9 Amazing Sci-Fi & Fantasy Books With a Twist of Humor

9 Humorous Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books

The History of Comic Sci-Fi & Comic Fantasy

These two subgenres have been delighting audiences for decades. One of the earliest instances of comic fantasy is F. Anstey's 1882 novel Vice Versa, the original body-switching story that Freaky Friday is based on. Comic sci-fi started to emerge in the 1930s, with works like the "Pete Manx" stories that were featured in Thrilling Wonder Stories. As the subgenres evolved, fans were able to enjoy more complex, fully-realized series like Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Terry Pratchett's Discworld.

Why Do We Laugh?

In Depth

It's always exciting to read thrilling stories about brave protagonists and the lessons that they learn through their adventures. Science fiction and fantasy offer this excitement, and it is even more fun when the action is paired with comedy. In no particular order, here are ten sci-fi and fantasy books with a twist of humor.

Coming in at #1 is "The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant" by Drew Hayes. This is the story of Fred, who is very new to the world of vampires and is still working at his boring human job. In an uncharacteristically interesting turn of events, he is able to reconnect with an old love interest. The main character's awkwardness and parahuman friends will make you laugh out loud and the plot twists will keep you turning the pages.

At #2 is "Jennifer Government" by Max Barry. No one knows what the future holds, but the author of this sci-fi book makes his futuristic story feel incredibly real. He creates a world that is dominated by corporations, capitalism, marketing, and money. The main character, Jennifer Government, is a force to be reckoned with as she tries to defeat the antagonist, who happens to be the father of her daughter as well.

No one knows what the future holds, but the author of this sci-fi book makes his futuristic story feel incredibly real.

#3, "The Last Policeman" by Ben H. Winters. If apocalyptic stories aren't thrilling enough for you, then what about something that involves crime as well? Ben H. Winters writes about a world that is only 6 months away from being hit by an asteroid. For many people, living doesn't seem to make sense anymore. But impending doom isn't going to stop Detective Hank Palace from doing his job.

Listed at #4 is "Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs" by Molly Harper. This first book in the "Jane Jameson" series, narrates how a nice girl begins her undead journey. Jane is living a normal life as a librarian, until one night, she gets shot. Instead of dying, she is turned into a vampire by a stranger. She goes on an adventure to get used to her new life and must fight someone who is trying to frame her for murdering vampires.

#5, "Dirty Little Secrets" by Liliana Hart. The story revolves around a small town where murder cases are piling up and none of the victims are getting justice. But J.J. Graves and her best friend, detective Jack, are determined to catch the serial killer. However, what they thought is an ordinary case, might just be a bloody game about secrets, and the main character isn't going to get away without spilling hers.

The story revolves around a small town where murder cases are piling up and none of the victims are getting justice.

Another story about the undead is #6, "Ghost Train to New Orleans" by Mur Lafferty. Magical beings, ghosts, and zombies are just some of the creatures that you will encounter in this book. Zoe Norris is an amazing writer for the undead people. She has supernatural powers and a boyfriend who is about to become a zombie.

Together with her friends, Zoe tries to find the medicine that will stop her loved one from being a brain-eating monster. Readers will be treated to a roller coaster ride in this adventure-filled book.

At #7, "Me vs. Me" by Sarah Mlynowski. Gabby Wolf seems to be the girl who has it all. But she is suddenly stuck and unable to make a decision when her boyfriend decides to propose. She can't decide between being a wife and having a successful career. One night, her wish to have the best of both worlds comes true... literally. Gabby is suddenly living in two parallel timelines.

But she is suddenly stuck and unable to make a decision when her boyfriend decides to propose.

#8, "Angelfire" by Courtney Allison Moulton. This is an action-packed story about Ellie and her guardian angel, Will, who also happens to be her love interest. Together, they try to fight off the forces of darkness that hunt human souls. While the book may have dark themes, the author is still able to create humorous characters that readers will love.

Last but not least, #9 "The Library at Mount Char" by Scott Hawkins. Carolyn spends a lot of her time studying in the library of her adoptive father. When he disappears, she has to protect the magical library where powerful secrets lie. While going on a breathtaking adventure, Carolyn discovers some surprising things about herself.