7 Lesser-Known Sci-Fi Books That Deserve More Attention

Science fiction is filled with bestsellers and classics—books that dominate the conversation, from Dune to Neuromancer to The Three-Body Problem.

But for every household name, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking for something fresh, thought-provoking, or just different from the usual sci-fi fare, here are seven underrated sci-fi books that deserve a place on your reading list.

1. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet – Becky Chambers

This character-driven space opera explores identity, relationships, and belonging. It follows a crew aboard a small spaceship that builds wormholes across the galaxy.

Unlike many sci-fi books focusing on grand conflicts and epic battles, The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet is a quieter, more introspective journey. The diverse characters, each with their backstory and motivations, make for an emotionally rich read.

If you enjoy well-developed characters and the idea of found family, this book is a must.

2. Semiosis – Sue Burke

What if plants were intelligent, and humans had to negotiate with them to survive? Semiosis takes a fascinating and unique approach to first contact by setting its story on a distant planet where plant life has evolved to be not just sentient but highly manipulative.

The novel spans generations, following a group of human colonists as they try to understand and coexist with their new environment. It raises deep philosophical questions about communication, power, and the very nature of intelligence.

3. The Quantum Thief – Hannu Rajaniemi

Imagine a futuristic world where reality is fluid and identity is a currency. The Quantum Thief is a high-concept, cerebral sci-fi novel that blends cyberpunk aesthetics with classic heist storytelling.

The protagonist, Jean le Flambeur, is a master thief who must complete one last job that takes him across planets and through layers of encrypted memories.

With dense but rewarding world-building, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced, intelligent narratives that challenge conventional storytelling.

4. Children of Time – Adrian Tchaikovsky

This ambitious novel tells the story of a human civilization in decline and an evolving society of intelligent spiders. Yes, spiders. What could have been a gimmick is instead a masterful exploration of evolution, survival, and the nature of intelligence.

The book alternates between the human perspective and that of the alien species, showing their growth across thousands of years. Thought-provoking and filled with unexpected emotional depth, Children of Time redefines the first-contact narrative in stunning fashion.

5. The Book of Strange New Things – Michel Faber

A sci-fi novel with a literary bent, The Book of Strange New Things follows a missionary sent to a distant planet to spread Christianity to an alien species. But as he grows closer to the aliens, he becomes increasingly detached from the life he left behind on Earth.

The Book of Strange New Things is not about action or adventure; it’s a profoundly emotional meditation on faith, love, and human connection. With its haunting atmosphere and introspective prose, this novel offers a unique perspective on the sci-fi genre.

6. Blindsight – Peter Watts

One of the most unsettling and intellectually challenging sci-fi books of the past two decades, Blindsight questions the very nature of consciousness. The story follows a group of scientists sent to investigate an alien intelligence that defies human understanding.

As they venture deeper into the mystery, they question whether self-awareness is genuinely an evolutionary advantage or a fluke. Combining hard science with horror elements, Blindsight is an intense and thought-provoking read for fans of cerebral sci-fi.

7. The Collapsing Empire – John Scalzi

A space opera that blends political intrigue with Scalzi’s signature wit, The Collapsing Empire introduces a universe where interstellar travel depends on a fragile system called the Flow.

When the Flow begins to collapse, the fate of entire civilizations hangs in the balance. Fast-paced and packed with memorable characters, this book is perfect for readers who love engaging plots and sharp dialogue. It’s an accessible yet intelligent take on large-scale sci-fi, making it a great entry point for those new to the genre.

These books may not always appear on mainstream sci-fi lists, but they each bring something unique to the genre. Whether you’re looking for character-driven storytelling, mind-expanding ideas, or underrated classics, there’s something here for every kind of sci-fi reader.

What are some of your favourite lesser-known sci-fi books?