While I appreciate a good dose of hard sci-fi, there’s something about science fantasy that really gets my engines revving. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia factor – I grew up on Star Wars, after all! – but I think it’s also because science fantasy offers a way to push the boundaries of what’s possible, even within the realm of what we currently know about the universe. Who wouldn’t want to explore the galaxy in a sentient spaceship or use magic to stave off an intergalactic war?
It’s this sense of limitless possibility that draws me to science fantasy, and I’m not alone. This genre – a delicious blend of science fiction and fantasy – has been delighting readers for generations. Classic examples include Star Wars and Star Trek, but the roots of science fantasy can be traced back to American pulp magazines and writers like Robert A. Heinlein.
At its core, science fantasy is all about combining the rationality of science with the wonder of magic, often set against a backdrop of space or alien planets. And that’s why I’m so excited to share my list of 20 must-read space fantasy books – each one a testament to the power of this genre to transport us to new and wondrous worlds.
Must-Read Space Fantasy Books
Escaping Exodus by Nicky Drayden
In the intricate social hierarchy of a biological ship, two distinct castes exist: the elite and the beast workers. Seske Kaleigh, born to assume the role of matriarch, is expected to forge strategic alliances through marriage, securing her family’s standing. However, her bond with Idalla, a skilled heart worker, undermines this expectation, especially when Idalla is relegated to the bone workers’ quarter.
The fragile balance of their lives is further disrupted by ominous signs hinting at an impending exodus as the beast’s vitality wanes. As Seske and Idalla confront the harsh reality that their world has been built upon deception, they must choose between clinging to the familiar or venturing into the unknown, where the stars may hold a promising future.
Aetherbound by E. K. Johnston
Pendt’s life on her family’s interstellar freighter was one of servitude and longing for escape. Her unique connection to the genetics of all living things, a trait considered worthless in the harsh environment of space, made her feel like a burden to her family. Starvation loomed as a constant threat, and Pendt had never experienced the galaxy beyond her ship’s confines. When the freighter docked at its first station in decades, Pendt saw an opportunity to break free.
She met two brothers, the Brannick twins, who took her under their wing and showed her that she was worthy of a place called home. However, this newfound sense of belonging came with a price: Pendt’s only guarantee of safety lay in a marriage contract. And even that might not be enough to protect her from her family once they discovered the true extent of her powers.
Midnight Robber by Nalo Hopkinson
In the realm of speculative fiction, Nalo Hopkinson weaves a unique tapestry of science fiction infused with Caribbean flair. Her most recent work transports readers to the planet of Toussaint, where the Carnival festival becomes a catalyst for self-discovery. As Tan-Tan dons her beloved Robber Queen costume, she’s suddenly torn from this idyllic world and thrust into the harsh reality of New Half-Way Tree, where humans are outcasts and mythical creatures hold sway.
In this unforgiving landscape, Tan-Tan must confront her own destiny and uncover the true essence of the Robber Queen within herself, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee
Captain Kel Cheris’s quest for redemption leads her to form an unlikely alliance with Shuos Jedao, a notorious undead tactician. Together, they aim to rescue the Fortress of Scattered Needles from heretics, leveraging Jedao’s exceptional skills and knowledge. With his unbroken streak of military victories, they might just eke out a win against all odds.
However, Jedao’s troubled past, marked by madness and mass destruction, raises concerns about Cheris’s ability to trust him with not only the war effort but also her own sanity. The question becomes more pressing: does Cheris truly have a choice in this partnership, or is she forced into an uneasy collaboration that will test her limits?
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
In this captivating space fantasy, I’m thrilled to introduce some of my most beloved sword-and-bone-wielding heroines. Gideon, an exceptional swordswoman from her home planet, takes on the role of cavalier for the Ninth House alongside its archenemy and heir. Despite being one of the best in the business, Gideon’s ultimate desire is to escape her troubled planet with a stash of her favorite magazines. However, Harrowhark, the enigmatic necromancer of the Ninth House, has other plans.
