John Scalzi revolutionizes science fiction by injecting genuine humor and humanity into traditionally serious genres. His brilliant novel Old Man's War proves that military sci-fi can be both thrilling and laugh-out-loud funny, combining razor-sharp wit with innovative concepts that make even the most outlandish scenarios feel surprisingly relatable.
If you enjoy reading books by John Scalzi then you might also like the following authors:
If you like John Scalzi's humorous yet thoughtful storytelling, Dennis E. Taylor could be right up your alley. Taylor writes science fiction packed with wit and imagination, blending humor with thought-provoking ideas about identity and humanity's future.
His novel We Are Legion (We Are Bob) follows Bob Johansson, who wakes up as a digitized consciousness sent into space as probes to explore new worlds—full of clever dialogue and fun characters, similar to Scalzi’s style.
Fans of Scalzi’s accessible narratives and clever problem-solving will appreciate Andy Weir's approach. Weir's writing mixes humor, science-based detail, and relatable characters who must use ingenuity to survive tough situations.
Take The Martian, for example, which tells the gripping yet funny story of an astronaut stranded on Mars who must rely on his wits and resourcefulness—qualities that Scalzi readers know and love.
If you enjoy Scalzi’s ability to craft believable characters and complex, politically charged plots in space, check out James S.A. Corey (actually the pen name of collaborators Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck).
Corey’s series starting with Leviathan Wakes blends realistic science fiction with an engaging plot full of action, fascinating characters, and big-scale conflict within a richly detailed universe.
Martha Wells offers readers a great combination of humor, sharp dialogue, and relatable, layered characters. Like Scalzi, Wells delivers entertaining sci-fi with insight into humanity and identity.
Her novella All Systems Red introduces Murderbot, a delightfully cynical, self-aware security robot struggling with social interactions and human-like emotions, while grappling with basic existential questions—very much in Scalzi’s fun-yet-insightful vein.
Readers who admire Scalzi’s knack for creating solid characters and absorbing plots should definitely check out Lois McMaster Bujold. Her witty writing and focus on human relationships, ethics, and adventure make her novels easy to enjoy and emotionally satisfying.
A notable example is The Warrior's Apprentice, which introduces Miles Vorkosigan, a charismatic young man overcoming considerable challenges to find his place in a complex galaxy.
If you like John Scalzi's entertaining blend of imaginative storytelling and thoughtful ideas, you'll probably enjoy Robert A. Heinlein.
Heinlein is famous for using upbeat plots and strong, independent protagonists to explore interesting questions about society, government, and identity.
His acclaimed novel Starship Troopers follows a soldier navigating a brutal war, while tackling broader questions of citizenship and responsibility.
Fans of Scalzi’s sharp commentary and military-tinged storytelling might enjoy Joe Haldeman's science fiction. His landmark novel The Forever War captures both the drama of long-scale cosmic conflict and the personal struggles of soldiers.
Haldeman tackles challenging ideas like the human consequences of war and the struggle to adapt after trauma, and does it with clarity and intelligence.
If Scalzi's warm humor, engaging characters, and positive tone stand out to you, Becky Chambers could become your new favorite author.
In her novel The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, Chambers mixes adventures in space with tight-knit friendships, optimism, and a sense of belonging. It's an easy, delightful read filled with characters you instantly care about.
Readers who enjoy Scalzi's twists on classic narratives and his imaginative world-building should check out Adrian Tchaikovsky.
His novel Children of Time portrays a gripping story of humanity's search for survival, alongside the strange and fascinating rise of an alien civilization.
Tchaikovsky offers a fresh take on familiar themes—evolution, humanity's future, and the unexpected forms intelligence can take.
If you enjoy Scalzi’s thoughtful looks at identity and balanced storytelling style, consider trying Ann Leckie.
Her novel Ancillary Justice explores ideas like self-awareness, identity, and moral accountability through the eyes of an AI, left in a human body, trying to understand its place in the world.
Leckie brings a unique, fresh perspective, crafting thoughtful stories that linger with you.
Blake Crouch writes fast-paced science fiction thrillers that explore reality, identity, and the effects of technology on everyday life. If you enjoy Scalzi's accessible style and smart plot twists, check out Crouch's Dark Matter.
It's a suspenseful look at parallel universes and how choices shape our lives.
Cory Doctorow engages readers with witty, thought-provoking stories about technology, activism, and big ideas. If you appreciate Scalzi's humor and sharp commentary on social issues, you'll probably enjoy Doctorow's Little Brother.
The story follows a group of teenagers challenging government surveillance in a believable near-future setting.
Charles Stross blends humor, tech-savvy storytelling, and imaginative world-building in his novels. His style echoes Scalzi's knack for combining satire with adventure.
Check out Accelerando, an ambitious look at humanity's leap forward during a technological singularity, delivered with witty prose and clever insights.
Alastair Reynolds crafts richly detailed, expansive plots that focus on humanity's future, space exploration, and grand scientific ideas. If you like the way Scalzi keeps stories accessible but filled with interesting concepts, Reynolds' Revelation Space might be for you.
It's a journey through space filled with mysterious artifacts, hidden dangers, and thoughtful speculation about humanity's destiny.
Nnedi Okorafor offers storytelling that blends science fiction with strong cultural influences, creative characters, and vibrant imagination.
Readers drawn to Scalzi's engaging and vivid world-building might appreciate Okorafor's Binti, the story of a young woman encountering alien cultures and interstellar conflict while trying to preserve her own identity and traditions.