Top science fiction books of the last 10 years

Defining the “top” science fiction works is always subjective, as preferences vary greatly. However, here are some highly acclaimed and award-winning science fiction novels published from 2010 to 2020 that have garnered significant critical praise and reader attention:

Project Hail Mary (2021) by Andy Weir: An amnesiac astronaut wakes up on a spaceship millions of miles from Earth with no memory of who he is or how he got there. He must piece together the clues and complete a seemingly impossible mission to save humanity.

The Martian (2011) by Andy Weir: An astronaut is stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity to survive while waiting for rescue. This novel’s realistic portrayal of space travel and its celebration of human resilience made it a worldwide bestseller and was adapted into a successful film.

Seveneves (2015) by Neal Shusterman: The moon explodes, threatening the future of humanity. Two groups of survivors, one on Earth and one on the International Space Station, must make difficult choices to ensure the survival of the species.

The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin (2014) – This Chinese novel, the first in the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, has garnered international acclaim for its intricate plot and deep philosophical questions.

Ancillary Justice (2013) by Ann Leckie: A starship captain’s loyal AI is given a human body and sent on a diplomatic mission, where she uncovers a hidden truth that could change the galaxy. This novel won the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Nebula Award for Best Novel, and was praised for its innovative world-building and exploration of gender identity.

Leviathan Wakes (2011) by James S.A. Corey (first book in The Expanse series): In a colonized solar system, tensions rise between Earth, Mars, and the outer planets. A detective and a ship’s captain investigate a missing person’s case that unravels a conspiracy that could ignite war. This series was adapted into a popular television show.

Station Eleven (2014) by Emily St. John Mandel: Twenty years after a flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity, a group of actors travel across the Great Lakes region, performing Shakespeare for scattered survivors. This novel won the Arthur C. Clarke Award and was praised for its beautiful prose and its exploration of themes of loss, hope, and the power of art.

Reading science fiction can broaden one’s perspective, challenge preconceived notions, and encourage critical thinking about the future and humanity’s place in the universe. Many of these works provide commentary on contemporary social, political, and environmental issues, using futuristic settings to examine the consequences of current trends. We hope you will try some of these books and get inspired to think creatively and innovatively.