23 best sci-fi books to help you escape reality: From Dune to The Martian

If you’re looking to escape into other worlds – whether it’s through stories of space, advanced technology, or different versions of reality – science fiction is the perfect way to do it.

Whether it’s the vast landscapes of Dune or the intense struggle for survival in The Martian, these 23 incredible books offer imaginative adventures that will captivate you and rekindle your passion for science fiction.

This collection of sci-fi books has something to please every reader, so get ready for an amazing journey into the world of science fiction!

23 best sci-fi books

Dune by Frank Herbert
The Martian by Andy Weir
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Hyperion by Dan Simmons
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Jade City by Fonda Lee
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

1. Dune by Frank Herbert

Before the popular movie with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune was a hugely successful science fiction novel by Frank Herbert. He continued the story with five sequels, which many fans believe are the best in the genre.

The story takes place on the desert planet Arrakis and centers around Paul Atreides, whose family is given the dangerous job of governing this world. Arrakis is home to “spice” melange, a valuable substance that can extend life and unlock mental abilities. After his family is betrayed, Paul embarks on a risky adventure that will determine his future and the future of the entire universe.

2. The Martian by Andy Weir

I get that some people avoid sci-fi that feels too real, but honestly, that’s exactly what I loved about Andy Weir’s The Martian. It doesn’t feel like some far-off fantasy; it feels like something that could actually happen, and that made it incredibly gripping.

I’m completely captivated by the story of Mark Watney, one of the very first explorers on Mars, and unfortunately, the first person to be presumed dead there. It’s terrifying! A huge dust storm hit during their mission, and his crew had to leave, thinking he hadn’t made it. Now he’s stuck all alone with limited food and no way to reach Earth. It’s not just about running out of supplies, either – a broken machine, the harsh Martian landscape, or even one small error could be fatal. It’s a real fight for survival!

Mark never gives up. He faces each challenge with cleverness, a dark sense of humour, and incredible willpower. The story that unfolds is a gripping, exciting survival tale that feels shockingly authentic.

3. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

You probably first read Nineteen Eighty-Four in school, and it might not have made a strong impression then. Originally published in 1949, George Orwell’s novel predicted a frightening future that seemed all too real by the year 1984, and feels even more important today with the rise of surveillance technology and artificial intelligence. It doesn’t read like a story, but more like a cautionary tale.

In a futuristic, oppressive nation called Oceania, ruled by the all-seeing Party and its leader, Big Brother, Winston Smith secretly desires truth, connection, and liberty. Even thinking about these things is a crime, punishable by severe consequences. When Winston starts a forbidden love affair, he gets involved in a risky underground resistance and discovers the harsh truth about opposing a completely powerful government.

4. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

If you read Brave New World in school, it’s worth picking up again now that you have more life experience. Great science fiction stays powerful because it explores ideas that always matter, and Aldous Huxley’s 1932 novel – written when fascism was growing – feels surprisingly current and thought-provoking today.

In his novel, Huxley envisions a future society built on control. People are genetically designed, carefully conditioned from birth, and kept docile with drugs, all to ensure they unquestioningly obey those in power. While this world boasts incredible technology, it comes at the cost of personal freedom, unique identity, and potentially, even humanity itself.

5. The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Expand your science fiction reading beyond English-language authors – Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem is a game-changer. It tackles huge ideas like humanity’s role in the universe, what civilizations are, and how we should survive, all while telling a thrilling and suspenseful story. It’s quickly become a classic of the genre.

During China’s Cultural Revolution, a top-secret military operation attempts to contact extraterrestrial life by sending signals into space. The message is received by a dying alien civilization who decide to invade Earth. Meanwhile, on Earth, people divide into opposing groups: some want to help the aliens conquer the planet, believing the world needs to be changed, while others are prepared to fight to defend it.

6. Hyperion by Dan Simmons

Science fiction often goes beyond simply imagining new planets and cultures – it can also change how stories are told. Dan Simmons’s Hyperion does this brilliantly, structuring its epic science fiction tale like The Canterbury Tales. This creates a captivating and emotionally resonant experience, full of memorable characters and thought-provoking ideas about life, AI, and the future of humanity. Known for its incredible world-building, Hyperion connects the stories of seven travelers as they journey towards a mysterious entity called the Shrike, exploring complex philosophical questions along the way.

On the distant world of Hyperion, far from human control, lies a terrifying creature called the Shrike. It’s worshipped by some, feared by others, and many seek to destroy it. The Shrike waits within the Valley of the Time Tombs – ancient, massive structures that move backward in time. As a galactic war looms and the end of days approaches, seven travelers begin a final journey to Hyperion. Each pilgrim carries a hidden secret, a desperate wish, and potentially the key to humanity’s survival.

7. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

The Ministry of Time is a fresh and imaginative science fiction novel that blends time travel with political intrigue, espionage, and a compelling love story. It tackles thought-provoking questions that resonate with today’s world. The story centers around a new government agency that’s bringing people from different eras into the present to investigate the possibilities of time travel – and whether it could affect the very structure of space and time.

The story centers on a woman who receives a unique promotion: she’s assigned to live with and care for a mysterious expatriate named Commander Graham Gore, known only as “1847.” What starts as an expectedly uncomfortable job unexpectedly deepens into a powerful connection. As she learns the full truth about the secretive Ministry she works for, she falls deeply in love, with results she never anticipated. Faced with life-altering decisions, she must determine her core beliefs and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to alter the course of events. This captivating time travel story is a standout, prompting thought-provoking questions with no easy answers.

8. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Everyone needs a good laugh now and then, and a bit of science fiction can be the perfect escape. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is famously quirky and nonsensical, but it’s also surprisingly reassuring and makes you think. It might not seem to add up at first, but it eventually clicks.

Just moments before Earth is destroyed to build a hyperspace expressway, Arthur Dent is saved by his friend Ford Prefect. Ford is actually a researcher for the updated edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and for the past fifteen years, he’s been pretending to be an unemployed actor.

They set off on a wild adventure across space, relying on the advice from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” – which famously claims a towel is the most important thing a space traveler can own. Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters, including Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two-headed, three-armed, former hippie president of the galaxy; Trillian, someone Arthur once met at a party; Marvin, a robot who is incredibly smart but also deeply pessimistic; and Veet Voojagig, a quirky ex-student fixated on the mystery of his missing pens. This unusual group will keep you laughing and constantly wondering what will happen next.

9. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

I’m so excited to revisit Mars through Kim Stanley Robinson’s incredible trilogy about its colonization! Even though it was written over 30 years ago, it feels surprisingly realistic today, especially with all the renewed interest in actually going to Mars. It really makes you think it could happen just like he imagined.

John Boone, Maya Toitavna, Frank Chalmers, and Arkady Bogdanov are leading a daring mission to transform Mars. The red planet inspires some to incredible bravery and obsession, while others see it as a chance to exploit its resources. For genetic engineers, Mars offers the potential for groundbreaking medical advancements, challenging our understanding of life itself. Colonists are using orbiting mirrors to bring sunlight to the surface, and dark dust is being used to trap heat at the poles. They’re even drilling deep tunnels into the planet’s core to release powerful bursts of hot gases.

Amidst this massive change, expect conflicts to arise, friendships to break, and relationships to begin and end. Some will fiercely defend the old ways of Mars, even if it means sacrificing everything.

10. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

If you’re looking for a relatively short science fiction book, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a classic. This powerful novel depicts a frightening future where the government controls people by banning and burning books. Bradbury’s message remains strikingly important today: limiting access to knowledge ultimately leads to a loss of freedom.

As a huge movie and book lover, this story really hits home. It’s set in a future where TV has taken over everything, and books are practically gone. The main character, Guy Montag, is a fireman, but instead of putting out fires, he starts them – burning any books he finds! He just goes through the motions, coming home to his wife, Mildred, who’s completely lost in her TV shows. But then he meets this amazing girl, Clarisse, who makes him realize there’s more to life, that thinking and feeling are important. Things start to fall apart when Mildred tries to end her life and Clarisse disappears. Montag starts secretly collecting books, and when he’s discovered, he has to run for his life. It’s a thrilling and thought-provoking story about the power of ideas and the importance of questioning things.

11. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

You might be surprised by this book, but it’s well worth reading. I Who Have Never Known Men is a deeply moving story set after a disaster, focusing on the powerful bond between women and how far they’ll go to maintain their compassion and dignity. Be prepared – it’s a very emotional read!

Forty women are held captive in an underground cage, guarded and with no memory of their past or how they got there. Time has no meaning for them, and their days and nights blur together under constant electric light. One of the women, the newest arrival, remains withdrawn and quiet. However, she holds the key to helping the others escape and survive in the world waiting for them above.

12. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Science fiction excels at tackling important real-world issues in a unique way, without being limited by the rules of traditional storytelling. Toni Morrison’s Kindred beautifully demonstrates this, combining historical fiction with science fiction to powerfully explore the lasting effects of racism, sexism, and white supremacy.

