The best sci-fi and fantasy books to read this summer 2026
This article highlights the most anticipated science fiction and fantasy books for summer 2026. It features a variety of titles, including new works from well-known authors and unique concepts that explore deeper themes. Readers can expect a mix of political intrigue, alternate realities, and dark humor in these upcoming releases.
- ▪The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden is a historical novel involving a queen of Brittany and faerie intrigue.
- ▪Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim explores the concept of immigrants splitting into two parts when crossing borders.
- ▪The Unmagical Life of Briar Jones by Lex Croucher focuses on a character rejected from a magic school and their journey thereafter.
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Follow Followed Like Thread Link copied to clipboard Add us on By Tasha Robinson Published May 23, 2026, 9:01 AM EDT Polygon Lists Including two Brandon Sanderson collaborations kicking off new trilogies, and the year's most high-concept, eerie immigrant book { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": "1", "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.polygon.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position":"2", "name": "Polygon Lists", "item": "https://www.polygon.com/lists/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position":"3", "name": "The 15 most anticipated science fiction and fantasy books of summer 2026", "item": "https://www.polygon.com/best-sci-fi-fantasy-books-summer-2026/" } ] } The 15 most anticipated science fiction and fantasy…
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