From Woman's World · Melissa Sorrells · · 1m 30s
Best Sci-Fi Books by Women, Reddit-Recommended
Reddit users pick top sci-fi series with strong female leads for free library access.
In brief
Reddit users pick top sci-fi series with strong female leads for free library access. Reddit readers recommend five sci-fi series written by women with relatable heroines, available via library apps or discounted used copies. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Why these books matter
Reddit readers recommend five sci-fi series with sharp heroines and immersive worlds for readers seeking escape from reality.
Free access options
Borrow books via library's Libby app or find discounted used copies on ThriftBooks for affordable reading.
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Hugo Award-winning series starter featuring a socially anxious android protagonist who hacks its control module to save human scientists.
“I’ve never felt an emotional connection to the protagonist of a book like this before. I’ve never felt more of an empathetic connection to a character as strong as this before. Ever. I can’t recommend this book enough. It was fun and funny. It made me laugh, and it broke my heart. It is smart, quick and well-written. It’s unique in its concept and excellent in its execution.”
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
Multiverse traveler Cara uses her dead alternate selves to navigate a wealthy corporation's demands in this class and identity-focused thriller.
“Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds is a beautifully-crafted science fiction novel that breaks all the rules of time travel… The writing in this novel is excellent. The pace is tremendous and it is hard to put it down. Few have done such a great job of combining hard science fiction ideas with interpersonal relations and allowing both to flourish.”
How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason
Princess Rory Thorne uses lie-detecting abilities to outsmart assassins and rewrite her destiny in this fairytale space opera series.
“I didn’t realize quite how much I needed How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse by K. Eason in my life until now. It’s exactly my kind of mashup as a fairytale space opera. Think of the most epic combination of The Princess Bride, meets Star Wars, plus The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, and Sleeping Beauty and this is what you’ll get. I need more of Rory and her world.”
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
Mathematician Elma York fights sexism in a climate disaster-driven space race to prove women belong in space exploration.
“The accurate technical details, the basis in real history, the exposing of society’s darker aspects would be pointless without a compelling story with engaging characters, I’m happy to report that Kowal crushes that part of it, too. This book is so great on so many levels that this is a serious contender for my favorite book of the year.”
Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott
Princess Sun outmaneuvers enemies and her mother's court to secure her throne in this space opera series with political intrigue.
“Unconquerable Sun is incredible. It blends tightly written heart-pounding sci-fi action with sharply observed and complex characterisation, in a richly detailed universe. It had me turning pages at 2AM, wanting to know what happened and not wanting the story to end… This is a glorious space opera, filled with personal conflicts, with love and tragedy in equal measure, with starships sweeping between solar systems in epic geometry and soldiers face down in the mud. It’s a soaring epic, this narrative, but focused by its strong characterisation on the human element.”
Series continuation
Each recommended series has a sequel or more books available for readers who get hooked on the first installment.
In short
Reddit readers recommend five sci-fi series written by women with relatable heroines, available via library apps or discounted used copies.
