| The Book Eaters by Sunyi DeanIntroducing: Devon Fairweather of the Six Families, a race of "book eaters" who subsist on the printed word, and her son, Cai, a rare "mind eater" whose voracious appetite for brains sends them both into hiding.
What happens: Devon goes to extraordinary lengths to keep Cai sheltered and fed while seeking a medication called Redemption, which is Cai's best hope for long-term survival.
Read it for: immersive world-building, morally grey characters, a Gothic atmosphere, and a powerful meditation on motherhood. |
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Under Fortunate Stars by Ren HutchingsWhat it is: "Fleeing the final days of the generations-long war with the alien Felen, smuggler Jereth Keeven's freighter the Jonah breaks down in a strange rift in deep space, with little chance of rescue--until they encounter the research vessel Gallion, which claims to be from 152 years in the future. The Gallion's chief engineer Uma Ozakka has always been fascinated with the past...When the Gallion rescues a run-down junk freighter, Ozakka is shocked to recognize the Five's legendary ship--and the Five's famed leader, Eldric Leesongronski, among the crew" Reviewers say: “An engaging space saga with time-travel twists, and a compelling look at how past and future are created by not only by those who live it but those who record it.” -- (Library Journal (Starred Review)) |
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| A Half-Built Garden by Ruthanna EmrysThey come in peace: In 2083, Judy Wallach-Stevens, her wife Carol, and their infant, Dori, become the first humans to encounter the friendly aliens that have to come to Earth to help humanity.
To the stars? Although the insectoid Cytosine and her family assume that all humans will want to join them off-world, Judy and her family want to remain on Earth to try and save a dying planet.
Reviewers say: an "ambitious near-future mix of climate fiction, first-contact sci-fi, and celebration of Jewish motherhood" (Publishers Weekly). |
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A House Between Earth and the Moon: A Novel by Rebecca SchermWhat it is: An obsessive scientist whose research on gene-edited algae that slow the effects of climate change accepts an opportunity to complete his work in orbit on the first-ever luxury residential space station built for billionaires, leaving his family behind. Reviewers say: “Addictive. ... Fast-paced. ... Scherm's character-driven sf story centers on individuals working against the clock to find a solution to climate change. ...Scherm beautifully captures emotion in her writing as she shows how important connection is to our shared humanity.”
—(Booklist) |
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August Kitko and the Mechas from Space by Alex WhiteWhat it is: "Expecting to die when the Vanguards, a group of ultra-powerful space robots, destroy humanity, jazz pianist Gus Kitko is shocked when a murderous mecha saves him and they join forces to try to save the world." Reviewers say: "[A] music-infused space opera smash.... Music forms the backbone of this beautifully balanced, artistically rendered space opera, which expertly combines well-executed action with witty banter between charming characters. Fans of epic, feel-good sci-fi are sure to be wowed."― (Publishers Weekly) |
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| The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu MandannaMeet: Mika Moon, a solitary witch who's summoned to the isolated Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to manage their magic lest they endanger themselves and others.
Read it for: a warmhearted story of chosen family with a side of romance that features a diverse cast of likable eccentrics.
For fans of: TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea. |
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Kagen the Damned by Jonathan MaberryWhat it is: "Kagen Vale is the trusted and feared captain of the place guard, charged with protection the royal children of the Silver Empire. But one night, Kagen is drugged and the entire imperial family is killed, leaving the empire in ruins. He becomes a wanderer, trying to take down as many of this enemies as possible while plotting to assassinate the usurper--the deadly Witch-king of Hakkia. While all around him magic--long banished from the world-returns in strange and terrifying ways. To find the royal children and exact his vengeance, Kagen must venture into strange lands, battle bizarre and terrifying creatures, and gather allies for a suicide mission into the heart of the Witch-king's empire." Reviewers say: "...fantasy readers will be spellbound by the intricate worldbuilding and the delightful cast. This is a promising start." ―(Publishers Weekly) |
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