The Best Science Fiction Books of 2025

Rating: 5

When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi presents readers with a fantastical premise that is emblematic of Scalzi’s imaginative storytelling prowess. The novel weaves an intricate tapestry of humor and thought-provoking scenarios as the moon astonishingly transforms into a cheese-like substance. This implausible event sets the stage for an exploration of human nature and societal dynamics, challenging readers to reflect on their own perceptions of stability and crisis. Through diverse character narratives, Scalzi invites us to consider how different societal segments might respond when the natural world takes a whimsical yet catastrophic turn. The interplay of wit and earnestness is palpable as Scalzi crafts a narrative that balances both the absurdity of the moon's condition and the deeply human responses to such an unprecedented phenomenon. Readers are treated to a medley of characters, each offering a window into the broader societal reactions. The novel manages to take a seemingly ludicrous situation and ground it in reality through authentic voices and genuine character development. Scalzi skillfully navigates the tension between comedic elements and introspective commentary, compelling readers to engage with questions about adaptation, resilience, and the essence of human nature. Overall, the novel is a testament to Scalzi's ability to blend satire with substance, resulting in a remarkable narrative tour de force that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page is turned.

— Emily Johnson

Rating: 5

What We Can Know by Ian McEwan offers a unique narrative journey that diverges from traditional science fiction by immersing the reader in a future devoid of scientific advancement yet rich with intellectual intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a future UK partially reclaimed by the sea, McEwan employs a masterful touch in crafting a story that dwells in the intersections of history, lost knowledge, and human tenacity. The protagonist, Tom Metcalfe, represents the archetypal academic, driven by curiosity and a quest for understanding, as he embarks on a mission to unearth a lost poem from the bygone year of 2014. The novel's strength lies in its ability to evoke a historical and emotional depth, all while maintaining a speculative edge that keeps readers engrossed. McEwan's poetic prose and meticulous attention to detail serve to create a richly textured world, one that resonates with recognizably human struggles against the backdrop of environmental transformation. The narrative delves into profound themes of resilience and the human spirit’s unrelenting pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming odds. McEwan deftly challenges readers to ponder the nature of progress and the legacies we leave behind. The story is an invitation to reflect not only on the prevalent themes within the novel but also on the broader questions related to the preservation of knowledge and the relentless quest for understanding that defines our existence. What We Can Know is an intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant exploration that captures the reader’s imagination and leaves a lasting impression.

— Ava Martinez

Rating: 4.9

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab is an ambitious narrative endeavor that transcends the confines of time and space, weaving together the lives of three disparate women bound by the enigmatic thread of soil. Schwab’s novel is an exploration of identity, lineage, and the inescapable passage of time. With settings ranging from 16th century Santo Domingo to present-day Boston, the story’s chronological expansiveness is matched by its thematic depth. Schwab intricately connects the narratives of her protagonists, offering readers a tapestry woven with the richness of history and personal sacrifice. Her prose is both evocative and lyrical, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and evolving perceptions of her characters as they navigate the complexities of their interconnected destinies. Schwab uses soil not merely as a setting but as a symbolic conduit that allows her exploration of legacy to unfold gracefully across the centuries. The narrative delves deeply into the essence of how history shapes identity and the indomitable spirit of women who must grapple with their past to comprehend their present realities. At its core, the novel sheds light on how the actions of our ancestors ripple through time, impacting the present and the future in unforeseen ways. Schwab’s storytelling is rich with emotion, deftly handling the intricacies of cross-generational connections and the enduring nature of heritage. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is an enriching read that encapsulates Schwab’s ability to blend historical richness with personal storytelling, resulting in a poignant narrative reflection on time and identity.

— Isabella Wilson

Rating: 4.8

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong is a profound and heart-wrenching exploration of life’s fragility, intergenerational trauma, and the redemptive power of unexpected human connections. Vuong’s novel delves into the complex emotional landscape of 19-year-old protagonist Hai, whose life teeters on the edge until he becomes the unlikely caretaker for Grazina, an elderly woman afflicted with dementia. The narrative is set in East Gladness, Connecticut, a backdrop that provides a fitting sanctuary for a poignant journey of self-discovery and healing. Vuong's lyrical prose envelops readers in a story that is as much about pain and loss as it is about love and understanding. Each character is crafted with depth and nuance, their struggles and triumphs interwoven with Vuong’s delicate yet powerful exploration of memory and the scars left by past traumas. Through Hai and Grazina’s evolving relationship, Vuong illuminates the potential for healing found in shared vulnerability and the simple, profound acts of caretaking. The novel transcends its immediate setting to address broader themes of community, belonging, and the perseverance of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Vuong's narrative challenges readers to reflect on their own connections and the ways in which empathy and care can transform lives. The Emperor of Gladness is a testament to Vuong’s literary genius and his ability to capture the raw beauty of human experience in its most stripped-down form, leaving a lasting impact on all who immerse themselves in its pages.

— David Miller

Rating: 4.8

Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei presents a hauntingly reflective tale of familial bonds set against an environmentally ravaged near-future Earth. Kitasei’s novel draws readers into a story of survival, love, and sacrifice, as two sisters navigate a world on the brink of ecological collapse. The novel stands out for its seamless blending of speculative climate fiction with the intricacies of complex family dynamics. Kitasei’s descriptive prowess creates a vividly rendered world fraught with peril, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the sisters’ harrowing journey. As they traverse this deteriorating landscape, the sisters reveal a deep, abiding love for each other that is constantly tested by external threats and internal struggles alike. This juxtaposition of personal human experiences against the backdrop of environmental devastation lends the narrative a palpable tension, underscoring the fragility and resilience of both nature and human relationships. Kitasei's storytelling is as much an urgent call to environmental consciousness as it is a beautifully crafted narrative about the enduring connections within families. Through this lens, Saltcrop becomes not only a reflection on climate change but also a meditation on the human capacity for hope and endurance in the face of overwhelming odds. Kitasei’s novel is a poignant and compelling exploration of the lengths we will go to protect those we love, prompting readers to consider their own roles in the larger narrative of our planet's future.

— David Miller