Best-Selling Galactic Empire Science Fiction Novels in 2025
1. Dead Men Don't Die: The Unkillable Marine Trilogy: Complete Series Box Sets by Daniel Young
Daniel Young's complete trilogy follows an extraordinary marine who discovers he's a lab-grown weapon designed by reptilian overlords. Set against the backdrop of a galactic empire where humans serve as subjects to the Okenian aliens, this military science fiction series combines action-packed combat scenes with deeper questions about identity and freedom.
What makes this collection stand out is its unique protagonist—a soldier who cannot die—and the complex power dynamics between the ruling alien class and human rebels. Originally released as a popular Kindle Vella serial, this box set brings together all three books (Lifer Marine, Devil's Man, and Just Death) in a complete package that offers readers a thrilling journey from beginning to end.
Buy Now2. Howling Dark: The Sun Eater: Book Two by Christopher Ruocchio
The second installment in Christopher Ruocchio's acclaimed Sun Eater series continues the epic journey of Hadrian Marlowe across a vast interstellar empire. For half a century, Hadrian has searched the farther stars for a way to contact the elusive alien Cielcin, determined to bring peace after centuries of war between humans and aliens.
Ruocchio's masterful blend of space opera and epic fantasy creates a rich narrative tapestry as Hadrian ventures beyond the security of the Sollan Empire. What distinguishes this series is its literary quality combined with grand-scale worldbuilding, presenting readers with complex political machinations, philosophical questions, and a protagonist whose choices will determine whether the galaxy descends into chaos or finds an unprecedented peace.
Buy Now3. Demon in White: The Sun Eater: Book Three by Christopher Ruocchio
Continuing the epic Sun Eater saga, Demon in White follows Hadrian Marlowe after nearly a century of service to the Empire in its war against the alien Cielcin. The stakes rise dramatically as rumors circulate about a new, strategically brilliant Cielcin king who represents an unprecedented threat to human civilization across the stars.
This third installment elevates the series through its exploration of Hadrian's growing legend as "Halfmortal" and the political consequences of his fame. Ruocchio crafts an intricate narrative that balances military conflict, court intrigue, and metaphysical mystery as Hadrian confronts enemies on multiple fronts while seeking answers about his own supernatural survival. The novel's depth of characterization and thematic complexity make it a standout entry in contemporary space opera.
Buy Now4. Able Bodied Soldier 4 by J.N. Chaney
Ten years after saving humanity from the Thephari threat, legendary MOCOM instructor Titus Briggs faces a new challenge: his elite pilots are failing against enemies who have learned their weaknesses. Set in a future where technological superiority has become the cornerstone of human military strategy, this fourth entry in the Able Bodied Soldier series explores what happens when that advantage begins to falter.
J.N. Chaney and Jason Anspach craft a compelling narrative that examines the value of basic soldiering skills in an era of advanced technology. The unlikely alliance between instructor Briggs and a tactically brilliant Ranger Staff Sergeant creates a story that balances high-tech action with old-school military ingenuity. As they race to stop a devastating anti-MOCOM weapon, the novel delivers both thrilling combat sequences and thoughtful commentary on humanity's relationship with its own technological creations.
Buy Now5. Star Blade by J.N. Chaney
Star Blade introduces readers to Jake Fox, an ordinary working man who finds himself thrust into an extraordinary situation when aliens attack Las Vegas. After seizing a strange, sentient weapon from a fallen hero, Jake is catapulted far into the future and across the stars, where he must master his new weapon and navigate the complex politics of a galactic civilization to find his way home.
This electrifying sci-fi adventure from J.N. Chaney and Scott Moon stands out for its "ordinary hero" premise—a regular person from our time who must adapt to advanced galactic politics and ancient technologies. The sentient blade concept creates a unique dynamic as Jake must form a partnership with his weapon while uncovering the secrets of an ancient civilization. With humanity's fate hanging in the balance, Star Blade delivers a fresh take on the chosen one narrative within a richly imagined galactic setting.
Buy Now6. First of the Order (Star Blade Book 2) by J.N. Chaney
The second installment in the Star Blade series continues Jake Fox's journey as he wrestles free of Sotalorian politics to return home and learn what really happened to Earth. As the sole member of the Order of the Star Blade, Jake must navigate the treacherous waters of galactic politics while working with a crew of rebels and outcasts aboard an aging starship.
