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Fantasy and Science Fiction January 2019
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| City of Broken Magic by Mirah BolenderIntroducing: the Sweepers, the (downsized) emergency response unit that protects the city of Amicae from magical "infestations."
What happens: Apprentice Sweeper Laura struggles to learn the ropes of a difficult and dangerous job while dealing with a demanding boss.
For fans of: the industrialized fantasy setting of Max Gladstone's Craft novels or the inventive amulet-centered magical system of Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive. |
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| The Mortal Word: An Invisible Library Novel by Genevieve CogmanWhat it is: the 5th installment of the Invisible Library series.
Starring: dimension-hopping librarian-spy Irene Winters, tapped to investigate the assassination of a diplomat; Irene's former apprentice, dragon prince Kai; and their friend, Great Detective Peregrine Vale.
For fans of: Doctor Who, Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, and Jodi Taylor's The Chronicles of St. Mary's novels. |
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What it's about: In 48 hours, the Earth will be hit by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun that has the power to shut down and possibly destroy the world's electrical infrastructure. What happens: To try and prevent permanent damage, all forms of communication go dark prior to the hit. Will the world's population successfully defend itself in the wake of the CME, or will mass panic lead to the breakdown of society as we know it?
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Cold Iron by Miles CameronWhat it's about: A young mage-in-training takes up the sword and is unwittingly pulled into a violent political upheaval in this first book in a projected epic fantasy trilogy by Miles Cameron, author of The Red Knight. What the reviews say: "A solid fantasy with well-articulated magical systems and a skillfully conceived social and political backdrop. Readers looking for a coming-of-age fantasy....will enjoy this. ~ Library Journal You might also like: Mystic by Jason Denzel, another epic fantasy that shares the complex world-building and "zero to hero" theme as Cold Iron.
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Through Fiery Trials by David WeberWhat it's about: With new alliances forged and old regimes fractured, Merlin—the cybernetic avatar of Earth's last survivor and immortal beacon to humanity—and the colonies of Safehold have many adventures ahead in this continuation of David Weber's New York Times bestselling military science fiction series. What fans say: “Vast, complex, intricate, [and] subtle...the biggest thing in science fiction since Isaac Asimov's Foundation series.” ~ Dave Duncan on the Safehold series
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| Senlin Ascends by Josiah BancroftWhat it's about: For their honeymoon, schoolmaster Thomas Senlin takes his new bride Marya to the Tower of Babel. When they get separated, Thomas must ascend the Tower's "ringdoms" to get her back.
Is it for you? To its classic hero's journey, this allegorical fantasy adds intricate Kafka-esque scenarios and Steampunk-inflected world-building.
Series alert: Originally self-published, this debut is the 1st installment of a planned four-book series; book 2, Arm of the Sphinx, is available now. |
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| The Tethered Mage by Melissa CarusoWhat it's about: When Lady Amalia Cornaro places a magical jess (restraint) on rogue fire warlock Zaira, she becomes a Falconer and Zaira, her rebellious Falcon. Now the Serene Empire of Raverra depends on their ability to work together.
Why you might like it: The Tethered Mage offers a well-drawn setting reminiscent of the Republic of Venice and spirited heroines caught up in the power struggle between its various factions.
Series alert: This opening installment of the Swords and Fire series continues with The Defiant Heir. |
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| What Should Be Wild by Julia FineMeet: Maisie Cothay, whose touch can kill the living and resurrect the dead. Raised by her anthropologist father, Maisie grows up in almost total isolation -- as well as total ignorance of her unusual family history.
Is it for you? Although the premise is reminiscent of TV's Pushing Daisies, the tone of this Gothic-tinged modern fairy tale is decidedly darker.
Want a taste? "Still, I killed my father three times before the age of eight, and caused the demise of over a dozen small animals." |
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| Noumenon by Marina J. LostetterWhat it's about: The discovery of an anomalous extrasolar star leads to the launch of Project Noumenon, a convoy of generation ships piloted by a crew of clones.
Why you might like it: Structured as a series of vignettes, this thought-provoking debut explores human relationships without skimping on science.
You might also like: Neal Stephenson's Seveneves or Kim Stanley Robinson's Aurora. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Carrollton Public Library 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton Texas 75006 4220 North Josey Lane, Carrollton Texas 75010 |
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