January 2nd. It’s the day after New Year’s and most don’t even think about it. But, in certain communities, January 2nd is special because it is Science Fiction Day! This day is a perfect time to begin reading one of the most beloved genres, and I have a perfect list of books for you.
What is Science Fiction?
According to Merriam-Webster, Science Fiction is defined as “fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component.”
In other words, science fiction speculates on what could be in the scientific realm and brings into a fictional realm.
Science fiction novels can be very sciency in that they emphasize realistic innovations of science, or they can almost cross into the fantasy genre and bring in some “magical” elements (think superheroes).
Whatever the case, reading science fiction is a perfect way to celebrate science fiction day.
1. Stealthy Steps
This Young Adult book is perfect for fans looking to celebrate sci-fi day.
Blurb:
My name is Gemma Keyes. Other than my name, I am utterly forgettable—so those who never paid much attention to me in the first place haven’t exactly noticed that I’ve disappeared. Vanished. Oh, it’s much more complicated than it sounds.
I should tell you about Dr. Samuel Bickel, world-renowned nanophysicist. We used to work together, but I’ll be candid with you: He’s supposed to be dead.Well, he’s not. (Imagine my surprise.) Instead of the proverbial “six feet under,” he’s subsisting in an abandoned devolution cavern beneath the old Manzano Weapons Storage Facility on Kirtland Air Force Base here in Albuquerque.
And I need to warn you about General Cushing. The rank and name likely conjure images of a lean but muscled old soldier, posture rigid, iron-gray hair cut “high and tight” framing a weathered face cemented in unyielding lines.
Let me disabuse you of that impression.
General Imogene Cushing is short and a tiny bit plump. She wears her silvered hair in an elegant braid knotted at the nape of her neck, and she knows how to smile sweetly.
With the deadliest of sharks.
Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/3B5ZY52
2. Courage
Perfect for adults looking for a mixture of Biblical fiction and science fiction in time for the holiday.
Blurb:
Can one woman evade an alien empire to save her son’s life?
Gilla and Elias have the perfect life—or as perfect as life can be for slaves living deep in the Esarelian Empire. Elias wants freedom for his precious wife and daughter, and the rest of their people, and he is willing to fight to get it. Pregnant with her second child, Gilla only wants a happy, healthy family who share a strong faith in the God of Old Earth, and to get through her workload each day.
When the Esarelians decide to teach their rebellious slaves a lesson they will never forget, Gilla’s entire life is turned upside down. She must trust that God has a plan to protect her new-born son, and have the courage to follow it, choosing the strangest of allies in an effort to ensure his survival.
Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/3zham9w
3. Michael Vey
Another young adult novel, this one is more superhero than strict science fiction, but I think it fits well for sci-fi day.
Blurb:
To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special—he has electric powers. Michael thinks he is unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their investigation soon brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric teens—and through them, the world.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans introduces a character whose risk-filled exploration marks the beginning of a riveting new series. With only his powers, his wits, and his friends to protect him, Michael will need all his strength to survive….
Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/47pHcl4
4. I am Number Four
(Really, I didn’t do that on purpose, but I had a little laugh when I realized.)
A book meant for older teens and maybe adults, this novel is sure to thrill fans on sci-fi day.
Blurb:
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books–but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. We have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four.
I am next.
Buy the Book: https://amzn.to/47ohayJ
5. Starganauts
Are you looking for a more epic science fiction series? Then look no further when collecting books for sci-fi day!
Blurb:
The end of Earth was their beginning.
Kaity Anderson was a new bride on her wedding day. Samantha Harris was an engineer who had given up all to follow God.
Kaity’s reception is ruined when an alien gunship incinerates the surface of Earth. Rescued from the apocalypse by a strange prophetess, Kaity, her husband, and five others are drawn across the galaxy. While the prophetess promises God has a plan, Kaity grows increasingly desperate as their chances of survival—and water supply—dwindle.
Samantha didn’t ask to be God’s prophetess. Yet once she answers the call, the Spirit leads her to an inhospitable world with Kaity and several of Earth’s survivors. Hounded by the master of the gunship, the Earthlings search for water as their alien pursuers and dehydration close in. Only God’s promise of a future in a distant city gives Samantha any hope of survival. But could the answer to all their problems lie in eight, mysterious orbs? The discovery of these crystals will change their lives—and the destiny of galaxies—forever.
Thus begins Starganauts, a clean, compelling Christian space opera adventure by C.E. Stone. Fans of Star Wars and Star Trek will enjoy this series that explores how God’s plan prevails, even against impossible odds.
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Starganauts-Book-C-Stone-ebook/dp/B092T15NPR/
These are five books I recommend reading on Sci-fi Day!
