Hugonauts: The Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time The Best Time Travel Books... of all time
Oct 14, 2025
Dive into the fascinating realm of time travel literature, from science-driven tales like 'Tau Zero' to whimsical adventures in 'Night Watch.' Discover how 'The Forever War' explores the alienation of soldiers through relativity, while 'Story of Your Life' intertwines linguistics with time perception. Enjoy looping narratives in 'The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' and thrilling twists in 'Kindred.' Plus, hear about enchanting children's books and cinematic interpretations that bring time travel to life!
47:14
Time Travel As Character Tool
- Terry Pratchett's Night Watch uses time travel as a character device, not a hard science puzzle.
- The time loop forces the protagonist to become his own mentor in a difficult past era.
Stephen King's Time-Spanning Magnum Opus
- The Dark Tower series blends western, fantasy, and science fiction across eras and worlds.
- Cody recalled recommending the series to Brent years ago and praised its complex time experiments.
Relativity Makes 'Forward' Time Travel Real
- Relativistic travel realistically moves you forward in time rather than backward.
- Tau Zero explores infinite-distance travel via continuous acceleration and extreme time dilation.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Fantasy and Sci‑Fi Worlds with Time Travel
01:35 • 29sec
Night Watch: Discworld Time Travel
02:04 • 1min
The Dark Tower: Stephen King's Time Experiments
03:10 • 1min
Fall of Hyperion: Time Labyrinths in Space Opera
04:34 • 1min
Void Trilogy Mention
05:53 • 20sec
Scientifically Plausible Time Travel Explained
06:13 • 35sec
Tau Zero: Relativistic Time Dilation Concept
06:48 • 2min
Story of Your Life: Linguistics and Determinism
09:17 • 1min
The Forever War: Relativity and War
10:37 • 2min
Children of Time: Generation Ship Time Jumps
12:13 • 2min
Looping Time Travel (Groundhog Day‑Style)
13:46 • 18sec
The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle: Looping Murder Mystery
14:04 • 50sec
All You Need Is Kill / Edge of Tomorrow
14:54 • 2min
Why Movies Often Nail Time Travel
16:29 • 1min
Great Time Travel Books for Kids
17:40 • 2min
Ad break
20:09 • 29sec
Kindred: Confronting Slavery via Time Travel
20:39 • 1min
Lightning: Thriller‑Style Time Protection
22:08 • 2min
11/22/63: Living in the Past to Prevent JFK's Assassination
23:43 • 2min
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
25:52 • 3min
Replay and Similar Eternal Life Novels
28:46 • 16sec
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.: Magic Meets Time Ops
29:02 • 3min
Time and Again: Immersive Historical Time Travel
31:40 • 3min
The Life of Chuck: Movie vs. Novella
35:00 • 1min
Slaughterhouse‑Five: Trauma and Nonlinear Time
36:21 • 3min
Timequake and Vonnegut's Later Work
39:40 • 1min
The Time Traveler's Wife: Determinism and Romance
40:42 • 3min
Hosts' Top Three — Cody's Picks
43:57 • 17sec
Hosts' Top Three — Brent's Picks
44:13 • 3min
Outro
46:56 • 19sec
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Time Traveler's Wife
Audrey Niffenegger
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Time and Again
Jack Finney
Time and Again follows Si Morley, who travels back in time to 1880s New York as part of a secret government project, experiencing the city firsthand.
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Running Out of Time
Margaret Peterson Haddix
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Tau zero
Poul Anderson
Tau Zero is a science fiction novel exploring time dilation as a spaceship accelerates towards the speed of light, facing endless cosmic possibilities and challenges.
#5651
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O.
Nicole Galland
Neal Stephenson
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The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
Claire North
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Timequake
Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut's "Timequake" is a science fiction novel that explores themes of time, fate, and the human condition.
The novel's premise involves a time-altering event that causes everyone to relive the past ten years.
Vonnegut uses this premise to examine the nature of time and the choices people make in their lives.
The novel's exploration of regret, redemption, and the search for meaning has made it a significant work in Vonnegut's body of work.
Its blend of science fiction and philosophical inquiry continues to resonate with readers.
#3023
• Mentioned in 11 episodes
Replay
Ken Grimwood
In 'Replay', Ken Grimwood tells the story of Jeff Winston, a 43-year-old radio journalist who dies of a heart attack in 1988 and wakes up back in his 18-year-old body in 1963.
Jeff relives his life multiple times, each time retaining the memories of his previous lives.
