How Chichen Itza Inspired a Sci-Fi Novel
I swam in a sacred cenote, walked the ruins of a thousand-year-old city, and heard a dying language spoken aloud. Two months later, I was writing a novel.
How Chichen Itza Inspired a Sci-Fi Novel
I swam in a sacred cenote, walked the ruins of a thousand-year-old city, and heard a dying language spoken aloud. Two months later, I was writing a novel.
Split Personalities in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Why do we love characters with fractured minds in sci-fi and fantasy? And what do they reveal about us?
Split Personalities in Science Fiction and Fantasy
Why do we love characters with fractured minds in sci-fi and fantasy? And what do they reveal about us?
What Is Speculative Fiction?
Speculative fiction is an umbrella term for science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other genres. Here's what it means and where it came from.
What Is Speculative Fiction?
Speculative fiction is an umbrella term for science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other genres. Here's what it means and where it came from.
5 Best Illustrated Sci-Fi Stories in the Public Domain
Five sci-fi short stories from the pulp magazine era—each one free to read with original illustrations that are as strange and vivid as the story itself.
5 Best Illustrated Sci-Fi Stories in the Public Domain
Five sci-fi short stories from the pulp magazine era—each one free to read with original illustrations that are as strange and vivid as the story itself.
The Best Sci-Fi Noir Mystery Novels: 10 Picks That Deliver
Sci-fi noir mystery is the most satisfying genre mashup—from Asimov's robot detective classic to modern standouts like The Gone World and Leviathan Wakes.
The Best Sci-Fi Noir Mystery Novels: 10 Picks That Deliver
Sci-fi noir mystery is the most satisfying genre mashup—from Asimov's robot detective classic to modern standouts like The Gone World and Leviathan Wakes.
8 Funny Science Fiction Novels You Can't Miss
Looking for funny science fiction novels? From The Martian to Hitchhiker‘s Guide, these 8 hilarious sci-fi books are the real deal—sharp, clever and amusing comedy you won't soon forget.
8 Funny Science Fiction Novels You Can't Miss
Looking for funny science fiction novels? From The Martian to Hitchhiker‘s Guide, these 8 hilarious sci-fi books are the real deal—sharp, clever and amusing comedy you won't soon forget.
25+ Best Sci-Fi Short Stories in the Public Domain
29 Golden Age sci-fi short stories, free to read online. Curated from Galaxy, Astounding, Analog, and more—organized by theme with estimated reading times.
25+ Best Sci-Fi Short Stories in the Public Domain
29 Golden Age sci-fi short stories, free to read online. Curated from Galaxy, Astounding, Analog, and more—organized by theme with estimated reading times.
A Guide for New Readers: Isaac Asimov‘s 383 Short Stories
Isaac Asimov wrote 383 short stories and coined the word "robotics." His best short fiction still holds up as some of the finest in the genre. Here's a decade-by-decade guide to the standout stories.
A Guide for New Readers: Isaac Asimov‘s 383 Short Stories
Isaac Asimov wrote 383 short stories and coined the word "robotics." His best short fiction still holds up as some of the finest in the genre. Here's a decade-by-decade guide to the standout stories.
About The Sci-Fi Reader
The best science fiction doesn't always find you — sometimes you have to go looking. The Sci-Fi Reader is a curated guide to the books, stories, and ideas worth your time: golden age classics, public domain gems, recommended reading lists, and deep dives into popular sci-fi tropes and themes. Written by M.G. Herron, author of 15+ science fiction novels.