The best sci-fi books for those wanting a futuristic read

In the distant future, a human envoy visits the planet Gethen, where inhabitants can change their gender at will. The story explores themes of gender, identity, and the impact of culture on human interaction.

This seminal cyberpunk novel follows a washed-up computer hacker hired to pull off the ultimate hack. Set in a world where artificial intelligence and cyberspace collide, it’s a fast-paced exploration of technology and its future impact on humanity.

In the second book of The Three-Body Problem trilogy, Earth prepares for an impending alien invasion, with humanity forced to confront existential threats. The novel is, in our opinion, the best of the trilogy as it examines the complexities of interstellar diplomacy and survival in an unforgiving universe. But with that being said, if you love the sci-fi genre, you really should read all three books.

Set in a dystopian world, the dead speak to the living, weaving a narrative of colonisation, identity, and resistance. Ultimately, this novella blends science fiction with African mythologies, creating a surreal but poignant story.

An Indigenous Australian author, Clair G. Coleman explores themes of colonisation and survival in a speculative dystopian setting where native populations face brutal suppression by alien colonisers. The novel offers a powerful allegory of Australia’s colonial history, making it a must-read.

In a near-future America ravaged by climate change, states fight for water resources and a ruthless “water knife” enforces water rights. It’s a thrilling yet terrifying vision of environmental collapse and societal decay.

In a speculative future, humanity faces a century of unprecedented danger, with advanced technology and environmental catastrophe threatening extinction. Moral philosopher Toby Ord ponders how society should attempt to navigate these risks and secure a future for the human race, balancing ethical dilemmas with scientific advancements.