Like a lot of readers, I love getting lost in a great sci-fi novel. There’s something about exploring futuristic worlds, advanced technology, and entirely new civilizations that you just can’t get from any other genre.

But here’s the problem: finding good sci-fi books isn’t always easy.

With so many new releases every year—and an already overwhelming list of classics—it’s easy for incredible stories to slip through the cracks. My own to-read list keeps growing faster than I can keep up with, and I’m still catching up on books from 2024.

That said, I made it a point this year to dive back into science fiction—and I’m so glad I did.

Because along the way, I found a few standout reads that completely pulled me in. These are the books I kept thinking about after I finished them. The ones I couldn’t stop recommending. The ones that reminded me why I love sci-fi in the first place.

If you’re looking for your next great read, here are the best sci-fi books I read in 2025.

The Best Sci-Fi Books I Read in 2025

• The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
• The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei
• The Memory Police bv Yōko Ogawa, Stephen Snyder (Translator)

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

If you’ve been following my recent reading updates, then you already know: I can’t stop talking about The Murderbot Diaries.

This series by Martha Wells is easily one of the most addictive sci-fi reads I’ve picked up in years.

At its core, the story follows a security android—who secretly hacks its own system to gain free will. Instead of going on a rampage, though, Murderbot mostly just wants to be left alone to watch its favorite shows.

Yes, really.

That contrast is what makes the series so compelling. Murderbot is sarcastic, socially awkward, and unintentionally hilarious—but at the same time, it’s deeply protective of the humans it’s assigned to guard.

And when danger shows up, it always does what needs to be done.

One of the standout entries in the series is Artificial Condition, which expands on Murderbot’s past and gives readers a deeper look at its identity and internal struggles.

Martha Wells has received widespread recognition for this series—and for good reason. The writing is sharp, the pacing is fast, and the character work is surprisingly emotional for a story centered around an AI.

Even better? The series currently includes multiple novellas, full-length novels, and short stories—so there’s plenty to dive into if you get hooked (and you probably will).

There’s also a TV adaptation in development, which only proves how impactful this series has become.

If you’re trying to get back into reading or want a sci-fi series that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking, start here.

The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

I picked up The Stardust Grail after seeing it pop up among Goodreads nominees—and I’m glad I trusted my instincts.

This is one of those books where the premise immediately grabs your attention.

At its heart, it’s a heist story set across space—and it delivers on that promise in the best way possible.

The novel follows Maya Hoshimoto, a retired thief who is pulled back in for one final mission. But this isn’t just any heist—the stakes are massive, with consequences that could affect entire civilizations.

As Maya and her crew travel across planets and encounter different alien species, the story expands into something much bigger than a typical sci-fi adventure.

What really stood out to me was the tone.

Despite the high stakes, the book has a sense of humor that makes it incredibly fun to read. Maya is a fantastic protagonist—sharp, relatable, and easy to root for.

At the same time, the novel explores deeper themes about identity, history, and the legacy of lost civilizations.

It’s the kind of story that balances action, world-building, and character development in a way that keeps you turning pages.

If you enjoy fast-paced sci-fi with a strong protagonist and a unique premise, this one is absolutely worth your time.

The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

Some books entertain you. Others stay with you long after you’ve finished them.

The Memory Police is firmly in the second category.

From the moment I heard about this novel, I had a feeling it would be something special—and it did not disappoint.

Set on a mysterious island, the story revolves around a chilling concept: objects—and the memories associated with them—begin to disappear. When they do, most people simply forget they ever existed.

But not everyone.

Those who remember are hunted down by the Memory Police.

What follows is a quiet, unsettling exploration of memory, identity, and control. The atmosphere is eerie from start to finish, and the slow unraveling of the world makes it even more impactful.

If you’ve read 1984 by George Orwell, you’ll definitely notice similar themes—particularly when it comes to surveillance and the manipulation of reality.

But The Memory Police feels more intimate and emotional. It’s less about rebellion and more about loss—what it means to forget, and what it costs to remember.

This is one of the most creative dystopian sci-fi novels I’ve ever read, and it’s a perfect example of how powerful the genre can be.

If you’re a fan of thought-provoking, atmospheric sci-fi, this is a must-read.

Why I’m Reading More Sci-Fi Going Forward

After revisiting sci-fi this year, one thing is clear: I need to make more time for this genre.

There’s just nothing else like it.

Sci-fi has the ability to:

• Explore big ideas in creative ways
• Challenge how we think about the future
• Blend action, philosophy, and emotion into one story

Going forward, I’m setting a goal to read at least one sci-fi book (or series) every two months. Based on what I’ve read so far, there are still so many incredible stories out there waiting to be discovered.

And if these three books are any indication, I’ve barely scratched the surface.

Final Thoughts

The best sci-fi books don’t just tell great stories—they make you think, feel, and see the world differently.

Whether it’s the humor and heart of The Murderbot Diaries, the adventurous energy of The Stardust Grail, or the haunting brilliance of The Memory Police, each of these books offers something unique.

If you’re looking to get back into sci-fi—or just want your next great read—these are the books I recommend starting with.

And trust me, once you pick one up, you’ll remember why sci-fi is one of the most exciting genres out there

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