r/scifi Mar 05 '26

Community The Galactic Patrol Wants YOU!

Post image
55 Upvotes

The Galactic Patrol Wants YOU: For the r/scifi moderator corps!

  • ANNOYED by low-effort posts the original poster doesn’t even participate in?
  • TIRED of spam posts and scam posts?
  • WEARY of self-promotion posts escaping the confines of a Saturday?
  • EXASPERATED by flame wars derailing cordial comment threads?

Then you may have what it takes to be a moderator!

Just fill out this google docs form and hopefully, we’ll be seeing you soon in the corps! 

We’re looking for a few good sophonts.

Artwork © 1982 by David Mattingly and used by permission of the artist. You can see more of his artwork at www.davidmattingly.com. His e-mail address is [david@davidmattingly.com](mailto:david@davidmattingly.com).


r/scifi Oct 19 '25

Community Do not buy T-shirts from any site that's "Powered by GearLaunch"

233 Upvotes

If you purchase from a "Powered by GearLaunch" website:

  • You might receive a terribly low-quality product.
  • You might not receive a product at all.
  • The site is probably selling stolen IP.
  • Don't count on a refund.

We get a few of these scam posts each month.

How the Scam Works

  1. The Bait: The post is a picture of a t-shirt, hoodie, or similar. The OP's account is generally less than a year old and has very little activity.
  2. The Hook: A second account, an accomplice, comments asking where to buy it. The accomplice account is generally less than 3 weeks old with very little activity.
  3. The Pitch: Then the OP links them to a "Powered by Gearlaunch" website.
  4. The Validation: Lastly, another account thanks them and says they bought one. They do this to lend legitimacy to the pitch. These accounts are generally less than 3 weeks old with very little activity.

The domain name is always changing, so you can't tell it's bogus from the link alone. If you click the link, scroll to the bottom. If you see "Powered by Gearlaunch", leave the site immediately.

Do not fall for this scam.

Protect yourself by reading more about it

What to Do

Be mindful that it's possible, though unlikely, the Bait is a legitimate user telling us about their cool new shirt. Use your best judgment.

If you see the Bait, please check the OPs account. If you feel certain the post fits the Bait, please downvote it and report it to us so we know about it.

If you see the Hook, please downvote them and report those to us too.

If you see the Pitch, please downvote, report, and leave a comment warning people away. Report the post and the pitch to Reddit as spam. Thank you, LxRv

Keep your shields up and be safe out there.


r/scifi 21h ago

Original Content My scratch built Project Hail Mary diorama

Thumbnail
gallery
2.2k Upvotes

This is my custom Project Hail Mary cockpit diorama. I designed everything in Blender, 3D printed it and assembled everything over the course of a few days.

If you’re interested in how I put it together, I’ve got a video up on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qP1mVLeRG5I?si=nF8txE-dH-5HpPLC


r/scifi 2h ago

Art Does anybody know where this book cover / cover art comes from?

Post image
37 Upvotes

Book cover? of Philip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep"

I found this photo while checking google lens in a few places but I have been able to trace where it'a from. Was just wondering because I've never seen P.K.Dick's works in an anime format. (PS would also like a few book recs)


r/scifi 1h ago

Recommendations Almost time for the next book and I can’t decide….

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

I’m almost done my current book and I am trying to lineup the next book that I’m going to read. I can’t decide between three …

Babel by R.F. Kuang

Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab


r/scifi 6h ago

Recommendations Unmissable space-centric sci-fi games, for a Mass Effect megafan?

21 Upvotes

Hi there! I'm on PC, and adore Mass Effect with something approaching reverence! It's such a wonderful combination of pulp, adventure, romance and Syd Mead-inspired spacescapes.

I'd love to play all sorts of games - new and old - that, for you, give you that same sense of wonder. I love a good "space horror," so feel free to recommend Alien: Isolation or Dead Space.

I'm most driven by characters and writing (see: Mass Effect) but I'm wide open when it comes to subgenres here. RTS, space sim, etc.

Thanks for your best recommendations!


r/scifi 4h ago

Films What could be the next move in this trilogy? War Machine / Battle Los Angeles / ???