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie, and wow. It follows Dana, a modern Black woman who’s celebrating her 26th birthday when her life is completely flipped upside down. Suddenly, she’s ripped away from her home and thrown back in time to the pre-Civil War South. She quickly discovers she’s been brought there to save the life of Rufus, the son of a plantation owner. But here’s the thing: it’s not a one-time trip. Dana keeps getting pulled back to this brutal time, and each visit is longer and more terrifying than the last. Honestly, it’s a really gripping story, and you start to wonder if she’ll even make it back to her own time, or if her life will be tragically cut short before it really gets started.

13. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Slaughterhouse-Five is fundamentally a story about how strange and meaningless life can feel, and how we attempt to find purpose in it. The novel is famous for mixing humor with sadness, and for its unique way of telling a story. It powerfully examines the realities of war, the lasting effects of trauma, and the idea that our fates are predetermined, making it a timeless and deeply moving anti-war book.

This novel tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, who experiences time in a non-linear way after surviving the devastating firebombing of Dresden while held as a prisoner during World War II. The narrative jumps between different periods of his life – his childhood, the horrors of war, his career as an eye doctor, and even being taken captive by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. It’s a book everyone should read at least once.

14. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

Okay, let’s step away from spaceships for a minute and talk about something truly unsettling: sci-fi that feels too real. Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go isn’t about conquering the galaxy; it’s a heartbreaking story about love, friendship, and growing up… with a deeply disturbing twist. Honestly, prepare yourself – this one’s a tearjerker. I went in expecting to be moved, but it genuinely wrecked me. You’ll cry, and probably more than you anticipate.

Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth spent their childhoods at Hailsham, a boarding school hidden away in the English countryside, isolated from the rest of the world. They were raised believing they were important and that their lives had a special purpose, and they grew up happily unaware of the truth about their upbringing. As adults, they must finally face the disturbing secrets behind Hailsham’s seemingly safe environment and the shocking reality of who they really are. The story explores how memories can be misleading and how new information can cast a dark shadow on the past. Never Let Me Go also thoughtfully examines questions about control over one’s own body, a topic that feels particularly important today.

15. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Let’s escape into the exciting world of science fiction gaming. As gaming and virtual reality become increasingly popular, these immersive experiences are more appealing than ever. Readers call this book a dream come true for fans of geek and nerd culture.

In the year 2044, the world is facing even bigger problems than today. For teenager Wade Watts, the only escape is a virtual reality world called the OASIS, where he truly feels alive. Wade has spent years studying the hidden challenges within the OASIS, created by its eccentric founder who was obsessed with past decades’ pop culture. Solving these puzzles promises incredible power and wealth. When Wade discovers the first clue, he quickly finds himself in a dangerous competition where other players will do anything – even kill – to win. He must now fight to survive, both within the virtual world and the real one he’s been trying to avoid. Be prepared – this story might make you want to step away from your games!

16. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This powerful novel, set after a devastating apocalypse, stays with you long after you finish reading it. Many consider it Cormac McCarthy’s best work, and it’s a deeply emotional story about a father and son traveling through a bleak and hopeless world, where love remains their only source of strength.

In a post-apocalyptic America, reduced to ash and perpetual cold, a father and son journey south toward the coast, hoping for a better future, though they don’t know what they’ll find. They travel with meager possessions – a pistol for protection, the clothes they wear, and a cart of salvaged food – relying on each other for survival. This is a stark and harrowing story about the lengths a father will go to protect his son, and the devastating consequences of a world without laws or compassion. Be warned: it’s a difficult read.

17. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

Stories about multiple universes are popular in movies and TV, but Micaiah Johnson’s novel, The Space Between Worlds, stands out for its thoughtful exploration of the idea and its political implications. Traveling between these universes is possible, but there’s a catch: you can’t visit a world where another version of you is still alive. The protagonist, Cara, is uniquely suited for this type of travel because her alternate selves have a habit of dying – from illness, conflicts, or simply being unable to escape dangerous situations. In fact, she’s already died on 372 different worlds.

So, this movie kicks off with Cara, a survivor in a pretty rough world. Turns out she’s unique – a real anomaly – and someone decides she’s perfect for hopping between universes. They pull her out of the wasteland and give her a fresh start in Wiley City, this super-rich, walled-off place. She gets a citizen’s life, a safe life, as long as she doesn’t cause any problems. But of course, trouble finds her. When one of her alternate selves – she’s one of nine, apparently – dies unexpectedly, she gets pulled into a conspiracy. It looks like staying alive means digging up secrets someone wants to keep buried, and it’s going to be a wild ride.

18. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

There’s a special beauty in a love story set against the vastness of space and the endless flow of time. “This Is How You Lose the Time War” explores themes of conflict, deception, desire, and the strange nature of time—or what happens when time seems to disappear.

