Top Science Fiction Books of 2026: New Releases by Anne Leckie and Adrian Tchaikovsky

<p>2026 is poised to be an exceptional year for <strong>science fiction</strong>, with exciting new releases every month. Recent announcements have already made it clear that there’s plenty to look forward to in this vibrant genre.</p>

<p>January kicks off with new releases from notable authors. Peter F. Hamilton's <a href="https://tantor.com/a-hole-in-the-sky-peter-f-hamilton.html"><b><i>Empty Hole</i></b></a>, the first book in the *Ark Trilogy*, marks a fresh approach for the prolific writer. Aimed at younger readers, this novel features a teenage girl's perspective, offering a straightforward narrative different from Hamilton’s usual complex stories.</p>

<p>All three books in the series are set for publication this year— the second in June and the third in December— creating anticipation among fans.</p>

<p>The other major release is <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/vigil-9781526624307/"><b><i>Stay Up All Night</i></b></a> by George Saunders, whose acclaimed work *Lincoln in the Bardo* won the 2017 Booker Prize. Although not traditional science fiction, this novel, categorized as climate change fiction, revolves around the death of an oil tycoon and promises intriguing themes.</p>

<p>February will bring several interesting titles, including <a href="https://torpublishinggroup.com/the-forest-on-the-edge-of-time/?isbn=9781250376831&amp;format=hardback"><b><i>Forest at the End of Time</i></b></a>, by Jasmine Kirkbride, labeled as a “time-travel climate novel.” Readers can also look for Matthew Cressel's <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250392442/therainseekers/"><b><i>Rain Seekers</i></b></a>, which explores the first rain on Mars.</p>

<p>Additionally, Edward Ashton’s latest, <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250375650/afterthefall/"><b><i>After Autumn</i></b></a>, promises a mix of alien invasion, buddy comedy, and workplace satire.</p>

<p>March’s highlight is Adrian Tchaikovsky’s fourth installment in the *Children of Time* series, <a href="https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/adrian-tchaikovsky/children-of-strife/9781035057788"><b><i>Children of Conflict</i></b></a>, bringing back fan-favorite elements like the formidable mantis shrimp.</p>

<p>Other noteworthy March releases include <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/library-of-traumatic-memory-9781035923304/"><b><i>Library of Traumatic Memories</i></b></a>, Neil Jordan's first science-fiction novel, and <a href="https://titanbooks.com/72675-jitterbug/"><b><i>Jitterbug</i></b></a> by Gareth L. Powell, described as an action-packed adventure in a devastated solar system, featuring a crew of bounty hunters.</p>

<p>
    <figure class="ArticleImage">
        <div class="Image__Wrapper">
            <img class="Image" alt="Book Cover: The Subtle Art of Folding Space (by John Chu)" width="312" height="468" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23104928/SEI_2776494291.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23104928/SEI_2776494291.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23104928/SEI_2776494291.jpg?width=400 400w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2509673" />
        </div>
    </figure>
</p>

<p>In April, expect <a href="https://torpublishinggroup.com/the-subtle-art-of-folding-space/?isbn=9781250425409&amp;format=hardback"><i>The Delicate Art of Folding Space</i></a> by Jon Chu, who has gained accolades for his short stories. Additionally, <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/search/books/_/N-/Ntt-The+Photonic+Effect"><i>Photonic Effect</i></a> by Mike Chen is anticipated, touted as a "page-turning space opera" amidst the Galactic Civil War.</p>

<p>Other anticipated titles for April include <b><i>The Radiant Dark</i></b> by Alexandra Oliva, the intriguing <b><i>Language of Liars</i></b> by SL Huang, and <b><i>Ode to the Half-Broken</i></b> by Suzanne Palmer, which promises to deliver "hopeful punk science fiction."</p>

<p>
    <figure class="ArticleImage">
        <div class="Image__Wrapper">
            <img class="Image" alt="Book Cover: We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune" width="312" height="468" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23104930/SEI_2776494401.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23104930/SEI_2776494401.jpg?width=300 300w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2509674"/>
        </div>
    </figure>
</p>

<p>May’s standout is <a href="https://torpublishinggroup.com/we-burned-so-bright/?isbn=9781250881236&amp;format=hardback"><b><i>We Burned So Bright</i></b></a> by TJ Klune, which follows an older gay couple on a poignant road trip as the world faces impending doom.</p>

<p>The month also features Anne Leckie’s latest in her Imperial Radoch universe, <a href="https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/ann-leckie/radiant-star/9780356517964/"><b><i>Radiant Star</i></b></a>, alongside Martha Wells’ <a href="https://torpublishinggroup.com/platform-decay/?isbn=9781250827005&amp;format=hardback"><b><i>Platform Decline</i></b></a>, another addition to the *Murderbot* series.</p>

<p>June brings exciting prospects as well, including <a href="https://torpublishinggroup.com/sublimation/?isbn=9781250376794&amp;format=hardback"><b><i>Sublimation</i></b></a>, an immigrant story by Isabel J. Kim, and <a href="https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/joseph-eckert/the-traveler/9781035084074"><b><i>The Traveler</i></b></a>, about a reluctant time traveler and his son.</p>

<p>Later in the year, look for <a href="https://torpublishinggroup.com/the-infinite-state/?isbn=9781250386229&amp;format=hardback"><b><i>State of Infinity</i></b></a> by Richard Swann, luring readers into a thrilling survival story set in a sci-fi epic.</p>

<p>Exciting times await in the realm of science fiction!</p>

<p><i><b>Emily H. Wilson</b>, author of the *Sumerian* Trilogy, is presently focused on crafting her debut science fiction novel.</i></p>