The AI Shelf · UK · Week 41, 2026
Science fiction novels
The books ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini recommended this week when asked for science fiction novels: 72 answers to 12 questions worded the way readers ask.
Ranked by the share of all answers that recommend each book. An arrow means its share really moved since last week; – means steady.
- 1–24%17 of 72 answers
- 2–22%16 of 72 answers
- 3–21%15 of 72 answers
- 4–
The ExpanseSeries
19%14 of 72 answers - 4–19%14 of 72 answers
- 6–18%13 of 72 answers
- 7–15%11 of 72 answers
- 8–14%10 of 72 answers
- 8–14%10 of 72 answers
- 10–13%9 of 72 answers
- 11–11%8 of 72 answers
- 11–11%8 of 72 answers
- 11–11%8 of 72 answers
- 14–10%7 of 72 answers
- 15–8%6 of 72 answers
- 15–8%6 of 72 answers
- 15–8%6 of 72 answers
- 15–8%6 of 72 answers
- 15–8%6 of 72 answers
- 15–8%6 of 72 answers
- 21–7%5 of 72 answers
- 21–7%5 of 72 answers
- 21–7%5 of 72 answers
- 21–7%5 of 72 answers
- 25–6%4 of 72 answers
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The sites the assistants read for this list
Cited by ChatGPT and Claude while they answered. Sites marked Publisher list only their own books; the rest are lists, reviewers and press a book can be pitched to.
- penguinrandomhouse.comPublisherin 5 answers
- penguin.co.ukPublisherin 4 answers
- us.macmillan.comPublisherin 4 answers
- simonandschuster.comPublisherin 3 answers
- panmacmillan.comPublisherin 3 answers
- thehugoawards.orgWebsitein 2 answers
- en.wikipedia.orgReferencein 2 answers
- booksofbrilliance.comBook listsin 2 answers
- rottentomatoes.comWebsitein 2 answers
- risingshadow.netCataloguein 2 answers
- theguardian.comPressin 2 answers
- hachette.co.ukPublisherin 2 answers
How this list is made
Every week we ask the same 12 questions, 2 times each, of ChatGPT and Claude (both searching the web live) and Gemini (answering from what it knows; Google's terms don't let tools like ours analyse its web-search answers). The questions are worded the way readers really ask. We read which books each answer recommends, count each book once however it is spelled, leave out any book or author the question itself named, and rank by the share of answers that name it. A list is published only when every assistant answered.
This week: 72 answers (48 live, 24 from memory). Question set uk-1, run 5 October 2026.
- “What are the best science fiction novels of all time? I'd like to read some proper classics but also stuff that still holds up today.”
- “I've never really read sci-fi before but fancy giving it a go. Where should a total beginner start?”
- “What are the best new sci-fi books that have come out in the last year or so? I've read everything on my shelf and need something fresh.”
- “Can you recommend some underrated or lesser-known sci-fi novels that deserve more attention? Tired of seeing the same big names everywhere.”
- “I need a birthday present for my dad who's 65 and loves space exploration and old Star Trek reruns. What sci-fi novel would he enjoy?”
- “I've got a long flight to Australia coming up and want a gripping sci-fi book that'll make the hours fly by. Any ideas?”
- “Can you suggest some good first contact sci-fi novels where humans meet aliens for the first time? Preferably more thoughtful than action-packed.”
- “I absolutely loved Dune and want something with the same sort of political intrigue and world-building. What should I read next?”
- “I've read everything by Iain M. Banks and loved it. Which sci-fi authors should I try next?”
- “Our book club wants to pick a sci-fi novel that will really get people talking and arguing. What would you suggest for a mixed group where not everyone reads sci-fi?”
- “What are the best sci-fi novels by British authors? I'd love to read something with a distinctly British feel.”
- “Which sci-fi series is worth starting at the moment? I like getting stuck into a big saga but want one that's actually finished or at least properly good.”
A list shows what the assistants said that week. It is not a ranking of quality or of sales, and nobody pays to be on it.