There are dozens of science fiction books that can truly be considered exceptional. However, that number considerably shrinks when it comes to sci-fi series that can claim S-Tier status, with the condition that all of their installments are excellent reads, without a single bad book in the series. While good and bad are obviously very subjective terms, there are seven series that sci-fi fans, for the most part, can agree are without fault.
Screen Rant highlights seven series, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t more sci-fi series that, subjectively, don’t have a bad book. This list also doesn’t discount series that are technically ongoing; it does, in fact, consider and highlight series that aren’t complete yet.
So, if we didn’t include a sci-fi series that you think deserves to be on this list, then drop the name in the comments below. But without further ado, these are Screen Rant’s top choices for sci-fi series without a single bad book.
7
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Published: 2014–present; Notable Subgenre(s): Space Opera / Dystopian
While there may be a few outlying naysayers, most sci-fi fans can agree that Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series is beyond epic and more than deserving of a spot on this list. The divide in opinion may stem from the fact that the series was originally a trilogy before expanding into three additional books, with a fourth on the way.
Some fans struggled with the transition from the original trilogy to its sequels, notably because of the expanded POVs, with the sequels following characters outside of Darrow. However, for those who could get past this hang-up, the series is a 10/10, with many fans desperate for Brown’s final book, Red God, to finally be released.
6
The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold
Published: 1986–2016; Notable Subgenre(s): Adventure / Comedy
Lois McMaster Bujold’s The Vorkosigan Saga truly deserves a standing ovation, with the series standing out thanks to its roughly 16 primary books when counting the main novels and novella-length works. The sheer size and unusual structure of this series make its claim to “no bad books” all the more impressive.
From military adventures to political intrigue to romance and comedy, this series truly has it all. If you haven’t read the series but love Star Wars, we highly recommend checking it out, as it brings the epic space battles and family drama that define Star Wars.
5
Wayfarers by Becky Chambers
Published: 2014–2021; Notable Subgenre(s): Hopepunk / Space Opera
If you’re more of a Star Trek fan than a Star Wars fan, then Becky Chambers’ Wayfarers series is a must-read. Like Star Trek, Wayfarers strongly emphasizes a multicultural interstellar civilization. Unlike Star Trek, though, Wayfarers focuses less on wars, major political conflicts, and constant crises and more on friendship, family, community, cultural differences, and what it means to coexist.
Made up of four books,The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (2014), A Closed and Common Orbit (2016), Record of a Spaceborn Few (2018), and The Galaxy and the Ground Within (2021), Wayfarers notably won the 2019 Hugo Award for Best Series.
4
The Imperial Radch by Ann Leckie
Published: 2013–2015 ; Notable Subgenre(s): Space Opera
If you love intellectually demanding reads,The Imperial Radch by Ann Leckie should skyrocket to the top of your TBR. This truly brilliant space opera brings together military science fiction with AI and political intrigue in a three-part series.
The first book isAncilary Justice , followed by Ancillary Sword and Ancillary Mercy. All three books are highly acclaimed among readers and critics alike with Ancillary Justice notably winning Hugo , Nebula , Arthur C Clarke , BSFA , and Locus Awards.
3
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
Published :2017–present ; Notable Subgenre(s): Space Opera / AI & ; Robot
While still technically an ongoing series , there’s no denying that Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries deserves a top spot on this list . The series starts with All Systems Red in 2017 and eventually expands from short novellas into full-length novels . Network Effect , the first novel-length book in the series , won the Hugo Award for Best Novel , with The Murderbot Diaries winning the Hugo Award for Best Series in 2021.
While this series stars an AI protagonist , Murderbot , readers will find this bot to be one of the most relatable and hilarious characters they’ve ever read . Truly , who wouldn’t love a sarcastic , socially anxious security android who yearns to be left alone so it can watch its favorite TV shows ?
2
The Expanse by James S.A.Cory
Published :2011–present ; Notable Subgenre(s): Space Opera
You’d be hard pressed to find a sci-fi fan who hasn’t loved , let alone heard about , The Expanse . Hence , it shouldn’t be surprising that James S.A.Cory ’s nine-book masterpiece claimed a top spot on this list . However , fans should also note that there are roughly eight additional works outside the main novels that add to the legacy of the series , truly making it even more impressive that there isn’t a single bad book in the entire series.
How Well Do You Know The Expanse ?
“ Doors and corners , kid . That’s where they get you.”
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What is the name of legitimate Martian warship that James Holden and his crew commandeer and rename Rocinante ? We’re asking for original Martian Congressional Republic Navy designation.
Transmission Complete · Intel Decoded
Your Belt Rating
The fact that The Expanse won Hugo Award for Best Series in addition was adapted into six-season TV series spanning episodes should also speak to brilliance Corey’s work. For best reading experience readers should read primary works order publication dates starting with Leviathan Wakes.
1
The Broken Earth by N.K.Jemisins
Published :2015–2017 ; Notable Subgenre(s): Post-Apocalyptic / Science Fantasy
Ranking at number one on our list is N.K.Jemisins’ The Broken Earth.
This series is perfect for lovers of science fantasy genre or fantasy lovers who are looking venture into sci-fi genre for first time. This is one those series is truly unforgettable worth every single minute invested reading it sentiment further supported fact all three books consecutively won Hugo Award Best Novel.
Published in first book aptly named after enormous geological catastrophe sets tone rest story: The Fifth Season.The Obelisk Gateand The Stone Sky respectively serve as second third installments series.
If think forgot sci-fi without single bad book then let know comments!
