Fantasy and Science Fiction
April 2025

Events at Your Library
Death at the Derby: A Murder Mystery
Saturday, April 26, 2:00 PM
Belle Isle Library
It's Spring and that can only mean one thing! The Run for the Roses...Before you can see the end to the finish line, disaster strikes in this place of wealth and society's elite. Test your deductive reasoning skills during this murder mystery investigation as you search to find the suspect who had the motive, means and opportunity to cause the Deaths at the Derby! Derby and Stable attire are encouraged. Preregistration is required. Strictly ages 18 and up. Participants chosen to be a suspects will receive character assignments a week in advance by email.
Recent Releases
The Fourth Consort
by Edward Ashton

Dalton Greaves, reluctant hero and envoy for the pan-species Unity confederation, finds himself stranded on a hostile planet after a clash with the rival confederation Assembly. To survive, he'll have to maneuver through dangerous political schemes, strange new customs, and even his manipulative human ally Neera. For fans of: darkly humorous science fiction with intricate scheming such as Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries series. 
Breath of Oblivion
by Maurice Broaddus

In this sequel to Sweep of Stars, the empire of Muungano faces continued threats to its progress. Across the entire empire, citizens struggle to hold together ship crews, free children from a nightmarish prison, unlock hidden powers from their past, and much more. Sharply witty and incisive, this series will delight fans of Octavia Butler and Samuel R. Delaney.
Lightfall
by Ed Crocker

Palace maid Sam has had enough of the enforced social hierarchy of the vampire society First Light, and when she finds the only evidence to the murder of the ruler's son, she may have her ticket to a better life. However, a conspiracy unfolds as Sam falls deeper into the investigation, and she must uncover it before she becomes the next victim. Crocker's exciting novel "creates a world full of mysterious lore" (Booklist) in this paranormal fantasy debut.
The Relentless Legion
by J.S. Dewes

In this conclusion to the action-packed Divide trilogy, Adequin Rake and Cavalon Mercer must race against time to stop a deadly plot involving a horrifying bioweapon that Mercer's own grandfather is preparing to unleash on the outer colonies. Fans of James S.A. Corey's Expanse series will want to get their hands on this trilogy for the tightly-paced action and the likeable misfit characters. 
Elphie: A Wicked Childhood
by Gregory Maguire

We all know the story of how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West. But what happened before her powers fully took hold? In Maguire's new prequel to Wicked, young Elphaba Thropp struggles against neglectful parents, sibling jealousy, and early signs of the mistreatment of animals in Oz. Fans of Maguire's twisted fairy tales will enjoy this coming of age addition to Elphaba's story, in tandem with the blockbuster adaptation of the original novel. 
A Sky of Emerald Stars
by A.K. Mulford

A Sky of Emerald Stars continues the story of wolf shifting queen Calla and introduces Sadie Rauxtide, a royal guard. When Calla's mentor Ora is kidnapped by King Nero, both Calla and Sadie must pursue leads to find out his motives and prevent the tentative peace from breaking. For fans of: steamy romantasy with high stakes and LGBTQIA+ characters such as Rin Chupeco's Silver Under Nightfall and C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince series. 
Luminous
by Silvia Park

In a near-future reunified Korea, junkyard scavenger Ruijie discovers the remains of a shockingly lifelike robot boy amongst the abandoned scrap parts. This discovery snowballs into a thrilling investigation that will reunite three siblings and unearth some secrets that should stay buried. In their debut, "Park dissects sentience and reality, as well as love and death" (Publishers Weekly), and the story will delight fans of Kazuo Ishiguro's similarly precise and challenging science fiction. 
How to Steal a Galaxy
by Beth Revis

Ada Lamarr reluctantly accepts a mission to infiltrate a gala run by trillionaire Strom Feter. However, Feter's security detail turns out to be Rian White. While Rian believes Ada is on the prowl for valuable items up for auction, little does he know Ada may be there for him instead. For fans of: space opera stories with both charismatic characters and compelling capers such as Alex White's Starmetal Symphony series and Catherynne M. Valente's Space Opera series. 
The Lotus Empire
by Tasha Suri

In this thrilling conclusion to the Burning Kingdoms trilogy, Malini and Priya, once bound together by fate, are now standing on opposite sides of impending devastation. But as Malini struggles to protect her kingdom and Priya faces a dangerous sacrifice, will the two find a way to each other before the end? Fans of Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree and R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War will be enthralled by Tasha Suri's "exquisite worldbuilding, high-stakes action, emotional arcs, and a love that will stand the test of time" (Library Journal).
Upon a Starlit Tide
by Kell Woods

In 1758 Saint-Malo, Lucinde Leon, the rebellious daughter of a wealthy shipowner, rescues a drowning man. As she is drawn in by the stranger's unearthly charm, Lucinda falls into a world of faerie magic and secret desires. Combining elements of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella into an enticing historical fantasy, readers who are charmed by this vividly detailed and romantic tale will also enjoy Leslye Penelope's Daughter of the Merciful Deep and Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar. 
E-Resources @ Your Library
Consumer Reports
Access the latest reviews and ratings of cars, appliances, electronics, home and garden equipment, products for babies and kids and more from Consumer Reports. You can also access Cars Best Deals Plus which gives you the information you need to select the right car and negotiate the best price for it.
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