|
Fantasy and Science Fiction October 2019
|
|
|
|
| American Magic: A Thriller by Zach FehstWhat it is: a globe-trotting fantasy spy thriller reminiscent of the work of Dan Brown and Robert Ludlum.
Starring: former CIA operative Ben Zolstra, who must track down a terrorist who has uploaded to the dark web incantations that allow ordinary people to wield powerful magic.
You might also like: Bookburners by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Mur Lafferty, and Brian Francis Slattery. |
|
|
A little hatred
by Joe Abercrombie
A battlefield hero, a ruthless socialite and a woman with the ability to glimpse into the future find their world and prospects transformed by escalating tensions among the disparate supporters of magic and machine development.
|
|
| The Harp of Kings by Juliet MarillierWhat it's about: A group of apprentice warriors from Swan Island must locate the ancient Harp of Kings before Midsummer, when it will be used in the coronation of the next king of Breifne.
Why you might like it: Unfolding from the perspectives of its three main characters, this intricately plotted series opener's central quest narrative is enhanced by a coming-of-age story and a slow-building romance.
About the author: No one does Celtic-inspired historical fantasy like New Zealand-born, Australia-based author Juliet Marillier, best known for her Sevenwaters series. |
|
| Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirIntroducing: Lesbian swordswoman Gideon Nav, indentured servant in the House of the Ninth; and her nemesis, necromancer Lady Harrowhark Nonegesimus, who may be her best shot at freedom.
Why you might like it: This edgy, irreverent debut boasts a foul-mouthed, snarky heroine; an enemies-to-not-quite-lovers plot; a murder mystery in the midst of an interplanetary competition; and necromancy.
For fans of: the revenge plot of Jay Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicle; the protagonist and atmosphere of Nicole Kornher-Stace's Archivist Wasp. |
|
|
Steel crow saga
by Paul Krueger
A band of rogues and royals that should be enemies join forces for a common purpose—to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic in a battle that forges bonds of friendship and love that will change their lives and the world.
|
|
|
The library of the unwritten
by A. J. Hackwith
Assigned to watch the restless characters of books left unfinished by their authors, a head librarian of Hell’s neutral Unwritten Wing tracks an escaped Hero before an angel attack reveals the existence of a powerful literary weapon.
|
|
| It Devours! A Welcome to Night Vale Novel by Joseph Fink and Jeffery CranorWhat happens: Local scientist Nilanjana Sikdar investigates strange goings-on in the desert and discovers...well, you'll just have to find out.
Should you start here? While this spin-off of the popular Welcome to Night Vale) podcast stands on its own, it does contain some (minor) spoilers for the main series.
Food for thought: "Death is only the end if you assume the story is about you." |
|
| Storm of Locusts by Rebecca RoanhorseWhat it is: the sequel to the Nebula Award-nominated Trail of Lightning.
Starring: Diné (Navajo) monster hunter Maggie Hoskie, who must rescue her best friend, Kai, from a cult.
For fans of: Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels novels, another post-apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a strong heroine and plenty of monster-battling thrills. |
|
|
The Monster of Elendhaven
by Jennifer Giesbrecht
A thing with no name—after washing up on the docks, empty, alone and unable to die—teams up with a frail young man who can twist minds with magic, and together they launch a dark and cruel plan that consummates their horrible passion for each other.
|
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
|
|
|