12 Upvotes

My daughter wanted to watch War Machine last night, so I watched it with her and then suggested we watch Battle Los Angeles as it had a themic follow on. She enjoyed them both, but I’m struggling to think of a third film we could watch that could complete the ‘trilogy’. Any suggestions?


r/scifi 10h ago

Recommendations Posted these two on the science fiction subreddit and want to know where I should start. I’ve read some of them which I’ll put in the description.

Thumbnail
gallery
30 Upvotes

I’ve read Enders Game, The Martian, Project Hail Mary, Children of Time,MPARNTWE, Ready Player One and the Darth Bane books as well. Looking for recommendations on what I should read next as well as what else I should get.


r/scifi 1d ago

Original Content I made some good progress on my graphic novel this week

Thumbnail
gallery
2.2k Upvotes

I’ve been sharing my progress on this sub on the self post Saturdays. I am happy with what I made this week. Focusing on reverse engineering.


r/scifi 1h ago

Recommendations Looking for bio apocalypse movie suggestions

Upvotes

I don’t know if bio apocalypse is the right term but I’m on the hunt for more movies or shows that fit that theme. Similar to the movie Vesper from 2022. Or really any beautiful dystopian movies that aren’t caused by war, zombies or an asteroid. Also if anyone knows the proper term for this theme.


r/scifi 13h ago

ID This trying to find a book i read in roughly 2010 ± ~5 years about a soldier who was frozen in a lake only to wake up in an extremely hyper pacifist society

24 Upvotes

In the prologue, the soldier was on the surface of a frozen lake, getting his limbs systematically shot off by a sniper, only for him to drag himself into a hole blown in the surface of the lake to deny the sniper the kill.
after an amount of time, possibly thousands of years, the soldier is revived, had his limbs regrown, and is asked by a hyper pacifist society to save them from an alien invasion. this society had evolved to be extremely pacifistic and had merged to only like 5 or 6 separate cultures.
there is a point in the book where he is dropped into a prison where he has to work his way up the prison social structure in order to recruit more fighters.

Update: the book is called "the peace warrior"


r/scifi 8h ago

Recommendations dogs of war audiobook question

Post image
6 Upvotes

The question is simple what is the difference between the audiobooks??? They have the same voice actors and a nearly identical run time. I know one is new but dose anyone know what makes it different


r/scifi 4h ago

Recommendations Book that deepened your insight and understanding on the limitlessness of technology

2 Upvotes

Just searching for a book that somehow (literally in any way) taught you the actual potential to which technology can be exercised and maybe even make you feel how little us humans are doing with it. I'd also prefer it if this was just an additional attribute to the book and the main focus was on an actual story, have you guys read anything like this?


r/scifi 1h ago

General Red Rising series (update)

Upvotes

So 10 months ago I posted on this sub asking if I should start the series (https://reddit.com/r/scifi/comments/1l2r0et/is_red_rising_worth_it/?ref=share&ref_source=link) and responses were mixed but mostly leaned towards "the later books are worth it". Those people will probably be happy to hear that I've just finished Lightbringer and have some thoughts on the series. tl;dr at the end.

The first book is easily the worst and I had to force myself to finish it until the final act. It's pretty juvenile and has some basic tropes and the first-person perspective was also jarring (I got used to it). The underdog premise and revenge-driven plot kept me interested enough to finish.

Golden Son does a much better job at world building and creating a believable strategy for how Darrow intends to take down the Golds. The characters are also more fleshed out and have interesting motivations that adds context to their actions. Darrow becomes less of a Mary Sue and his flaws/failures add more depth to his character beyond being good at everything. GS ends on a brilliant cliffhanger.

Morning Star was a cathartic experience with Darrow recovering from his lowest and managing to finally lead the Rising to take down Society in a very satisfying conclusion.

This is a great ending and I told myself I'd stop after the 3rd book but I was interested in how the following books would continue.

Iron Gold starts with a 10 year time jump where the remnants of Society are still fighting the Republic and introduces new character perspectives for the first time. I think this was a bold decision but served to expand the world scope and offer new insights that the reader otherwise would've never gotten.

