WIRED - Best Science Fiction Books

Explore a curated list of the best science fiction books of all time, featuring visionary works that span from classic dystopias to futuristic adventures.

Cover of Ice

Ice

3.5

In a frozen, post-apocalyptic world, a nameless narrator embarks on a hallucinatory quest for a white-haired girl, battling both the encroac…

Cover of Snow Crash

Snow Crash

3.8

In a world where the virtual and real collide, Hiro, a former samurai sword-wielding pizza delivery guy, uncovers a dangerous cyber-drug wit…

Cover of Vurt

Vurt

4.2

Dive into a mind-bending journey through an alternate Manchester where dreams and reality blur in Jeff Noon's cult classic, Vurt. Scribble a…

Cover of Under The Skin

Under The Skin

4.0

Isserley's unusual appearance hides a terrifying secret that hitchhikers in the Scottish Highlands discover too late.

Cover of The Power

The Power

4.3

In a world where teenage girls suddenly gain immense physical power, the global order is upended in this provocative and electrifying specul…

Cover of Borne

Borne

4.2

In a ruined city of the future, Rachel rescues a strange creature named Borne from a monstrous bear, but nothing is as it seems in this dark…

Cover of The Resisters

The Resisters

4.0

In a dystopian future where society is divided by surveillance and inequality, a young girl with a golden arm becomes a symbol of resistance…

Cover of Metro 2033

Metro 2033

4.1

In a post-apocalyptic Moscow, a lone survivor navigates the treacherous tunnels of the Metro, where humanity's last remnants fight for survi…

Cover of Neuromancer

Neuromancer

4.0

In a neon-drenched cyberpunk future, a washed-up hacker gets one last shot at redemption in a high-stakes game against an all-powerful AI.

Cover of Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park

3.8

A groundbreaking scientific discovery brings dinosaurs back to life, but when the creatures escape, chaos ensues in this thrilling tale of s…

Cover of Dune

Dune

4.4

In a distant future where noble houses vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis, a young heir must navigate political intrigue and ancie…

Cover of Hyperion

Hyperion

4.0

A masterpiece of space opera that blends the Canterbury Tales with a futuristic universe under threat, where seven pilgrims embark on a fina…

Cover of Foundation

Foundation

4.2

In a sprawling Galactic Empire on the brink of collapse, a brilliant scientist devises a radical plan to preserve human knowledge and cultur…

Cover of Solaris

Solaris

4.0

Kris Kelvin's study of the ocean planet Solaris takes a haunting turn when he encounters a physical manifestation of a painful memory, raisi…

Cover of The Martian

The Martian

4.5

Stranded alone on Mars, an astronaut must use his ingenuity and humor to survive against all odds in this gripping tale of isolation and per…

Dive into the future with WIRED's selection of the best science fiction books everyone should read. This list, compiled by the WIRED team, includes a diverse range of genres from cyberpunk to space operas and dystopian tales. Each book offers a unique vision of possible futures, some eerily plausible and others wildly imaginative. The list is presented in chronological order, allowing readers to trace the evolution of science fiction from its early beginnings to contemporary masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection promises to captivate and inspire. Discover timeless classics like 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley and 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, alongside modern gems such as 'The Martian' by Andy Weir and 'The Power' by Naomi Alderman. Each book is a testament to the genre's ability to explore complex themes and push the boundaries of human imagination.

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/best-sci-fi-books/