Science fiction is a genre of speculative fiction that features futuristic concepts, scientific development, and technological advancement as the framework for its creative plotlines. Rather than focusing on magic systems/magical elements, divine intervention, or mystical realms like fantasy authors, sci-fi is rooted in scientific concepts as an explanation for their world building and abilities. While fantasy books might have similar concepts like telekinesis or faster than light travel, sci-fi authors root their explanation in technological advancements or ideas like advanced physics rather than inherent magical ability.

Whether confronting alien invasions or discovering alien nanotech, traversing the universe/multiverse, navigating time travel, facing off against or embracing robots and artificial intelligence, grappling with consequences of scientific experiments, or something along those lines, sci-fi asks readers to expand their mind with the question of what if? What are the limits of human potential and progress? What impact could technological advancements have on the world if we continue rapidly developing them? If AI can feel, does it deserve rights? Do you have a right to refuse the purpose you were created for? Can morality survive in a world vastly different from our current one? What about love or loyalty?

Sci-fi explores what it means to be human (or otherwise) in a future that’s been shaped by science, exploring the unknown and existing on the edge of enormous future possibilities. It doesn’t just ask readers to predict future outcomes for scientific breakthroughs — it asks readers to examine these possible outcomes from an ethical standpoint, from a humanity standpoint, from an identity standpoint. It asks readers to grasp on to a sense of adventure through exploration, sense of wonder over the vast possibilities of tomorrow, (particularly for YA sci-fi) grasp onto a sense of hope about the outcome, or possibly face humanity’s most visceral fears in the face of an unflinchingly indifferent universe.

Whether you’re an avid sci-fi reader or are just looking to get started with the genre, here are some great choices to add to your TBR for 2026.