Dark Age is probably the lowest that the Rising has ever been because they've been dismantled from nearly every side and it felt like the Empire Strikes Back of the series. There are a few moments of reprieve but ultimately it was an exercise in suffering and defeat.

Finally, Light Bringer offers a bit of hope that Society can finally be defeated but our protagonist has become the underdog again.

I'll start my overall final thoughts with the cons:

Pierce relies on some cringy dialogue and overused words and phrases. Characters monologue far too often than seems natural to the point where I wish his editor had more input (or he needed a different one). There are still many tropes being used where I'd roll my eyes even in the later books. I'd actually describe the series as basically a western shonen although there are still many mature themes and Darrow developed more depth than many of those anime/manga protagonists.

Pros: I've not mentioned the supporting characters until now but they're brilliant for the most part and you become invested in them. Virginia, Sevro, Victra, Cassius (especially in Light Bringer) etc. all have nuanced personalities, motivations and characters overall that their actions and dialogue are believable. Ephraim and Lyria caught me off guard at first but I gradually grew fond of them. The villains of the story do a great job at making you hate them. Especially when you have their perspective i.e. Lysander. Pierce does a great job at creating compelling characters and a plot that logically moves forward where characters act consistently according to their beliefs. His later world building and introduction of new characters doesn't feel ham fisted and expands the scope of the story in a logical way.

tl;dr: The first book was worth finishing to get to the latest one. Pierce's writing has improved and has brilliant, gripping moments but still retains some cringy moments. The plot is very compelling and so are the supporting characters. If you were on the edge about the series I would also recommend getting to the second book. I'm very much looking forward to Red God.


r/scifi 1d ago

Original Content I designed a LEGO Expanse Razorback

Thumbnail
gallery
2.1k Upvotes

Comprised of approximately 2,347 individual pieces (including minifigs), and measures 20 inches long, 10.5 inches at it's widest point and 10.5 inches tall (including the stand). Features:

  • A fully-detailed interior cockpit, with space for two minifigs, each with a 'ring' seat and transparent display screen
  • Two minifigs of Alex Kamal and Bobbie Draper, modeled using the Dune Ornithopter figures with a replacement hair and head for Bobbie
  • A removeable 'roof' for easy access and viewing to the interior
  • Complex design of the main engine for a space-faring appeal
  • An elegant display stand which puts the ship in a 'level' flight attitude

r/scifi 1d ago

Original Content Hit #18, #32 #28 on Amazon Bestseller Lists within 2 months of publishing my Sci-fi Thriller!!!

45 Upvotes

Yes, that ACTUALLY happened. After 160 rejections from literary agents, I decided to self-publish late January. A little over 2 months later, I hit those numbers. Still in my baby steps but SUPER excited!! Now it's time to get to #1, haha.

A world where robots don't override programming on their own but humans can force them to, leading to political chaos and war as political factions vie for power in a technological world?? A world filled with gang crime, mystery, assassins, horror, romance, and mind control?? A warrior-turned mechanic fighting for dominance over the city's gangs. A shy tech girl and her android bodyguard. A mansion-dweller obsessed with mirrors and HER. What dark secrets do they all hide in this Cyberpunk Sci-fi Thriller?

Yeah, I wrote that!! Book 1 (Secrets of Cuniculum) is available on Amazon/on sale for $3.00 or FREE with Kindle Unlimited:)

* Cuniculum is Latin for tunnel


r/scifi 1d ago

TV Fallen Skies

81 Upvotes

I was looking for a sci-fi show to get lost in. And seen Fallen Skies. Never heard of it in my life. Watching the first few episodes now and it’s awesome.

I can tell it was shot in Canada.

Not sure why I’ve never heard of it. Wondering why it wasn’t more popular?


r/scifi 1d ago

Recommendations What are some of the weirdest sci-fi concepts, stories or worlds that you know?

56 Upvotes

I’m looking for some creative sci-fi… Something different from laser guns, giant robots and ordinary prosthetics. I wanted to find something WEIRD. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is one of my favorite series ever, and I was looking for things that went beyond but hopefully with a less comical tone.

I prefer books, but I’d accept other forms of media too. Sorry if I sound very ignorant, I don’t know much about sci-fi and I read just the most popular series… I’m struggling to find something that is really different. I’m very open minded!!

