The 12 best science fiction books of 2025

So: what are the best works of science fiction published this year? I'll start with two new books that aren't really new, but have just been published in English.

First this Ice Jacek Dukaj, originally published to great success in Poland back in 2007. This is an alternate history set in Europe in the early 1920s. A terrible winter is gripping the earth, and it may be caused by something very alien. Our hero has to go on the Trans-Siberian Express to find out what is happening.

The atmosphere of the book is a bit like a Philip Pullman book. Its dark materialsif you can imagine Pullman's trilogy rewritten as a work of early Russian literature, and also made dark and adult, with many of its sentences expanded to three pages.

I prefer short sentences. However, if you're interested in an important and highly inventive piece of science fiction and aren't afraid of a long, complex read, this might be for you.

Secondly, this Beasts of the sea Iida Turpeinen became a sensation when it was published in Finland in 2023. This is a novel about science, not a work of science fiction, but it is beautifully written and is almost comically easy to read compared to Ice. This is a story about the natural world and environmental destruction, told through the fate of the now extinct Steller's sea cow. This would make a great seasonal gift for anyone who loves books (fiction or non-fiction) about sea voyages in the 1700s and the early days of scientific discovery.

Now I move on to the books that have stayed with me since the beginning of the year and that I would happily give to any science fiction reader.

My Outstanding New Science Fiction of the Year – Slow Godsthe first science fiction work by renowned writer Claire North.

New science fiction these days is often compared to the work of the late Iain M. Banks for the simple reason that publishers know that there are many Banks fans out there. Usually the comparison is a stretch, but Slow Gods has the range and courage to earn it.

Sticking with books in the classic sci-fi form, I would also recommend Here and beyond Hal LaCroix for anyone who, like me, loves stories about generational ark ships.

What can we know Ian McEwan's is far from classic science fiction, but it is set in the future, in a sunken version of England, so I suppose it qualifies as speculative, environmental, and dystopian fiction, and as such is firmly within my purview. Even if you don't consider yourself a McEwan fan, I think it's worth reading; so many aspects of it have stayed with me.

Another (very different) new work that can also be described as speculative, ecological and dystopian is Briefly very beautifula stunning debut from Roz Dineen that's very hot in the UK right now.

If you enjoy stories and essays about reading, writing, and science fiction, I highly recommend View from the stars Cixin Liu, blockbuster author Three body problem. This collection of fiction and nonfiction highlights what an amazing writer and thinker Liu is.

“
New science fiction is often compared to the work of Iain M. Banks. Slow Gods has the range and courage to deserve it
“

Regarding future technologies, I liked it Someone like me Lucy Lapinska (who researches robot rights) and Every version of you Grace Chan (a fresh look at humanity as it plunges into an all-digital future).

Finally, this year I read three old classics that have more than stood the test of time, if you're looking for gift ideas for aspiring sci-fi fans: Prestige Christopher Priest (amazing puzzle), Neuromancer William Gibson (he started the cyberpunk movement, but is still quite relevant and invincible) and Draco Tavern Larry Niven (intertwined stories full of amazing ideas).

Happy reading to all of you!

Emily H. Wilson is the author Sumerians trilogy, historical fantasy novels set in Sumer. She is currently working on her first science fiction novel.

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