Recs if you like The Terraformers...

Not all science fiction is laser battles and intergalactic warfare! This list is aiming for the softer side of sci-fi. The kind where the stars hum quietly, the characters pause to breathe, and discoveries are found within. ✨

I’m attempting to cultivate a collection of books that are low stakes, cozy sci-fi, filled with found family, gentle exploration, and quiet wonder. 😌

If you have recommendations, please leave them in the comments! 📝

Book covers with typography oriented in non-standard alignments, instead of the typical horizontal + left to right text alignment. Or: graphic design is my passion, and today we are learning about text paths 🙂‍↕️. This is an immensely silly List, and always open to suggestions—vertical text, circular, upside down, anything goes!

Queer sci-fi 💫 (Not always in space, I think I've covered most sci-fi subgenres)

I did some digging for a bookclub and gathered some solarpunk books, and why not share them here? (I haven't read them all) If you have more suggestions I'll add them😊

Solarpunk is a sci-fi subgenre that envisions futures build on renewable energy, greentech and community. It is mostly meant to offer a positive alternative to dystopian visions of the future. The punk aspect is usually seen as the vision of the positive future, which is considered radical and rebellious itself.

A woman's place is in the revolution. Featuring magical/gifted women who disobey the powers that be and rage against the machine.

Sci-fi books that I feel are hopeful and have a cozy, often slice-of-life vibe. Some of these could also fall under the solar punk category.

Note: I have not read all of these (and some I’ve dnfed/disliked) but I wanted to include all the cozy sci fi that I know of.

Since my Solarpunk list was liked so much I decided to just continue with the sci-fi subgenres.

Biopunk is a sci-fi subgenre that fuses biology, technology, and often dystopian themes. It involves themes of genetic engineering, body modifications, biotechnology, and the ethical consequences of these advancements on society. The subgenre is closely related to cyberpunk and has lots of overlap. We follow underdogs that fight against the system or try to carve out a little bit of freedom.

This is just something I'm working on because I've decided this is my favorite trope. I'll be collecting here, so don't expect it to be amazing right now 😅. These are characters that stray far from being human but still contain an edge of humanity that makes me feel okay to be delightfully weird. Suggestions welcome!

books so riveting and world build so immersive you won’t even have time to scratch your eyes into oblivion under construction- recommendations welcome!!

These are sci-fi books that have different species. Sometimes from their perspective, sometimes just part of the story, in rare cases as the villain.

Please comment for suggestions and I will add them, but consider that I'm not going for the classic 'Alien' vibe of human destruction, but for something a bit more nuanced in non-human representation 😊 (Alien has its place and I'm a big fan of the franchise)

does dune or foundation intimidate you? me too 😅 use these contemporary series as first steps into sci-fi space operas. then give those heavy hitters a shot!

Books focused on human/AI relationships whether that be romantic, parental, friendly, or otherwise

Dystopian future fiction and nonfiction books exploring where we are heading and why.

This list might save you at the end…

Solarpunk mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and sustainable environmental inspiration!