the best SFF books: 2024

Or at least my favorite picks of the moment. New or old.

While everyone has their own tastes, below are some of my favorite choices from the past few years. This list is by no means conclusive, and I will be adding more to it in the future.

Space Opera

The EXPANSE (SERIES) - JAMES S.A. COREY

A compelling series with three dimensional characters that goes to great lengths to get the science as right as you can. While it is the source material for the TV show, both work well as companions. Go read, and go watch.

PUSHING ICE -

ALASTAIR REYNOLDS

One of Reynolds best works, it follows the life of a crew of ice haulers following an alien object that had been orbit Jupiter into the unknown. This book contain tid bits that have been a major sources of writing inspiration for me.

CHASM CITY -

ALASTAIR REYNOLDS

I can’t say enough good things about this novel in the “Revelation Space” universe. I only wish Melding Plauge was something I could have come up with first. Action packed, twisted, and strange, it doesn’t get much better.

EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (SERIES) - CRAIG ALANSON

For years I had heard good things about this series and on a recomendation I finally jumped in. It’s a great take on military sci-fi from the perspective of someone who clearly served. Loveable characters. Interesting and realistic combat mechanics. And a beer can AI.

REVENGER (SERIES) - ALASTAIR REYNOLDS

I know I have a soft spot for Reynolds, but this one took me by surprise. A post solar universe beset with solar sail riding privateers battle over the treasure hidden in alien caches. Full of secrets. Full of betrayal. One of his best.

SKYWARD (SERIES)

Sanderson is hands down one of the most prolifc writers of our time, and while he is mostly known for his fantasy novels, Skyward is a compelling jump into scifi. While not as hard in science as most of the rest of these, it doesn’t shrug the small bits. Skyward gave me all the best vibes in a mix of The Last Starfighter and Starwars while being something all its own.

Fantasy

THE BOOKS OF BABEL (4 books)

Hands down, this is one of my favorite series of all time. It’s exciting, wymsical, dark at times, and absolutely captivating. When describing the first book of the series I often equate it to Dante’s Inferno in reverse.

KINGS OF THE WYLD

A direct play on rockbands and fantasy mercenary bands. Tale of a high stakes rescue gone wrong with some washed up heroes that still have a bit more to give. Must read.

the OBSIDIAN PATH series

Dark. Irreverent. And thought provoking. What makes a person who they are? Their actions, or their memories?

This series to me is Fletcher’s best work. If you love Grimdark, then you can’t skip this.

THE DRESDEN FILES

In my option, the the best, long running Urban Fantasy series. Dresden Files is the GOLD STANDARD when it comes to anything in the vein of Supernatural, Buffy, and Lucifer. Butcher is a deft author who writes engaging and emotional stories with a healthy dose of good humor.

THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE

Had the pleasure of seeing VE Schwab speak after the paperback came out. I have always been a fan of hers, but this book was nothing what I expected. Beautiful writing. Plenty of twists. Faustian bargin all in all.

All I can say is, don’t make deals with the gods that answer after nightfall.

half a king

One of the best books I've ever read, about a crippled heir, his attempted murder, and the return to the throne.

This book has the best “book ends” as well. While you should certainly read anything by Abercrombie, I’d say this is a great place to start.