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Fantasy and Science Fiction September 2020
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| Driftwood by Marie BrennanWelcome to: Driftwood, where worlds go to die as they move inward from the Mist to the Edges to the Crush.
Where you'll learn about: Last, the sole survivor of his world whose impossible escape has made him a folk hero among the other inhabitants of Driftwood, who gather, amid rumors of his demise, to tell stories about his adventures.
For fans of: the world-building of M. John Harrison's Virconium series, the novel-in-vignettes structure of Dan Simmons' Hyperion, or the atmosphere of Cathrynne M. Valente's The Orphan's Tales duology. |
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| The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah JohnsonIntroducing: Cara, a "traverser" at the Eldridge Institute of Earth Zero, which sends its employees, mostly poor people of color, on dangerous data-harvesting assignments in other dimensions.
What happens: As someone whose "dop" (counterpart) has died in 373 out of 380 known alternate Earths, Cara can travel almost anywhere in the multiverse, which is how she can discover a worlds-altering secret while keeping a few of her own.
Want a taste? "Even worthless things can become valuable once they become rare. This is the grand lesson of my life." |
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| Automatic Reload by Ferrett SteinmetzStarring: cyborg mercenary Mat and genetically enhanced assassin Silvia, should-be enemies who join forces and go on the lam.
Why you might like it: Sympathetic characters and sensitive depictions of mental health issues anchor this fast-paced, action-packed romantic comedy adventure by the author of The Sol Majestic.
For fans of: the brisk pacing and shoot-'em-up action of Kieran Shea's Koko novels, the pop culture references of Ready Player One. |
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Peace talks : a novel of the Dresden files
by Jim Butcher
What it's about: Joining the White Council’s security team to help facilitate peace among hostile supernatural nations, wizard Harry Dresden is confronted by manipulative political forces that threaten all of Chicago.
The wait is over: It's been six years since the last Dresden Files novel. "With many familiar faces returning and lots of magical action, this latest from Butcher will have fans rejoicing at the return of Chicago's only professional wizard." (Library Journal)
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The book of Koli
by M. R. Carey
What it's about: After being banished from the walled village of Mythen Rood for stealing old tech, Koli navigates the wilderness of the outside world with help from a quirky artificial intelligence named Monano.
Why you might like it: "Narrator Koli's inquisitive mind and kind heart make him the perfect guide to Carey's immersive, impeccably rendered world... A captivating start to what promises to be an epic post-apocalyptic fable." (Kirkus)
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Sixteenth Watch
by Myke Cole
What it's about: Coast Guard Captain Jane Oliver is ready for a peaceful retirement. But when tragedy strikes, she's thrust into a role she's not prepared for. Suddenly at the helm of the Coast Guard's elite SAR-1 lunar unit, Oliver is the only woman who can prevent the first lunar war in history, a conflict that will surely consume not only the moon, but earth as well.
Is it for you? "Hard sci-fi fans will appreciate this norm-bucking near-future military tale.." (Publishers Weekly)
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The Kingdom of Liars
by Nick Martell
What happens: Michael Kingman, the son of a traitor, seeks the truth behind his father's disgrace...and ends up following in his footsteps.
For fans of: the vengeance-obsessed protagonist of Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire series, the magic system of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn novels, or the narrative structure of Jenn Lyons' The Ruin of Kings.
Series alert: The Kingdom of Liars kicks off the Legend of the Mercenary Kings series.
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Sunshield
by Emily B. Martin
Meet Lark: In the desert, outlaw Lark - known to most as the Sunshield Bandit - has built a name for herself attacking slavers' wagons and freeing the captives inside. But while she shakes the foundation of her stratified society, she also has to fight to protect her rescuees - and herself - from the unforgiving world around them.
Why you might like her story: "Martin spins a graceful web of intrigue, coups, and budding revolution in this fast-paced, swashbuckling adventure...Clever, thrilling, and full of heart, this is epic fantasy done right." (Publishers Weekly)
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| All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane AndersThen: magic user Patricia Delfine and science geek Laurence Armstead become friends, their bond a shield against school bullies.
Now: They reunite as adults in San Francisco, where Laurence is an engineer and Patricia is a witch. Both are trying to save a world on the brink of destruction, but will their efforts do more harm than good?
Why you might like it: Set in a pre-Apocalyptic world that pits technology and magic against each other, this fantastical coming-of-age story is also a moving meditation on friendship and belonging. |
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| All Those Explosions Were Someone Else's Fault by James Alan GardnerWhat happens: After a laboratory accident bestows superpowers on queer Chinese Canadian university student Kim Lam and her housemates, Shar, Miranda, and Jools, the newly minted "Sparks" don capes and masks to battle the powerful and immortal Darklings.
Series alert: This Prix Aurora Award-nominated novel is the 1st in a planned series, with each volume focusing on a different member of the team. Jools' story is next in They Promised Me the Gun Wasn't Loaded. |
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| The Magicians by Lev GrossmanIntroducing: High-school senior Quentin Coldwater, who has just been accepted to the exclusive Brakebills College for Magical Pedagogy.
What happens: Practicing magic turns out to be far less glamorous -- and much more dangerous -- than it sounds. (Especially once Quentin learns that the fantasy series that inspired him to become a magician is not exactly fiction).
Media buzz: This series opener and its sequels, The Magician King and The Magician's Land, serve as the source material for the television series of the same name. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Winfield, IL 60190
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