Sci-Fi Reads to Cozy Up With This Month
By: Hidden Gems on November 1, 2022
Does the changing weather make you want to cozy up with a book and dream of faraway adventures in a different galaxy? We have a list of books to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC reviewers loved the following sci-fi reads, and we bet you will, too.
Broken World by Grace Hamilton
With 390+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Broken World is the first book in the four book EMP Aftermath series. Broken World follows Bear and Laurel, who are frantically fighting to save those they can in a post-apocalyptic world after life changes in an instant.
Marjorie G. raves in her five star Amazon review, “This book drew me in from the first page. I loved it so much that as soon as I finished it I did a pre-buy for the next one. It is fast paced with detail to keep your attention, but not bog you down in too much detail. It is a about life in modern day north US and Canada about what it might be like after all electronics are made useless after a worldwide EMP goes off. The characters are complex but relatable, the story line is believable. The main characters are real broken people trying their best to do good. Small spoiler here – the book ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to get the next book in the series!…Fans of post-apocalyptic, life-after-the-military stories, medical dramas will not be disappointed.”
“Broken World is a well thought out compelling read of what possibly could occur during the dark hours of an EMP disaster…”Thomas M. concurs in his five star Amazon review.
Our Lady of the Artilects by Andrew Gillsmith
With 140+ ratings and a 4.5 star average, Our Lady of the Artilects tells the tale of a race of androids who live among humans and begin to report seeing a vision of impending apocalypse. Described as a read for those who are fans of Dan Simmons, Neal Stephenson, etc., this book will make you contemplate themes of faith and AI in a mind-bending tale.
“Our Lady of the Artilects is not only the best science fiction book I’ve read in years, it is one of the very best books I’ve ever read, period…” Kimberly B. raves in her five star Amazon review. “The thing that sets this book apart is the writing. It is penetratingly beautiful, with rich reflections on faith, science, and human nature. Religion plays a key role without being ‘preachy,’ which makes it all the more realistic…This is much more than just a great sci fi book. It is a great novel that I believe will be considered a classic at some point in the future.”
Jon J. concurs in his five star Amazon review, “Our Lady of the Artilects is exactly the novel I’ve been dreaming of. Its excellent worldbuilding imagines a future where the Holy Roman Empire is restored, but it isn’t an integralist utopia. Instead, it is a place where spiritual secularism and other faiths still vie for the souls of humans, and where the Vatican’s own faithful still stumble over their own skepticism. It wrestles with topics of religion, science, and politics with equal weight, often blending them together until you aren’t sure where one ends and the next begins…”
The Z Team by Chris DeSantis
With 35+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, The Z Team is for fans of fantastic sci-fi adventures! This tale follows Dash Anderton and his crew as they attempt to navigate a series of misadventures involving bounty hunters and questionable assignments. Need more convincing?
Amazonian raves in their five star Amazon review, “I really enjoyed The Z Team by Chris DeSantis. If you are thinking about giving it a try, my elevator pitch is three words: lighthearted space Fargo. As advertised, it is an exciting and fast-paced space adventure with interesting and quirky characters and some fun twists and turns. It is a bit satirical with a lot of humor, but also some heart to the story. The story has some great world building encompassing an interesting set-up and intrigue, with just enough mystery to keep the reader hooked. I really enjoyed how we get to see the story from of a variety of perspectives, including both the protagonists and antagonists. Also, without spoiling anything, there is a really fun/unique take on AI/robots/droids that really spices the story up and adds a lot of humor.”
“I really enjoyed this read!” Meghan concurs in her five star Amazon review of this sci-fi read. “This book was intense, thrilling and well thought out. I thoroughly enjoyed the seeing they characters come to life. Definitely my favorite sci-fi find thus far. I hope to see more from this author!”
The Cave by Elle Otero
With 20+ ratings and a 4.6 star average, The Cave is the fourth in a four book series called In Caves and Catacombs. This series follows teens who must navigate a post-apocalyptic world after the world is marred by a pandemic. This book can be read as a standalone; reviewers noted that you didn’t need to read previous books in the series for this to make sense, but many noted that they would be going back to consume the other books in the series.
“The writing is truly amazing,” Pax raves in their five star Amazon review. “You’ll feel every action, ripple of thought, and the nuance of the characters in this dystopian tale that is a treat to read. The novel chronicles the struggle for survival after the HORPOV-25 virus has left many people dead in its wake. Groups of survivors, that are searching for answers in this new world, find themselves on a collision course that will change the future of humanity. I’m glad I discovered this author. Now it’s time to burrow into the earlier books in the series. Highly recommended.”
Joshua C writes in his five star Amazon review, “…It is beautiful, funny, sad, tragic, and hopeful. If you enjoy stories, read this one. You needn’t have read her previous work for this book to make perfect sense, but the entire journey to this point is excellent.”
The Unmasked Everblade by R.M. Schultz
With 15 ratings and a 4.9 star average, The Unmasked Everblade is certainly a hidden gem worth adding to your list. This is the finale in the two book series: The Crown of Dreams, so reviewers recommend you read the first book in the series for the full experience. Described as a sci-fi space opera for fans of Star Wars and Game of Thrones, The Unmasked Everblade is a sci-fi read filled with chaos, power, and adventure.
J.L. raves in their five star Amazon review, “This epic novel picks up right where the first left off. The author delves deeper into the already vivid characters, their thoughts and actions breathing life, coming alive. This beautifully unique story was masterly crafted. Hands down one of the best novels I’ve ever read.”
“This is a brilliant read!” PAR concurs in their five star Amazon review. “This is the second novel in the read and you must read these novels in order or you will miss the content that this novel is built upon. That said It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.”
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