Best Exploration Science Fiction Books of 2025

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a stunning example of hard science fiction. The novel follows the last remnants of humanity as they search for a new home on a terraformed planet, but find themselves in a battle for survival against a new, evolved civilization. Tchaikovsky's worldbuilding is unparalleled, creating a complex and believable ecosystem, complete with its own history and conflicts. The characters are well-developed, and the story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Children of Time is a must-read for any science fiction fan, and a standout in the genre.

The Martian by Andy Weir is a thrilling science fiction novel that tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is stranded on Mars and must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive. The book is a celebration of human resilience and the power of science. Weir's attention to technical details makes the story believable, and his humor adds a touch of levity to the otherwise tense situations. Overall, The Martian is a must-read for fans of science fiction and adventure, and it offers an authentic portrayal of the future of space travel.

Children of Memory is an extraordinary space opera that continues the story of humanity's fight for survival on a terraformed planet. Adrian Tchaikovsky's intensely detailed and handily researched saga creates a deeply immersive narrative, spanning generations, species and galaxies. The novel is rich in wisdom and humanity, with a Stapledonian sweep and grandeur, making it a magnificent read. The book's big ideas and spectacular set pieces are underpinned by great ideas, making it a hugely satisfying sequel. Children of Memory is a must-read for anyone who enjoys sweeping, evolutionary-scale stories that feel classic without being mired in the past.

The final novel in James S.A. Corey’s epic science fiction series, Leviathan Falls, brings an end to the Laconian Empire and sets free the thirteen hundred solar systems from Winston Duarte's rule. However, the ancient enemy that killed the gate builders is awake, and the war against humanity has begun once again. As unimaginable forces prepare to annihilate all human life, James Holden and his crew, along with a group of unlikely allies, discover a last, desperate chance to unite all of humanity. This book is an all-time genre classic and a must-read for science fiction adventure fans.

Children of Ruin is a gripping sequel to the award-winning novel, Children of Time. The story follows humanity's journey to find their cousins from old Earth after detecting fragmentary radio signals between the stars. However, the ancient terraformers' decisions on the planet Nod have been lost to time, and waking something better left undisturbed could prove catastrophic. The novel is a sublime mix of plot twists, spectacular set pieces, and great ideas, all underpinned by a deeply immersive narrative. Tchaikovsky's ability to make arcane scenes and concepts vividly transparent contributes to a winning tale. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys sweeping, evolutionary-scale stories.

Death's End is the thrilling conclusion to the Three-Body Problem trilogy and a must-read for fans of hard science fiction. The story takes place half a century after the Doomsday Battle, where Earth and Trisolaris have reached an uneasy balance. But when aerospace engineer Cheng Xin awakens from hibernation, her knowledge of a long-forgotten program may upset this delicate balance. Will humanity reach for the stars or die in its cradle? With a unique blend of scientific and philosophical speculation, politics, and history, this book is a true masterpiece of the genre.

Annihilation is a Nebula Award-winning novel that tells the story of the twelfth expedition to Area X, a mysterious island cut off from the rest of the continent for decades. The expedition is made up of four women with different disciplines, and their mission is to map the terrain, record their observations, and avoid being contaminated by Area X. However, what they discover changes everything, and secrets among the expedition members begin to unravel.

Horus Rising (1) (The Horus Heresy) is the first novel in the bestselling Horus Heresy series. The book tells the story of Warmaster Horus, who tries to carry out the Emperor's grand design while the seeds of heresy and rebellion have been sowed amongst his brothers. Written by Dan Abnett, the book has received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling and vivid characters. The re-release of the mass market edition is a must-read for science fiction adventure fans, especially those interested in the Games Workshop brand. Overall, Horus Rising is an excellent start to a fantastic series that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Eisenhorn: The Omnibus is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts. This omnibus follows the career of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, a zealous upholder of the truth turned collaborator with the very powers he once swore to destroy. Gaunt’s Ghosts creator, Dan Abnett, masterfully blends detective story and interplanetary epic in this omnibus, which includes the novels Xenos, Malleus, Hereticus, and The Magos, as well as four short stories. Abnett’s writing is engaging and captivating, making the reader feel invested in the characters and their journey. Overall, this omnibus is a great addition to any science fiction collection.

How High We Go in the Dark is a spellbinding literary fiction novel that follows a cast of interconnected characters over hundreds of years in a world devastated by a climate plague. The novel offers psychological insights in lyrical prose while seriously exploring speculative conceits. The author's mind-bending imagination and thought-provoking ideas make for a haunting and luminous read that fans of Cloud Atlas and Station Eleven will appreciate. This debut novel is a daring and deeply heartfelt work that showcases a singular new voice in the literary world.