2019 was awesome for science fiction books. We had releases from the likes of Sarah Gailey, Paul, Krueger, Leigh Bardugo, Annalee Newitz, Erin Morgenstern, and many more that brought us joy, thrills, excitement, wonder and awe.
But that was last year. It’s time to look at what 2020 has to offer.
Even in the first few months of this year, we’ve had so much to look forward to. If your bookshelf is full, make some room or buy another - you’re going to need it!
Here are the best sci-fi books to look forward to in 2020.
Dark and Deepest Red - Anna-Marie McLemore (Feiwel & Friends, January 14)
Anna-Marie McLemore is an excellent writer. How she comes up with her ideas is beyond us, but we are truly thankful for her. McLemore’s prose continues to provide us with a story that keeps us reading for hours on end. This particular title isn’t as much a Snow White remake as it is a total overhaul. If you have never read or watched anything about Snow White, don’t bother and read this instead.
Infinity Son - Adam Silvera (HarperTeen, January 14)
Adam Silvera debuts his first-ever sci-fi adventure with Infinity Son. Follow the story of Emil and Brighton, two brothers that venture through New York City filled with envy that they don’t have any magical powers. However, as the war develops between those with magic and those that steal it, one of the brothers gets caught up in ways that none of them expected. It’s fast-paced and will have your fingers sore as you constantly flick from page to page.
Riot Baby - Tochi Onyebuchi (Tor.com Publishing, January 21)
Onyebuchi is one of the smartest sci-fi people, crafting an elegant and exciting world that has us wishing was real so could explore it ourselves. If we could, we’d encourage everyone in the world to sink into it. Don’t be surprised to see us on the streets handing out copies of Riot Baby to everyone that passes us by. It’s about the Black American experience and even though the systems work against us, there’s also love and hope.
The Unspoken Name - A.K. Larkwood (Tor Books, February 11)
Hot orcs - need we say more? Didn’t think so. Csorwe, the main protagonist in this adventure, thinks she knows she’s going to be sacrificed, things change when a mage gives her the choice to take a different path. Larkwood does a great job of capturing the imagination. Just when you think you haven’t got enough time to start yet another series, The Unspoken Name goes and makes you question everything you know. It’s an epic 2020 book.
Docile - K.M. Szpara (Tor.com Publishing, March 3)
Alright, here’s what you must know about this title. Docile is set in a future that seems a bit too close for comfort. Family members inherit a tonne of debt, but it can be wiped out through “servitude”. Elisha decides to become a Docile to Alex, the heir to the business producing the drug that controls Dociles. Read through a narrative of anti-capitalist and pro-human rights. All that’s left to say is be prepared for anything.
House of Earth - Blood by Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury, March 3)
Sarah J. Mass released her first adult series with House of Earth. It’s filled to the brim with adventure, magic and, of course, sexy romance. Bryce loves to party, but when her roommate Dani is murdered, her entire world changes. The case is eventually solved, but the murders start again a couple of years down the line, causing Bryce to get caught up in the investigation. Magical creatures, archangels, dark secrets; what more do you need?
The Electric Heir - Victoria Lee (Skyscape, March 17)
We couldn’t wait for Victoria Lee’s sequel to The Fever King. She is the queen of character development and knows a thing or two about how to create a tense situation. As the name suggests, The Electric Chair will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. Technopath Noam wants to overthrow the government to protect undocumented immigrants, providing us with an intriguing political storyline and, of course, magic. We highly recommend you read it.
The City We Became - N.K. Jemisin (Orbit, March 24)
An evil descending from ancient times? A New York City environment? Kids kicking ass left, right and centre? Hell yes! There’s literally nothing left to say except thanks to Jemisin for The City We Became.
Chosen Ones - Veronica Roth (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, April 7)
Being a superhero seems so easy. You have unreal powers, get to save the world and write your name into history forever - even in a post-apocalyptic world (great list here on the best books in this genre). But that’s not what Veronica Roth implies in Chosen Ones. A group of teenagers attempt to go back to normality after saving the world, but it’s far from simple. This is Roth’s first adult book and we were so excited to see how they deal with fame, trauma and everything else that comes with it. Needless to say, we weren’t disappointed.
The Last Emperox - John Scalzi (Tor Books, April 14)
The Last Emperox is the final instalment of John Scalzi’s space opera trilogy. Last month, we were finally able to find out what happened to Emperox Grayland. The story covers everything from the struggles of power and control to the emotions of sacrifice. It’s been a wild ride and will have you wishing it never had to end.
Incendiary - Zoraida Córdova (Disney-Hyperion, April 28)
Last, but certainly not least is Incendiary by Zoraida Córdova. It’s inspired by the Spanish Inquisition; Córdova has created a world of kings, thieves and everything else you need for an awesome epic sci-fi adventure. Follow Renata, a memory thief on a secret mission to save the lives of the land of Moria. As you’ll know from Córdova’s previous works, expect to immerse your mind in fascinating environments and slow-burning romances. For anyone new to sci-fi, this is a great sci-fi book to start your journey.
