Science fiction writers often use futuristic settings to explore contemporary issues. While dense explorations of artificial intelligence, alien encounters, and galactic conflicts can be deeply rewarding, the genre also boasts numerous lighter options filled with humor and adventure. For readers seeking levity alongside their speculative fiction, these eight sci-fi books from the 21st century deliver engaging stories that grapple with modern themes.
Redshirts by John Scalzi (2012)
John Scalzi excels at comedic science fiction. His Hugo Award-winning novel Redshirts follows a group of new ensigns aboard a starship where away missions carry a distressingly high casualty rate. The crew begins to investigate the nature of their dangerous encounters with aliens, seeking a way to survive their perilous circumstances.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (2014)
Becky Chambers' debut novel focuses on the journey itself. The story centers on Rosemary Harper, who joins the crew of a tunneling ship to escape her past. As she travels through space, Rosemary forms bonds with her diverse alien crewmates in this heartwarming tale of found family. The book has been compared to Firefly and Farscape.
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells (2018)
The second book in Martha Wells' The Murderbot Diaries series features the titular cyborg security unit, Murderbot, who prefers watching media to protecting humans. In this installment, Murderbot finds a challenging foil in a sophisticated ship AI. As Murderbot delves into its past, it must contend with this new companion eager to share entertainment time. An Apple TV adaptation of the series is in development.
Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente (2018)
Catherynne M. Valente's Space Opera offers a literal take on the genre, presenting a galactic version of the Eurovision song contest. Humanity must compete in the Metagalactic Grand Prix to prove its sentience or face extinction. This novel is a humorous, glam-rock-inspired tribute to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes (2019)
This novel features the quirky crew of the ship La Sirena Negra. Captain Eva Innocente leads her crew on dangerous missions under potentially false pretenses to pay the ransom for her kidnapped sister. The story humorously satirizes video games and pop culture, with Eva navigating psychic cats and the unwelcome advances of an alien emperor.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (2019)
The first book in Tamsyn Muir's science fantasy series The Locked Tomb combines mystery with dark humor. Gideon is tasked with protecting the necromancer Harrow as heirs from various houses compete in trials. Despite their antagonism, Gideon and Harrow must cooperate to survive and uncover the truth behind the deaths of other competitors.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021)
Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary builds on the accessible hard science of The Martian with a buddy comedy adventure. Protagonist Ryland Grace awakens with amnesia on a spaceship, realizing he is the sole survivor of a mission to save Earth's sun. He finds an unexpected ally in an alien facing a similar threat to his own planet. The book received a film adaptation in 2026.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (2024)
Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, popularized through self-publishing and receiving a commercial release in 2024, blends science fiction and fantasy within a LitRPG framework. The story follows Carl, a veteran who participates in an alien reality show alongside his ex-girlfriend's cat. They face bizarre challenges to progress, impress an AI, and gain a galactic audience. An adaptation is in development for Peacock.
