eyes.

The Building That Wasn’t follows Everly Tertium as she is invited into a mysterious apartment building by a man claiming to be her grandfather. As time passes and residents appear to be trapped, Everly begins to question her own memories, thoughts, and entrapment.

Indigo: ‘Lady Eve’s Last Con’ by Rebecca Fraimow

Are you looking for more of a romantic comedy sci-fi? I’ve got you covered: Lady Eve’s Last Con is the perfect 2024 release for you. It’s hilarious at times, and it stands out among many sci-fi for its romcom elements.

After her sister’s heart gets broken, Ruth Johnson takes it into her hands to get revenge on Esteban Mendez-Yuki. Disguised as a debutante, Ruth infiltrates his world – and it’s going alright until she meets Sol, Esteban’s sister.

Oh, you’re looking for romcoms? Try these – there’s one for every romcom movie you love.

Violet/Purple: ‘Our Bones Dust’ by Ben Steinbeck

While this is technically a series, this specific cover is a bind-up of the entire run – four comics in one. It’s Steinbeck’s first series where he wrote and illustrated everything. But you might recognize his name from other stories, including Baltimore and Frankenstein Underground.

Our Bones Dust follows a feral child navigating a brutal post-apocalyptic world dominated by cannibalistic tribes. Accompanying the child is an AI acting as an archaeologist intrigued by the world. The AI offers a unique perspective on humanity’s past and what it’s become as the child survives in a world set to destroy it.