The science fiction thriller genre usually involves a thrilling and mysterious journey, with unexpected twists and dangers that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

A science fiction thriller is a genre that combines science fiction and suspense. It occurs in the future or on distant planets, featuring advanced technology, aliens, or dystopian societies. The characters may face life-threatening challenges, like battling evil forces or uncovering dark secrets. It’s a genre that appeals to those who love science fiction and suspenseful storytelling.

Science Fiction 

Science fiction is a genre that imagines events and technologies in the future or beyond our world. It explores scientific concepts like space travel, time travel, robots, or alternate realities. Often set in space or advanced societies, science fiction features imaginative elements and possibilities that aren’t yet real but could be one day. The genre is famous for its ability to inspire wonder and curiosity while addressing important themes like ethics, human nature, and the impact of technology on society.

Thriller

The thriller genre keeps readers or viewers on the edge of their seats with intense excitement and suspense. It centers around high-stakes situations, danger, and unexpected twists. The genre can cover various settings and themes, such as crime, espionage, or psychological tension. It aims to evoke strong emotions like fear, anticipation, and excitement while captivating audiences with gripping narratives and characters facing dangerous circumstances.

Five Science Fiction Thriller Novels

“The Paradox Hotel” by Rob Hart

In the thrilling science-fiction novel “The Paradox Hotel,” January Cole faces an impossible crime while working security at the mysterious hotel. The place is no ordinary spot, as it hosts time-traveling tourists and is rumored to be haunted. When a perplexing corpse appears, only January can see it, setting her on a dangerous path. Simultaneously, influential figures gather to claim privatized time-travel technology, and “accidents” target them. January’s unique ability is to see what others can’t become a double-edged sword, blurring her sense of reality. In this gripping murder mystery infused with humor, grief, and ghostly encounters, author Rob Hart takes readers on an unforgettable ride through time.

“Moon Luck” by Scott Harral 

Shortly, with moon colonies becoming a reality, “Moon Luck” by Wayne Scott Harral delves into the lives of 30 astronauts on the lunar surface. This science-fiction tale showcases their experiences as astronaut scientists and explorers, conducting experiments, mining minerals, and forming bonds and conflicts. However, when a senior member dies under suspicious circumstances, the story takes a thrilling turn as they seek to uncover the truth behind the apparent accident. As the moon becomes humanity’s new frontier, the book raises a compelling question: can a death on the lunar surface be considered murder? Be prepared for an enthralling journey of intrigue and exploration.

“The Caves of Steel (The Robot Series Book 1)” by Isaac Asimov

In a distant future, humanity has colonized the galaxy and created positronic brains. Enter Isaac Asimov’s Robot novels, where a New York City detective, Elijah Baley, forms an unexpected alliance with a humanoid robot. Earth’s overpopulation has left Baley disliking the Spacers and their robots. However, when a prominent Spacer is killed, he’s sent to the Outer Worlds to solve the case. The situation is complicated by his distrustful Spacer superiors and the fact that his partner, R. Daneel Olivaw, is a robot designed to resemble the victim. Can they overcome their differences and catch the killer? A gripping sci-fi tale of detective work and human-robot relationships awaits.

“Shovel Ready (Spademan)” by Adam Sternbergh 

Meet Spademan, once a sanitation worker, now a hitman in a near-future, post-apocalyptic New York City. After a dirty bomb tragedy and the loss of his wife, the city has crumbled into a stark divide: the privileged who live in virtual reality and the struggling survivors on the streets. Spademan chooses the gritty reality, but his latest assignment complicates things. Hired to kill an influential evangelist’s daughter, he must navigate the stark contrast between the two worlds, fulfill the job, and confront his conscience. Will he survive the deadly game and ensure justice prevails, or will he become another victim buried in the ground?

“The Last Policeman” by Ben H. Winters

Amidst impending doom from an approaching asteroid, Detective Hank Palace grapples with the futility of solving murders when humanity’s end is near. With only six months left until impact, the economy crumbles, crops wither, and people abandon their jobs. In this pre-apocalyptic setting, death by hanging catches Palace’s attention in a city plagued by suicides. As everyone else loses hope, he can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss. In a world on the brink, Palace doggedly pursues the truth. This rare blend of apocalyptic and detective fiction weaves a suspenseful tale transcending the ordinary procedural, offering a gripping and unique reading experience.