This Week in Science Fiction — Week of April 20, 2026

Science Fiction readers are currently drawn to stories that blend elements of fantasy, adventure, and social commentary, often set in dystopian or futuristic worlds. The rise of dungeon crawlers and litRPGs has also become a notable trend, with authors like Matt Dinniman gaining popularity for their unique takes on the genre. Meanwhile, established authors like Stephen King and Pierce Brown continue to captivate audiences with their thought-provoking and thrilling narratives. As the genre evolves, readers are seeking out fresh perspectives, immersive world-building, and complex characters that challenge their understanding of the world and humanity's place within it.

Most Read Science Fiction Books This Week

Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

Published: January 6, 2021

The story follows Carl and Princess Donut as they navigate a mysterious dungeon, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. With its unique blend of humor, adventure, and science fiction elements, this book has captivated readers and left them eager for more.

Stats: 216,550 → 220,050 (+3,500) — A notable increase in readership, indicating the book's growing popularity and appeal to fans of the genre.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Published: January 28, 2014

This novel is set in a color-coded society where Darrow, a Red, infiltrates the elite Gold caste to spark a revolution. With its gripping narrative and well-developed characters, Red Rising has become a modern classic in the science fiction genre.

Stats: 847,410 → 850,523 (+3,113) — A steady increase in readership, reflecting the book's enduring popularity and influence on the genre.

The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook by Matt Dinniman

Published: April 2, 2021

In this sequel to Carl's Doomsday Scenario, Carl and Donut face new challenges as they navigate the complexities of the dungeon. With its unique blend of humor, adventure, and science fiction elements, this book has captivated readers and solidified Matt Dinniman's position as a rising star in the genre.

Stats: 175,606 → 178,558 (+2,952) — A significant increase in readership, indicating the book's growing popularity and appeal to fans of the genre.

Revival by Stephen King

Published: November 11, 2014

This novel explores themes of addiction, fanaticism, and the supernatural, as a young musician becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a charismatic preacher. With its thought-provoking narrative and well-developed characters, Revival has become a notable addition to Stephen King's oeuvre.

Stats: 140,289 → 143,043 (+2,754) — A notable increase in readership, reflecting the book's enduring popularity and influence on the genre.

The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman

Published: July 1, 2021

In this latest installment of the series, Carl and his team face new challenges as they navigate the complexities of the dungeon. With its unique blend of humor, adventure, and science fiction elements, this book has captivated readers and solidified Matt Dinniman's position as a rising star in the genre.

Stats: 144,275 → 146,722 (+2,447) — A significant increase in readership, indicating the book's growing popularity and appeal to fans of the genre.

Rising in Science Fiction

Detour by Jeff Rake, Rob Hart

Published: January 13, 2026

This novel follows a space shuttle crew as they discover that the Earth they've returned to is not the home they left behind. With its unique blend of science fiction, thriller, and mystery elements, Detour has captivated readers and left them eager for more.

Stats: 1,918 → 1,990 (+72, 3.75%) — A notable increase in readership, indicating the book's growing popularity and appeal to fans of the genre, with a significant growth rate that suggests a strong word-of-mouth following.

Longing for the Alien Lawman by Ursa Dax

Published: March 5, 2026

This romance novel follows a young OBGYN as she becomes embroiled in a romantic relationship with an alien lawman. With its unique blend of science fiction, romance, and adventure elements, Longing for the Alien Lawman has captivated readers and left them eager for more.

Stats: 2,354 → 2,426 (+72, 3.06%) — A significant increase in readership, indicating the book's growing popularity and appeal to fans of the genre, with a notable growth rate that suggests a strong buzz around the book.

The Survivor Wants to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Published: May 6, 2025

This novel follows two strangers as they navigate a mysterious world where death is a tangible presence. With its thought-provoking narrative and well-developed characters, The Survivor Wants to Die at the End has become a notable addition to the science fiction genre.

Stats: 11,981 → 12,268 (+287, 2.40%) — A notable increase in readership, reflecting the book's enduring popularity and influence on the genre, with a steady growth rate that suggests a dedicated fan base.

The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances by Glenn Dixon

Published: April 7, 2026

This novel follows a sentient Roomba as it navigates a world where appliances are alive and struggling to find their place. With its unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure elements, The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances has captivated readers and left them eager for more.

Stats: 513 → 536 (+23, 4.48%) — A significant increase in readership, indicating the book's growing popularity and appeal to fans of the genre, with a notable growth rate that suggests a strong word-of-mouth following.

Halcyon Years by Alastair Reynolds

Published: October 30, 2025

This novel follows a private investigator as he navigates a complex murder mystery on a starship. With its unique blend of science fiction, mystery, and noir elements, Halcyon Years has captivated readers and left them eager for more.

Stats: 1,423 → 1,465 (+42, 2.95%) — A notable increase in readership, reflecting the book's enduring popularity and influence on the genre, with a steady growth rate that suggests a dedicated fan base.

Science Fiction Pick of the Week

For fans of science fiction and fantasy, Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman is a standout recommendation. With its unique blend of humor, adventure, and science fiction elements, this book has captivated readers and left them eager for more. As the first installment in a series, it sets the stage for a thrilling and immersive journey that explores the complexities of a mysterious dungeon and the characters that inhabit it. With its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes, Carl's Doomsday Scenario is a must-read for fans of the genre.