If you’re looking for some mind-bending science fiction to start 2025 off right, February’s releases do not disappoint. We’ve got an unstoppable black sphere consuming everything in its path, a parallel-Earth invasion, a collection of speculative fiction by Black women writers, and a romance set on an ice-covered alien world. From high-stakes thrillers to thought-provoking short stories, this month’s lineup promises adventure, mystery, and a touch of existential dread.
The Black Orb by Ewhan Kim
A giant black sphere appears in the streets of Seoul, and within moments, it devours a man whole. Jeong-su, our reluctant protagonist, barely escapes, but the orb isn’t finished—it moves through walls, multiplies, and soon, it’s consuming the entire city. Tanks, bullets, and human ingenuity are useless against it, and as civilization collapses into chaos, Jeong-su embarks on a desperate journey to find his parents. Get the book here.
Ewhan Kim’s debut novel, The Black Orb, blends horror, science fiction, and dark humor into a gripping narrative about survival and the terrifying unknown. With shades of Stephen King’s The Langoliers and the creeping inevitability of The Blob, this novel explores how humans react when faced with an incomprehensible, unstoppable force. If you like speculative fiction that mixes existential terror with an eerie, deadpan wit, this one’s for you. Get the book here.
The Rift by Douglas E. Richards and Joshua T. Calvert
Mysterious black spheres keep showing up this month, but in The Rift, the consequences are even more mind-blowing. When two researchers discover an enigmatic sphere in Antarctica, they disappear without a trace. Decades later, the laws of reality begin to crack—buildings vanish, planes crash inexplicably, and impossible artifacts appear across the globe. Soon, humanity realizes that Earth is being invaded… by another Earth.
This high-octane thriller pits Dr. James Barron against shadowy organizations and interdimensional forces as he fights to prevent total annihilation. Fans of fast-paced, science-heavy storytelling in the vein of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch will love this one. As the first book in a planned trilogy, The Rift sets the stage for an epic war between parallel worlds, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Get the book here. Get the book here.
midnight & indigo: Twenty-One Speculative Stories by Black Women Writers (Edited by Ianna Small)
What do haunted ghost children, a Cameroonian scarf with mystical properties, and a reimagined troll-under-the-bridge fable have in common? They all appear in midnight & indigo, a stunning collection of speculative fiction by Black women writers from around the world.
Spanning horror, fantasy, Afrofuturism, and surrealism, this anthology showcases the incredible diversity of Black speculative storytelling. From eerie tales of vanished loved ones to thought-provoking stories about identity and memory, each piece offers a unique perspective on what it means to exist in worlds both real and imagined. Whether you’re looking for chilling ghost stories, mythological reinventions, or uncanny sci-fi, this anthology delivers. Get the book here.
Barbarian’s Heart by Ruby Dixon
Ruby Dixon’s Ice Planet Barbarians series has built a cult following for a reason—blue-skinned alien warriors, steamy romance, and survival on a frozen world make for an addictive combination. In Barbarian’s Heart, Stacy and Pashov’s happily-ever-after is shattered when a devastating accident wipes Pashov’s memory. He no longer remembers Stacy, their child, or their bond.
This entry in the series leans into the heartache of lost love, second chances, and what it means to fight for family. It’s a fresh take on the series’ signature mix of sci-fi romance and survival adventure. If you’ve been following Dixon’s interstellar love stories, this one is a must-read. Get the book here.
Final Word: Sci-Fi to Challenge the Mind and Heart
February is bringing us existential horror, interdimensional war, speculative short fiction, and alien romance—what else could a sci-fi fan ask for? Whether you want action-packed thrillers, eerie short stories, or a deep dive into intergalactic love, this month’s lineup has something for you. Get ready to escape into the unknown.
