Science Fiction & Not Problematic: 7 Recommendations by FBC Members

Recommendations compiled by Natalia & Rashmila

Art & editing by Claudia

Disappointed that JK Rowling is a TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist)? Don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with our best recommendations from the badasses themselves, Feminist Book Club members.

Interested in reading more recommendations by Feminist Book Club Members? Read PART 1 in our series, Fantasy & Not Problematic 25 Recommendations by FBC Members. Click here to read more!

7 Science-Fiction Recommendations by Feminist Book Club Members

1. The Belles (The Belles Series #1)

By Dhonielle Clayton

In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. Camellia is a Belle who wants to climb up the ranks to live in Court, but her way there is beset with revelations, hardships and learning about hard truths

Recommended by: Jessica P.

2. The Fifth Season (Broken Earth Trilogy #1) 

By N.K. Jemisin

At the end of the world, a woman must hide her secret power and find her kidnapped daughter in this “intricate and extraordinary” novel of power, oppression, and revolution. Plus magic rocks. Can’t forget the magic rocks.

Recommended by: Megan G.  “A third of the way in and I couldn’t put it down. The world Jemisin builds is very different. There’s very poignant commentary on classism, and racism. I wouldn’t classify it as YA.”

3. The Inheritance Trilogy

By N.K. Jemisin

The trilogy tells the story of Yeine Darr, an outcast from the far barbarian north of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, who finds herself caught up among gods and rulers in a grand power struggle.

Recommended by: Natalia “World-building? Check. Awesome mythology? Check. Relatable characters? Check. This hits all the marks.”

4. The Parable Duology

By Octavia Butler

In 2025, with the world descending into madness and anarchy, Lauren Olamina begins a fateful journey toward a better future. I don’t know how to explain the story in a concise way that makes sense, but these books by the O.G. sci-fi writer Octavia Butler should be on everyone’s bookshelf.

Recommended by: Amanda K.

5. Wilder Girls 

By Rory Powers 

The Raxter School for Girls is in quarantine after the Tox hit and after eighteen months, students and teachers are left to fend for themselves when supplies diminish. Hetty and her friends are left questioning why all resources and contact went missing and how the Tox began.

Recommended by Claudia 

6. The Grace Year

By Kim Liggett

In Garner County, no one speaks of the grace year. A year that is forbidden to be talked about and much less desired to remember. The grace years takes girls during their sixteenth year to be sheltered from all because of their ability to lure married men from their beds and drive women to commit evil acts. All girls are banished for their sixteenth year to rid themselves of their magic and if they return after the grace year, they will be married to the men of their town.

Recommended by Claudia

7. They Both Die at the End

By Adam Silvera

Imagine being told the day you will die. No not in advance, but at midnight on that day so you will know how to live your last day. At midnight, Mateo and Rufus receive this phone call from the Death-Cast and because they are scared, they turn to an app called Last Friend which helps those who are on their End Day build a friendship to help them to death. Mateo and Rufus are complete strangers but on their End Day they have one last adventure.

Recommended by Claudia

Not Part of the FBC Members’ Recommendations, but AWESOME Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books Nonetheless

1. All the Birds in the Sky

By Charlie Jane Anders

2. Ammonite

By Nicola Griffith

3. Are You Loathsome Tonight?

By Poppy Z. Brite

4. Babel-17

Samuel R. Delaney

5. Black Leopard, Red Wolf

By Marlon James

6. Dhalgren

By Samuel R. Delaney

7. Everfair

By Nisi Shawl

8. Lion’s Blood

By Steven Barnes

9. Midnight Robber

By Nalo Hopkinson 

10. Mindscape

By Andrea Hairston

11. Mumbo Jumbo

By Ishamel Reid

12. Redemption in Indigo

By Karen Lord

13. Skin Folk

By Nalo Hopkinson

14. The Comet

By W.E.B Dubois

15. The Female Man

By Joanna Russ

16. The Lesson

By Caldwell Turnbull

17. The Marrow Thieves

By Cherie Dimaline

18. The Palm-Wine Drunkard

By Amos Tutuola

19. The Sparrow (Sparrow Series #1)

By Mary Doria Russell

20. Chilling Effect

By Valerie Valdes

Interested in reading more recommendations by Feminist Book Club Members? Read PART 1 in our series, Fantasy & Not Problematic 25 Recommendations by FBC Members. Click here to read more!

Claudia Neu

Claudia Neu Instagram

Claudia Neu has a passion for language immersion and intersectional children's literature. When she is not working with children or reading, you can find Claudia cuddling with her cat or trying to keep her houseplants alive. Check out her instagram @claudianeureads for more book recommendations and reviews. Favorite genres: queer literature, contemporary fiction, and young adult.