This Week in Science Fiction — Week of May 25, 2026

Biggest Gainers

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Published: April 7, 2026

In a stunning debut, Yesteryear has surged by 35,548 ratings this week, leveraging a gripping plot that intertwines themes of tradition, fame, and reality in a historical context. The novel’s time travel elements, all set against the backdrop of 1855, have resonated well with current trends, leading to an impressive 20% growth, one of the strongest in the new release category. With over 215,000 total ratings, its performance sets it apart in a crowded market of contemporary and historical fiction.

Stats: 179,861 → 215,409 (+35,548)

A Parade of Horribles by Matt Dinniman

Published: May 12, 2026

This latest installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series has experienced a significant jump of 10,800 ratings, an exciting 53% increase, appealing to fans of humorous and entertaining science fiction. As Carl navigates the chaos of Faction Wars while challenging the realities of the dungeon, the book appears to be engaging readers actively, reflected in its strong growth metrics. The story's contemporary themes of agency and competition resonate well with audiences looking for escapism within fantastical environments.

Stats: 20,342 → 31,142 (+10,800)

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Published: March 18, 2025

With a minor increase of 6,613 ratings this week, Sunrise on the Reaping managed to maintain a steady performance, reflecting its solid foundation within the established Hunger Games universe. Despite only a 0.55% growth, its total ratings exceeding 1.2 million indicate a strong and loyal reader base that continues to engage with this long-standing series. Its stable yet modest growth underscores the book’s position as a staple in the dystopian genre.

Stats: 1,194,555 → 1,201,168 (+6,613)

Surprise of the Week

The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

Published: May 26, 2026

The Midnight Train surprised this week with an 89% growth, jumping from 987 to 1,861 ratings. Its significant increase illustrates the appeal of its unique premise, where readers can explore pivotal moments of their past through a fantastical lens. This explosive uptick suggests a strong interest in stories that flirt with nostalgia and time travel, positioning it as a standout within this week's releases.

Stats: 987 → 1,861 (+874)

Quick Hits

Broken Dove by Dani Francis

In its initial weeks, this dystopian romance has seen thrilling momentum, now adding 4,785 ratings, highlighting a growing interest in its complex narrative. Stats: 8,159 → 12,944 (GROWTH, +4,785).

Murder at Martingale Manor by Jodi Taylor

This novel made a notable surge with its 52% increase in ratings, appealing to fans of humorous time travel mysteries. Stats: 1,291 → 1,956 (+665).

Pick of the Week goes to Yesteryear. Its remarkable addition of 35,548 ratings in its debut week distinguishes it not only as a new release but also as a book that connects deeply with current conversations around women's roles in society. This extraordinary traction points to a broader trend of interest in narratives that challenge norms, making it the most compelling story this week.