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.
Frankenstein
A timeless tale of ambition and its consequences, Frankenstein explores the boundaries of science and humanity through the eyes of its infam…
Foundation
A monumental saga of a crumbling galactic empire and the scientist who seeks to save humanity from its inevitable fall.
The Stars My Destination
Gully Foyle, a man left for dead in space, emerges with a vengeance and a secret that could reshape the future of humanity.
Dune
In a distant future where noble houses vie for control of the desert planet Arrakis, a young heir must navigate political intrigue and ancie…
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress
In a brutal penal colony on the moon, an unlikely trio—a charismatic outcast, a fierce revolutionary, and a sentient computer—spark a rebell…
Ice
In a frozen, post-apocalyptic world, a nameless narrator embarks on a hallucinatory quest for a white-haired girl, battling both the encroac…
The Left Hand of Darkness
Explore a frozen world where gender is fluid and society is unlike anything you've known, as an envoy from space challenges the norms of an …
A Scanner Darkly
In a dystopian future, a drug addicted undercover agent is torn between his double life as he battles addiction and the surveillance state.
Neuromancer
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.
Hyperion
A breathtaking space opera that blends the Canterbury Tales with cosmic horror, where seven pilgrims embark on a perilous journey to uncover…
Snow Crash
In a world where the virtual and real collide, Hiro, a former samurai sword-wielding pizza delivery guy, uncovers a dangerous cyber-drug wit…
Vurt
Dive into a mind-bending journey through an alternate Manchester where dreams and reality blur in Jeff Noon's cult classic, Vurt. Scribble a…
Under The Skin
Isserley's unusual appearance hides a terrifying secret that hitchhikers in the Scottish Highlands discover too late.
The Three-Body Problem
A groundbreaking science fiction epic that blends quantum physics, virtual worlds, and a chilling conspiracy threatening humanity's future.
The Martian
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…
The Heart Goes Last
In a dystopian future, a desperate couple signs up for a social experiment offering stability in exchange for alternating months in prison, …
The Power
In a world where teenage girls suddenly gain immense physical power, the global order is upended in this provocative and electrifying specul…
Borne
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…
Exhalation
Explore profound questions of existence and humanity through nine thought-provoking science fiction stories by the acclaimed author of 'Arri…
The Resisters
In a dystopian future where society is divided by surveillance and inequality, a young girl with a golden arm becomes a symbol of resistance…
Consider Phlebas
A galactic war pits the utopian Culture against the religious Idirans, while a lone mercenary races to find a fugitive AI Mind in a deadly c…
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.