The year in science fiction delivered a mix of long-awaited translations, standout debuts, and enduring classics. This isn’t just about new releases; it’s about works that resonated deeply and expanded the boundaries of the genre.
Rediscovered Gems: International Arrivals
Two books finally available in English after years of acclaim abroad deserve immediate attention. Jacek Dukaj’s Ice (originally published 2007) presents an alternative 1920s Europe gripped by an alien winter. It is a challenging, immersive read, reminiscent of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, but with a darker, more literary sensibility. Expect long, complex sentences and a slow burn — this is a novel for readers who embrace intellectual rigor.
Equally compelling is Iida Turpeinen’s Beasts of the Sea (originally published 2023). This Finnish sensation blends science and fiction, exploring environmental destruction through the tragic fate of the Steller’s sea cow. It’s a beautifully written, accessible narrative that feels both timely and historically grounded.
Why this matters: The delayed English releases highlight the importance of translation in sci-fi. These aren’t just late arrivals; they’re proof that the genre’s most innovative voices aren’t confined by language barriers.
The Year’s Standouts: New Voices and Familiar Territory
Among the new releases, Claire North’s Slow Gods emerges as a standout. Comparisons to Iain M. Banks are justified: this novel possesses the same breadth, ambition, and sheer imaginative force. It’s a bold, genre-bending work that doesn’t shy away from scale or complexity.
For those who prefer classic space opera, Hal LaCroix’s Here and Beyond delivers a satisfying generation ship story. Meanwhile, Ian McEwan’s What We Can Know offers a bleak but compelling vision of a drowned future England. Even readers unfamiliar with McEwan’s work will find this dystopian tale hauntingly effective.
Roz Dineen’s Briefly Very Beautiful is another dystopian standout, imagining a sweltering, heat-ravaged UK. Both What We Can Know and Briefly Very Beautiful serve as stark warnings about environmental collapse, proving that sci-fi can be both speculative and deeply relevant.
Collections and Future Tech
For those seeking shorter-form excellence, Cixin Liu’s A View from the Stars offers a brilliant mix of fiction and non-fiction essays. Liu’s thought-provoking work reaffirms his position as one of the genre’s most important voices.
On the future-tech front, Lucy Lapinska’s Somebody Like Me (robot rights) and Grace Chan’s Every Version of You (digital futures) offer fresh perspectives on humanity’s evolving relationship with technology.
Timeless Classics: The Foundation of Sci-Fi
Three older titles proved their enduring quality in 2025. Christopher Priest’s The Prestige remains a mind-bending puzzle, William Gibson’s Neuromancer continues to define cyberpunk, and Larry Niven’s The Draco Tavern offers a wealth of interconnected, imaginative short stories. These are essential reads for anyone looking to understand the roots of modern sci-fi.
In conclusion, the best sci-fi of 2025 isn’t just about new ideas; it’s about the fusion of international perspectives, bold experimentation, and timeless themes. Whether you prefer challenging literary works or fast-paced space operas, this year offered something for every reader.
Emily H. Wilson is the author of The Sumerians trilogy, historical fantasy novels set in Sumer. She is currently working on her first sci-fi novel
