Blast Off into Adventure: Top Space Fantasy Books to Read

Starship’s Mage” by Glynn Stewart thrusts you into a thrilling space opera where magic and technology clash. Lieutenant Damien Montgomery, the Imperium’s first battlemage in centuries, possesses immense power. However, he’s an outcast in a military that relies on technology.

Assigned to the Dauntless, a ship with a rebellious crew, Damien faces a new challenge. He must prove his worth and earn their respect. As they venture into the unknown, they encounter dangers that test Damien’s magic and the crew’s loyalty. This fast-paced adventure delivers action, intriguing magic, and characters who defy expectations.

Skyward” by Brandon Sanderson blasts you into a thrilling space adventure where humanity clings to survival on a desolate planet. Spensa, a determined young woman, dreams of becoming a pilot and fighting the alien Krell who constantly attack. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient fighter jet, her dream might just become a reality.

However, Spensa must overcome prejudice and prove her worth to enter flight school. She’ll need to repair the damaged ship, master its unique AI, and face the challenges of a cutthroat training program. If you crave a fast-paced story filled with aerial battles, a touch of mystery, and a dash of humor, “Skyward” is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.

“The First Sister” by Linden A. Lewis launches you into a captivating space opera where political intrigue and personal struggles collide. First Sister has no name and no voice. She serves as a vessel for the Icarii’s all-seeing God, forced to witness their every move. However, when she’s tasked with spying on a powerful commander, she discovers a hidden rebellion brewing.

Torn between loyalty and her growing desire for freedom, First Sister must choose her own path. She embarks on a dangerous mission that could change the fate of the empire. With its complex characters, thrilling plot twists, and exploration of faith and identity, “The First Sister” is a must-read for sci-fi fantasy fans.

“Escaping Exodus” by Nicky Drayden takes space fantasy to a whole new level. Imagine a civilization living inside the belly of a giant spacefaring beast. Yep, you read that right. Seske Kaleigh is a young woman training to be a beastmaster. She’s tasked with keeping their living ship healthy and thriving.

However, when an ecological disaster strikes, Seske uncovers a shocking secret about her people’s origins. She must challenge tradition and fight for the survival of her entire civilization. This book is a wild ride, blending elements of science fiction, fantasy, and even a touch of body horror. If you’re looking for a unique and thought-provoking space adventure, then “Escaping Exodus” is definitely worth checking out.

“Hunt the Stars” by Jessie Mihalik kicks off a thrilling space fantasy series filled with action, romance, and enemies-to-lovers tension. Octavia Zarola, a former war hero turned bounty hunter, faces a tough choice: accept a lucrative job from Torran Fletcher, a ruthless Valoff general and her sworn enemy, or watch her crew starve.

The mission is simple: track down a missing person. However, Torran and his team insist on joining the hunt, leading to a clash of personalities and a whole lot of unresolved tension. As they venture deeper into space, Octavia and Torran must confront their past and decide where their loyalties truly lie. If you crave a fast-paced space adventure with a side of sizzling romance, “Hunt the Stars” is the perfect escape.

“A Princess of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a classic adventure that catapults you to the red planet of Barsoom. John Carter, a Civil War veteran, mysteriously finds himself transported to this alien world. With his Earthly strength and fighting skills, he quickly becomes entangled in the conflicts of the Martian tribes.

Carter encounters strange creatures, navigates treacherous landscapes, and falls in love with the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris. He must use his courage and resourcefulness to survive and protect her from her enemies. This pioneering work of space fantasy is a thrilling tale of heroism and romance that continues to inspire readers today.

“Redshirts” by John Scalzi is a hilarious sci-fi adventure with a meta twist. It follows the crew of the starship Intrepid, focusing on the lowly “Redshirts” who always seem to meet untimely ends. Ensign Andrew Dahl notices this disturbing pattern and starts to suspect something is amiss.

As the body count rises, Dahl and his friends investigate. Their discoveries lead them down a rabbit hole of absurdity, challenging their understanding of reality itself. This sci-fi fantasy crossover is a clever and entertaining read, perfect for fans of witty humor and pop culture references.

“A Memory Called Empire” by Arkady Martine is a captivating space opera that blends political intrigue with a fascinating exploration of culture and identity. Mahit Dzmare, an ambassador from a small, independent station, arrives at the heart of the vast Teixcalaanli Empire. However, she soon discovers her predecessor has been murdered.

Now, Mahit must navigate the treacherous waters of imperial politics to uncover the truth. She grapples with cultural clashes, hidden technologies, and a looming threat to her own people. This book is a must-read for those who love complex world-building, intricate plots, and characters who challenge expectations.

