Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi Fantasy Crossover Books You Need to Read

“The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin is a mind-blowing sci-fi fantasy that’ll leave you questioning everything. It’s set on a supercontinent called the Stillness, a world ravaged by apocalyptic natural disasters known as “Seasons.” But here’s where it gets really interesting: some people, called “orogenes,” can control the earth’s energy.

They’re both feared and exploited for their powers. The story follows three different orogene women, each navigating this harsh world in their own way. Jemisin’s writing is incredible, and she weaves these women’s stories together in a way that’ll keep you hooked. Trust me, if you’re looking for a sci-fi fantasy crossover that’ll stay with you long after you finish it, this is it.

“Saga” by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is an epic space opera graphic novel that blends sci-fi and fantasy in the most captivating way. It tells the story of Alana and Marko, star-crossed lovers from two warring alien races. They have a baby named Hazel, and their family becomes the target of both sides of the conflict.

Together, they embark on a thrilling journey across the galaxy, evading bounty hunters and encountering a colorful cast of characters. “Saga” is a masterpiece of storytelling, tackling themes of love, war, and family with humor, heart, and stunning visuals.

“Changeling” by Roger Zelazny is a classic sci-fi fantasy crossover. After the evil sorcerer Det Morson’s defeat, his infant son Pol is whisked away to Earth. Meanwhile, young Mark is taken to the magical realm in a fateful exchange.

Years later, Pol returns to claim his birthright, the magical castle Rondoval. However, he feels torn between two worlds, struggling to reconcile his magical heritage with his human upbringing. At the same time, Mark, now an outcast in the magical world, yearns for his lost home. “Changeling” weaves a captivating tale of magic, technology, and the search for belonging.

“Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir is a wild ride of a book that blends sci-fi and fantasy in a way you’ve never seen before. It’s set in a galaxy ruled by necromancer Emperor, where nine houses vie for power. Gideon Nav, a sword-wielding badass, dreams of escaping her servitude to the Ninth House.

But when her childhood nemesis, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the heir to the Ninth, offers her a chance at freedom, Gideon reluctantly agrees. Together, they travel to a creepy, decaying palace to compete in a deadly trial. Expect dark humor, snarky banter, and a whole lot of bone magic.

“Red Rising” by Pierce Brown launches you into a dystopian future where humanity has colonized the solar system, but a rigid caste system keeps people divided and oppressed. Darrow, a Red, toils in the mines of Mars, believing he’s making the planet habitable for future generations. However, he soon discovers a devastating truth: the Golds, the ruling elite, have already terraformed Mars and enslaved the lower colors.

Fueled by rage and grief, Darrow undergoes a dangerous transformation to infiltrate the Golds and dismantle their society from within. This sci-fi fantasy crossover combines elements of “The Hunger Games” and “Game of Thrones,” delivering a thrilling tale of rebellion, strategy, and the fight for freedom.

“Dragonflight” by Anne McCaffrey is a classic sci-fi fantasy that transports you to the world of Pern. It’s a planet colonized by humans centuries ago, but now they face a recurring threat from space: Thread, a deadly substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches.

The Pernese have genetically engineered dragons to fight Thread, and riders bond with them telepathically. Lessa, a young woman with a hidden past, discovers she has a rare talent for dragonriding. She becomes the rider of a queen dragon and must lead the fight against Thread. If you enjoy stories with strong female protagonists, epic battles, and a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy, “Dragonflight” is a must-read.

“The Lost Puzzler” by Eyal Kless is a captivating sci-fi fantasy crossover that thrusts you into a post-apocalyptic world. Centuries after a catastrophic event, humanity is divided. Some cling to the remnants of advanced technology, while others embrace a more primitive, faith-based existence.

At the heart of this world is Rafik, a young boy with a unique ability to unlock ancient technological puzzles. When he mysteriously disappears, a scribe from the City of Towers embarks on a dangerous quest to find him. If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure filled with mystery, ancient secrets, and a clash between faith and technology, “The Lost Puzzler” is a must-read.

“Middlegame” by Seanan McGuire is a mind-bending sci-fi fantasy that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. It follows twins, Roger and Dodger, who are not quite human. They possess extraordinary abilities, but they’re also pawns in a dangerous game orchestrated by their creator, the enigmatic “Doctor.”

As Roger and Dodger grow up, they become increasingly aware of their intertwined destinies and the sinister forces manipulating them. They must unravel the secrets of their existence and choose their own path, even if it means defying their creator. If you love stories that blend science, magic, and a touch of the uncanny, “Middlegame” is a must-read.

“A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic fantasy novel that seamlessly blends elements of magic and coming-of-age. It tells the story of Ged, a young boy with a natural talent for sorcery. However, his arrogance and impatience lead him to unleash a dark shadow upon the world.

Ged embarks on a quest to confront this shadow and restore balance. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about humility, responsibility, and the true nature of power. This timeless tale is a must-read for any fan of fantasy, exploring themes that resonate across genres and generations.

“A Master of Djinn” by P. Djèlí Clark transports you to an alternate Cairo, where magic and technology coexist. It’s 1912, and the world has been transformed by the reappearance of djinn. Agent Fatma el-Sha’arawi, Cairo’s youngest woman investigator, is on the case when a mysterious murder rocks the city.

The victims are all members of a secret society, and the killer claims to be Al-Jahiz, the legendary man who opened the portal to the djinn realm. Fatma must navigate a world of magic, politics, and ancient secrets to catch the killer before it’s too late. If you enjoy historical fantasy with a dash of steampunk and a captivating mystery, this book is a must-read.

“Iron Widow” by Xiran Jay Zhao is a fierce and feminist sci-fi fantasy that reimagines the rise of China’s only female emperor. In this world, giant mechas called Chrysalises are piloted by pairs of young men and women to fight off alien invaders. However, the system is brutally patriarchal, with the female pilots, or “concubines,” often dying in the process.

Zetian, seeking revenge for her sister’s death, volunteers to become a concubine-pilot. She shocks everyone by surviving and killing the male pilot responsible, earning the nickname “Iron Widow.” Zetian’s defiance sparks a revolution, challenging the deeply ingrained misogyny of her society. If you crave a story with a powerful female protagonist, thrilling mecha battles, and a searing critique of gender inequality, this book is for you.

“Red Sister” by Mark Lawrence blends elements of fantasy and science fiction in a unique and captivating way. It’s set in a far-future world where the sun is dying, and humanity clings to survival in a narrow corridor of habitable land. In this harsh environment, young girls are trained to become deadly assassins at the Convent of Sweet Mercy.

Nona Grey, a nine-year-old accused of murder, finds refuge within the convent’s walls. She begins her training as a Red Sister, honing her skills in combat and magic. However, Nona harbors a dark secret, and her past soon catches up with her, threatening to unravel the delicate balance of the convent and the empire itself.

“How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse” by K. Eason is a delightful sci-fi fantasy mashup with a sassy, feminist twist. Rory Thorne, a princess with thirteen fairy blessings, dreams of inheriting her father’s throne. However, when her father is assassinated, she’s instead shipped off for a political marriage.

Upon arriving at her new home, Rory uncovers a treacherous plot to usurp the throne. With only her wits and a few loyal allies, she must navigate the treacherous world of interplanetary politics. This book is a fun, fast-paced adventure perfect for fans of space opera and fairy tale retellings.

“Foundryside” by Robert Jackson Bennett is a captivating sci-fi fantasy that blends magic and technology in a thrilling heist adventure. In the city of Tevanne, magic is real, but it’s controlled by the wealthy and powerful through the use of sigils and scripts. Sancia Grado, a talented thief with a unique ability to sense the magic within objects, gets caught up in a dangerous conspiracy.

She discovers a powerful artifact that could reshape the very foundations of Tevanne’s society. But powerful forces are after the artifact, and Sancia must use all her skills to protect it and expose the truth. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed story with a touch of magic and intrigue, “Foundryside” is a must-read.

“Retribution Falls” by Chris Wooding is a thrilling sci-fi fantasy adventure set in a steampunk world where airships rule the skies. Captain Darian Frey and the crew of the Ketty Jay are a ragtag band of rogues and misfits, always on the lookout for their next big score.

However, their latest heist goes disastrously wrong, and they find themselves framed for a terrible crime. With a hefty bounty on their heads, they must race against time to clear their names. Along the way, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to tear their world apart. If you love action-packed aerial battles, witty banter, and a cast of unforgettable characters, then “Retribution Falls” is a fantastic choice.

“A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe” by Alex White launches you into a thrilling space opera adventure where magic and technology intertwine. It follows Boots Elsworth, a talented mechanic with a knack for fixing anything. She’s also hiding a dangerous secret: she’s a mage in a world where magic is outlawed.

When Boots crosses paths with Nilah Brio, a treasure hunter searching for a legendary ship, their fates become entangled. Together, they assemble a crew of misfits and embark on a quest across the galaxy. They face ruthless pirates, ancient mysteries, and the looming threat of a powerful enemy. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed sci-fi fantasy with a touch of humor and a dash of romance, this book is a perfect pick.