Best Time Travel Fiction Books of 2026

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is a HUGO AWARD WINNER for Best Novella and a Nebula and Locus Award Winner. The book is a masterfully written science fiction romance that tells the story of two time-traveling agents from warring factions who fall in love and risk everything to change the past to secure their future. The novel is a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and science fiction that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The clever use of language and intricate wordplay makes this book a must-read for anyone who loves a good science fiction romance novel.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a heartwarming novel that explores the choices that make life worth living. Nora Seed, the protagonist, finds herself in a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. She is given the opportunity to explore the lives she could have lived if she had made different choices. This book is a beautiful reminder that every choice we make has the power to change our lives. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered "what if?".

Sea of Tranquility is a gripping novel that takes readers on a time-traveling journey from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a moon colony 500 years in the future. The story follows the lives of various characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways, revealing the impact of their actions across centuries and space. The novel's exploration of art, love, and plague adds depth to the richly imagined world, while the author's skillful prose elevates the speculative fiction genre. Overall, Sea of Tranquility is a thought-provoking and satisfying read that showcases the author's talent for storytelling.

Kindred by Octavia Butler is a visionary time-travel classic that explores the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now. The protagonist, Dana, is a Black woman who is pulled through time to face the horrors of American slavery and protect her Black ancestor's assault. Butler infuses one of speculative fiction's oldest tropes with lasting depth and power. The book is a controlled and precise narrative that depicts the cruelties of slavery without being gratuitous. The book's unique perspective and powerful storytelling make it a must-read for anyone interested in African American women's fiction.

"Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Novel" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is an internationally bestselling literary fiction book that explores the idea of time travel in a unique and heartwarming way. Set in a small café in Tokyo, the book follows four customers who visit the café in the hope of traveling back in time. However, there are rules that must be followed, and the trip can only last as long as it takes for the coffee to get cold. The narrative is deeply moving, and the author has a surprising ability to find lasting emotional resonance. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to feel connected right now."

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig is a captivating novel that tells the story of Tom Hazard, a 41-year-old history teacher who has been alive for centuries. From Elizabethan England to Jazz-Age Paris, Tom has seen it all, and he must keep changing his identity to stay alive. However, falling in love could expose his dangerous secret. The book is a delightful blend of romance, philosophy, and history that keeps readers engaged until the end. Overall, How to Stop Time is a well-written and unique literary fiction book that is definitely worth reading.

This Time Tomorrow is a heartwarming novel that explores the question of what could happen if you could travel back in time and change your past. Emma Straub's story follows Alice, who wakes up on her 16th birthday in 1996, with her father still alive and healthy. As Alice navigates her way through her old life, she gains a new perspective on her own life and the relationships she has. This book is an exceptional take on time travel tropes and a different kind of love story. Straub's writing is poignant, and her characters are relatable. This Time Tomorrow is a must-read for anyone who loves family life fiction books.

Warrior of the Light: A Manual by Paulo Coelho is an inspirational companion to his international bestseller, The Alchemist. The book invites readers to embrace the uncertainty of life, accept failure, and rise to their unique destiny. Coelho's inimitable style helps bring out the warrior of the light within each of us. This book is a must-read for those seeking fulfillment and joy on their life journey. HarperOne has once again published an exceptional book that is sure to inspire and motivate readers.

Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time by Sharon Higley is a must-read for those who pursue a creative life. The story follows Kelsey Willoughby, a bookshop owner who stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party. She suspects that the enigmatic guests hold the key to saving her bookshop and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins. The book is filled with evocative prose and a deeply-embedded mystery that immerses readers in a delicious adventure of creativity and the arts. With its exploration of the deepest motives for creating and the barriers that keep us from it, Nightfall In the Garden of Deep Time is a compelling and unique read.