When you hear the phrase “iconic pairing,” you might think of classics like peanut butter and jelly, cozy-casual, or Beauty and the Beast. But one of our personal favorites is science fiction-fantasy.
The perfect blend of hard science or technology with imaginary and fantastical worlds, it’s one of our favorite genres at the moment. To help you uncover your next read, we’ve put together a list of the ten best science fiction fantasy novels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, this list will have something for you.
Here are our top ten science fiction fantasy books.
10. The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi
This thrilling science fiction-fantasy novel is about a thief named Jean le Flambeur who escapes from a galactic prison where minds are recycled without end.
As he embarks on his most epic heist to date, he finds himself in an adventure marked by quantum mechanics and mythology.
Why we recommend it: I was gripped by this book, which was absolutely exhilarating.
9. City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
City of Stairs is a science fiction-fantasy novel that explores a world where formerly divine gods have fallen from grace. As a lone spy begins to investigate a suspicious murder, hope is born: can the gods regain their power once and for all?
Why we recommend it: I liked the way this science fiction-fantasy novel mixed seemingly opposed topics like technology, religion, and magic.
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8. The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe
Set far in the future, when planet Earth is rapidly dying, an apprentice torturer named Severian is exiled. As he sets out on an epic journey, he discovers a fascinating path of forgotten technologies and mysterious civilizations.
Other books in the series:
- The Claw of the Conciliator
- The Sword of the Lictor
- The Citadel of the Autarch
- The Urth of the New Sun
Why we recommend it: I loved how extensive and encyclopedic this book was, which made it easy to get lost in.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter7. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Set in an alternate reality where time can be manipulated, this science fiction-fantasy novel tells the story of star-crossed lovers Red and Blue, who fall in love in spite of the divisions between their factions.
Why we recommend it: I was blown away by the poetic writing style in this science fiction-fantasy book.
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6. A Song for a New Day by Sarah Pinsker
This science fiction-fantasy book is set in a near-future world ravaged by pandemics (sound familiar?). The kicker? Live music has been completely banned due to fascist government control.
Can one musician fight the system to make a change for the better?
Why we recommend it: I liked the conversational writing style and general conceit of this book, which was chilling but fun to read.
5. Hyperion by Dan Simmons
One of Master David Wellington’s all-time favorites, Hyperion is an enthralling science-fiction fantasy book that also incorporates elements of horror.
It’s about a group of travelers who are journeying to visit the Shrike, a holy creature who has a mysterious impact on their fates. The technology-heavy narrative weaves each individual’s history together, creating a beautiful mix of voices and experiences.
Why we recommend it: I admired how this book was structured and paced. It definitely held my attention in spite of the epic length.
4. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
In a reality where everyone has a counterpart and multiple, parallel universes exist, Cara has a unique circumstance: she can visit the parallel universes where her counterpart has died.
But as Cara traverses these universes, she uncovers dangerous secrets with fundamental consequences for science and her own identity.
Why we recommend it: I loved the ideas of identity and belonging in this science fiction-fantasy book.
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3. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Widely considered one of the best science fiction authors of all time, Ursula K. Le Guin was a prolific writer and activist. The Left Hand of Darkness is her magnum opus, set on a planet where inhabitants can shift freely between genders.
When Genly Ai comes to the planet to negotiate galactic diplomatic relations, he is soon embroiled in politics, gender, and culture.
Why we recommend it: I loved how this novel explored feminist ideas like gender and power.
2. The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin’s incredible science fiction-fantasy novel tells the story of a planet where a select group of individuals uses science-based magic to control the Earth’s tectonic plates.
Essun is a mother, looking for her lost daughter, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Can she survive, let alone fight the oppressive power structures that are putting her in danger?
Other books in the series:
- The Obelisk Gate
- The Stone Sky
Why we recommend it: I loved the way Jemisin blends hard science (literally, geology) with fantasy and magic.
1. Dune by Frank Herbert
The absolute classic novel of science fiction-fantasy, Dune is an absolute cultural behemoth. (While the recent film adaptations with Timothy Chalamet and Zendaya have been wildly entertaining, David Lynch’s passing has encouraged a new generation of viewers to revisit his 1984 version.)
It tells the story of a young nobleman named Paul Atreides, destined to control the planet Arrakis, which is rich in a hyper-valuable substance known as “spice.” As the galactic battle is born out, Paul is confronted by the worlds of mysticism, power, and magic.
Why we recommend it: I adore how this book seamlessly mixes themes like ecology, destiny, and the supernatural.
These are our top ten science fiction-fantasy books. Did we miss one of your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
As always, happy reading!
