Out of This World Sci-Fi Novellas to Warm Your Heart
Hopeful and heartwarming tales for your 2025 Cozy Reading Challenge
Hi Cozy Reader,
If you missed it, I kicked off the 2025 Cozy Reading Challenge this January! It’s all about bringing more joy and inspiration into your reading life with 12 themed prompts.
The second prompt is: Out of this World Charm – Read a charming sci-fi novella that features a hopeful or heartwarming story.
To help you out, I’ve put together a list of sci-fi novellas that are perfect for curling up with a warm drink. Some of these I’ve read and adored, while others are high on my TBR. As always, I recommend doing your own research to find the ones that fit your cozy preferences best.
Since it’s sci-fi, these books cover a range—from purely cozy to a bit darker—but all feature characters who will warm your heart, even as they face challenging experiences. So whether you’re in the mood for a soft and comforting story or a book with a bit more depth, there’s a little something for everyone.
Let’s dive into these sci-fi adventures! 🚀✨
Quick note: Most books on this list include a link to Bookshop.org, where you can read the full description. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. This helps support both indie bookstores and my work. Hope you find a new favorite cozy sci-fi read! 💖📚
🌟 Super Cozy and Huggable 🌟
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
The Vibe: Heartfelt, nature-focused, and beautifully illustrated.
Why You’ll Love It: Though technically middle-grade, this story of a robot learning to live in the wild is pure, wholesome comfort for all ages.
Perfect For: Nature lovers and anyone seeking a gentle escape.A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (#1 in series)
The Vibe: Hopeful, philosophical, and deeply comforting.
Why You’ll Love It: This solarpunk novella follows a tea monk and a curious robot on a journey of self-discovery and meaning. It’s a hug in book form!
Perfect For: When you need a thoughtful pick-me-up.
🌿 Adventurous and Heartwarming 🌿
All Systems Red by Martha Wells (#1 in series)
The Vibe: Snarky yet lovable AI, corporate conspiracies, and a journey to self-discovery.
Why You’ll Love It: Follow Murderbot, a security android with a penchant for TV dramas, as it navigates both human emotions and dangerous missions. Despite the name, it’s more heartwarming than harrowing.
Perfect For: Fans of dry humor and AI learning to care.
Star Wars: A Crash of Fate by Zoraida Córdova
The Vibe: Star-crossed lovers, rugged planet in the outer rim, and a sprinkle of space magic.
Why You’ll Love It: A light-hearted yet thrilling adventure set in the Star Wars universe, perfect for those who want a fun escape.
Perfect For: Star Wars fans craving an adventurous side story.The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Vibe: Absurdly funny, delightfully chaotic, and surprisingly wise.
Why You’ll Love It: Arthur Dent’s misadventures through space are equal parts hilarious and insightful, making this a classic light sci-fi read.
Perfect For: Fans of British humor and unlikely heroes.Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis (#1 in series)
The Vibe: Action-packed yet cozy, with a dash of romance.
Why You’ll Love It: A thrilling yet charming space adventure that balances high stakes with heartwarming moments.
Perfect For: When you want a mix of excitement and feels, with a bit more danger.
🌙 Gentle but Thought-Provoking with a More Serious Tone 🌙
Destiny’s Song by Audrey Faye (#1 in series)
The Vibe: Found family, sci-fi + fantasy genre mash-up, and heart-healing vibes.
Why You’ll Love It: A beautifully written story about choosing your own path, filled with warm relationships and soft sci-fi elements.
Perfect For: When you need something tender and uplifting with a touch of depth.To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
The Vibe: Gentle exploration of space with a side of ethical dilemmas.
Why You’ll Love It: A crew of scientists travels to distant planets, transforming themselves to survive. It’s an ode to curiosity and the human spirit.
Perfect For: Stargazers and dreamers who appreciate a bit of soul-searching.The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older (#1 in series)
The Vibe: Cozy mystery meets sci-fi, with a side of slow-burn romance.
Why You’ll Love It: Set on a reimagined Jupiter, this novella combines a detective story with themes of loss and renewal.
Perfect For: Fans of Sherlock Holmes and soft sci-fi with a bit of melancholy.Murder by Memory by Olivia Waite
The Vibe: Cozy mystery with a sci-fi twist and a dash of romance.
Why You’ll Love It: A charming whodunit set in a futuristic world, featuring clever twists and warm relationships.
Perfect For: Fans of both cozy mysteries and speculative fiction who want something a bit more contemplative.
🌑 More Challenging Themes with Heartwarming Characters 🌑
Six Months, Three Days, Five Others by Charlie Jane Anders
The Vibe: Wistful, thought-provoking, and a bit bittersweet.
Why You’ll Love It: This collection explores the complexities of love, choice, and destiny with a magical realism twist.
Perfect For: Fans of mind-bending but emotionally resonant reads.Binti by Nnedi Okorafor
The Vibe: Courageous heroine, cultural richness, and space adventures with darker challenges.
Why You’ll Love It: Follow Binti as she leaves home to attend a prestigious university in space, facing danger and discovering her own strength. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and survival.
Perfect For: Those who love personal growth arcs and vivid world-building with a bit of darkness.
🌿 Happy Reading! 🌿
I hope this list helps you find the perfect charming sci-fi novella to curl up with. If you join the challenge on StoryGraph, you can see what others are reading for this prompt, too!
Which one are you adding to your TBR first? Do you have a favorite sci-fi novella that didn’t make the list? I’d love to hear about it! 💖
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Hi there! I’m Emma Veritas, your cozy reading enthusiast. I delight in escaping to small towns filled with endearing characters—and a touch of mystery, dragons, or aliens! When I'm not sharing bookish musings here, you’ll find me crafting fictional tales in my notebooks, spending quality time with my adorable pet bunny, or savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
You might also enjoy my other newsletter, Soul Weavers' Reading Society, where I write essays for seekers, dreamers, and magic-makers who want to read healing, empowering, and witchy reads. Read the most recent post: 10 Romance Novels for Venus Retrograde.