Can you name a great science fiction novel by a Canadian author?
Not many people can answer this question off the top of their heads. But if asked whether you’ve heard of The Handmaid’s Tale, I bet you’d say yes! (That’s right, Margaret Atwood, author of the famous dystopian novel turned Emmy-award winning TV series, is Canadian!)
Canadian authors have written some seriously great sci-fi. Check out these recs from my recent reads, plus a bonus rec I’ve just added to my TBR!
My Canadian Sci-fi Faves:
#1: This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
This sci-fi romance novella co-authored by Canadian great Amal El-Mohtar and American fantasy author Max Gladstone is one of my all-time favourites.
Not only did the 2019 release win a slew of prestigious awards including the Nebula, Hugo and Locus for best novella, but it’s also crafted in a unique format that offers an intriguing change from the sci-fi norm–each chapter is a lyrical love letter from one time-travelling super spy to another, carefully hidden at unique moments in history as the two battle on opposite sides of a war spanning alternate timelines.
Read my full review to find out more about my top Canadian sci-fi pick!
#2: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
IMO this YA romantasy by BC Author Xiran Jay Zhao should really have been marketed as adult sci-fi. The novel’s worldbuilding is unique in that it takes place in a future based on Chinese history. The main character is even loosely modelled after a real historical empress. But in this version, she drives qi-powered mechs and she’s out for revenge against the patriarchy keeping female mech pilots down.
The novel also contains a polyamorous romance side-plot for readers who need their sci-fi to include at least a hint of a love story.
#3: Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia
Those who know my reading tastes well–you were just waiting for me to throw this one into the mix, weren’t you?
Mexican Gothic by BC author Sylvia Moreno-Garcia is one of my all-time favourite books.
The story follows 1950’s socialite Noemi as she visits her sick cousin who has married into a family that lives in a creepy old mansion with a dark history. Noemi finds that her cousin’s sickness is caused by a paranormal power, and must fight to save both her cousin’s life and her own. But this novel is more than a typical horror read, also tackling themes of racism, sexism, and colonization.
And YES, I do consider this science fiction. Read my full review for my argument on that point.
My Current Read
Countess by Suzan Palumbo
My current read also just so happens to be written by a Canadian author. I’m over halfway through and it’s shaping up to be a really good one.
Countess reworks the classic revenge tale The Count of Monte Cristo from a Caribbean and lgbtq perspective. I love that the main character is a woman in this version, and that it’s set in space.
I’m not surprised the retelling has been nominated for so many awards, including the Locus, Nebula, and Aurora awards!
Full review coming soon.
Some Extra Recs!
There’s so much great Canadian sci-fi out there that I decided to bring out the big guns and ask for recs from Canadian sci-fi aficionados in one of my online sci-fi groups. They recommended works by some great authors including Don Miasek, Mark Morton and Hugo and Nebula winner Robert J. Sawyer.
Not only do all of these authors create amazing work, but all of them agreed to participate in my current social media Canadian Author Feature, going on now over on insta, which marks them as all-around cool people in my book!
It was tough to choose just one author to feature, so I hope you’ll check out all of the amazing authors above (I’ve included links to their Goodreads pages, and I hope you’ll visit each one!) But of all the intriguing books recommended, the one I ended up decided on was In Veritas by CJ Lavigne.
In Veritas by C.J. Lavigne
Lavigne’s 2020 sci-fantasy won the Speculative Fiction Book of the Year award from the Book Publishers Association of Alberta. The novel intrigues me because of its setting–a hidden world inside an Ottawa theatre.
I also like that it combines elements of sci-fi and urban fantasy, another of my fave genres. I’m definitely adding this one to my TBR, and I’ll update here when I have a review for you!
A Symphony of Starlight by Amy Zed
Finally, I can’t resist a self rec. If you’re a fan of Space Opera romance, cyberpunk, or romantasy, I think you’ll love A Symphony of Starlight. And it was written and published by a BC author–me!
This novel holds a special place in my heart because it’s my own self-published debut, but I’m not the only one who’s loving it. The Paranormal Romance Guild gave it 4.5 star rating, and it’s also a Reader Views five-star read.
Plus, if you comment on this article and mention you’re Canadian, you’ll be entered to win a signed paperback copy, so you might just get to read this one for free! (see details below.)
Only Canadians Can Win!
From now until July 14th, comment “team Canada” on any of my social media or blog posts featuring the Canadian flag ribbon, and you’ll be entered to win a signed, personalized copy of A Symphony of Starlight! I’ll mail it to any address in Canada. (See full details here.)
Start yourself off strong by leaving a comment here on this post!
(Note: this article was updated July 11th, 2025 to include my CR and author links and insta link.)
