Five Other Sci-Fi Novels to Devour Now That Mickey 17 is Delayed

Science fiction contenders to check out that would potentially make (or have already made) great movie adaptations
Published: 6 March 2024
The sci-fi movie of the year. Like, next year. IMDB

We know the movie is helmed by Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho (of Parasite, Snowpiercer, The Host; you know this, we won't elaborate). Which is pretty damn exciting, given its futuristic, off-kilter plot. Unfortunately, we also know its release date has been pushed back to from the end of this month to early 2025. So until we see Robert Pattinson as clones, you now have some time to catch up on the book it was based on (Mickey7, in this case, by Edward Ashton).

For those who have already done that, here are five other science fiction novels to consider putting on your reading list.

Ascension by Nicholas Binge

Stephen King called it “old-school creepy" and "a five-star horror novel”, so what more convincing do you need? More on the thriller side than horror, the book follows a group of scientists recruited to investigate the sudden appearance of a mountain in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It cleverly sets the scene from an outsider's point of view before diving into the heart of the action. And yes, plays with the trope of time.

You'll like it if you like: Arrival, Prometheus

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Okay, we kinda cheated with this one. It already has an upcoming adaptation featuring Ryan Gosling. Not surprising considering Weir's other novel starring Matt Damon. Still, the personable first-person tone makes a breezy read for an otherwise extensive storyline of waking up amnesiac in space and befriending a bizzare alien.

You'll like it if you like: The Martian (duh), Edge of Tomorrow

The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester

Not to be confused with Demolition Man, this first Hugo Awards winner is vintage sci-fi at its peak. Published well over 70 years ago, the world-building of a society where mind-readers (or peepers) exist effortlessly takes you in with easy pacing. And its demonstration of telepathy on a text medium is surely experimental for its day.

You'll like it if you like: In the Shadow of the Moon, Minority Report

The Employees: A Workplace Novel of the 22nd Century by Olga Ravn

The book rolls out in proses translated from Danish. The witness accounts come from a crew of six-thousand, human and otherwise, written as part of workplace commission of sorts. As they find themselves attached to the strange objects the ship takes on, it's a simultaneously peculiar yet haunting way to experience a distant memory of earth.

You'll like it if you like: Solaris, Moon

Foe by Iain Reid

Laying thick on the suspense, this plot (also adapted in a film with Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal) by author of I'm Thinking of Ending Things has a similar deeper exploration of human psyche and relationships. Great if you prefer a quietly unnerving read than loud action and adventure.

You'll like it if you like: Annihilation, Under the Skin

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