He attempts to change various aspects of his life, including trying to prevent historical events and accumulating wealth through his knowledge of future events.
During one of his replays, he meets Pamela, another replayer, and together they explore the complexities of their situation and try to find other replayers.
The novel delves into themes of love, regret, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a life that is repeatedly relived.
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The Void Trilogy
Peter F. Hamilton
#3513
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
Kindred
About the Neanderthals
Rachel Pope
This book is not mentioned in the transcript, but the episode description mentions Rebecca Wragg-Sykes' book, 'Kindred', which is about Neanderthals.
The book likely explores the social structures and behaviors of Neanderthals, offering insights into early human societies.
It may challenge traditional assumptions about early human life and gender roles.
The book's significance lies in its contribution to our understanding of Neanderthal culture and its implications for broader anthropological studies.
It may also touch upon the broader themes of human evolution and adaptation.
#424
• Mentioned in 50 episodes
Slaughterhouse-five
Kurt Vonnegut
This novel follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a chaplain's assistant in the U.S.
Army during World War II. Billy becomes 'unstuck in time' and experiences his life out of order, including his time as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allied firebombing.
The book is a powerful anti-war statement, blending Vonnegut's own experiences with science fiction elements, such as Billy's abduction by aliens from Tralfamadore.
It explores themes of post-traumatic stress, the absurdity of war, and the human condition, using Vonnegut's characteristic black humor and fatalistic tone.
#6480
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
11/22/63
Stephen King
In '11/22/63', Stephen King crafts a compelling narrative around Jake Epping, a high school English teacher from Lisbon Falls, Maine, who discovers a time portal in the back room of a local diner.
This portal leads him to 1958, where he assumes the identity of George Amberson and integrates into society while awaiting the opportunity to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
The novel explores themes of time travel, the butterfly effect, and the personal relationships Jake forms, particularly with Sadie Dunhill, a high school librarian.
King's meticulous research recreates the culture and atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, making the historical setting feel vivid and authentic.
The book is a blend of suspense, historical fiction, and romance, showcasing King's versatility as a writer.
#14589
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Life of Chuck
null
Stephen King
Stephen King's "The Life of Chuck" is a story about life, love, acceptance, and embracing life.
The story is described as earnest and weird in its own way.
The novel features a stacked cast of actors, including Tom Hiddleston, Jacob Tremblay, and Nick Offerman.
The story will allow for classic monologues, and the earnestness of the story will speak to what Mike Flanagan does well.
The story is expected to be in three parts.
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Lightning Rod
Brad Meltzer
Scott Brick
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The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stuart Turton
#3669
• Mentioned in 9 episodes
Story of Your Life
Ted Chiang
In 'Story of Your Life,' Ted Chiang tells the story of Dr. Louise Banks, a linguist recruited by the U.S.
military to decipher the language of aliens who have landed on Earth.
The narrative alternates between Louise's past interactions with the aliens, known as heptapods, and her future memories of her daughter.
As Louise learns the heptapods' written language, Heptapod B, she begins to perceive time non-linearly, seeing all moments of her life simultaneously.
This raises profound questions about free will, determinism, and the human experience of time.
The story is a deep exploration of language, cognition, and the emotional impact of knowing one's future.
#8455
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Dark Tower series
Stephen King
#2754
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
The Forever War
Nick Bryant
#2734
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
The dispossessed
Laura Longmore
Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Dispossessed" is a science fiction novel that explores themes of anarchism, utopianism, and social justice.
The story follows Shevek, a physicist who travels between two planets with contrasting social systems: Urras, a capitalist society, and Anarres, an anarchist society.
Le Guin's novel is a thought-provoking exploration of different social and political systems and their impact on individual lives.
The novel's exploration of freedom, equality, and the challenges of creating a just society continues to resonate with readers today.
It's a classic of science fiction.
#1548
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Blindsight
Peter Watts
Published in 2006, *Blindsight* follows a crew of astronauts on the ship Theseus as they investigate a trans-Neptunian comet transmitting an unidentified radio signal.
The novel delves into themes of consciousness, free will, artificial intelligence, neurology, and game theory.
Narrated by Siri Keeton, a synthesist with a unique neurological condition, the story raises questions about the essential character of consciousness and its necessity for human experience.
The novel also features vampires resurrected through genetic engineering and aliens that challenge traditional notions of consciousness and communication.
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The Fall of Hyperion
Various Authors
The Fall of Hyperion is a science fiction novel exploring themes of AI, control, and the nature of reality.
It features a complex narrative structure and a diverse cast of characters.
The story delves into philosophical questions about free will, destiny, and the limits of human understanding.
The novel's exploration of advanced technology and its potential consequences resonates with contemporary concerns about AI and its impact on society.
It's a thought-provoking work that blends science fiction with philosophical depth.
#2715
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Exhalation
Stories
Ted Chiang
Exhalation is a collection of nine stories by Ted Chiang, each tackling different aspects of human existence, science, and philosophy.
The stories range from 'The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate,' which involves time travel and regret in ancient Baghdad, to 'Exhalation,' where an alien scientist discovers the universal implications of his people’s mechanical existence.
Other notable stories include 'The Lifecycle of Software Objects,' which explores the ethics of artificial intelligence, and 'Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom,' which examines choice and free will through alternate universes.
Chiang’s writing is characterized by its elegance, precision, and deep sympathy for his characters, making this collection a must-read for fans of science fiction that challenges the mind and evokes a sense of wonder.
#11681
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Night Watch
Al Pasha
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All You Need Is Kill
Hiroshi Sakurazaka
In 'All You Need Is Kill', Keiji Kiriya, a new recruit in the United Defense Force, finds himself trapped in a time loop while fighting against the alien Mimics.
Each time he dies, he wakes up to relive the same day, gradually becoming a skilled soldier.
Alongside Rita Vrataski, a legendary warrior known as the Full Metal Bitch, Keiji must uncover the secrets behind the Mimics' time loops to escape his fate and change the course of the war.
#2427
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
A Wrinkle in Time
Madeleine L'Engle
In 'A Wrinkle in Time,' Madeleine L'Engle tells the story of 13-year-old Meg Murry, who is struggling to fit in at school and is deeply concerned about her father's mysterious disappearance.
Along with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O'Keefe, Meg is guided by the enigmatic Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which on a journey through space and time to find her father.
Using a process called tessering, they travel to various planets, including Uriel and Camazotz, to confront the evil force known as The Black Thing.
The novel explores themes of good vs.
evil, conformity, and the power of love and family bonds.
#2868
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
Cloud Atlas
David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas is a polyphonic compendium of interlacing but nonlinear parables.
The book consists of six nested stories, each read or observed by the protagonist of the next, progressing in time through the central sixth story.
The narratives range from the journal of a 19th-century American notary to the post-apocalyptic memoir of a herdsman, Zachry.
Each story breaches time and space, linking through various characters and events.
The novel combines elements of metafiction, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and science fiction, showcasing Mitchell's dynamic use of language and literary styles.
The book explores fundamental questions of reality, identity, and the universal themes of human predation and redemption.
#1586
• Mentioned in 19 episodes
Children of time
Henry Maxwell
Children of Time is a book by Henry Maxwell, published in 1967.
Due to limited information, specific details about the book's content or themes are not available.
There's scientifically plausible time travel, fantasy / sci fi time travel, 'traditional' time travel centered around real history, people trapped in time loops, time travel romance, and we even threw in a couple of great time travel kids books - something here for every reader to love!
As we were editing the episode we realized we forgot an incredible, recent time travel book from the list that we'd meant to include - it's one we've mentioned in a previous episode. Drop us a line on discord if you think you know what we forgot (or if you've got a time travel book you love that you think should have been on the list)!
- Join the Hugonauts book club on discord to tell us about your favorite time travel books
- Or you can watch the episode on YouTube if you prefer video
This episode is sponsored by Maya: Seed Takes Root, which you can get here on kickstarter
If you want to jump around, here are the timestamps for all the books we talked about:
- 00:00 Intro
- 1:03 Sponsor - MAYA: Seed Takes Root
- 1:34 Fantastical / far future time travel
- 2:04 Night Watch by Terry Pratchett
- 3:15 The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
- 4:36 Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons
- 6:10 Scientifically plausible time travel
- 6:50 Tau Zero by Poul Anderson
- 9:20 Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang
- 10:38 The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
- 12:15 Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky
- 13:47 Looping time travel stories
- 14:14 The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
- 14:44 All You Need is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka
- 17:31 Great Time Travel Kids Books
- 20:25 Kindred by Octavia Butler
- 22:09 Lightning by Dean Koontz
- 23:48 11/22/63 by Stephen King
- 25:50 The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
- 29:18 The Rise and Fall of DODO by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland
- 31:40 Time and Again by Jack Finney
- 35:00 The Life of Chuck by Stephen King
- 36:30 Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- 40:43 The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- 44:05 Our top 3 favorite time travel books