Best Genetic Engineering Science Fiction Books of 2025

Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is a remarkable classic of world literature that provides a profound vision of a future society where humans are genetically engineered, socially conditioned, and drugged to keep them passive and obedient. Huxley's masterpiece is a thought-provoking work of literature that has both enthralled and terrified millions of readers. It remains relevant today as a warning about the dangers of authoritarianism, mass entertainment, and the influence of elites. This edition from Harper Perennial is a must-read for anyone concerned with preserving the human spirit.

"Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton is a thrilling science fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through a theme park of cloned dinosaurs. The discovery of a technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has made humankind's most thrilling fantasies come true. However, when something goes wrong, the park becomes a nightmare. Crichton's masterful storytelling and scientific knowledge make for an electrifying technothriller that is both frighteningly realistic and full of suspense. Overall, "Jurassic Park" is a classic novel that has withstood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its unique premise and thrilling plot.

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.

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.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a thrilling science fiction novel that follows the story of a young boy named Ender Wiggin, who is recruited by government agencies to become a soldier and defend against a hostile alien race. The book explores themes of isolation, rivalry, and the fear of becoming like one's enemies. Card's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. The book's unique premise and execution make it a must-read for fans of the science fiction genre.

The Institute by Stephen King is a suspenseful novel that tells the story of Luke Ellis, a young boy who is kidnapped in the middle of the night and taken to a sinister institution called The Institute. There, he discovers other children with special abilities who are being used for their gifts. As Luke tries to escape, he realizes that no one has ever left The Institute alive. With the same level of creepiness and terror as Firestarter and It, The Institute is a chilling and touching novel that will captivate readers until the very end.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is a timeless classic that offers a dystopian vision of a future where humans are genetically bred, socially indoctrinated, and pharmaceutically anesthetized to uphold an authoritarian ruling order. This Harper Perennial edition also includes the full text of Brave New World Revisited, Huxley's 1958 nonfiction follow-up to the original novel. Huxley's genius lies in his ability to paint a vivid picture of a world that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in preserving the human spirit in the face of a "brave new world".

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.

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.

The One by John Marrs, a USA Today bestseller and Wall Street Journal Best Science Fiction Book of 2018, explores a world where a simple DNA test can match you with your soulmate. The discovery has disrupted the traditional ideas of dating, romance, and love, leading to the breakup of countless relationships. The novel follows five people who have been matched with their true love, but not all is as it seems. Marrs' engrossing and believable thriller raises intriguing questions about our science-tinged future. The One is a fascinating novel that shows how even the simplest discoveries can have complicated consequences.