Top 10 sci-fi book series to read in 2024

Picking a sci-fi book series to read in 2024 means you’ll have to sort from a long list spread across modern entries and classics alike.

Committing to a standalone book and doing the same for a series is different. The latter requires a lot more resources, as a series usually consists of three or more titles. If you decide to invest your time in one, you’ll need to go all the way. Not all collections are worth the time and energy, but the seven sci-fi book series mentioned in this list deserve their spots.

10 best sci-fi book series to read in 2024

For this list, I have mostly focused on relatively newer series rather than classics. There is plenty of classical literature in sci-fi series that might be worth your time. However, I have chosen to focus more on the relatively newer series, as they often need to be discussed more.

Dune

Frank Herbert’s Dune series is the oldest entry as far as release years are concerned. This sci-fi book series has gained a new degree of popularity, all thanks to the Dune 1 and 2 movies. However, the books are a lot more detailed (quite natural) and treat the main and sub-plots with more depth. The main series has three books that form the original trilogy, but there have been additional entries in the form of God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapter House Dune. The books are available as separate copies and trilogies.

Silo Trilogy (Wool, Shift, Dust)

I will be honest – I first heard of the books from the Apple TV series (which is fantastic in its own rights). The Silo trilogy, written by Hugh Howey, is a grim take on a post-apocalyptic world where humanity survives in, of course, silos. The outside world is supposed to be dangerous and unhabitable, and yet, some want to break the rules to venture outside. Thus begins the struggle between laws and humanity’s wish to break them (even if the costs are terrible).

Wayward Pines

The Wayward Pines trilogy is one of my favorite sci-fi book series of all time. Blake Crouch uses his abilities with the pen to jot down an amazing plot, which is a mix of time travel, post-apocalypse, and creature features. At first, things seem fun and merry until Secret Service agent Ethan Burke starts to question his reality. Thus begins his pursuit to unearth the conspiracy, but the truth can be too much of a burden at times and to such an extent that it can destroy reality itself. All three books are amazing reads, filled with adrenaline and plenty of action.

Red Rising Saga

Red Rising Saga is one of those rare sets of sci-fi books that can be worth your time at any moment. I wasn’t sure about what to expect when I got my hands on the first book, but little did I know it would become a favorite. Pierce Brown makes you want to root for Darrow, who has been at the receiving end of the unjust system. The entire Red Rising Saga, consisting of six books, showcases that man’s greed for power will be omnipresent – be it on the Earth or in space – but the people will always stand up when treated harshly.

The Three-Body Problem

If you’re a fan of science and all its concepts (some of which usually go over my head), The Three-Body Problem trilogy is a perfect fit. Cixin Liu’s works have been translated into English, and the Netflix series has ushered in a new-found popularity for the trilogy. The three books will not only offer more depth to the plot, but readers won’t have to rely on Netflix to know what happens after the first season. Publishers Heads of Zeus have also launched a new box set, which is widely available worldwide.

Children of Time

The Children of Time trilogy is one of the newest works to be included on this list for the best sci-fi series to begin in 2024. I love Tchaikovsky’s writing due to his lucid way of explaining the most complex of concepts, and the first book of this series is a perfect testament. While all three books have a connection, you can enjoy them as standalone entries. The plot is relatively simple compared to some of the other sci-fi book series on this list. I really loved the underlying theme of the series, and the books are certainly going to be worth your time.

The Expanse

The Expanse became the first sci-fi book series where I ended up buying the entire set together (that’s a challenging task as there are a total of ten books). If you’re beginning this grand space opera in 2024, there are plenty of box sets available from Orbit. From political conspiracies to a mysterious organic agent that leaves death in its wake, The Expanse has something to offer to everyone. There’s an Amazon Prime Video series as well, but the books are easier to follow and enjoy.

The Sprawl Trilogy

The Sprawl Trilogy is certainly one of the older sci-fi book series since they were written in the 1980s. However, William Gibson’s writings have remained evergreen sources of entertainment for all those who love futuristic concepts surrounding computers. Interestingly, all three books – Neuromancer, Count Zero, and Monalisa Overdrive, can be enjoyed as standalone titles. However, all of them share the same universe, overlapping characters, and subtle similarities in the plots.

Arc of a Scythe Series

Neil Shusterman’s Scythe trilogy deals with a future where humankind has managed to conquer all mortalities. However, the population needs to be kept in balance, and the Scythedom must ensure that humans meet their deserved fates. Citra and Rowan’s journeys begin as mere apprentices to join the Scythedom, and what begins as a suicide soon turns out to be a deeper conspiracy. A fourth book consisting of stories from the world of Scythe is also available for those looking to extend their enjoyment.

Foundation

The Foundation is one of the immortal pieces of work in the world of sci-fi book series. In fact, the series of seven titles are widely considered to be Asimov’s best works of all time. Interestingly, you can enjoy the series as a trilogy, comprising the first three novels – Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation. Four more entries follow the first three titles. While it’s hard to summarize the plot in a few sentences, expect an exciting blend of politics, grand conspiracy, and action through all seven titles.

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