SFF Hot from Printers: New Releases discussion

I’m looking for a new, fun sci fi book to read. Fun being the key word. I enjoy humour and big science ideas in the books I read. However, I’ve discovered that's actually a hard combination to come by. Here are the ones I’ve managed to find and enjoyed the most so far (to give you an idea of the sort of novel I’m after):


Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy


The granddaddy of comedy sci‑fi, with the added delight of being quintessentially British. I’m sure everyone knows this book. I love British humour, which is at its best here in Arthur Dent’s sarcasm, and, of course, the Monty Python levels of wackiness woven throughout (unsurprising since Adams wrote for Monty Python’s Flying Circus at one point). But the book never feels too goofy, it’s always grounded by its brilliant inventive ideas. Actually, the sci-fi is fascinating, from Deep Thought to the Improbability Drive. It’s full of memorable characters, and for a relatively short book, it does a ton of universe building. The series does taper off as it goes on, but the first one is an absolute classic!


Bobiverse


Now, really, this should be my number 1, as I love this series through and through. The hard scifi is fascinating, detailed and understandable. The humour is never far away, but never absurd and the world building is perhaps the best I've come across, the sheer bloody scope of it (space travel, aliens, and centuries of development). If you haven’t read We Are Legion (We Are Bob) yet, stop everything and dive in, better yet, listen to the audiobook. It just keeps getting better with each installment.
Expeditionary Force


A massively popular series for a good reason and still one of my favourites. You’ve got a human (Joe) and a alien AI (Skippy) teaming up against galactic chaos. The banter and heart is the key to its success as the the plot sometimes...well often... get repetitive, but the writing is so punchy that reriding the same roller coaster over and over, is still a thrill.


Space Team


This series deserves waaaaay more recognition! It’s got heart, humour, great plots, and the cast of characters are just wonderful. The author pivoted to crime thrillers with his DCI Logan series (also great fun, but defo not scifi). If you love quirky, chaotic sci fi with emotion AND comedy, then this is a rare treat. The Audible version’s makes it even better too!


Off to be the Wizard


Stick with book one, seriously great. The premise is wonderful, a fun mashup of the matrix and fantasy. It never takes itself seriously at all and leans into goofiness more than traditional sci‑fi. Highly recommend for a light hearted, breezy read. I think book 2 might have been good too, but around 3 or 4 it hit the skids.


The Devils
I think everyones read this one haven't they. If I hadnt read any of Abercrombie other books, I think I would have loved this even more, as the premise for this was quite similar, beats wise, to The Blade Itself, but Im putting this, over that, as I just love the characters in this story. Hopefully there is a sequel, as I wanna see what happens when the Elves arrive!




Brute Force


Another by Scott Meyer (same as Off to Find the Wizard) and a standalone gem. It’s full on silly and a proper laugh out loud read. A space faring mission to help save humans, but of course, it all goes a bit loopy. No spoilers, but expect laughs. I really enjoyed this one alot.


The Time Diary: A Barstewards Tale


Mixes epic sci‑fi ideas and moral dilemmas with classic British humour. Characters who must save humanity, if only to save themselves. Its a book that features time travel and manages to get very timey whimey, without skidding into huge plot holes. In fact, it uses time travel to explore a bunch of fun “what‑ifs” scenerios. The cast are a bunch of losers who have to find a way to be better people if they have any chance of saving the universe. There are also nods to Hitchikers guide in this, especially in chapter 42, where it gives its own explanation to the meaning of life, the universe, and everything.


Mickey 7


Basically this is about a fella whose job it is to do all the deadly work on a space exploration mission. Everytime he dies, he is brought back to life to continue his work. I see why the movie changed it to Mickey 17, as the book missed an opportunity to have much more fun with the premise. This is funny though. Not silly, rather the lead character has a humourous personality, and I enjoyed this book alot. Book 2 was good as well, and there is a promise of a third to come.


Old Man’s War


Not exactly funny, but the main character’s dry, sarcastic wit gives it a jovial tone, even though, overall, the book is kinda “Platoon in space.” Super epic military sci‑fi, if that’s your jam, it’s one of the best out there. (The Forever War is actually the best classic scifi miltary book but it doesnt make my official list as it has zero humour)


Project Hail Mary


Of course, best til last. Funny lead character and amazing hard scifi. Our world is dying and a scientist finds himself Earth's last hope, well, until he is joined by an alien called Rocky. I love this book. LOVE IT. Give me another book like this, please! (Not the Martian, I’ve read and enjoyed that too)


Im not saying these are my top books ever, there are many genres I enjoy, but I do love scifi, and finding a good book, with intriguing ideas, but doesnt take itself deadly serious, is hard to come by. What would you recommend?

When the Moon Hits Your Eye Really really fun, and just came out this year.

I am going to look at all the books you listed. Bobiverse book one was good, but I didn't go back. Old Man's War reminded me of Heinlein except funnier in its wryness.

I just thought--There's also Dungeon Crawler Carl, which is pretty funny. Especially the cat.

did you ever read Redshirts?

Also The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a humorous time travel

Kateblue wrote: "When the Moon Hits Your Eye Really really fun, and just came out this year.

I am going to look at all the books you listed. Bobiverse book one was good, but I didn't go back. Old..."

Yes, this is on my to read list, anything by John Scalzi is usually brillant. I think redshirts was the first book of his I read, but I read it sooo long ago, I cant really remember what happened in it.

Bobiverse, in my opinion, is one of the best out there. Admittedly, book 3 is the weakest, but it picks up after that. One of my favourites.

Oleksandr wrote: "Also The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a humorous time travel"

Cheers, time travel books are a particular favourite of mine, so Ill check this out

Oleksandr wrote: "Also The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a humorous time travel"

Just looked this up and it sounds great. Ive added it to my list

Scott wrote: "Bobiverse, in my opinion, is one of the best out there. Admittedly, book 3 is the weakest, but it picks up after that. One of my favourites.."

I've read the 1st book and liked it, but because I expect more of the same, I haven't continued the series

Oleksandr wrote: "Scott wrote: "Bobiverse, in my opinion, is one of the best out there. Admittedly, book 3 is the weakest, but it picks up after that. One of my favourites.."

I've read the 1st book and liked it, bu..."
It really isnt more of the same, the story expands and developes amazingly

Scott wrote: "Oleksandr wrote: "Also The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde is a humorous time travel"

Just looked this up and it sounds great. Ive added it to my list"

I'm not so sure I would actually call it funny. Odd, yes. Fascinating, yes. Not like anything written by anybody else, yes. Funny? maybe a little. Read ALL of these, really, I cannot remember if #2 or #3 was my favorite.

Actually, Scott, I don't know if I would call it time travel. You tell us after you read it, OK?

Actually, my favorite Fforde book is Shades of Grey--SO INCREDIBLY fascinating. But also not funny.

My problem with the bobiverse (and I have read the first book twice) is I cannot keep the characters straight, I guess (view spoiler)[ since they are all the same guy (hide spoiler)] my usual problem with not being able to keep characters straight is exacerbated.

Hey, Scott, I just went to try to compare books with you and I can't I guess because you are an author. I can't friend you either.

can you friend me?

Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente. Takes a lot of inspiration from Hitchhiker's Guide.