2024 Summer Reading Guide: Best New Science Fiction and Fantasy Books to Read This Summer

When the summer heat calls for adventure, why not take it off-planet—or into a dragon’s den, a mythical London, or an apocalyptic showdown? If you’re ready to escape reality and dive into stories that defy the ordinary, the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Science Fiction Fantasy Books picks are a must-add to your seasonal TBR. From spacefaring thrillers to magical creatures and reimagined legends, these reads are full of high-stakes quests and imaginative worlds.

Top 6 Science Fiction Fantasy Books

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

A retired, soul-devouring gumiho and a fallen god of trickery team up to stop a demon from triggering the apocalypse—but that’s just the beginning of their tangled relationship. I loved how The God and the Gumiho wove Korean mythology with high-stakes magical action and emotional complexity. If you enjoy reluctant alliances, slow-burn tension, and end-of-the-world stakes, this one will absolutely deliver.

You can get a copy of The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim on Amazon.

The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton

Four curious teens sneak aboard a derelict spaceship to uncover a lost colony’s secrets—only to find themselves launched into space on a dangerous new mission. This is a big-hearted space adventure that celebrates friendship, discovery, and the chaos of unexpected journeys. It felt like The Goonies meets The Martian, and I loved every second of its scrappy, heartfelt energy.

You can get a copy of The Stars Too Fondly by Emily Hamilton on Amazon.

The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei

A former art thief-turned-grad-student and her alien bestie embark on a cosmic quest to save an endangered species and humanity’s future from unraveling. The Stardust Grail was a total thrill—part intergalactic heist, part philosophical reflection. There’s ancient magic, alien tech, and a wild chase across time and space. This is the kind of read that challenges your imagination and hits your heart.

You can get a copy of The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei on Amazon.

The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons

A disgraced dragonrider survives her execution only to be drawn into a deeper conspiracy involving treasure, magic, and an empire built on dragon lore. The Sky on Fire is a fiery epic (pun fully intended) with dragons, political intrigue, and the resilience of a woman wronged. If you like your fantasy bold, blazing, and packed with personal stakes, this one’s for you.

You can get a copy of The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons on Amazon.

The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

Set after the fall of King Arthur, a young knight and his unlikely allies set out to rebuild Camelot and restore hope in a fractured world. This is one of my absolute must-reads this summer. The Bright Sword reimagines Arthurian legend with an inclusive, character-rich perspective. Grossman blends lore with fresh voices in a way that feels both epic and emotionally intimate.

You can get a copy of The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman on Amazon.

A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne

A lush, feminist tale inspired by Shakespeare’s Dark Lady. Accused of witchcraft, Rose flees to Elizabethan London, where she seeks freedom, love, and reinvention amidst betrayal.  I found A Rose by Any Other Name absolutely mesmerizing. It’s lyrical, romantic, and bold in how it reclaims history. If you love historical fantasy with a feminist edge, this is one to savor slowly.

You can get a copy of A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne on Amazon.

Which Science Fiction Fantasy Book Is Going on Your TBR?

Are you drawn to dragons, fascinated by space quests, or do you love myth-inspired adventures with heart? Let me know in the comments what books you are adding to your reading list.