Top Science Fiction Books Set in Outer Space

Are you a fan of Andy Weir, Ernest Cline, Frank Herbert, and Margaret Atwood? Does your interest in books specifically revolve around exploring outer space, riding spaceships, discovering strange objects, and witnessing intergalactic battles? Then, you are certainly a sci-fi fan! Science fiction has always been the genre that many tend to patronize regardless of what form it appears — film or novel, for example. It is often characterized by a great and humankind-related storyline and other amazing elements.

Sci-fi readers, moreover, might already notice how the setting tends to become the key to the stories. Why? Without a clear, established, and extraordinary place where the story takes place, the book will not stand out. You can definitely observe that even when the tales are set on Earth, there are still features of it that aren’t found in the real world, which enhances the readers’ interests. Another common yet captivating setting in the sci-fi world is outer space.

So, if you love stories that take place in outer space, then here are some of the best science fiction books that you should take note of and read.

Moon Luck by Scott Harral

Scott Harral’s Moon Luck follows the story of astronauts living on the moon. For the longest run, the bunch of 30 astronauts, both scientists, and explorers has lived harmoniously on the said magnificent celestial body. On their stay on the moon, they were cultivating plants, seeking mineral ores, conducting experiments, and doing other activities that boosted their productivity and enhanced their good relationships with one another. But, as the great bond rises, bad blood also emerges. The animosities were intensifying after a senior member died due to an alleged accident. Hence, the story becomes more interesting as it raises the question: was there a murder on the moon?

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury was published in 1950 by Doubleday. The book is a mixture of science fiction, post-apocalyptic, horror, and dystopian genres, making it more captivating. It centers on the mission of the Americans to explore and live on the Red Planet, which is where the aboriginal Martians reside. Why did they leave Earth? It’s because it has become a troubled planet that was later on nuked and destroyed. It primarily predicted how the technologically progressed future where people’s talents dilated to make and eliminate the post-World War II America has good and ugly consequences.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

This bestselling book by Pierce Brown is the first book of the Red Rising Saga. It focuses on the protagonist named Darrow, part of the bottom caste — Red, in their color-coded futuristic society. He puts his best foot forward and exerts more effort as they, along with his fellow, believe that they are responsible for creating their planet’s surface habitable for the generations to come. Thus far, the protagonist snares willingly, trusting that his hard work will contribute to a better world for his offspring. But it turns out that the Reds were victims of betrayal and deception. What Darrow discovered and realized encourages him to fight for their rights, their caste, his life, and the future.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Originally published in 1979, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams has become the talk of the town even if years have passed after its first release. It was a normal Thursday morning when Arthur Dent but peculiar things started to happen. First, his house got demolished. Afterward, the planet followed to make room for a brand-new cyberspace express track. What’s more astounding is that his best friend told him that he is already considered an alien. Arthur must venture into the extremely harsh universe with only a towel, tiny yellow fish, and a book with the fast-paced changes. But, he is not alone for a bunch of untrustworthy alien tags along with him.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

Considered as the best book written by Claudia Gray, Defy the Stars is a book that features an amazing and romantic adventure that will surely compel the readers to turn the page. The story is moved by Noemi Vidal, who would risk and do everything to safeguard her planet, and Abel, a machine left and neglected in space. The former is considered a rebel on the planet of humans, while the latter is branded as an abomination in the land of Genesis. As enemies, they are tasked to collaborate and set course through the stars. Then, thrilling things happened — including falling in love.