Best SF/Fantasy 2019

Aliens, magical gangsters, and demons welcome here. The best sf and fantasy published in 2019.

See all of our 2019 Best Books lists.

The tiny crew of the Melian is sent to explore the far reaches of the galaxy. When things don’t go as planned, they must reach deep into themselves to find their purpose. Chambers asks big questions and gives surprisingly human answers.

Claire is head librarian in the Unwritten Wing of Hell, where the unfinished works reside. When a Hero escapes to find his author, a simple chase turns into a quest for the Devil’s Bible, which could tip the power balance between Heaven and Hell. A love letter to found families, books, and readers.

Old Man’s War meets Slaughterhouse-Five in this unique military sf tour de force. Teleportation has a glitch—our hero experiences combat out of order. But is it real or a psychological side effect? With the big picture constantly shifting just out of sight, a visceral grunt’s-eye view of future war takes center stage.

Landsman, Keren. The Heart of the Circle. Angry Robot. ISBN 9780857668110. Landsman, Keren.Angry Robot. ISBN 9780857668110.

In her English-language debut, Israeli author Landsman explores the power of demagoguery to transform a people into a hated underclass, as sorcerers become the target of rage and prejudice. Themes of oppression, acceptance, and betrayal are explored in this gripping sf thriller.

Lee, Fonda. Jade War. Orbit: Hachette. ISBN 9780316440929. Lee, Fonda.Orbit: Hachette. ISBN 9780316440929.

This follow-up to the award-winning Jade City expands the world of magical gangsters, clan warfare, and jewel-enhanced power, while focusing more intimately on its central characters. An enthralling #ownvoices story of honor, duty, and revenge.

This debut epic fantasy is told in multiple voices as its protagonist waits in prison to discover whether his fate is to save the empire or destroy it. He argues with the demon who both tormented and watched over him as he survived adoption, rejection, slavery, and torture. A well-crafted, elaborate tale.

Mahit Dzmare has always admired the complex, cultivated beauty of Teixcalaan Imperial culture. As ambassador, she must manipulate it while remaining apart enough to save herself and her home. A space opera of manners, full of exquisite palace intrigue, this debut grapples with how technology changes mortality and morality.

Muir, Tamsyn. Gideon the Ninth. Tor.com. ISBN 9781250313195. Muir, Tamsyn.Tor.com. ISBN 9781250313195.

Gideon just wants to escape her isolated future in the necromantic Ninth House, but her childhood nemesis Harrowhawk demands one last service first: take part in the trial of the Houses’ heirs and cavaliers. Dark, brilliant prose distinguishes this sf mystery.

When aliens settle in the Virgin Islands they bring technological advances, but also violence. Fear and resentment intensify. An arresting read exploring themes of invasive occupation and emotional uprising.

Valdes, Valerie. Chilling Effect. Harper Voyager. ISBN 9780062877239. Valdes, Valerie.Harper Voyager. ISBN 9780062877239.

In this snarky and snappy space opera filled with aliens and psychic cats, Captain Eva Innocente leads the crew of La Sirena Negra as a small-time hauler, trying to outrun her nefarious past. When her sister is kidnapped, Eva must complete a series of difficult missions, testing the loyalties and love of her found family.