THE FUSE

Both genres excel in intense world-building, gripping plots, and high stakes storytelling that can keep readers engaged no matter how often they read. And you may even discover the first in a series that keeps you coming back year after year, so reading will feel a little less daunting moving forward. Dystopian thrillers, gothic fantasy, and space odysseys offer the escape you'll need as you come back from the slow pace of the holidays and dive back into work, hobbies, and fitness. The ups and downs of the year (probably) won't compare to the stress of surviving on an alien planet or discovering you're the one hero who can save the world. Look, we know the third Dune movie is coming out later this year—and we'll be right there on the opening night voyage to Arrakis—but we've got a whole year to find our way to some similarly incredible new sci-fi worlds.