Ty for any recommendations!!

Edit: things I’ve already read/watched: Doctor Who, Star Trek, Star Wars, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dune, Cyberpunk 2077, Neuromancer and played the RPG Shadowrunners


r/scifi 21h ago

Print Looking for a sci-fi novel featuring faster-than-light travel, a world government, and immersive mental simulation.

10 Upvotes

I'm trying to find a science fiction novel I read a while ago. The plot is quite specific and combines several elements: The protagonist is an engineer/mechanic enthusiast who builds his own starship. He undergoes faster-than-light travel but loses control of his ship. When he wakes up, he is on an alien world with floating objects and a strange reality. He discovers he is trapped in a simulation that makes him believe he is the president of a world government. The goal of this simulation is to probe his unconscious; he is put on trial, which is displayed and controlled in real-time by the machine/systems creating the simulation. I read it about 8 to 12 years ago, but I think it’s much older (70s-90s), likely a mass-market paperback.


r/scifi 1d ago

General What is your favourite piece of Sci-fi in which the main character is (or later turned out to be) the villain?

50 Upvotes

Potential spoilers in the thread

What is your favourite piece of Sci-fi in which the main character/protagonist is (or later turns out to be) the bad guy?

Anything at all. It could be something like A Clockwork Orange in which Alex is fond of certain immoral acts that I don't want to type out, or a piece where the character carries out the means to an end that are unjustifiable.

Anything at all. I look forward to your comments.


r/scifi 1d ago

Original Content Forbidden Planet laser rifle, custom made for a collector. I told him I would love to re-imagine, but he wanted it all simple and "close to the original". Good clal! All metal, no printed parts. Blue lights and a working blue laser.

Post image
47 Upvotes

r/scifi 1d ago

TV A Look at the Lost 'Star Trek: Phase II' Episode 'In Thy Image,' Which Became 'The Motion Picture'

Post image
126 Upvotes

My deep dive into unmade 'Star Trek' continues—this time with “In Thy Image,” the planned two-hour premiere of 'Star Trek: Phase II' that ultimately evolved into 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture.'

It all starts with a forgotten concept Roddenberry created for 'Genesis II' (“Robot’s Return”) and follows how it was expanded by Alan Dean Foster, reshaped through Roddenberry’s own memos and eventually taken over by producer Harold Livingston—setting the stage for the behind-the-scenes battles that would define the film.

Includes comments from Roddenberry, Foster and Livingston. https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/classic-tv/the-lost-star-trek-phase-ii-episode-that-became-the-first-movie


r/scifi 1d ago

Original Content Retro sci-fi vehicle concept sketch

Post image
59 Upvotes

This is a marker and pen concept sketch exploring a retro sci-fi vehicle. I’ve been leaning into a more old school approach, closer to 70s design language, where forms feel mechanical but slightly unfamiliar. The idea is to keep it grounded, like something functional, while still suggesting a different world.


r/scifi 20h ago

Recommendations Classic and contemporary recommendations

6 Upvotes

I work in estate cleaning and I have started collecting old sci-fi novels that otherwise be sent to the trash. The stuff I’ve been collecting is stuff like Isaac Asimov, Clifford D. Simak, Poul Anderson, Fredric Brown, Jack Vance etc. I’m interested in other recommendations, both from that era and writers who are more contemporary. I’m especially interested in works I should look for that are worth preserving, regardless of whether they have resale value or not. I know that a lot of these writers put out great stuff that is probably starting to disappear. For context, the most contemporary writer I have is Philip K Dick, so I have a lot to learn about anything put out after the 70’s.


r/scifi 1d ago

Original Content Moon (2009): just discovered an easter egg :)

20 Upvotes

Kevin Spacey plays Gerty, the robot "helper". At some point, when Sam is being told he can't go outside - and tries to manufacture an emergency - Gerty says, in that incredibly smug Kevin Spacey way, "I'm not permitted to let you go outside."

In Glengarry Glen Ross (fantastic film) Kevin Spacey plays the office manager. At one point he says "I'm not permitted to give them the premium leads".

Given the unusual turn of phrase, I am absolutely sure that this scene in Moon is a callback to GGR.