Best Alternate History Science Fiction Books of 2026

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is a captivating family saga that takes readers on a journey through the glitz and glam of old Hollywood and modern-day showbiz. Crystal Smith Paul's debut novel explores the complexities of family, race, and gender through the lens of the St. John sisters, three young Black women who inherit the estate of white Hollywood icon Kitty Karr Tate. As Elise St. John delves into Kitty's past, she uncovers unexpected family ties and controversial secrets that threaten to unravel everything. This sprawling page-turner is a must-read for fans of family saga fiction.

Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution, written by R. F. Kuang, is a thought-provoking and brilliantly written book that challenges the reader to think about the power of language and translation. Set in the 19th century, the story follows Robin Swift, a Chinese boy who is brought to London and trained in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for his enrollment in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. As he navigates the world of translation and magic, Robin finds himself caught between serving Babel and his loyalty to his motherland. The book is a thematic response to The Secret History and a tonal retort to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, making it a unique and captivating read.

The Electric State is a visually stunning, post-apocalyptic science fiction story that follows a teenage girl and her robot on a cross-country journey through a world littered with the ruins of battle drones and the remnants of a high-tech, virtual-reality-obsessed society. The haunting illustrations and emotionally rich storytelling make this a standout addition to any science fiction or art collection. The open-ended conclusion leaves readers with a sense of awe and wonder at the potential for rebirth and renewal in a world that has committed suicide. This book is a unique and captivating read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Labyrinth by Simon Stålenhag is a thrilling sci-fi apocalypse tale that takes readers on a journey to a world of ruin and vengeance. The story follows a group of scientists and a young boy named Charlie as they venture to a remote bunker to study world-ending phenomena. As they face isolation and claustrophobia, they must confront their own past and the societal issues that led to the apocalypse. Stålenhag's stunning illustrations add depth to the story, making it a must-read for fans of conceptual arts books.

TERRA-INFINITA is an alternate history science fiction book that tells the story of a woman from the "Ancestral Republic" who reveals secrets about extraterrestrial worlds and their civilizations. This woman, daughter of a navigator, shares information that was hidden from us for a long time. Readers will discover human history before the Last Reset and what happened to her father when he returned to our lands. The book promises to change everything. The unique perspective and storytelling make this book a must-read for fans of science fiction and alternate history.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi is a thrilling fantasy action and adventure book by Shannon Chakraborty. Set a thousand years before The City of Brass, it follows the story of Amina al-Sirafi, a former notorious pirate who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue a kidnapped girl. As she delves deeper, she realizes that there is more to the job than she was led to believe. Chakraborty's storytelling is impeccable, creating a world of magic, mayhem, pirates, and sorcerers that is impossible to resist. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure story with a hint of the supernatural.

The Navigator Who Crossed the Ice Walls: Worlds Beyond the Antarctica is an intriguing occult fiction book that takes readers on a journey of discovery. The story follows navigator William Morris as he sets out to explore the waters surrounding the Antarctic Circle, only to stumble upon other lands and civilizations beyond. Through his journey, Morris discovers a reality that challenges his understanding of humanity's past and future, ultimately leading him to discover other worlds beyond Antarctica and, most importantly, himself. This unique journey of self-discovery is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the unknown.

11/22/63: A Novel is a suspense thriller book by Stephen King that takes readers on a thrilling journey through time. The story is about Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who travels back in time to prevent the JFK assassination. The book is a thousand-page tour de force that keeps readers on their toes with escalating suspense and a beautiful love story. Stephen King's writing is epic, and the book is a tribute to a simpler era. If you're a fan of suspense thrillers, this book is a must-read.

The Lands of Mars: 178 Worlds Under the Great Dome is an alternate history science fiction book that takes readers on a journey to explore the hidden books about the lands beyond the ICE WALLS. The book is a collection of stories about the origin of Martians and the ancestral expeditions of humans who live behind the Ice Walls. It contains fascinating chapters that explore the source of information from other worlds, the concept of Mars as a great zoo, and the dark information hidden behind the Great Dome. The unique inclusion of a Mars map makes this book an exciting read for science fiction enthusiasts.

This edition features George Orwell's two best-known novels, "Animal Farm" and "1984," both of which are widely regarded as essential classics in the literary canon. "Animal Farm" is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, in which the animals of Manor Farm overthrow their human owner and establish a democratic society. However, the pigs Napoleon, Squealer, and Snowball emerge as leaders and transform the society in a way that proves disastrous. "1984" is a bleak and dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society, where individual thought and freedom are suppressed. Both books are thought-provoking and continue to resonate with readers today.