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.
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.
New For You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - February 2025
Whether you like your fiction fuelled by magic or advanced technology, you'll find great new reads in this list.
New For You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - January 2025
Whether you like your fiction fuelled by magic or advanced technology, you'll find great new reads in this list.
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.
Djunaidi's Best TV of 2024 in book form
Annoyed by not having access to all those expensive streaming services? Read the books that the top TV shows of 2024 are based on instead!
New For You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - February 2025
Whether you like your fiction fuelled by magic or advanced technology, you'll find great new reads in this list.
New For You - Sci Fi & Fantasy - January 2025
Whether you like your fiction fuelled by magic or advanced technology, you'll find great new reads in this list.
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.
Djunaidi's Best TV of 2024 in book form
Annoyed by not having access to all those expensive streaming services? Read the books that the top TV shows of 2024 are based on instead!
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.
