Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Sci-fi and Fantasy Standalones
9
items I like a 20 book fantasy series as much as the next nerd (that is to say, a lot), but sometimes you're in the mood to be one and done. This is a list of my favorite sci-fi and fantasy standalones that I've read over the past few years.
This is one of the most fantastically weird books I've ever read. It is heavy on the horror however, and if you're a person that checks trigger warnings I'd do so for this one.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
I think everyone should read this book. It's one of the most heartbreaking, spectacular books I've ever read, and it's full of uncomfortable truths. Definitely more speculative fiction than sci-fi or fantasy, but there is time travel so I'm counting ...
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
Definitely a bit heavier on the science than some people will prefer, but I found those sections to be extremely interesting and engaging. I would recommend going in to this one blind if you can. Don't read the synopsis on the back, and DEFINITELY do...
Project Hail Mary: A Novel - Books
This is the quintessential “silly goofy fun” sci-fi book. It's written in Scalzi's signature witty style, and doesn't go too heavy on the science aspect.
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
This is one of the most creative books I've ever read. It's a wonderful combination of sci-fi and literary fiction, and the ending will blow you away.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
This is a delightful combination of creative worldbuilding, witty dialogue, and macabre plot. A very quick read, and I wish it was longer!
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P Djeli Clark
This is Sanderson's most whimsical book! Inspired by the Princess Bride, this is a rollicking adventure with signature Sanderson worldbuilding.
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Walton is criminally underrated as an author, and this book is an absolutely stunning meditation on grief, choices, and loss.
My Real Children by Jo Walton
This book gripped me from the very first page and didn't let me go until I'd finished. An absolutely astonishing read.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke