Science fiction reading guide
Space travel, inter-species politics, adventure and more - explore possible futures and alien worlds.
Science fiction is a genre that mixes the purely imaginative with serious science content. Many science fiction novels are now considered classics, not just of the genre itself but of literature generally.
From a time machine built in Victorian England, to man-made machinery taking on an intelligence of its own, to social commentary on politics and the nature of humanity, science fiction presents the reader with a version of the universe as it could be.
Prefer magic to science? Try our Fantasy fiction reading guide.
Science fiction reading lists
Science fiction - eBooks and eAudiobooks
A curated list of the best sci-fi novels available through Libby and OverDrive -alien worlds, inter-species politics, and space travel.
Science fiction sub-genre lists
Feminist science fiction
Powerful critiques of the dominant culture, imagining far futures and alternate worlds - utopian, dystopian and skewed.
Humorous Science fiction
Satire, sarcasm, pure silliness... there will be something here to tickle everyone's funny bone.
Science Fiction - Classics
The 'SF Masterworks' series is dedicated to reprinting some of the best sci-fi stories - authors and titles truly stand the test of time.
Science fiction - Graphic Novels
Sci-fi stories from the near future to far flung galaxies, interstellar travel, cyborgs, alien encounters and space warfare.
Time travel, parallel worlds & alternate histories
We’re all travelling forwards through time at a constant rate of exactly one second per second, but what if things were different?
Science fiction - Space Opera
Whether it be intergalactic travel, deep space warfare, or alien encounters expect storytelling on a grand scale.
Social Science Fiction
Social Science Fiction blends otherworldly epic story-telling with critical social commentary.
Hard Science fiction
The sub-genre that puts the ‘science’ in ‘Science Fiction’. These stories have high levels of scientific and technical accuracy.
Science Fiction - Cyberpunk
If you're into worlds where hackers, artificial intelligence and shady megacorporations coexist, these are the books for you.
Science fiction - Alien Invasion
The alien invasion genre stems the fear of discovering ourselves lower on the food chain. Who will win? us or them?
Short Stories - Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy
A selection of short fiction anthologies by influential authors of science fiction, fantasy and horror.
Military Science Fiction
These are big stories, most are the beginning of larger series - you’ll find action, adventure, and camaraderie.
Science Fiction - Survival & Exploration
On dangerous alien worlds our heroes must use every ounce of their judgement and intellect to keep themselves and the human race alive.
New Zealand Science Fiction
A selection of titles celebrating Sci-fi born from the minds of talented New Zealand authors.
LGBTQIA+ Fiction - Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Stories about LGBTQIA+ characters set in sci-fi or fantasy worlds. Dark drama, worlds filled with magic, and more!
Sci-fi Horror
What could be more terrifying than the unknown threat of a dominant species from the depths of space? It all looks bad for us puny humans.
New for You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - November 2024
An eclectic mix of the latest Fantasy and Sci-fi fiction. Find epic otherworldly tales, offworld adventures, and magical settings.
New For You - Fantasy & Sci-Fi - October 2024
An eclectic mix of Fantasy and Sci-fi fiction. Filled with epic otherworldly tales, there’s something for everyone.
New For You - Fantasy & Sci-Fi - September 2024
An eclectic mix of Fantasy and Sci-fi fiction. Filled with epic otherworldly tales, there’s something for everyone.
New For You - Fantasy & Sci-Fi - August 2024
An eclectic mix of Fantasy and Sci-fi fiction - find the newest epic otherworldly tales.
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Authors of science fiction:
Award-winning science fiction
Award winning sci-fi
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Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
