Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's timeless tale of a scientist's monstrous creation and its devastating consequences has captivated readers for centuries, born…
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.
Oryx and Crake
In a world where animals are strangely altered, a man named Snowman struggles to survive and care for the enigmatic Children of Crake, haunt…
The Left Hand of Darkness
Explore a world of eternal winter and a society without gender in this groundbreaking feminist science fiction novel.
The Three-Body Problem
A gripping sci-fi epic that blends quantum physics, virtual reality, and a chilling conspiracy threatening humanity's existence.
Kindred
A gripping time-travel narrative that explores the brutal realities of American slavery and the enduring impact of racial injustice.
Foundation
In a sprawling Galactic Empire on the brink of collapse, a brilliant scientist devises a radical plan to preserve human knowledge and cultur…
Solaris
Kris Kelvin's study of the ocean planet Solaris takes a haunting turn when he encounters a physical manifestation of a painful memory, raisi…
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…
Exhalation
Ted Chiang's groundbreaking collection of short stories explores profound questions about humanity, reality, and the universe with poignant …
Jurassic Park
A groundbreaking scientific discovery brings dinosaurs back to life, but when the creatures escape, chaos ensues in this thrilling tale of s…
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…
Hyperion
A masterpiece of space opera that blends the Canterbury Tales with a futuristic universe under threat, where seven pilgrims embark on a fina…
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…
Metro 2033
In a post-apocalyptic Moscow, a lone survivor navigates the treacherous tunnels of the Metro, where humanity's last remnants fight for survi…
A Scanner Darkly
A gripping semi-autobiographical dive into a dystopian world of drug addiction and surveillance, blending science fiction with stark realism…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.