14 Scottish Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy Books

Discover a curated list of 14 captivating Scottish science fiction, fantasy, and horror books recommended by the Cymera Festival.

Consider Phlebas cover
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 cosmic conflict. more ...

Beyond the Hallowed Sky cover
Beyond the Hallowed Sky

In a future where faster-than-light travel is both a secret and a breakthrough, three protagonists navigate political intrigue, alien worlds, and the awakening of mysterious crystal-like lifeforms th… more ...

The Atrocity Archives cover
The Atrocity Archives

An IT technician thrust into a secret British agency battles eldritch horrors, bureaucratic absurdity, and dimension-hopping terrorists in this darkly humorous blend of spy thriller and Lovecraftian … more ...

The Pharmacist cover
The Pharmacist

In a claustrophobic bunker where few survived, Wolfe serves as the pharmacist under a paranoid leader, navigating danger, moral dilemmas, and fragile alliances in a tense, speculative future. more ...

The Moon King cover
The Moon King

In a city where the moon controls fate and society teeters on the edge of chaos, three individuals must navigate murder, revolution, and ancient machinery to save Glassholm from unraveling under the … more ...

A User's Guide to Make-Believe cover
A User's Guide to Make-Believe

In a near-future world where virtual reality blurs the line between fantasy and control, Cassie must fight to reclaim her freedom from a powerful tech giant manipulating minds through their immersive… more ...

The Growing Season cover
The Growing Season

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HellSans cover
HellSans

In a dystopian UK where a government-mandated typeface controls the population through bliss or persecution, two women—CEO Jane Ward and scientist Dr Icho Smith—fight to expose corruption and find a … more ...

In Ascension cover
In Ascension

A marine biologist's journey from the ocean depths to the far reaches of space unravels mysteries that challenge humanity’s understanding of life and the cosmos. more ...

The Gingerbread Men cover
The Gingerbread Men

A chilling Highland hotel horror blending Shining-esque mystery with dark fairy-tale elements, where secrets lurk behind snowbound walls. more ...

This Is Our Undoing cover
This Is Our Undoing

In a near-future Europe fractured by climate change and political turmoil, biologist Lina Stephenson must confront her dangerous past and protect her family amid rising threats and secrets in the rem… more ...

The Library of the Dead cover
The Library of the Dead

A sharp contemporary fantasy where a cynical teen ghostalker in Edinburgh uncovers dark magic threatening children, blending Zimbabwean mysticism with Scottish pragmatism. more ...

Goldilocks cover
Goldilocks

A gripping sci-fi thriller where five women embark on a daring mission to save humanity by colonizing a new planet in the Goldilocks Zone, facing secrets and survival challenges along the way. more ...

Killtopia cover
Killtopia

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This list showcases a diverse range of speculative fiction from Scottish and Scotland-based authors, highlighting the rich talent in the genre. From the renowned works of Iain M. Banks to the fresh voices of Rachelle Atalla and Neil Williamson, these books span space operas, dystopian thrillers, and dark fantasy. Each selection offers a unique blend of imaginative world-building, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a seasoned fan of speculative fiction or new to the genre, this list provides a fantastic introduction to the vibrant Scottish sci-fi, horror, and fantasy scene. Dive into these page-turning tales and explore the boundaries of imagination.