Best Science Fiction Books Last Decade (2026): 4 Compared

The best science fiction books last decade is a mixed shelf this round: the four main picks range from a 2023 visual history of 1970s sci-fi cover art to a deluxe fantasy trilogy, and the honor of top pick goes to Worlds Beyond Time, Adam Rowe’s 224-page tour of psychedelic paperback covers. It is an art book rather than a novel, so match the pick to the reader: visual fans, fantasy collectors, historical adventurers and families each get one here.

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[shelf_quickpicks]

Compare the books

Specifications are as listed, collected 19 October 2026.

The books

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews	9.6/10	Buy
2	Worlds Beyond Time by Adam Rowe	9.6/10	Buy
3	The Last Herald-Mage by Mercedes Lackey	9.6/10	Buy
4	The Last Witchfinder by James Morrow	9.5/10	Buy

1

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews Edwards·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles is a children's fantasy adventure, 288 pages from HarperCollins, reading age 7 to 10.

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Pros

• Stated reading age 7 to 10, grade level 3 to 7
• 288 pages from HarperCollins
• By Julie Andrews, a beloved author

Cons

• A children's book, not adult sci-fi
• edition from 1989
• Only pick aimed at young readers

2

Worlds Beyond Time by Adam Rowe

Adam Rowe·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Worlds Beyond Time is a visual history of 1970s sci-fi cover art, 224 pages from Abrams Books, published July 25, 2023.

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Pros

• 2023 visual history, the most recent here
• 224 pages from Abrams Books
• Covers Chris Foss, Peter Elson and Tim White

Cons

• An art book, not a novel
• Covers a narrow decade of art
• Not for readers wanting a story

3

The Last Herald-Mage by Mercedes Lackey

Mercedes Lackey·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The Last Herald-Mage is a deluxe hardcover collecting all three novels, 912 pages from DAW.

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Pros

• All three novels in one 912-page volume
• Deluxe edition with sprayed edges and foil case stamp
• Includes the Vanyel novella Uncivil Blood

Cons

• Fantasy, not science fiction
• 912 pages, a heavy read
• Trilogy content repackaged

4

The Last Witchfinder by James Morrow

James Morrow·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The Last Witchfinder is a picaresque adventure following Jennet Stearne from Restoration England to the colonies, 560 pages.

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Pros

• 560 pages of picaresque adventure
• From Restoration England to the Caribbean
• Features a young Ben Franklin

Cons

• Historical adventure, not science fiction
• 560 pages, a long read
• Witch-trial themes may not suit everyone

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More picks to compare

• Strange Stars by Jason Heller272 pages on 1970s sci-fi and pop music from Melville HouseCheck on Amazon
• Decades of Beauty by Kate Mulvey205 pages on a century of women's beauty and style from Checkmark BooksCheck on Amazon

How we scored them

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

The Readability Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. Worlds Beyond Time leads as the most recent and most visual pick. The Last Herald-Mage follows on the deluxe 912-page package. The Last Witchfinder takes third on the 560-page adventure, and the Whangdoodles rounds out the list as the family pick with stated age guidance. Browse every fantasy book list for more.

Best science fiction books last decade: how to choose

Art books vs novels

Worlds Beyond Time is a visual history, not a novel: 224 pages of cover art from Abrams Books. If the reader wants stories, the other three picks are novels.

Deluxe editions vs standard

The Last Herald-Mage deluxe hardcover packs all three novels with sprayed edges and a foil case stamp, 912 pages from DAW. The other three are standard editions.

Reading age

The Whangdoodles is the only pick with a stated reading age: 7 to 10 years, grade level 3 to 7. The other three state none, and their descriptions cover war, grief and adult themes. Match the book to the reader’s maturity, not just interest.

Before you buy

• Worlds Beyond Time is an art book about sci-fi, not a sci-fi novel.
• The Last Herald-Mage deluxe edition collects the full trilogy in 912 pages.
• The Whangdoodles is the only pick with a stated reading age, 7 to 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most recent book here?

Worlds Beyond Time, published July 25, 2023 by Abrams Books.

Which book is best for kids?

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles: the listing states a reading age of 7 to 10 and a grade level of 3 to 7.

Which is the longest?

The Last Herald-Mage at 912 pages, collecting all three novels.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews

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