"The City in the Middle of the Night" by Charlie Jane Anders (2019 Hugo Award for Best Novel):
Set on a tidally locked planet where one side faces perpetual sunlight and the other eternal darkness, this novel follows the intertwined lives of two women, Sophie and Mouth. Sophie, a student from the dark side, and Mouth, a member of the nomadic society on the light side, navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and friendship in a world where survival means defying the constraints of their divided society.
"A Memory Called Empire" by Arkady Martine (2020 Hugo Award for Best Novel):
In this debut novel, Mahit Dzmare is sent as an ambassador to the Teixcalaanli Empire, only to find her predecessor dead under suspicious circumstances. As she navigates the intricate politics of the empire and uncovers secrets that could lead to war, Mahit grapples with questions of identity, loyalty, and the cost of preserving one's culture in the face of assimilation.
"Network Effect" by Martha Wells (2021 Hugo Award for Best Novel):
A standalone installment in the "Murderbot Diaries" series, "Network Effect" follows the adventures of Murderbot, a self-aware SecUnit, as it accompanies a human crew on a mission gone awry. As they encounter danger and intrigue, Murderbot must confront its own evolving sense of identity and autonomy, all while navigating the complexities of human relationships.
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir (2022 Hugo Award for Best Novel):
Ryland Grace wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he pieces together his past and the mission he's been sent on—to save humanity from extinction—Grace must rely on his scientific knowledge and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles both within and beyond the confines of his spacecraft.
"The Relentless Moon" by Mary Robinette Kowal (2021 Hugo Award for Best Novel, tied with "Network Effect"):
Set in an alternate history where women are an integral part of the space program, "The Relentless Moon" follows Nicole Wargin, the wife of a lunar governor, as she uncovers a conspiracy threatening the stability of Earth's moon colonies. As tensions rise and disaster looms, Nicole must navigate political intrigue and personal peril to save herself and those she loves.
