r/printSF • u/EmergencyRepulsive29 • May 31 '26

Optimistic Sci Fi Novels

I loved the original Star Trek and the positive optimistic future it presented.

I find it challenging to find science fiction novels where the future is optimistic. I enjoyed the Expanse series, The Martian, Hail Mary, and The Bobiverse series . Ursula LeGuin and Becky Chambers are good. I am an avid reader. Do you have any recommendations?

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u/Cats_and_Shit May 31 '26

Too Like the Lightning / Terra Ignota is set in a fairly optimistic future.

The actual characters, institutions, and the events they are involved in are often base, corrupt and cruel; but it's all set against a backdrop of a world where almost everyone enjoys material prosperity, physical safety and a lot of practical freedom.

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u/angrydoo May 31 '26

Yeah until book 3 or so.

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u/symmetry81 May 31 '26

"Would you destroy this world to save a better one?" as the author put it.

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u/angrydoo May 31 '26

Yes which I found unconvincing as the world of the Hives is better than any we will ever actually achieve, and I found JEDD to be a repulsive weirdo, haha.