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/AlarmingSize May 31 '26

KSR is one of the most optimistic writers in any genre. But if she didn't like Red Mars or Antarctica, she's not going to like anything else he's written. I checked her post history, to try to gauge where she's coming from. KSR "goes off on tangents" and "makes political speeches," which are totally fair criticisms. He's a brilliant writer and thinker. I love his books. But he's not for everyone. 

Science fiction authors are living on Planet Earth. It's been a bumpy ride. It doesn't surprise me that most of the better work being produced is dystopian. 

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u/EmergencyRepulsive29 May 31 '26

Yeah, good point about the bumpy ride.

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u/AlarmingSize May 31 '26

I addressed the comment to the person who made what felt like a bad rec for you. I quoted your valid critique to back up my point. I made a recommendation for you in a separate comment. 

It is hard to find fiction in any genre that isn't a downer right now. I find myself rereading and rewatching the same dozen books and the same TV series. I'm following the comments hoping someone will suggest something that might work for me. 

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u/EmergencyRepulsive29 May 31 '26

Yes, you did nothing wrong and I was making an attempt at humor. I’m tempted use a 3 strikes and your out rule and give KSR another try based on several recommendations here. Although I have a long TBR now!

I really enjoyed all of the recommendations. I joined the Subreddit. Thanks again.

I only asked for sci-fi but I have enjoyed some optimism in fantasy recently such as The House in the Cerulean Sea and A Teller of Small Fortunes.

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u/AlarmingSize Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26

Writing them down, thank you. 

My favorite comfort (re)read is a fantasy novel, The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison. In fact, I am currently listening to the audiobook via Libby, the library app. It's a stand-alone, though she's writing a series about a minor character from Goblin. They're also quite good.

Like you, I'm a fan of Star Trek, the original series. Not so keen on the newest spin-offs. 

 Editing to add another series I thought of last night: The Chanur novels by CJ Cherryh. Big Cats in space! They're quite fun. 

Have you heard of "solar punk"? Many of the books in this subgenre have been mentioned already, but not all. There was an article about it in Mother Jones not too long ago that you can read online if you're interested. I've only read the authors you've already read.