This sci-fi novel became an instant blockbuster as soon as it was published.

blockbuster 是由 block（街区）和 buster（破坏者）组成的复合词，原指二战时期能炸毁整个街区的巨型炸弹。现在引申为"轰动一时的作品"，特指在商业上取得巨大成功的书籍、电影等文化产品。