Expanded from an instagram carousel posted on May 5th, 2026.
A good number of my fave sci-fi novels walk the path of the Dark Side–morally grey characters, unhealthy relationship dynamics, and criminal underbellies draw my interest again and again.
Part of it is that I love drama, and these darker tropes and settings are rife with fodder for delicious, delectable dramatics.
But I think it’s more than just my lust for melodrama that draws me to the dark side. When characters aren’t expected do the right thing, authors can explore more realistic and relatable paths than those the traditional high-road walking hero would traverse. And when we’ve watched a character make terrible lifestyle choice after terrible lifestyle choice, when we’ve experienced the pressures that have pushed them to make these bad decisions, and when we’ve seen what is truly at stake for them if they were to try to get out, it makes those moments when they (occasionally) do choose to do the right thing all the more poignant.
Have I convinced you to taste test the darker side of science ficton? May 5th, AKA “Revenge of the Fifth,” is the perfect time to step into the shadows. In honour of May The Fourth’s evil twin, here are some of my fave dark science fiction book for your consideration.
I think Vader would approve.
Behind Blue Eyes (Behind Blue Eyes Book #1) by Anna Mocikat
Betrayal (1,000 Revolution Book #1) by Pippa DaCosta
A Symphony of Starlight (Delirium Empire Rebellion #1) by Amy Zed
![Goodreads stats: 98 ratings, 4.67 average. Logline: Her brain is glitching.
She’s stranded with the crew she conned.
Including the mysterious space captain hiding a deadly secret of his own.
Reader review: "“It caught me right from the beginning, with the lusciously narrated space rave, but what kept me reading was how honestly [Amy Zed] portrayed the realities of trauma... and addiction... I can’t wait for the next one to come out!” Five Stars. Emily, Amazon review.](http://amyzed.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/4-819x1024.png)
As much as I love dark science fiction, I’ll leave you with the caveat that the darker content in the books listed above may not be for everyone. Read my full reviews for TW’s, and use your own discretion.
That being said, if you want delicious drama, high stakes, and emotional impact, these books are a great place to start.
Do you enjoy dark settings and themes in science fiction? Why or why not? Let me know your take in the comments!
