The sci-fi genre has so many incredible books to offer, but it can be overwhelming for new readers or those who don’t reach for it that often. 2025’s sci-fi releases are undoubtedly worthwhile, as are many of the novels often recommended for beginners. However, there are two series everyone should read once — especially those already drawn to the category.
Like lengthy fantasy sagas, longer sci-fi series can give readers more time to explore the genre’s unique worlds, intriguing concepts, and beloved characters. Not all of them are worth the investment, though, but two of the most popular additions are considered masterpieces for a reason: Dune and The Expanse.
The Expanse & Dune Are Required Reading For Sci-Fi Lovers
Although the two sci-fi series came out decades apart, Dune and The Expanse are two sprawling stories that everyone should give a chance. That’s especially true for sci-fi lovers who haven’t yet picked up these iconic tales. Frank Herbert’s Dune series is a classic, and while Denis Villeneuve’s movie adaptations do a great job of bringing them to the screen, the books still demand to be read.
For one, Dune inspired many stories that came after, and huge sci-fi fans may want to see its most influential elements firsthand. Herbert’s series also boasts incredible world-building, great character arcs, and poignant themes — and not every sci-fi series successfully juggles all these things.
The Expanse is a more recent addition to the genre, with Leviathan Wakes hitting shelves in 2011. Author duo James S.A. Corey’s nine-book series is gripping from the beginning, which opens with an eerie mystery and then weaves more complex politics and character journeys together as it continues.
There’s a reason The Expanse is so well-known and beloved, and Apple TV+’s adaptation only offers more incentive to dig into the books. Sci-fi lovers who want political intrigue and a unique portrayal of space and the future need to pick it up at least once.
These Sci-Fi Hits Are Very Different, But They’re Key Additions To The Genre
Although Dune and The Expanse are both political narratives set in futuristic versions of space, they’re otherwise very different. For one, The Expanse is more of a hard sci-fi story, while Dune blends elements of sci-fi and fantasy, even if it fits more clearly into the first category. This makes each of these stories feel distinct from one another.
Dune also initially centers on Paul Atreides, and although the later books shift perspective, they don’t utilize the same multi-POV approach as The Expanse. Since The Expanse is written later, its writing style is more modern, making it a bit easier to get into.
Regardless of the differences between Dune and The Expanse, they’re both worth your time, especially if you’re on the hunt for compelling sci-fi. Both can seem overwhelming, but readers won’t regret diving in. And given how well-known they are, fans of the genre should really know what all the hype is about.
-
- Created by
-
Frank Herbert
- Cast
-
Kyle MacLachlan, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Javier Bardem, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista
- First Film
-
Dune
- Movie(s)
-
Dune, Dune, Dune: Part Two, Dune: Part Three
Dune is a sci-fi franchise created by Frank Herbert with the 1965 novel of the same name. In 1984, the first live-action adaptation was released from director David Lynch and starring Kyle MacLachlan. About 20 years later, a TV mini-series was released, followed by a new adaptation starring Timothée Chalamet.
-
- Created by
-
Daniel Abraham, Ty Franck
- Cast
-
Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Thomas Jane, Cas Anvar, Frankie Adams, Cara Gee, David Strathairn, Keon Alexander
- First TV Show
-
The Expanse
- Latest TV Show
-
The Expanse
- First Episode Air Date
-
December 14, 2015
- TV Show(s)
-
The Expanse
The Expanse is a critically acclaimed science fiction franchise that originated as a series of novels by James S.A. Corey, the pen name for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck. Set in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System, the series explores the political, social, and existential challenges faced by the inhabitants of Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt. The franchise gained widespread popularity with its television adaptation, which ran for six seasons and was praised for its complex characters, intricate storytelling, and stunning visuals.
