What are the standout science fiction titles released this year? We will begin with two books that aren’t brand new, yet have recently been translated into English.

First up is ice by Jacek Dukaj, initially released in Poland in 2007 and met with critical acclaim. This alternate history takes place in early 1920s Europe, where a chilling winter has enveloped the land, possibly due to external forces. Our main character must travel on the Trans-Siberian Railway to uncover the truth.

This novel evokes a feeling similar to that of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. Imagine if Pullman’s trilogy were reimagined as classic Russian literature, enriched with darker themes and extended passages.

While I favor concise sentences, if you seek substantial and distinctly original science fiction, and aren’t deterred by lengthy yet rewarding narratives, this could be your perfect match.

The second title is Sea Beasts, penned by Iida Turpeinen, which made waves in Finland in 2023. More of a science-themed novel than pure science fiction, it is exquisitely written and much easier to read than Ice. This story discusses the natural world and environmental degradation through the lens of the extinct sea cow’s journey. It’s an ideal seasonal gift for any literary enthusiast who appreciates tales of exploration or early scientific discoveries from the 1700s.

Now, I want to bring attention to a captivating book that has been on my mind since the start of the year. For all science fiction fans, this is likely to catch your interest.

This year’s standout science fiction for me is Slow Gods, the debut sci-fi novel from renowned author Claire North.

Recently, new science fiction works are often likened to those of the late Iain M. Banks, as publishers recognize the fanbase eager for such tales. While direct comparisons might be tenuous, Slow Gods certainly has the ambition and creativity to warrant such praise.

For those who enjoy classic science fiction narratives, I would also suggest Here and Beyond, which tells a captivating story reminiscent of the Generational Ark, authored by Hal LaCroix.

What We Can Know by Ian McEwan, while not strictly science fiction, is set in a sunken vision of Britain, qualifying it as speculative and environmental dystopia. This makes it a worthwhile read even if you’re not typically a fan of McEwan, as many of its themes linger long after you finish.

Another unique and speculative debut is Simply Put, It’s Beautiful, from Roz Dineen, who is gaining a lot of traction in the UK right now.

If you’re interested in short stories and essays within science fiction, I highly recommend View from the Stars, authored by the renowned Liu Cixin, known for The Three-Body Problem. This collection showcases both fiction and nonfiction, demonstrating Liu’s talent as a writer and thinker.

Regarding futuristic technology, I found Somebody Like Me by Lucy Lapinska (which examines robot rights) and Every Version of You by Grace Chan (a fresh perspective on humanity in a digital future) to be particularly appealing.

In conclusion, for a gift opportunity for an aspiring science fiction enthusiast, I revisited three timeless classics this year that have aged gracefully: The Prestige by Christopher Priest (Emotionally Complex Puzzles), Neuromancer by William Gibson (The book that sparked the Cyberpunk movement, still profoundly relevant), and The Draco Tavern by Larry Niven (a series of interconnected short stories filled with unexpected concepts).

I hope you all find joy in your reading adventures!

Emily H. Wilson is the author of Sumerian, a trilogy of historical fantasy novels set in the ancient civilization of Sumer. She is currently working on her debut science fiction novel.