Can you believe it’s already 2024? That means many things to many people, but most important to me are the books coming out in the new year. There are certainly a lot of them, but today, I’m focusing on the upcoming science fiction books of 2024. Read on to get a glimpse at the fascinating new worlds coming our way.
January
The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler – January 16
In a Moscow where mammoths once again face extinction, the only solution is to implant the late Dr. Damira Khismatullina’s consciousness into a mammoth’s brain. An expert in elephant behavior, she can teach them survival skills and protect them from poachers. As Damira navigates her strange new existence and investigates her own murder, questions arise about the true purpose behind the mammoths’ revival.
The Tusks of Extinction introduces a wild premise, blending science fiction and environmental intrigue into a fascinating narrative. Ray Nayler raises questions about the ethics and motives of human interference in nature and extinct species in a way that will keep readers thinking.
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Exordia by Seth Dickinson – January 23
Anna Sinjari is both a refugee and a dissatisfied office worker. After a close encounter leads humanity to the brink of disaster, she joins a diverse team of civilians, soldiers, and scientists to investigate a mysterious broadcast and confront an unknowable horror. Together, they must confront their demons to save the world from impending doom.
At the same time challenging, smart and fun, Exordia is a unique new science fiction novel. Full of narrative shifts and questions of moral philosophy, Seth Dickinson has pulled out all the stops.
A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen – January 30
Neuroscientist Mariana Pineda finds herself stuck in a time loop while grieving her best friend’s death. After a chance encounter with the mysterious Carter Cho, the two relive the same four days over and over. But as Carter’s memories of the loop start fading, Mariana realizes their only chance at happiness is to break free from the cycle permanently.
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Mike Chen is the king of January releases. I’ve loved starting the last few years off with one of his unique new novels. A Quantum Love Story is no exception – with a refreshing twist on time loops and a hint of romance, this book is truly special.
February
Redsight by Meredith Mooring – February 27
Korinna is a Redseer, a blind priestess with the ability to manipulate space-time. Raised to believe she’s the weakest in her order, she discovers her true destiny and power when chosen as a navigator on an Imperium ship. When the pirate Aster Haran attacks the ship, Korinna is torn between her loyalty to the Imperium and her new relationship with Aster. With the might of the Imperium pursuing them, Korinna must navigate her powers and choose a side to either fulfill her destiny or risk the galaxy’s future and the fabric of space-time itself.
Meredith Mooring’s gothic space opera already has comparisons to Gideon the Ninth, one of my all-time favorite books. I can’t wait to check out Redsight.
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March
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley – March 19
In the aftermath of a catastrophe on Earth, January, a former principal in London’s Royal Ballet, became a refugee on the Mars colony, Tharsis. Due to his status as an Earthstronger, someone whose body can’t adjust to the lower gravity on Mars, January faces discrimination and limited choices. When xenophobic politician Aubrey Gale proposes a media-friendly marriage to address their individual problems, January reluctantly agrees But as the alliance reveals Gale’s true nature, January comes entangled in a dangerous game with an adversary willing to destroy all of Tharsis.
The Mars House is perfect for fans of Everina Maxwell’s Winter’s Orbit. Natasha Pulley’s newest science fiction book is a fascinating foray into a new genre for the author.
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April
Lake of Souls by Ann Leckie – April 2
With stories set in the worlds of The Imperial Radch series and The Raven Tower alongside groundbreaking new realms, Lake of Souls is the first complete collection of Ann Leckie’s short fiction. It even includes a brand-new novelette, Lake of Souls. The collection is immersive and wide-ranging, perfect for every Leckie fan.
May
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley – May 7
In a near-future government project, a civil servant gets the offer of a lifetime: a dream salary and the chance to work as a “bridge” for time-traveling historical figures. Her focus assignment is Commander Graham Gore from a doomed 1800s Arctic expedition. As the bridge and Gore navigate the complexities of the modern world, however, they fall desperately in love, resulting in catastrophic consequences they could have never imagined.
The cast of characters truly shines in The Ministry of Time. Between a Tinder-obsessed 17th-century cinephile, a shy World War I captain and more, Kaliane Bradley’s debut novel is sure to stand among the best quirky science-fiction novels.
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The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller – May 7
After a bad breakup, Wendy struggles to find her place in the queer community as her ex hooks up with all of her friends. Things go from bad to worse, however, when people begin transforming into violent, mindless husks. Wendy must team up with friends and frenemies including a drag queen, a sword lesbian couple and even her ex to survive and protect the Pride festival.
The Z Word is a funny yet emotional horror debut. Lindsay King-Miller’s queer zombie novel is full of found family and romance alongside political corruption and terrifying monsters.
Space Oddity by Catherynne M. Valente – May 7
The Metagalactic Grand Prix is back. Part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant and part concert extravaganza, the fate of humanity once again hangs in the balance. With the rest of the universe out to get them, who will take up the new mantle of hero?
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In this unexpected sequel to Space Opera, humanity returns to the greatest competition the galaxy has ever seen. There’s no word yet on whether Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes will make an encore appearance in Space Oddity. However, I’m still excited to see what Catherynne M. Valente does next.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton – May 21
In a secluded island paradise safe from the deadly fog plaguing the outside world, 122 villagers and three scientists peacefully coexist. But when one of the scientists is brutally murdered, it triggers a lowering of the defenses that keep the fog at bay. With a 92-hour deadline to solve the murder and prevent the island’s demise, the security system erases everyone’s memories of the crucial night, leaving an unwitting murderer among them. The race against time becomes a battle for survival, as the islanders must unravel the mystery before the fog consumes them all.
While it’s still months away, Stuart Turton’s high-concept new murder mystery is already getting plenty of buzz. Part psychological thriller, part survival tale, The Last Murder at the End of the World is sure to stick with readers long after they’re done.
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June
Rakesfall by Vajra Chandrasekera – June 18
Annelid and Leveret met after war, but before peace. As they navigate a destroyed nation and a demon-haunted wood, their souls persist on a journey throughout time. In every lifetime, however, oppressors shape reality and witches threaten to destroy everything.
Following two souls across endless lifetimes, Rakesfall promises to push the boundaries of science fiction. You may have already heard how much I loved Vajra Chandrasekera’s debut The Saint of Bright Doors. As a result, it won’t be a surprise that this is absolutely my most anticipated science fiction book of 2024.
August
The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey – August 6
The Carryx is both empire and hive-mind. Having conquered the galaxy for centuries, they find themselves up against an unexpected, deathless enemy. In desperation, the Carryx turn to an unlikely source of survival, stealing the best and brightest humans of Anjiin society to serve on the Caryyx homeworld, Plunged into a ruthless competition for survival against other captive species, an assistant scientist named Dafyd must navigate a complex game if he wants to survive. Swept up in events beyond his control, Dafyd will become both humanity’s champion – and its betrayer.
RELATED: Read our recaps for The Expanse!
There aren’t any reviews out yet for The Mercy of Gods. However, if The Expanse series is anything to go by, James S.A. Corey’s follow-up is destined to be an epic, far-reaching space adventure.
These science-fiction adventures are just a few of the many, many new stories coming out in 2024. Which are you most excited to read? Let us know below, and keep an eye out for more upcoming book lists.
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