10 Sci-Fi Thrillers That Are Out of This World

Thrilling Science Fiction: Our 10 Picks

Fun Activities For Sci-Fi Fans

• Host a science fiction movie night
• Play a sci-fi video game with friends
• Create a cosplay of your favorite character
• Go outside and look at the stars
• Have a board game night
• Embrace your inner child with some science toys
• Podcast about your favorite show, movie, or book

The History of the Thriller

Some of the world's oldest known stories used the same elements that make modern thrillers so enticing. Homer's famous epic poem The Odyssey is something of a prototype of the genre. The hero's life is in constant danger as he uses his cunning to overcome his enemies. But the genre isn't exclusive to Western culture. One of the stories in One Thousand and One Nights (commonly known as Arabian Nights) is considered to be the oldest known murder mystery. This tale, The Three Apples, is full of plot twists and revolves around a mysterious death. Centuries later, the 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo popularized the action thriller with it's swashbuckling revenge plot. Eventually, of course, the genre made its way from the pages of books to the big screen. Some of the most famous of these movies were directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who worked on several classics throughout his career, including Psycho, Vertigo, and Rear Window.

The Evolution of Science Fiction

In Depth

There's nothing more exciting than a fast-paced thriller, and having them take place in unfamiliar lands or time periods where highly advanced technology exists can add to the overall mystery. In no particular order, here are ten sci-fi thrillers that are out of this world.

First up, at #1, we have "The Spider in the Laurel" by Michael Pogach. In the near future, religion has been outlawed. When historian Rafael Ward is forced to find and dispose of a relic from the Dark Ages, he starts questioning his allegiances. After being betrayed by the government, he has to earn the trust of a believer named Hannah MacKenzie, and together, they must find a legendary artifact that is prophesied to restore faith to the world before their enemies can destroy it.

Next, at #2, is "Children of the Fifth Sun" by Gareth Worthington. Thousands of years ago, a great flood ravaged the Earth. It is said that after this natural disaster, an ancient race of amphibious creatures saved humanity from extinction. In the present, photographer Kelly Graham is tasked with going deep underwater to find a mysterious device that can supposedly help humans communicate with the mythical sea dwellers. His life takes a drastic turn when he unwittingly gets involved in an international conspiracy that threatens to redefine history.

Thousands of years ago, a great flood ravaged the Earth.

At #3 is "Yield" by Bryan K. Johnson. While on a flight headed for Seattle, ex-firefighter Devin Bane's life is changed forever when his plane crashes following a nuclear attack on the city. With a few survivors in tow, each struggling with their own personal issues, Devin must lead his group to safety and find a way back home. Unfortunately, the world around them is quickly spiraling into chaos, and the ruins of Seattle are full of untrustworthy and dangerous individuals.

Next up, at #4, we have "Exodus 2022" by Kenneth G. Bennett. Joe Stanton is devastated by the loss of his daughter, so much so that he starts screaming her name in public. He soon remembers that he never had a daughter, and together with his girlfriend Ella, they have to find the cause of this hallucination before it completely destroys his mind. Things are further complicated when they learn that a shadowy organization known as Erebus wants to capture Joe in order to learn more about his condition.

Next, at #5, is "Forces of Retribution." Written by Andrew Man, it's the second entry of his "Tego Arcana Dei" series, which revolves around hero James Pollack's adventures through time and space. This novel follows him as he hops around several timelines trying to solve mysteries all around the world, such as the true purpose of the Egyptian pyramids.

This novel follows him as he hops around several timelines trying to solve mysteries all around the world, such as the true purpose of the Egyptian pyramids.

At #6 is "Pale Highway" by Nicholas Conley. Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Schist is spending the rest of his days at the Bright New Day nursing home. When a deadly virus begins to spread among the residents, it's up to Gabriel to develop a cure. Unfortunately, he's suffering from Alzheimer's, and it's uncertain if he can save everyone before he completely loses his mind.

Next, at #7, is "Connect" by Julian Gough. Set in the near future, the story is centered on a borderline autistic teenager named Colt who has an affinity for programming. His mother Naomi is a biologist who stumbles upon a major breakthrough that can save countless lives around the world. When Naomi's research catches the attention of a mysterious government agency that sees her as a threat to national security, she and Colt must work together to keep her work from falling into the wrong hands.

Next up, at #8, we have "All Systems Down" by Sam Boush. After a carefully planned cyber attack by North Korea, America's infrastructures start failing, sending the entire country on a downward spiral into chaos. Amidst the nationwide blackout, out-of-work parking enforcement officer Brendan Chogan must protect his wife and children at all costs. Eventually, he and his family join a group of talented individuals, and together, they hope to strike back at the country's enemies.

Eventually, he and his family join a group of talented individuals, and together, they hope to strike back at the country's enemies.

At #9 is "Bandwidth" by Eliot Peper. Dag Calhoun works for a political lobbying firm known as Apex, and he represents some of the world's most powerful tech companies. After nearly getting shot by an unknown assailant, an enigmatic woman named Emily invites him to her hotel room. There, he learns that a group of rebels are hiding off the grid and have been trying to save the world from a climate catastrophe. With a secret war looming on the horizon, Dag must choose a side, and his decision may determine the fate of the planet.

Finally, at #10, we have "After the Winter" by Mark R. Healy. After a devastating war leaves the Earth in ruins, the human race slowly dies off in the ensuing nuclear winter. Now, only synthetic humans live on the planet, and Brant is one of them. He believes that he carries the memories of a scientist who might know how to repopulate the Earth, so he sets off to find answers. Throughout his journey, he must avoid the deadly Marauders, scavengers who want to salvage him for parts.