Science fiction and fantasy author Martha Wells, whose “Murderbot Diaries” series has been nominated for multiple Nebula and Hugo awards, says she found her way to these kinds of stories when she was a child wandering through a branch of her local public library. Missing a turn for the children’s section, she ended up in the adult sci-fi and fantasy books.
These days, however, no wrong turns are required because there’s so much great work to read and recommend right now.
“People have said that this is like a new golden age of science fiction, because there’s just so much variety, and there are so many great new writers,” she says.
During a recent phone interview, she offered these 10 suggestions for books and writers she thinks readers will enjoy.
Related: How ‘Murderbot Diaries’ author Martha Wells overcame a career in crisis to create the killer series
Ben Aaronovitch
Books: Rivers of London series
“Ben Aaronovitch is one of my old favorites,” says Wells. “He does a funny fantasy-mystery series called Rivers of London that I absolutely love. It’s hugely detailed, so it really rewards rereading. You always notice stuff you didn’t notice before.”
Aliette de Bodard
Books: “Fireheart Tiger,” “The House of Shattered Wings”
Wells says de Bodard writes far-future science fiction novellas and also fantasy. “She’s been one of my favorites for a long time.”
Kate Elliott
Books: “The Unconquerable Sun”
Wells recommends the first of the author’s Sun Chronicles books, a space opera that was published in 2020.
Andrea Hairston
Books: “Master of Poisons,” “Mindscape”
“She’s written some incredible fantasy, and her most recent one is ‘Master of Poisons,’ which is epic fantasy,” says Wells.
N.K. Jemisin
Books: The Broken Earth trilogy, The Inheritance trilogy
“She’s a pretty big deal. I love all her books,” says Wells.
Ann Leckie
Books: The Imperial Radch series, “The Raven Tower”
“Her books are a big influence on me. And have you read her fantasy novel, ‘The Raven Tower’? That’s really good.”
Nnedi Okorafor
Books: “Akata Witch,” “Akata Warrior,” “Remote Control”
“She’s got a young adult series called ‘Akata Witch’ and ‘Akata Warrior.’ Those are my favorites of hers. I read her most recent science fiction novella, ‘Remote Control’; that was really good.”
K Arsenault Rivera
Book: “The Tiger’s Daughter”
Wells recommends the author’s Ascendant trilogy, especially its first installment. “I really felt ‘The Tiger’s Daughter’ was the most incredible one-volume epic fantasy I’ve ever read in my life.”
Rebecca Roanhorse
Book: “The Black Sun”
“She just had one come out – a fantasy novel called ‘The Black Sun.” That’s really brilliant.”
Nghi Vo
Books: “The Empress of Salt and Fortune,” “When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain”
“Those were really brilliant in telling – like very epic stories in a very short format,” says Wells.