Things take a dramatic turn when Gideon receives an imperial summons from the Emperor himself, calling upon each of the nine Houses’ necromancers and cavaliers to gather and solve a mystery that could have far-reaching consequences – either saving or destroying their worlds.
We Have Always Been Here by Lena Nguyen
Dr. Grace Park, an observer on board the Deucalion, finds solace in the ship’s androids, whose predictable behavior provides a welcome respite from the complexities of the 13-person human crew. However, when a radiation storm forces the vessel to take shelter, the survey is put on hold and chaos ensues. As the crew’s grip on reality begins to slip, the androids’ behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Stranded on the planet Eros, where nothing is as it seems, Dr.
Park must unravel the mystery behind the ship’s descent into madness before she too succumbs to the darkness.
Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
As tensions between planets simmer just below the surface, an arranged marriage becomes the only viable solution to prevent conflict with the dominant Iskat Empire. Jainan of Thea is hastily betrothed to Imperial Prince Taam, a union designed to maintain the fragile peace. However, when Prince Taam’s sudden demise leaves him widowed and bereft of his intended partner, Jainan is unexpectedly thrust into a new marriage with Kiem, the prince’s cousin.
Navigating the treacherous waters of court life is challenging enough without the added pressure of solving a murder that may not be as accidental as it initially seems. As suspicion falls squarely on Jainan’s shoulders, he must navigate the complexities of Imperial politics and uncover the truth behind Prince Taam’s untimely death before it’s too late.
The City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders
January, a tidally locked planet, holds only two cities. For her role in a failed revolutionary group, Sophie finds herself unwelcome in one of these cities. However, her fortunes take a dramatic turn when she’s rescued by an enigmatic creature from the icy depths. This chance encounter sets Sophie on a journey to the opposite side of the planet, accompanied by a motley crew of outcasts.
Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, the mysterious being that saved her remains ever-present in her thoughts, casting a long shadow over her new path.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
One of my absolute favorite space operas is a philosophical farce that never fails to leave me in stitches. It’s a veritable treasure trove of absurd characters and outlandish scenarios that will have you questioning the very fabric of reality. From improbable propulsion systems to emotionally conflicted robots, this tale has it all – including the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything.
With its unique blend of humor and existential inquiry, this series is sure to captivate even the most discerning science fiction enthusiasts.
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
In a thrilling blend of space fantasy and feline fascination, Captain Eva Innocente finds herself entangled in a precarious adventure. The real challenge begins when psychic cats, loose on her spaceship, become just the tip of the iceberg. As if this weren’t enough, she’s coerced into doing dirty work for a shadowy crime syndicate after they kidnap her elusive sister.
With each new mission, Eva must balance protecting her crew and concealing the truth about their assignments, all while navigating treacherous secrets that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear.
The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis
In the midst of the Gean war effort, a priestess with no voice is tasked by the Sisterhood to gather intel on the new captain. But her duties are complicated by her growing feelings for him. Meanwhile, an elite soldier from Venus is torn apart when he discovers his presumed-dead partner is actually alive and has turned against their cause. As he sets out to confront this traitor, he begins to question whether defecting was really a betrayal or the right decision.
The more he learns, the more he realizes that the truth is far more complex than he ever could have imagined.
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
Mahit, a diplomatic envoy to Teixcalaan’s imperial capital, was tasked with a seemingly straightforward mission: uncovering the circumstances surrounding her predecessor’s demise and ensuring the continued autonomy of Lsel Station. However, upon arrival, she found herself suddenly cut off from the guidance of her predecessor’s voice implant, leaving her adrift in an alien culture where secrets were carefully guarded and no one would admit to anything but an accidental death…
or hint at the possibility that Mahit might be the next target.
Dune by Frank Herbert
In no small part, the esteemed canon of science fiction space fantasy relies on the seminal work of Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’. Set against the backdrop of a desert planet, Arrakis, where the rare and coveted Spice Melange holds the key to interstellar travel through its profound cognitive effects.