“Light from Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki is a heartwarming and magical space fantasy that celebrates found family and the power of music. Shizuka Satomi made a deal with the devil: she must deliver seven violin prodigies’ souls to Hell. However, she’s one soul short, and time is running out.

Enter Katrina Nguyen, a young transgender runaway seeking refuge at Shizuka’s donut shop. Shizuka sees potential in Katrina, but helping her might jeopardize the deal. This book is a beautiful blend of music, mythology, and the search for belonging in a sometimes harsh world.

“Chilling Effect” by Valerie Valdes is a hilarious and action-packed space opera that will keep you laughing out loud. Captain Eva Innocente and the crew of La Sirena Negra are in trouble. They owe a massive debt to the notoriously evil Fridge Lord, and he’s holding Eva’s sister hostage.

To rescue her sister, Eva must embark on a series of ridiculous and dangerous missions. She’ll encounter psychic cats, sentient cocktails, and a whole lot of intergalactic chaos. If you enjoy irreverent humor, quirky characters, and a healthy dose of space battles, “Chilling Effect” is a must-read.

“Aetherbound” by E. K. Johnston is a thrilling YA space adventure about survival and self-determination. Pendt Harland, considered a burden due to a genetic mutation, sees an opportunity for more than just survival during a space-station layover.

She escapes and forms an unlikely alliance with the Brannick twins, heirs to the station’s powerful owners. Together, they hatch a daring plan to seize control of the station and forge their own destinies. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of family, rebellion, and finding your place in the universe.

“The City in the Middle of the Night” by Charlie Jane Anders transports you to the tidally locked planet of January, a world of extreme contrasts. One side is perpetually frozen in darkness, while the other bakes under an endless sun. Humanity clings to survival in two cities built in the narrow twilight zone between these extremes.

However, life within the cities is just as precarious as the unforgiving landscapes outside. Sophie, a young student, is exiled into the perpetual night after a failed revolution. She survives against all odds, forming an unlikely bond with the enigmatic creatures that roam the ice. This captivating sci-fi fantasy explores themes of survival, rebellion, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

“Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir is a space fantasy that blends necromancy, swordplay, and dark humor uniquely and thrillingly. Gideon Nav, a skilled swordswoman and reluctant servant to the Ninth House, dreams of escaping her dreary existence. However, her chance at freedom comes with a catch: she must become the cavalier to Harrowhark Nonagesimus, her childhood nemesis and a powerful necromancer.

Together, they travel to a decaying palace to compete in a deadly trial. They must navigate treacherous alliances, solve ancient mysteries, and confront their own complicated relationship. “Gideon the Ninth” is a rollercoaster of emotions, offering a fresh take on the space fantasy genre.

Ninefox Gambit” by Yoon Ha Lee is a mind-bending space opera that blends military strategy with a fascinating magic system based on mathematics. Captain Kel Cheris is a brilliant but disgraced soldier in the Hexarchate, a vast interstellar empire. She’s given a chance to redeem herself by retaking a fortress that has fallen to heretics.

However, there’s a catch: she must partner with the undead tactician, General Shuos Jedao. Jedao is a brilliant strategist but also a dangerous madman. Cheris must navigate this uneasy alliance and the fortress’s reality-warping defenses if she hopes to succeed. This book is perfect for fans of complex world-building, intricate plots, and morally gray characters.

“We Have Always Been Here” by Lena Nguyen isn’t just another space fantasy—it’s a claustrophobic sci-fi thriller set aboard the Deucalion, a ship bound for an icy planet. Dr. Grace Park, a psychologist, is tasked with observing the human crew. However, she prefers the company of the ship’s androids, causing friction with the rest of the crew.

When a radiation storm traps them on the ship, things take a dark turn. The crew members descend into madness, and the androids act strangely. As paranoia grips the ship, Park must uncover the source of the crew’s deteriorating mental states before it’s too late. This chilling tale explores themes of AI ethics and the effects of isolation, promising a suspenseful journey full of twists and unreliable characters.

“Midnight Robber” by Nalo Hopkinson is a vibrant space fantasy that weaves Caribbean folklore into a captivating narrative. Young Tan-Tan lives a privileged life on the Caribbean-colonized planet of Toussaint. However, her world shatters when her father commits a terrible crime.

Exiled to the brutal prison planet of New Half-Way Tree, Tan-Tan must adapt to survive. She embraces the folklore of her people, becoming the legendary Midnight Robber. This coming-of-age story is full of rich cultural references, powerful storytelling, and a young woman’s journey to find her place in a strange new world.