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 time travel to man-made machinery taking on an intelligence of its own, to social commentary and explorations on 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 - New & Trending
Fresh titles from the past year and buzzy favourites trending on social media and bestseller charts - the most out-of-this-world reads.
Science fiction sub-genre lists
Science Fiction - Essential Reading
Combining classics and more recent titles, an essential list of genre-defining and influential novels for every science fiction reader.
Science Fiction - Hidden Gems
Under the radar sci-fi novels that deserve wider attention, waiting to be discovered by curious readers with their heads in the stars.
New Zealand Science Fiction
Home-grown sci-fi speculating about possible futures or examining New Zealand's issues of today in hypothetical scenarios.
LGBTQIA+ Science Fiction and Fantasy
Be transported to another world - dazzling stories of LGBTQIA+ characters in fantasy and sci-fi settings with incredible world-building.
Epic Science Fiction
Sweeping sci-fi novels that shine in their intricate and extensive world-building, large-scale conflicts, and sagas that span generations.
Dystopian & Social Science Fiction
Thought-provoking sci-fi that reveals our existential and societal concerns through worlds that imagine the future that may await us.
Space Travel & Survival Science Fiction
These awe-inspiring novels examine what happens when humankind explores the universe, or when creatures from other galaxies come to us.
Alternate Reality Science Fiction
Prepare to question our place in the world with mind-bending sci-fi that explores time travel, alternate universes, and rewritten histories.
Horror & Thriller Science Fiction
Pulse-pounding sci-fi novels that incorporate horror or thriller elements to bring our darkest fears to life in "what-if" scenarios.
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.
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Science Fiction - New & Trending
Fresh titles from the past year and buzzy favourites trending on social media and bestseller charts - the most out-of-this-world reads.
Science Fiction - Essential Reading
Combining classics and more recent titles, an essential list of genre-defining and influential novels for every science fiction reader.
Science Fiction - Hidden Gems
Under the radar sci-fi novels that deserve wider attention, waiting to be discovered by curious readers with their heads in the stars.
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.
Science Fiction - New & Trending
Fresh titles from the past year and buzzy favourites trending on social media and bestseller charts - the most out-of-this-world reads.
Science Fiction - Essential Reading
Combining classics and more recent titles, an essential list of genre-defining and influential novels for every science fiction reader.
Science Fiction - Hidden Gems
Under the radar sci-fi novels that deserve wider attention, waiting to be discovered by curious readers with their heads in the stars.
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Authors of science fiction:
Award-winning science fiction
Award winning sci-fi
Find science fiction titles in the catalogue
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Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.