In a world torn apart by war, an agent finds a mysterious letter with a warning: destroy it without reading. This sparks a secret exchange between two agents from opposing sides, each fighting for their people’s survival. What begins as a challenge quickly evolves into a powerful connection – a sweeping romance with the potential to change everything. But if anyone discovered their forbidden bond, they would both face certain death, as the conflict continues and a victor must be declared.

19. Jade City by Fonda Lee

Fonda Lee’s first novel in The Green Bone Saga is a fantastic debut for adult fantasy readers. It’s earned praise for its detailed world and characters with difficult choices, creating a vivid setting inspired by 1970s Asia. The story explores themes of loyalty, power, and ambition, and has been compared to The Godfather, but with a unique blend of gritty science fiction and fantasy.

The Kaul family is at the head of one of two criminal organizations that rule Kekon, the only place on Earth where magical jade—which can give people incredible powers with the proper training and ancestry—is found.

I just finished reading a book that completely blew me away. It’s set in a vibrant, modern city called Kekon, once defended by powerful clans known as the Green Bone. Now, instead of fighting off invaders, they’re major players in the city’s economy – think construction, business, and basically running the neighborhoods. But old rivalries die hard, and when a feud between the Kaul clan and their biggest enemies boils over, everything – the future of the Green Bone and Kekon itself – is threatened. Honestly, clear your schedule, because once you start this one, you won’t want to stop.

20. Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Okay, so I just finished Red Rising by Pierce Brown and wow! It throws you right back into this incredible world on Mars – and things are intense! It’s a really gripping story with a lot of action, a futuristic setting, and a main character who’s out for revenge. Honestly, the political scheming reminded me of Game of Thrones, but with even more massive battles. If you like fast-paced, epic reads, you need to check this one out!

Darrow belongs to the Reds, the lowest social class in a future society where people are categorized by color. He works tirelessly believing he’s preparing Mars for future inhabitants. However, Darrow soon learns a shocking truth: Mars was already conquered, and people like him are simply slaves serving a wealthy and self-indulgent ruling class.

Driven by a desire for justice and haunted by a past love, Darrow risks everything to enter the Institute, a brutal training ground for the powerful Gold elite. Inside, he’ll have to battle to survive and determine the future of society, even if it means compromising his own values.

21. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin is considered one of the best science fiction writers ever, and this novel is a prime example of her work. It tells the story of Genly Ai, a human sent to the planet Winter to convince its androgynous inhabitants to join a larger galactic community. To succeed, Ai must understand and deal with Winter’s unique culture and complex politics.

Ai reluctantly teams up with Estravan, a powerful politician from the wintry nation of Winter, who is willing to risk it all to assist him. Their journey takes them across Winter’s dangerous, frozen landscape, where they face not only the brutal weather but also deception and broken trust. Widely praised for its thoughtful look at gender, identity, and what it means to be human, The Left Hand of Darkness combines political suspense, a fight for survival, and deep philosophical questions into a moving story about how we connect with and understand each other.

22. Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

If you’re easily creeped out by spiders, this book might not be for you! But if you can handle it, Children of Time is a truly exciting story. It’s a grand, sweeping tale that combines a classic spaceship adventure with the incredible evolution of spiders – watching them develop from basic creatures into a sophisticated, technologically advanced society. The book also tackles big questions about what it means to be human, our mistakes, and whether scientific advancement always leads to progress.

As Earth dies, the last humans escape into space, hoping to find a habitable planet. They discover a world seemingly prepared for them, a potential new paradise built by those who came before. However, this world has been deserted for centuries and has become something terrifying. New, hostile inhabitants have taken over, turning it into a living nightmare for humanity.

Two civilizations are on a collision course, pushing themselves to the brink of destruction. With the future of humankind at stake, the central question is: who will ultimately inherit the Earth?

23. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine

A Memory Called Empire stands out because of its incredibly detailed culture, a fascinating mix of Byzantine and Aztec traditions, brought to life with beautiful language and depth. This compelling world is set against the backdrop of a vast interstellar empire and a complex political landscape reminiscent of the show Succession, but in space.

When Ambassador Mahit Dzmare reaches the center of the Teixcalaanli Empire, she discovers her predecessor has died. Though no one will admit it, his death seems suspicious, and Mahit fears she could be in danger as the imperial court faces growing political turmoil.

Mahit is fighting for survival. She needs to solve a murder, protect herself, and defend her small mining station from a growing empire. On top of that, she’s caught between a tempting alien culture, involved in risky schemes, and holding onto a powerful secret – one that could either destroy everything she’s protecting or be its salvation. It’s a lot to handle, to say the least.

2025-12-03 14:43