Another year has come and gone, and I thankfully never had reader’s block. I even surprised myself by out-reading my own reading challenge.
From yours truly, here are the best speculative fiction books I read in 2024 in no particular order. Disclaimer: Most of these were not published in 2024.
Ansibles, perfiladores y otras máquinas de ingenio by Andrea Chapela
Science fiction, published in 2020. Chapela is an up-and-coming Mexican author. This book is a compilation of sci-fi short stories set in a dystopian Mexico City. What’s appealing is that most of the stories center on how technology interacts with humans, and how technology can affect human perception. The stories present lovable characters that have to navigate their feelings and identities. My favorite story is Como quien oye llover, which is about two girls who meet, fall in love, and explore the city. It was truly heart-wrenching. So far, there is no word on whether it will be translated to English, but if you read in Spanish, don’t sleep on this one.
High Vaultage by Chris and Jen Sugden
Science fiction/fantasy, published in 2024. This novel introduces Archibald Fleet and Clara Entwhistle as private detectives. Simply put, this is a detective novel set in a steampunk-ish Victorian London. The plot is gripping, the characters’ voice quite distinctive, and the humor is off the charts. It’s fun, it’s packed with mystery, and the characters are absolutely lovable. You can check out the full review here.
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez
Horror, published in 2019. In all fairness, this is possibly my most favorite book of the year. It’s an epic ride filled with occultism, political commentary, and some scary passages. I often caught myself reading too fast and had to remind myself to read slowly to fully enjoy the absolute gem this is. Even the way it’s written is enjoyable. I can’t recommend this book enough. You can check out the full review here.
Artifact Space by Miles Cameron
Science fiction, published in 2021. This was the one that surprised me the most this year. Before Cameron’s book, I wasn’t that big on hard science fiction. Sure, I read some books here and there, but to be fully immersed in the way space ships work and be left wanting more? That’s something only this book has made me feel. The sequel is also great, and I’m really happy I read them back to back. You can check out the full review here.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar
Science fiction, published in 2019. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. After I read it I needed to scream about it to everyone that wanted to listen to me. Star-crossed lovers but they’re both women AND they’re enemies? That’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s also an epistolary novel with lots of symbolism and silly little insults that are actually flirting. This had me giggling like a schoolgirl, and I absolutely adored every single page.
Adriana Acevedo is an editor, writer, and sleep paralysis demon. She's been published in magazines like samfiftyfour and Impostor. She's bilingual and living in the monstrous Mexico City. Whenever she's not reading horror stories or watching horror movies, she's baking sourdough bread. Read more of her writing here.