Don't have the time to sit down and read an entire novel, let alone a nine-book series? Never fret! Let me introduce you to a few popular science fiction magazines which have been spring-boarding authors into public view for decades.
The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction is an ongoing publication dedicated to highlighting new, quality science ficition stories from reputable authors and new authors alike. First published in 1949, it quickly rose to become one of the most popular science fiction publications in contemporary media. It has claims to publishing some of science fiction's most popular stories like Daniel Keyes' Flowers for Algernon, Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers, and Stephen King's The Dark Tower series.
Analog Science Fiction and Fact is a publication dedicated to science fiction stories. Launched in 1930, it is dedicated to short-stories in science fiction in nearly any sub-genre. It stands as the first place that some notable sci-fi works were first published in print, like Orson Scott Card's Ender Game, and Frank Herbert's Dune.
Here is a collection of articles which feature a collection of sci-fi books for your enjoyment, usually organized in a "best sci-fi books of X year"
While not the most professional or edited source for book recommendations, it is a good place to find titles to look into or lower-key titles to check out.
Anthologies are a great way to test a number of different author's writing styles without needing to buy or fully commit to a novel. You can choose one based on an editor, or a anthology from a single author; either way, it's a great way to get a collection of short stories for your own enjoyment. Find a few I suggest below.