This Week in Science Fiction — Week of May 18, 2026

Most Read Science Fiction Books This Week

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Published: March 18, 2025

This gripping addition to the Hunger Games narrative sees familiar faces in a high-stakes scenario that doubles the tributes of the past. As the fiftieth annual Hunger Games unfold, tensions rise not only in the Capitol but also within the hearts of the contestants as personal loyalties clash with the brutal demands of survival.

Stats: 1,189,145 → 1,194,555 (+5,410) — A steady growth of 0.45%, indicating a solid interest in the title even a year after its release, showcasing Collins' enduring popularity.

The Gate of the Feral Gods by Matt Dinniman

Published: March 11, 2025

This novel plunges readers into a fantastical realm rife with unexpected challenges as comedic gnomes and bizarre obstacles create a unique landscape for Carl and his questing party. The story blends adventure and humor as they navigate unique settings like a haunted crypt and malfunctioning machinery.

Stats: 164,438 → 167,078 (+2,640) — With a 1.6% weekly growth, this title shows resilience, maintaining interest in a genre filled with whimsical adventures.

The Butcher's Masquerade by Matt Dinniman

Published: April 8, 2025

Returning to the chilling and thrilling world of dungeon crawling, this fifth installment brings together bloodthirsty dinosaurs and a vengeful princess. As the din emerges of external hunters, the atmosphere thickens with danger, elevating the stakes for Dungeon Crawler Carl and Princess Donut.

Stats: 141,128 → 143,318 (+2,190) — Consistently adding ratings with a 1.6% growth, indicating that this series continues to build momentum, keeping fans engaged.

Rising in Science Fiction

Broken Dove by Dani Francis

Published: May 12, 2026

In this sequel, Wren Darlington navigates a tumultuous landscape of loyalty, love, and rebellion against a backdrop of impending conflict. As allegiances are put to the test, the narrative intertwines personal life and political intrigue in a gripping exploration of power struggles.

Stats: 3,014 → 5,630 (+2,616, 87%) — An explosive rise that showcases strong reader interest, almost doubling its ratings in a single week as buzz continues to build ahead of its official release.

Platform Decay by Martha Wells

Published: May 5, 2026

The latest entry in the award-winning Murderbot Diaries features our favorite reluctant robot as it confronts its new mission alongside humans for a rescue. Injecting humor into a complex exploration of human-robot interactions, the narrative promises both excitement and introspection.

Stats: 6,889 → 8,868 (+1,979, 29%) — A strong upward trend further solidifying the series' popularity, indicating that readers are eager to dive back into the unique world Wells has crafted.

The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee

Published: May 5, 2026

Fusing elements of corporate intrigue and action, Isako’s tale of survival in a competitive environment captivates as she navigates her final mission. This standalone is a unique blend of space opera and corporate espionage, likely to attract both fans of the genre and those new to Lee's work.

Stats: 1,288 → 1,669 (+381, 30%) — A solid increase reflects improving visibility and interest, indicating that Lee's narrative has compelled readers to engage significantly since its release.

Science Fiction Pick of the Week

The standout this week is Broken Dove. Garnering a staggering 87% growth in ratings, this book not only demonstrates exceptional early performance for a new release but shows that readers are keen to return to its captivating world. This swift ascent places it as a critical player in this week’s landscape, suggesting a strong marketing push or trending themes appealing to its audience.