10 Must-Read Sci-Fi Books for Fans of Silo

Adapted for Apple TV+, Silo is a captivating science fiction series inspired by Hugh Howey’s acclaimed novels. Despite some variations in storytelling, the show’s essence remains true to the chilling post-apocalyptic narrative: a society forced to live underground, convinced that the surface is an inhospitable wasteland. This premise engages audiences, highlighting how genres like science fiction continue to resonate, particularly in exploring themes of survival, oppression, and the remnants of humanity.

The rise of adaptations from beloved novels is a testament to the enduring appeal of science fiction, as seen with the Silo series. This adaptation not only revamps Howey’s story for a new audience but also attracts readers who may be new to the genre. For fans of Silo, there are numerous other science fiction books and series that delve into similar dystopian visions worth exploring.

10 Project Hail Mary

Published in 2021, Andy Weir’s Project Hail Mary quickly captured the genre’s attention, winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. This gripping tale revolves around Ryland Grace, an astronaut who awakens alone on a ship amid an imminent threat to humanity. As he navigates the cosmos, Ryland unravels scientific mysteries necessary for Earth’s survival, all while confronting his own fragmented memories.

With plans for a film adaptation set for a 2026 release, Project Hail Mary promises to expand its audience further, introducing the visionary narrative of a lone explorer combating existential threats.

9 Dark Matter

Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter is a thrilling exploration of alternate realities. The plot follows Jason Dessen, a physics professor who finds himself kidnapped and thrust into a version of his life where everything he knew is altered. This novel balances scientific plausibility with an emotional narrative, cleverly weaving themes of identity and choice throughout Jason’s perilous journey. Its recent adaptation to Apple TV+ has reignited interest in this provocative tale.

8 Hyperion

Dan Simmons’ Hyperion begins the intricate Hyperion Cantos, centering on a mysterious creature known as the Shrike. As seven pilgrims journey toward the looming conflict of a galactic war, they recount their intertwining stories, reminiscent of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. This multi-layered narrative offers insights into human connection and fear, wrapped in the broader conflicts of a dystopian universe.

7 Wanderers

Chuck Wendig’s Wanderers presents a chilling scenario where individuals enter a state of somnambulism while walking towards an unknown destination. Their guardians, known as Shepherds, follow them, navigating a society gripped by chaos and fear. Through the lens of multiple characters, Wendig examines the societal implications of this epidemic, illustrating that the greatest threat often stems from human fear and ignorance.

6 Wayward Pines Trilogy

Blake Crouch’s compelling Wayward Pines Trilogy follows Secret Service agent Ethan Burke as he investigates the mysterious town of Wayward Pines, Idaho. Stripped of his identity and stranded in a place that holds dark secrets, Ethan’s quest reveals unsettling truths about the community. The series, which includes Pines, Wayward, and The Last Town, explores the theme of entrapment, both literal and psychological, culminating in a suspenseful narrative where the past is shrouded in secrecy.

Title	Chronological Order	Publication Year
Pines	1	2012
Wayward	2	2013
The Last Town	3	2014

5 Skyward

Brandon Sanderson’s Skyward, a four-book series, transports readers to a world besieged by alien forces. It follows the journey of Sensa, a young woman with dreams of becoming a pilot amidst an oppressive regime. The series adeptly meshes young adult themes with traditional science fiction, captivating readers through the character’s growth and her quest for identity in a fraught environment.

4 Station Eleven

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel book cover

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel provides a haunting portrayal of life after a devastating flu pandemic decimates the population. Following a group of survivors known as the Traveling Symphony, the narrative examines the role of art and human connection in the face of devastation. As they traverse the Great Lakes region, their experiences unravel the depths of loss, survival, and the resilience of creativity even in bleak circumstances.

“I stood looking over my damaged home and tried to forget the sweetness of life on Earth.”

― Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven

The plot intricately weaves between past and present, shedding light on how the characters’ lives were permanently altered by tragedy, exposing their motivations and desires in a world stripped of its former glory.

3 Red Rising

Red Rising By Pierce Brown (Red Rising Saga #1)

Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga unfolds on Mars within a rigid caste system. The first novel follows Darrow, a Red laborer who uncovers the truth about his society’s subjugation. Driven by betrayal, he embarks on a path to ascend the societal hierarchy and instigate change from within. Rich in political intrigue and character development, the series captivates readers with its thrilling and articulate narrative on revolution and class disparity.

Title	Chronological Order	Publication Year
Red Rising	1	2014
Golden Son	2	2015
Morning Star	3	2016
Iron Gold	4	2018
Dark Age	5	2019
Light Bringer	6	2023
Red God	7	2025/2026

2 This Is How You Lose The Time War

The cover of This Is How You Lose The Time War

This Is How You Lose the Time War, co-authored by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, emerged in 2019 as a remarkable exploration of temporal conflict. The story centers on two agents from opposing factions, entwined in a battle for the future of their worlds. Their rivalry evolves as cryptic letters exchanged between them reveal unexpected commonalities, prompting a profound journey into love and sacrifice amid chaos.

Utilizing time travel as a metaphor, the authors craft a rich tapestry that illustrates how choices ripple through time, showcasing the delicate interplay between agency and destiny.

1 The Fifth Season

N. K.Jemisin’s groundbreaking work, The Fifth Season, is the inaugural novel in the Broken Earth Trilogy, portraying a world on the brink of cataclysm. The narrative interlaces elements of science fiction and fantasy, focusing on themes of oppression and resilience. The protagonist, Essun, embarks on a perilous journey through a devastated landscape after discovering her family has been shattered by violence.

This series critically examines the brutal realities of survival and human endurance amidst societal collapse, leaving a lasting imprint on readers as it delves into the intersections of power, community, and identity in a world fighting against oblivion.

For enthusiasts of Silo and its exhilarating dystopian themes, these titles present a wealth of engaging narratives that will surely captivate and challenge readers.

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