Today, on the blog, I have a guest post from the folks at Everand expounding upon the most popular speculative fiction reads on their platform. I must admit, I haven't read all these intriguing titles. My TBR is growing! What about yours?
Great sci-fi and fantasy books have a way of pulling us into new worlds—whether it’s a poetic trip to Mars, a war fought with future tech, or a mythological retelling with a fierce heroine at its core. This list brings together some of the most talked-about books right now, the ones making waves across book communities.
From Ray Bradbury’s timeless storytelling to Madeline Miller’s spellbinding take on Greek mythology, these books are some of the most talked-about titles right now on Everand.
Science Fiction & Speculative Fiction Books
Ray Bradbury is the master of blending sci-fi with poetic storytelling, and The Illustrated Man is a perfect example of that. This collection of short stories is loosely tied together by the eerie concept of a tattooed man whose ink comes to life, telling different tales of the future.
Reading Bradbury feels like stepping into a dreamscape—his Mars isn't just another planet; it’s a metaphor for the great unknown, for all the “out there” places our minds wander to. Unlike Asimov or
Clarke, who focus on the mechanics of space travel, Bradbury simply says, “And they got in the rocket and went to Mars.” That’s the beauty of it—his stories don’t rely on hard science but on the wonder of possibility.
There’s little action or traditional plot structure here, but the emotional depth is incredible. It’s a book that changes every time you revisit it—when you’re younger, it’s a fun, eerie ride. As you get older, you start seeing all the layers of nostalgia, loneliness, and hope wrapped in each tale.
Carl Sagan was a genius, and Contact is proof that sci-fi doesn’t need laser battles to be mind-blowing. This is a novel about science, faith, and the vast, terrifying beauty of the universe.
Ellie Arroway, a radio astronomer, picks up a message from space—an alien signal that might change
everything. But this book isn’t just about the discovery of extraterrestrial life; it’s about the tension between scientific pursuit and human emotion. Ellie is a rationalist, yet she ends up on a journey that forces her to confront ideas about belief, love, and the limits of human understanding.
Sagan masterfully blends real science with big, existential questions. The book is packed with scientific wonder, but it never feels like a lecture. And if you’ve seen the movie—forget it. The book goes much deeper. If you’ve ever looked up at the stars and felt small, Contact will hit you right in the soul.
Think Red Storm Rising but updated for the modern era. Ghost Fleet is a technothriller that imagines what a future war between the U.S. and China might look like—cyberwarfare, AI-driven combat, space-based weapons, and old-school military grit.
It’s clear the authors did their homework, especially when it comes to tech and strategy. The novel throws around real-world military jargon, weapon specs, and the geopolitical realities of modern warfare. If you're into military sci-fi, there’s a lot to appreciate here.
That said, the storytelling doesn’t quite match the ambition of the concept. The pacing can be a bit uneven, and some characters feel underdeveloped. But if you're here for speculative military tech and high-stakes strategy, Ghost Fleetdelivers.
If you think sci-fi is just about spaceships and aliens, The Martian Chronicles will prove you wrong. This is a haunting, poetic collection of stories about human colonization of Mars—but it’s really about humanity’s flaws, fears, and failures.
Bradbury paints Mars as an eerie reflection of Earth—our greed, our wars, our inability to appreciate beauty without destroying it. One of the standout ideas in the book is how humans ruin everything they touch.
It’s more Twilight Zone than Star Wars, but if you love speculative fiction with deeper themes, this is a must-read.
Fantasy & Supernatural Fiction Books
If you love Greek mythology but want something fresh, Circe is the book for you. Madeline Miller reimagines the life of Circe—the witch from The Odyssey—and turns her into a fully fleshed-out character, complete with struggles, heartbreak, and power.
This book is both feminist and deeply human. Circe starts off naive, craving approval from the gods, but as she’s exiled and forced to survive on her own, she becomes something more. She learns magic, defies the gods, and carves out a life for herself.
If you’ve ever loved books that make you feel like you’re living inside them, Circe is that kind of magic.
Urban fantasy fans, this one’s for you. Dead Witch Walking kicks off The Hollows series—a mix of supernatural crime, magic, and action-packed adventure.
Rachel Morgan is a witch working as a bounty hunter, but when she quits her job, she ends up with a price on her head. With her partners—an aloof vampire and a wisecracking pixie—she sets out to take down a corrupt businessman.
The book’s world-building is solid—imagine a world where magic and supernatural creatures coexist openly with humans. The series gets better as it goes on. If you like your fantasy with a mix of sass, spells, and supernatural politics, give this one a shot.
Imagine Pirates of the Caribbean meets 1001 Nights, and you get The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi. It’s a swashbuckling, magic-filled adventure starring a middle-aged, semi-retired lady pirate who gets pulled back into the game for one last job.
Amina is a fantastic protagonist—sharp, blunt, and way too old for the nonsense she has to deal with. The book is packed with humor, action, and historical/mythological elements that make the world feel alive. Plus, there’s a fantastic found-family dynamic, some queer rep, and a demon husband. What more could you want?
Some readers may find the first half a bit slow since it’s mostly about getting the crew back together, but once the adventure kicks into gear, it’s a wild ride. If you’re looking for something fresh in fantasy, this one’s a gem.
Conclusion
Everand is home to some of the most popular sci-fi and fantasy books right now, and these picks are at the top of the list.
So, if you’re wondering where to read sci-fi books online or where to read fantasy books online, Everand is the place to go. Dive into these books and escape to other worlds—you won’t regret it.
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