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
LGBTQIA+ Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Like stories based around awesome environments, and cool, interesting characters? Grab one of these and get transported into another world!
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.
Military Science Fiction
These are big stories, most are the beginning of larger series - you’ll find action, adventure, and camaraderie.
Science Fiction - Space Exploration & Alien Invasion
From travelling in space to alien invasions on home turf, these reads explore what could happen when humanity makes contact with alien life.
New Zealand Science Fiction
A selection of titles celebrating Sci-fi born from the minds of talented New Zealand authors.
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.
Return to reading lists
Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.
Return to Reading: Science fiction
These stories explore futuristic worlds, complex characters, and mind-bending twists that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Return to Reading: New Adult Sci-Fi
Dive into a thrilling sci-fi adventure where technology and humanity collide.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
SarahP's best of 2025
Some of Sarah's all time favourite books. it's been a great year for fiction. A mix of sci-fi, general fiction and mystery/thrillers.
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Best of 2025
What reads and watches did library staff enjoy this year? Tell us your favourites and go in the draw to win a readers bundle.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
SarahP's best of 2025
Some of Sarah's all time favourite books. it's been a great year for fiction. A mix of sci-fi, general fiction and mystery/thrillers.
New this week
Every week we publish just ordered, new fiction, and new non-fiction lists. Find out the newest titles added to the library collection.
Best of 2025
What reads and watches did library staff enjoy this year? Tell us your favourites and go in the draw to win a readers bundle.
Find great reads:
Authors of science fiction:
Award-winning science fiction
Award winning sci-fi
Find science fiction titles in the catalogue
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.