These are 2026’s absolute must-read sci-fi books so far. The first half of ’26 has been great for genre novels. Some bestselling sci-fi authors have returned with new books, including the continuation of several fan-favorite ongoing series. At the same time, there have been several dazzling debuts, from authors that feel destined to be future Hugo Award winners.
From action-comedies set in space, or starring aliens, to the full philosophical potential of the genre, these books are 2026’s science fiction instant classics.
Some honorable mentions up front: George Saunders’ Vigil, Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Strife, Ode to the Half-Broken by Suzanne Palmer, and The Photonic Effect by Mike Chen.
All in all, it’s been a good year for science fiction already, with more memorable titles to come in ’26. For now, let’s turn to the books readers are raving about so far this year.
5
After The Fall
Written By Edward Ashton; Published February 24, 2026
After the Fall is perfect light sci-fi reading. It’s the latest from author Edward Ashton, whose other offerings include Antimatter Blues, and its sequel, Mickey7, which served as the basis for last year’s Bong Joon Ho movie Mickey 17. The “fall” in question is the fall of civilization, and what happens after is that the surviving humans become domesticated pets to pop culture’s most recognizable extraterrestrials: the grays.
The blurb for the book describes After the Fall as “part alien invasion story, part buddy comedy, part workplace satire.” It’s also got a murder mystery element. After the Fall moves fast; Ashton’s writing is the definition of a “propulsive,” rather than a “ponderous” style of sci-fi, and once more, he shows off his knack for crafting memorably off-beat characters in protagonists John (human) and Martok (gray.)
4
The Subtle Art Of Folding Space
Written By John Chu; Published April 7, 2026
The Subtle Art of Folding Space represents the more technical side of sci-fi. Read this book if you want to get mesmerized by the mechanics of the multiverse author John Chu has constructed. And in that regard, it’s a fascinating novel and a thrilling world that fans will want to spend more time in.
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The synopsis for the book says it “channels unhinged physics, generational trauma, and the comfort of really good dim sum.” It’s a high-energy science fiction adventure that isn’t afraid to get convoluted, get messy, and to make readers work to engage with the story a little bit. John Chu has been writing sci-fi short fiction for 15 years now, and has been awarded the Hugo for his work; The Subtle Art of Folding Space is his long-awaited first novel, and it’s a must-read for genre fans.
3
The Language Of Liars
Written By S.L. Huang; Published April 21, 2026
Like countless great sci-fi books, The Language of Liars is, as the title suggests, driven by linguistic fascination. It is a short, but dense book with a wild premise, featuring a totally alien setting and characters. It’s a seriously challenging sci-fi text that fits into the “ponderous” category, but in the best way. The kind of book readers will puzzle over, and feel extremely satisfied when it clicks for them.
Author S.L. Huang tests the limits of how far a sci-fi story can stray from a human perspective, and the result is a singular work of fiction featuring perspectives not quite like any readers will be familiar with. In its own right, that is a huge achievement, but Huang goes a step further and makes it an enjoyable story to reckon with. The Language of Liars is for hardcore sci-fi fans, but that shouldn’t discourage more casual readers from giving it a shot.
2
The Republic Of Memory
Written By Mahmud El Sayed; Published May 5, 2026
Scope. Ambition. These words get thrown around a lot when talking about sci-fi literature. With the scope and ambition of The Republic of Memory, author Mahmud El Sayed makes a bid for generational genre status. And for readers ready to lock in with the next great sci-fi saga on the ground floor, it’s just the first book in Sayed’s planned “Song of the Safina” duology.
The Safina is the setting of The Republic of Memory. It’s a “city ship” bearing the remnant of human civilization between worlds. The Republic of Memory is another book fixated on language, in this case as humanity’s first, greatest technology. And also its most dangerous weapon. Mahmud El Sayed’s stunning debut is almost a guaranteed lock to be a Hugo Award finalist this year, and he’s immediately become a must-watch author.
1
Platform Decay
Written By Martha Wells; Published May 5, 2026
Platform Decay is the eighth book in Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries series, and the first to come out since the franchise reached a new, wider audience with the TV adaptation starring Alexander Skarsgård. Platform Decay is another solid entry in the series. Which is to say it’s modern-day, pulpy sci-fi at its most devourable.
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For fans of the Murderbot books, it’s exciting to have a new entry in the series. For new fans just discovering the books, Platform Decay is something to work toward. And given the brevity of many of the Murderbot Diaries entries, the series is easy to tear through over the course of a few weeks. And great for reading more than once.
What do you think, readers? What other new release sci-fi books should Screen Rant cover?
- Release Date
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May 15, 2025
- Network
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Apple TV+
- Showrunner
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Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
- Directors
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Aurora Guerrero, Roseanne Liang
- Writers
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Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz