Why should the kids have all the fun? Old characters from novels of all genres are having their time in the sun right now. (Hopefully he’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat.) But excellent old men have always been prevalent in books, including the five wonderful novels below, which also include some kicking butt! Which reminds me of my favorite old character in SFF: octogenarian and former superspy Eddie Bannister, angelmaker By Nick Harkaway. But I mention that novel all the time, so think of it as a bonus recommendation!
traveler By Meg Howrey
The three main characters of Howre’s third novel are training to become the crew of the first ever mission to Mars. But first, they must spend seventeen months simulating their mission, which puts a strain on all of them. And if they begin to crack under the pressure of replicating the long journey, how will they fare on the actual journey?
burning roses By SL Huang
This fairy tale novel features Red Riding Hood and the Archer, who have been “blessed and burdened by the approach of middle age”. The two consider themselves retired, but when the dangerous Sunbirds begin burning the world around them, they must join forces to end their destruction.
isaco’s final contract by fonda lee
When fifty-year-old samurai Isako’s client suddenly retires, it means it is time for Isako to hang up her swords as well. Normally, a samurai would go into the frozen abyss, with aid being provided to his family after his death. But then Isako is offered one last job she can’t pass up, because it involves her worst apprentice and corporate espionage secrets that could change humanity forever.
black sun By Rebecca Roanhorse
In this award-winning fantasy, the first in a trilogy, the sacred city of Towa is preparing for the winter solstice and solar eclipse. And as the wise and aged Sun Priests are preparing for the celebration, they do not know that a ship is heading in Towa’s direction, carrying a potentially dangerous passenger who will change the town’s plans.
wheel of infinity by Martha Wells
Before Martha Wells published her beloved Murderbot DiariesFeaturing multiple characters of a certain age, this was excellent fantasy! The Celestial Empire recreates the Wheel of Infinity once a year to keep the world spinning smoothly. But this year, a dangerous dark storm threatens the process, and Maskell, an assassin and traitor, and Ryan, a renowned swordsman, are called in to help fix the problem.
Okay, Star Bitches, now take the knowledge you’ve learned here today and use it for good, not evil. If you want to learn more about books, I talk about books nonstop (when I’m not reading them), and you can hear me saying lots of adjectives about them on the Book Riot Podcast. All the books! and on Instagram.
All Access Bonus: Bonus Science Fiction Books Nominated for Best of the Century So Far
Want to know which titles were nominated for the best science fiction books of the century (so far) but didn’t make the list? All Access members, read on to find out! It’s not easy to eliminate classic and beloved books from these lists, and that’s why we want to make sure these must-read science fiction books are on your radar and on your reading list:
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