Science Fiction Book Review Podcast

Luke Burrage and Juliane Kunzendorf have been reviewing science fiction novels since 2008, making this one of the longest-running genre-specific book podcasts around. The format is simple and direct: they read a sci-fi novel, they review it, they move on to the next one. Episodes run about 50 to 75 minutes and arrive monthly, giving them time to genuinely sit with each book before recording. The show's strength is its depth of coverage. Over the years, Luke has built up a "Must-Read List" of recommended science fiction novels that serves as a kind of curated reading guide for the genre. The reviews are substantive -- they discuss plot, prose style, scientific ideas, and how each book fits into the broader landscape of science fiction. Juliane joined as co-host and brings a different perspective that creates productive tension in the discussions. They don't always agree, and those disagreements are often the most interesting parts of an episode. With 50 episodes currently available on Apple Podcasts and a 3.2-star rating from 145 reviews, the show is more divisive than some others on this list. Some listeners love the conversational dynamic, while others find it hit-or-miss. But for dedicated science fiction readers, the specificity of the coverage is hard to match. This isn't a podcast that occasionally reviews a sci-fi novel alongside thrillers and literary fiction -- it's exclusively focused on the genre, which means the hosts have read widely and deeply enough to make connections that a more generalist show would miss.