Is a twelve-book saga too much for you? Here are five SFF novellas or standalone books that will help you escape in a flash!

I love huge doorstopper novels or epic twelve-book sagas as much as the next SFF fan, but sometimes I just need a short, satisfying story that I can read in an afternoon or evening. With so many things demanding time and attention, it’s often difficult to find the time to slow down and read anything, what more ten books in a row.

So when my time is limited, finding that one, perfect standalone novel or novella that spirits me away from the many (many!) stresses of the last couple of years is pure gold. If you, too, could use a quick escape into the deep of space or a supervillain’s lair, here are five books to get you started!

Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell

A sunshine extrovert and a grumpy introvert are rushed into an arranged marriage in an attempt to stabilize the peace treaty that protects their planets, but when one of them suspected of killing their last spouse, things get a little rocky. I absolutely adore romance in my space opera, and Winter’s Orbit delivers, along with plenty of political intrigue, murder mystery, and twists and turns that will keep you glued to the page.

Read Winter's Orbit here on Amazon. Also available on audiobook, in hardcover and in paperback.

Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots

Have you ever wondered what happens to the innocent (and not-so-innocent) bystanders that happen to be in the way when a superhero arrives to fight a supervillain? Or what happens once the cameras are gone, and a battered soul is left to pick up the broken pieces? If you’re Anna, you start collecting data and compiling spreadsheets to prove that maybe heroes aren’t as heroic as we thought. Hench is dark, angry, and compulsively readable.

Read Hench here on Amazon. Also available on audiobook, in hardcover and in paperback.

The A.I. Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole

When a woman trying to rebuild her life runs into her sexy new neighbor, she thinks he’s a little odd, but she never would’ve guessed he is actually a biomechanical A.I. As they grow closer and the truth is revealed, she teaches him what it means to be human, but not everyone is happy that the A.I. is out in the world. Part thriller, part sci-fi romcom, with a side of brilliant, biting social commentary, The A.I. Who Loved Me is not to be missed.

Get your copy of The A.I. Who Loved Me here on Amazon. Also available on audiobook.

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Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews

Read Fated Blades here on Amazon. Also available on audiobook and in paperback.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Okay, technically, All Systems Red is start of a series—the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. But because the series is mostly novellas, it’s perfect for both a quick getaway and a deeper dive into the world. The first novella can absolutely be read standalone, but once you meet Murderbot, you’re going to want more.

All Systems Red is the tale of a rogue security android—the eponymous Murderbot—who would rather watch entertainment vids all day than do its job or interact with the humans it’s supposed to be guarding. (I don’t know about you, but I can absolutely relate!) The writing sparkles with dry wit and snark as Murderbot gets drawn deeper into its humans’ drama—especially once someone starts trying to kill them.

Grab Bellwether here on Amazon. Also available on audiobook, in hardcover and in paperback.