The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Novels of 2023
It’s almost the end of 2023, and what a thrilling journey it has been through the cosmos of literature! As we prepare to bid farewell to another year, it’s only fitting to take stock of the stellar contributions the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres have made to our literary universe.
This year has been a thrilling voyage through the vast expanse of storytelling, and as we prepare to turn the final pages, a retrospective glance at the stellar contributions of the science fiction and fantasy genres becomes not just a choice but a necessity. Join me in this journey of literary exploration as we unveil the most mesmerizing, thought-provoking, and visionary sci-fi and fantasy novels that have undeniably shaped the literary cosmos in 2023. From dystopian futures that mirror our own uncertainties to magical realms and mythical adventures that transport us into the unknown, these books are not just stories; they are portals to alternate realities, offering profound insights and pushing the boundaries of our collective imagination. So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow literary explorers, as we embark on a riveting voyage through the best sci-fi and fantasy novels of the year—a journey where the lines between reality and fiction blur, and the limitless tapestry of the future and fantastical realms unfolds on the pages of our cherished books.
Critical Mass by Daniel Suarez
In Daniel Suarez’s latest masterpiece, Critical Mass, readers are thrust into a future where the frontiers of space become the battleground for Earth’s survival. As a group of daring astropreneurs embarks on an unsanctioned asteroid-mining mission, the unexpected leaves two crew members stranded, setting off a chain of events that forces them to engineer a rescue mission like never before. Against the backdrop of a world ravaged by climate change and paralyzed by political turmoil, the crew must build a next-generation spacecraft capable of saving their colleagues and, perhaps, humanity itself. From the first spin-gravity station in deep space to the historic infrastructure on the moon’s surface, Critical Mass explores the untapped potential of space-based industry as a beacon of hope in the face of ecological, political, and economic crises on Earth.
Get it now: Amazon
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
In Adrienne Young’s captivating novel, The Unmaking of June Farrow, the small mountain town of Jasper, North Carolina, becomes the stage for a mesmerizing tale of curses, mystery, and an unforgettable journey. June Farrow, heir to a family plagued by a centuries-old curse, is determined to end the cycle. Haunted by her mother’s disappearance and the town’s rumors, June grapples with strange occurrences—a mysterious door, wind chimes, and ethereal voices. Following her grandmother’s death, cryptic clues about her mother’s vanishing act emerge, leading June to the very door she once considered a figment of her imagination. As she steps through, a transformative journey unfolds, intertwining the past, present, and a star-crossed love that defies the boundaries of time. Adrienne Young weaves a spellbinding narrative, blending romance, mystery, and the touch of the impossible, ensuring that The Unmaking of June Farrow is a story destined to linger in readers’ hearts.
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Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
Alix E. Harrow invites readers into the grim and gothic world of Starling House, a tale set in the dying town of Eden, Kentucky. Focused on the legend of E. Starling, a reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator, the town harbors a sinister secret that revolves around the mysterious house that appeared and vanished with Starling’s disappearance. Opal, facing the choice to get her brother out of Eden, unexpectedly finds herself entangled with the haunted house and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling. As sinister forces converge, Opal and Arthur must confront buried secrets and face dire choices to prevent Eden from succumbing to literal nightmares. Alix E. Harrow crafts a haunting narrative that explores the intersection of buried secrets, haunted homes, and the fight for a place called home in Starling House.
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Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros introduces readers to a world of challenge, determination, and a unique bond between dragons and their riders in Iron Flame. Set in Basgiath War College, where survival is a daunting feat, Violet Sorrengail defies expectations by enduring the grueling and brutal training designed to test the strength and resilience of dragon riders. Beyond the physical challenges, Violet faces a personal struggle against the vice commandant, who seeks to exploit her vulnerability. With a will of iron and a determination to survive, Violet navigates a world where dragon riders create their own rules. As secrets hidden for centuries emerge, Violet finds herself at the center of a perilous journey, where even dragon fire might not be enough to save them. In Iron Flame, Yarros delivers a riveting narrative that combines the power of dragons, the strength of the human spirit, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of Basgiath War College.
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The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
From the acclaimed author of The Passage comes a riveting standalone novel, The Ferryman, set in the hidden island utopia of Prospera. Founded by the enigmatic Designer, Prospera promises a life of fulfillment to its fortunate inhabitants—until their monitors reveal a decline below 10 percent. Proctor Bennett, a ferryman responsible for guiding citizens to the island’s Nursery for renewal, finds himself grappling with unsettling dreams and a plummeting monitor percentage. As whispers of rebellion and a mysterious resistance group known as the Arrivalists grow, Bennett embarks on a journey that challenges his beliefs and unveils the unsettling truths beneath Prospera’s idyllic facade. Justin Cronin delivers a thrilling exploration of utopia, surveillance, and the quest for truth in this page-turning tale.