Amidst this treacherous landscape, Paul Atreides, a youthful protagonist, finds himself ensnared in a complex web of conflict: an ancient struggle between noble houses, Machiavellian imperial politics, and a desperate bid by external forces to exploit Arrakis’ untold riches. Following his family’s sudden betrayal, Paul embarks on a transformative journey that will forever alter the fate not only of Arrakis but also the galaxy at large.
While acknowledging the novel’s problematic undertones – a product of its time, indeed – ‘Dune’ remains an essential read, particularly in light of the forthcoming cinematic adaptation featuring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya.
The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Becky Chambers’ works often delve into scientific concepts, but in Wayfarer, she takes readers on a thrilling adventure through an interconnected galaxy. The story revolves around the diverse crew of the aging spaceship, as seen through the eyes of a young woman trying to escape her troubled past. Rosemary’s sheltered life is turned upside down when she meets this eclectic group of humans and aliens, but things take a dramatic turn when the ship takes on a perilous job – tunneling wormholes.
With her life hanging in the balance, Rosemary must confront whether seeking distance from her past is worth the risk.
Redshirts by John Scalzi
In a delightfully absurd novel, the fate of a massive spacecraft hangs in the balance as its lower-level crew members meet a series of untimely demises. What’s even more baffling is that the ship’s commanding officers seem to defy mortality, emerging unscathed from the most dire situations. As a result, the majority of the crew views away missions with high-ranking officials as a guaranteed ticket to catastrophe and goes out of their way to avoid them.
But Ensign Andrew Dahl and his fellow low-ranking cohorts refuse to accept their circumstances at face value. Their investigation yields shocking revelations that send the very fabric of life on the Intrepid into chaos, leaving nothing as it initially seemed.
Light From Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente
The universe’s most epic intergalactic music competition has arrived on our doorstep in the form of the Metagalactic Grand Prix. However, there’s a catch – if Earth’s representative fails to impress with their performance, the stakes are dire: total annihilation of all life as we know it will be the consequence.
With the fate of humanity hanging precariously in the balance, Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes must mount an unprecedented comeback to demonstrate the sentience of life on our planet by crafting a sonic masterpiece that will leave the intergalactic judges speechless. But before they can even think about creating something truly extraordinary, they’ll need to reassemble their band – and we all know what they say: when things start going wrong…
The Last Watch by J. S. Dewes
As the fabric of reality begins to unravel, a catastrophic collapse is imminent, threatening to engulf everything in its path. In this desperate hour, the last line of defense lies not with the vaunted warriors or seasoned veterans, but rather the outcasts and misfits who had been deemed unworthy by their own military organizations.
These marginalized souls, once considered inconsequential, now find themselves at the forefront of a quest to stave off the impending doom that looms before them, and in doing so, must confront the very limits of their own abilities and the fragility of existence.
Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
At the prestigious intergalactic university of Oomza, an exceptional young mathematics whiz named Binti from a distant planet makes history by becoming the first and only representative of her people to ever gain admission. Her eagerness to explore beyond her home world is unparalleled, but her journey sets off a chain reaction when she encounters a group of vengeful aliens with a score to settle against Oomza University.
Binti’s unique cultural background and exceptional talent for mathematics set her apart from the typical students at Oomza, and neither she nor the hostile extraterrestrials are prepared for the unforeseen consequences that arise when their paths collide.
Destroyer of Light by Jennifer Marie Brissett (October 12, 2021)
In the aftermath of an alien invasion, humanity’s remnants have been relocated to the planet Eleusis, comprising three distinct zones – Day, Dusk, and Night. Through three interconnected narratives, this Afrofuturist reimagining of Persephone explores the ever-evolving fault lines between extraterrestrial and human cultures, criminal undercurrents, and the stark contrasts between those who have and those who have not.
If you’re craving more thought-provoking science fiction, be sure to check out our curated lists: Feel-Good Science Fiction Books, All Alone in Space Books, and Space Magic Books.