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Best Speculative Fiction Books

May 2025

Speculative fiction is a genre that pushes the boundaries of the known world, imagining alternate realities, futuristic societies, and “what if” scenarios. Encompassing science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, and alternate history, speculative fiction allows readers to explore worlds where the rules of nature and society are bent, reshaped, or entirely reimagined. This genre thrives on creativity and philosophical questions, offering a space to ponder the future of humanity, the potential of technology, or the consequences of social change.

Speculative fiction novels often raise profound questions about ethics, existence, and the nature of reality, challenging readers to think beyond the ordinary. From alien civilizations to magical realms, this genre invites readers on journeys of wonder, exploration, and intellectual curiosity.

Discover a collection of the most thought-provoking and imaginative speculative fiction books, where creativity and inquiry meet to challenge the limits of what we believe is possible.

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.

The Starless Sea

Zachary stumbles upon a mysterious book in his university library, unlocking a world of underground harbors, magic, and lost cities. As he delves deeper, he discovers his own story intertwined with ancient tales of pirates and star-crossed lovers. Morgenstern’s lyrical prose weaves a spellbinding tapestry of interconnected narratives, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. I found myself lost in the labyrinthine plot, savoring each twist and turn like a perfectly crafted cocktail. A love letter to storytelling that left me breathless and yearning for more.

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.

Lair of Dreams

Dive into the glittering, dangerous world of 1920s New York in this spellbinding sequel. As a mysterious sleeping sickness grips the city, Evie and her supernatural friends must navigate a realm where dreams and reality blur. Bray’s lush prose brings the Jazz Age to life, weaving together romance, mystery, and the occult. With richly drawn characters and heart-pounding suspense, this book kept me up way past my bedtime, totally engrossed in its dreamlike atmosphere. A thrilling adventure you won’t want to wake up from.

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.

The Burning God

Rin’s journey reaches its explosive finale in this heart-wrenching conclusion to R.F. Kuang’s epic fantasy trilogy. Haunted by the atrocities she’s committed, Rin grapples with her inner demons and the crushing weight of destiny. As war engulfs the land, alliances shift like sand, and ancient powers awaken, Rin must confront the ultimate question: How far will she go to save her people? Kuang’s masterful prose and unflinching exploration of power, colonialism, and morality will leave you breathless until the very last page.