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Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s highly anticipated Hell Bent takes readers on a gripping journey into a world where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. Galaxy Alex Stern, determined to break a soul out of hell, faces a daunting challenge that could cost her everything. Forbidden from seeking help, Alex assembles a team of unlikely allies to navigate arcane texts, bizarre artifacts, and the dark secrets of Yale University. As faculty members meet mysterious ends, Alex confronts her own past and battles the shadows within the university’s walls. With Bardugo’s signature twists and a world thick with history, Hell Bent explores the realms of magic, violence, and the monstrous, delivering a spellbinding tale of courage, darkness, and the quest for redemption.
Get it now: Amazon
Related: Exceptional Sci-Fi Authors Whose Books Deserve Your Time
Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway
Nick Harkaway’s Titanium Noir unveils a world populated by genetic super-beings called Titans, facing a rare crime—a violent death among their dwindling population. In this taut and involving novel, a luckless detective navigates a mysterious and fully-realized world, unraveling the threads of a captivating story. As the investigation unfolds, Harkaway takes readers on a journey through a world where towering ancient beings coexist with a luckless detective solving the rarest crime of all, creating a thrilling narrative that stands on its own two feet.
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Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig
In Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, Rita Chang-Eppig crafts a historical fantasy that revolves around Shek Yeung, a fearsome Chinese pirate queen facing the challenges of leadership after her husband’s death. As she navigates political intrigue and impending invasion, Shek Yeung must make difficult decisions to protect her power and legacy. Chang-Eppig masterfully blends elements of history, strategy, and warfare, creating a tale that explores the complexities of power, sacrifice, and survival. Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea is a riveting narrative that brings to life a compelling protagonist and a world where political chess unfolds against the backdrop of high-seas adventure.
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Hopeland by Ian McDonald
Ian McDonald’s Hopeland takes readers on a journey through a strangely compelling alternate London, where the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of the Girl Who’s the Key To Everything. Departing from his Luna sequence, McDonald delivers a gripping story filled with traditional science fiction elements, offering a delightful departure in tone and setting. Hopeland is a testament to the author’s versatility, showcasing his ability to craft enjoyable and fully-realized worlds that captivate the imagination.
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My Murder by Katie Williams
In My Murder, Katie Williams weaves a thought-provoking narrative set in a near-future with light sci-fi elements, exploring the lives of resurrected victims of a serial killer. As the characters grapple with the complexities of resurrection and society’s response to their revival, Williams delves into the intricacies of victimization, identity, and reclaiming one’s life. With unexpected twists and compelling surprises, My Murder offers a unique twist on the survivor story, blending science fiction with a nuanced exploration of human experiences.
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Observer by Robert Lanza & Nancy Kress
Observer by Robert Lanza and Nancy Kress is a futuristic medical thriller that thrusts readers into the disturbing world of secret research on the nature of consciousness and mortality. The story follows an enterprising neurosurgeon drawn into a web of mystery, raising profound questions about the boundaries of science and ethics. Nancy Kress, known for her excellence in science fiction, collaborates with Robert Lanza to deliver a gripping tale that explores the implications of pushing the limits of medical science.
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Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
In Emma Törzs’s enchanting debut novel, Ink Blood Sister Scribe, the Kalotay family’s legacy unfolds as a mesmerizing tapestry of magic, loyalty, and betrayal. Joanna and Esther, half-sisters bound by blood but divided by circumstance, are entrusted with the guardianship of a mystical library containing ancient tomes that hold the secrets to extraordinary powers. Yet, their separation mirrors the complexities of their magical inheritance. As Esther seeks refuge in the icy remoteness of Antarctica and Joanna immerses herself in the family home’s solitude, tragedy strikes with the sudden death of their father. Unveiling a mysterious book never seen before, this event forces the sisters to reconcile, delving into a realm of magic that transcends their wildest imaginations. Törzs weaves a tale of familial bonds, the consequences of magic’s allure, and the discovery of hidden truths that traverse time, continents, and even otherworldly libraries. Ink Blood Sister Scribe invites readers into a world where the magic of storytelling intertwines seamlessly with the magic that lies within the pages of ancient books.
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As the final chapter of 2023 comes to a close, our literary voyage through the cosmos of sci-fi and fantasy reaches its bittersweet conclusion. These novels, like celestial beacons, have illuminated our imaginations, guiding us through dystopian landscapes, fantastical realms, and interstellar adventures. As we lower the metaphorical anchor and reflect on the pages turned and worlds explored, let us not forget the profound impact these stories have left on our minds and hearts. In bidding farewell to this literary odyssey, we are reminded that the power of storytelling lies in its ability to transcend time and space, leaving indelible marks on our souls. So here’s to the authors who dared to dream beyond the confines of reality, to the characters who became our companions in uncharted territories, and to the readers who embarked on this journey with open hearts and curious minds. As we close the book on 2023, let the echoes of these extraordinary tales linger, and may the promise of new literary adventures beckon in the chapters yet to unfold. Until we meet again in the vast expanse of future reads, fellow explorers, may your literary horizons remain boundless, and may the magic of storytelling continue to illuminate your path. Cheers to the timeless enchantment of sci-fi and fantasy, and to the countless worlds yet to be discovered.