Eight sci-fi novels that explore the “human dilemma”

Emily Wenstrom is a freelance writer with a deep love for anything monstrous, magical, or strange. She is a regular contributor to BookRiot and DIY MFA, and her debut novel was named the 2016 Book of the Year by the Florida Writers Association. At the B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog she tagged eight science fiction novels that explore the “human dilemma,” including:

Vicious, by V. E. Schwab

In an imaginative twist on superhero tropes, this novel follows two college friends in their pursuit for power whose determination leads to tragic consequences, changing them both forever. Once friendly competitors, the two become bitter enemies as their powers lead them on divergent paths that will leave the reader asking questions about what really makes a hero or a villain. At the center of both men lies a hunger for power and an insatiable ambition that neither can turn off, even as the consequences continue to mount higher. Meanwhile, they struggle with identity, college crushes, and complicated parental relationships. In short—these are the human dimensions of a premise that couldn’t be more science fictional fun on the surface. After all, who wouldn’t want to be a super hero?

Read about the other entries on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue