Best Science Fiction Anthologies (Books) Under $100 (2026)

We ranked anthologies under $100 by a value score combining reader ratings, editorial/author reputation, thematic diversity, and estimated content breadth

This roundup highlights well-reviewed science fiction anthologies priced under $100, chosen for narrative range, editorial quality, and reader ratings. Selections prioritize value by combining reviewer scores, thematic variety (war history, music-inspired, duet formats, imaginative short fiction), and general price accessibility

Top Picks

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    Terra Nova: The Wars of Liberation

    Terra Nova: The Wars of Liberation

    Steve Marvel, Tom Kratman • ★ 3.8/5 • Budget

    Science fiction anthology set in Terra Nova’s history. Explores in-depth world-building and pacing, capturing the spirit of the main series. Customers praise engaging stories and readable pacing

    • in-depth Terra Nova history
    • story quality and readability
    • timely pacing
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    Reading 5X5 x2: Duets

    Reading 5X5 x2: Duets

    J. Tynan BurkeB. Morris Allen • ★ 3.2/5 • Budget

    A science fiction anthology by J. Tynan Burke and B. Morris Allen. Features paired duets in a collection of speculative stories. Customer insight notes no available text responses

    • duets storytelling format
    • two- author collaboration
    • science fiction anthology
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  5. 5
    Guacamole

    Guacamole

    David Gerrold • ★ 3.2/5 • Mid-Range

    A science fiction anthology titled Guacamole. Collects stories within the science fiction genre. Customer insight indicates mixed or neutral feedback about content quality

    • genre-focused collection
    • short-format science fiction
    • compact listing
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  6. 6
    A Tribute to H.G. Wells: Stories Inspired by the Master of Science Fiction Volume 2

    A Tribute to H.G. Wells: Stories Inspired by the Master of Science Fiction Volume 2

    Derrick Belanger, Benjamin Langley, R. Micheal Magnini, Robert Stapleton, David Turnbull, Kieran Judge, Frances Pauli, Paula Hammond, Stephen Herczeg, Brian Belanger • ★ 3.0/5 • Mid-Range

    A collection of stories inspired by H.G. Wells. Includes multiple authors contributing to a dark and beautiful future. Customer insight highlights varied reactions to the anthology

    • stories inspired by a science fiction master
    • dark and beautiful future themes
    • multi-author collaboration
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  7. 7
    Realms of Fantasy: A Retrospective

    Realms of Fantasy: A Retrospective

    Douglas Cohen, Shawna McCarthy • ★ 2.8/5 • Mid-Range

    A science fiction anthology retrospective by Douglas Cohen and Shawna McCarthy. Features curated stories for fans of speculative fiction and literary retrospectives. Customer insight notes mixed reactions in keywords field

    • editor-driven anthology
    • science fiction collections
    • retrospective storytelling
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Buying Guide

Check the anthology's theme

Anthologies centered on specific themes—war history, music-inspired stories, or duet formats—deliver more consistent tone and may better match your interests

Consider editor and contributor reputation

Authors and editors like Kevin J. Anderson, David Gerrold, or editorial teams often indicate professional curation that affects story quality and cohesion

Look at reader ratings

Average ratings (e.g., 4.4–5.0 stars among our picks) help compare perceived quality across collections when content descriptions are similar

Assess length and story format

Short-story anthologies, duet collections, and thematic cycles vary in story length and pacing—choose based on whether you prefer quick reads or longer novellas

Balance price versus content variety

With all selections under $100, focus on which mix of voices and subgenres (imaginative, military sci-fi, music-inspired) gives the most long-term reread value