Best Science Fiction Books January 2025

Future Home of the Living God

In this haunting dystopian tale, Erdrich weaves a chilling narrative of a world unraveling. Cedar Hawk Songmaker, four months pregnant, navigates a society gripped by evolutionary panic. As nature seemingly reverses course, she seeks answers about her own origins and the future of her unborn child. Erdrich’s prose is both lyrical and urgent, painting a vivid picture of a collapsing civilization and one woman’s desperate fight for survival. A thought-provoking exploration of motherhood, identity, and the fragile threads that bind us to our world.

The Intuitionist

Lila Mae Watson, the first black female elevator inspector in a bustling metropolis, finds herself at the center of a heated debate between two factions of elevator theory. As she navigates the complex world of vertical transportation, Lila Mae’s unique intuitive approach to inspections becomes both her strength and her vulnerability. Whitehead’s debut novel is a masterful blend of noir mystery and social commentary, exploring themes of race, power, and progress through the unlikely lens of elevator maintenance. With prose that soars and plummets like the very machines it describes, “The Intuitionist” will leave you questioning the ground beneath your feet.

Zone One

In this haunting post-apocalyptic tale, Colson Whitehead takes us on a journey through a devastated New York City. Mark Spitz, our reluctant hero, navigates the eerie remnants of civilization as part of a team clearing the undead from Manhattan’s Zone One. Whitehead’s prose is both lyrical and unsettling, weaving together past and present as Spitz grapples with memories of a lost world and the harsh realities of survival. A gripping exploration of human resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Aiden wakes up in a body not his own, tasked with solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet. He has eight days, eight hosts, and one chance to unravel the mystery of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death at Blackheath Manor. As he navigates through a twisted game of time loops and body-swapping, Aiden uncovers dark secrets and hidden agendas. With each new day bringing fresh revelations and dangers, he must race against time to break free from this nightmarish cycle. Turton’s mind-bending thriller kept me guessing until the very end, leaving me breathless and in awe of its intricate plot.

Vengeful

Eli Ever and Victor Vale were once college roommates, brilliant and reckless. Their rivalry led to tragedy, transforming them into extraordinary beings with dangerous abilities. Now, a decade later, Victor has escaped from prison, determined to settle the score. Eli, meanwhile, has become a hero in the eyes of the public. As their paths converge once more, new players enter the game, each with their own agenda. Schwab’s electrifying sequel delves deeper into the complexities of power, revenge, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

Vicious

In a world where extraordinary abilities are born from near-death experiences, two brilliant college roommates become bitter rivals. Victor and Eli’s dangerous experiment spirals into a decade-long vendetta, blurring the lines between hero and villain. Schwab’s dark and thrilling tale explores the complexities of power, ambition, and morality, leaving readers questioning their own definitions of good and evil. I couldn’t put it down, finding myself captivated by the intricate plot and morally ambiguous characters. A must-read for anyone craving a fresh take on the superhero genre.

The Mask Falling

Paige Mahoney, the dreamwalker, finds herself in a precarious position as she navigates the treacherous waters of Scion Paris. Torn between her loyalty to the rebellion and her growing feelings for Warden, she must make impossible choices that could alter the fate of both humans and voyants. Shannon’s vivid prose brings this dystopian world to life, weaving intricate politics with heart-pounding action. I found myself holding my breath during the tense undercover missions, feeling Paige’s internal struggle as if it were my own. A thrilling continuation of the series that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment.

The Song Rising

Paige Mahoney’s world is crumbling. As Underqueen of the Mime Order, she faces mounting threats from all sides. The Scion regime tightens its grip on London, while a dangerous new technology threatens to expose clairvoyants everywhere. Torn between loyalty and survival, Paige must navigate treacherous alliances and confront her own demons. As she uncovers shocking secrets about her past, she realizes the fate of her people rests on her shoulders. Shannon’s vivid prose brings this dystopian world to life, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The Mime Order

Paige Mahoney’s world is shattered when she’s thrust into the criminal underworld of Scion London. Forced to navigate a treacherous landscape of rival gangs and shadowy figures, she must use her rare clairvoyant abilities to survive. As she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens everything she holds dear, Paige finds herself torn between loyalty and love. Shannon’s gripping prose and intricate world-building had me on the edge of my seat, desperately turning pages late into the night. A thrilling blend of dystopian fantasy and urban grit that left me craving more.

The Bone Season

In a dystopian London, Paige Mahoney navigates a dangerous underworld as a dreamwalker, a rare clairvoyant hunted by the government. When she’s captured and thrust into a hidden city ruled by powerful beings, she discovers her own untapped abilities. As she unravels the city’s secrets, Paige forms unlikely alliances and faces heart-wrenching choices. I couldn’t put it down, staying up late to devour just one more chapter. Shannon’s vivid world-building and complex characters left me craving the next installment in this thrilling series.