This sequel expands the universe established in the first book, introducing new layers of complexity to both the galactic political landscape and the mysterious sentient weapon Jake wields. J.N. Chaney and Scott Moon excel at balancing action-packed sequences with character development as Jake confronts the responsibility of potentially establishing a new order of warriors. The novel raises the stakes by revealing that Earth faces resurgent alien threats, creating an urgent mission that forces Jake to master his upgraded weapon and make choices that will have permanent consequences.
Buy Now7. Stars Die (Caldryn Parliament Book 1) by Jenny Schwartz
Stars Die introduces readers to Caldryn Parliament through the eyes of its new Warden, Vanda Kavanagh. Recalled from the frontier to assume her position, Vanda arrives to find herself immediately thrust into a murder investigation after portaling directly into a crime scene. Set in a universe where magic and science fiction blend seamlessly, this novel creates a unique hybrid of political intrigue and classic murder mystery.
Jenny Schwartz's innovative approach combines elements of Golden Age mysteries with the expansive setting of galactic science fiction. The result is a genre-bending narrative that feels like Agatha Christie in space, complete with political machinations, family drama, and unexpected partnerships. What makes Stars Die particularly compelling is its integration of magical elements into a science fiction framework, creating a world where parliaments must deal with both technological advancement and arcane powers. Perfect for readers who enjoy their space politics with a side of whodunit.
Buy Now8. Rogue Agent: A Sci-Fi Assassin Thriller (A Star Nation in Peril Book 1) by Skyler Ramirez
Set thousands of years in the future in a time when humanity has spread throughout the stars, Rogue Agent introduces Heather Kilgore, the deadliest assassin in the Fringe. Working for the star nation of Prometheus, Heather specializes in completing missions where others have failed. When she discovers a man she once loved dead on a contested planet, she must unravel a mystery that threatens to ignite an interstellar war.
Skyler Ramirez crafts a fast-paced technothriller that seamlessly blends elements of spy fiction with space opera. The novel excels through its detailed portrayal of espionage in a far-future setting, complete with advanced technology, competing political powers, and high-stakes diplomatic tensions. Heather's character brings depth to the narrative as she navigates complex personal relationships with her former mentor and pursues hidden enemies across planetary systems. Set in the same universe as the author's other works, this standalone series offers readers a gritty, character-driven perspective on galactic politics.
Buy Now9. The Worst Ship in the Fleet (Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes Book 1) by Skyler Ramirez
In the star nation of Prometheus, Brad Mendoza is infamous for accidentally killing 504 civilians, ending what had been a promising naval career. Relegated to commanding Persephone, the worst starship in the fleet, Brad's prospects seem dim until he meets his new executive officer, the capable and mysterious Jessica Lin. When an enemy warship four times their size threatens them, this unlikely duo must race against time to save their crew and their "stupid ship."
What distinguishes this military sci-fi adventure is its refreshing blend of humor and tension. Skyler Ramirez creates an underdog story with genuine stakes, populated by flawed characters seeking redemption. Originally published as a Kindle Vella serial, this complete novel kicks off the Dumb Luck and Dead Heroes series with a perfect balance of space combat, character dynamics, and unexpected twists. The self-deprecating protagonist and the novel's willingness to embrace both the absurd and the deadly serious aspects of military service make for an entertaining and distinctive entry in the galactic empire subgenre.
Buy Now10. Independence: Starship Jericho Book 5 by Toby Neighbors
Independence brings the Starship Jericho series to an explosive conclusion as Captain Zeke Darius commands the Renegade, the most technologically advanced ship in the galaxy. While humanity awaits his return to the Sol system with game-changing technological knowledge, the Galactic Imperium hunts the vessel, determined to capture it at any cost. Meanwhile, Master Sergeant Steel must unite a divided Space Marine platoon as they debate whether to return home or continue fighting the Imperium.
Toby Neighbors delivers a satisfying finale that balances large-scale space battles with intimate character moments. The dual narrative perspectives—following both the captain and the master sergeant—provide complementary views of leadership under pressure. What makes this conclusion notable is how it addresses the central question that has driven the series: the responsibility of advanced knowledge and whether to prioritize one's home or the greater galactic community. With high stakes, memorable characters, and themes of sacrifice and duty, Independence offers a fitting end to a beloved space opera series.
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