Longwood Public Library
Fantasy and Science Fiction
August 2026
Recent Releases
To Cage a Wild Bird (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Fast-Paced Dystopian Romance by Brooke Fast
To Cage a Wild Bird
by Brooke Fast

To protect her younger brother, bounty hunter Raven Thorne let herself get arrested to join him in Endlock, Dividium's brutal prison where the rich can pay to hunt inmates for sport. With danger around every corner, Raven will have to decide if destroying the system is worth risking their lives -- and if she should trust the prison guard with nebulous motivations. This steamy dystopian romance teeming with intrigue will be a hit with fans of Ariel Sullivan's Conform.  
The Language of Liars by S. L. Huang
The Language of Liars
by S.L. Huang

The Star Eaters are the only species capable of mining the element needed for lightyear-long space travel, and Ro believes he's finally up to the challenge of infiltrating the mind of one to unlock these secrets. But Ro is unprepared for the truth that comes to light with his full mental enmeshment. S.L. Huang, writer of The Water Outlaws, returns with a "fast-paced and sharp novella about alien societies and linguistic assumptions" (Library Journal). For fans of: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine and Babel by R.F. Kuang. 
The Winged Game by Sophie Kim
The Winged Game
by Sophie Kim

In this romantasy-sports mashup, a downtrodden former athlete must team up with -- and fake a romance with -- the player who destroyed her career in order to have any hope of regaining her stardom. When the beasts that they play on start falling ill, an investigation into the cause may bring the two rivals even closer. For fans of: unconventional and unique romantic genre blends with snarky, likeable characters and slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Heart of the Nhaga: Book One of the Bird That Drinks Tears by Lee Young-Do
The Heart of the Nhaga
by Lee Young-Do

In a world divided by races, three members of the global tribes -- a human, a fire magician, and a birdperson -- are dispatched to protect a traveling member of the Southernmost race of reptilians. All four of them must put their prejudices aside to survive, as it becomes clear this escort mission is bigger than they imagined. Lee Young-Do's epic fantasy classic, first published in 2003 and now available in English for the first time, "will be catnip to readers that love epic journeys, high stakes adventures, intricate societies, an amazing plot, and a world on the cusp of change" (Booklist).
Adversary to the Villain: A Cozy Fantasy Romantic Comedy by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Adversary to the Villain: A Cozy Fantasy Romantic Comedy
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

HR Update: The position of adversary to the villain has been filled. Evie Sage does not recall applying. Evie has always tried to be helpful, loyal, and only mildly involved in treason. But with a dangerous prophecy threatening the very magic of Rennedawn--not to mention the race to claim its necessary artifacts before King Benedict does--things are starting to feel...less like a career path and more like a serious problem. The prophecy won't stop pointing in Evie's direction. The Villain's magic keeps choosing her. And honestly, if you're going to be accused of evil anyway, you might as well commit. Unfortunately, the more Evie leans into her alleged villain era, the more her boss starts acting like the hero of a completely different story. Trystan is getting closer--closer than is wise, advisable, or even remotely professional--and looking at her like she's already chosen a side. His. Which is deeply inconvenient, because if Evie can't save the kingdom's magic, she might just become its greatest threat. The hilarious fantasy romance series doesn't end at Adversary to the Villain The thrilling conclusion to the series is coming soon The Assistant and the Villain series is best enjoyed in order.Reading Order: Book #1 Assistant to the VillainBook #2 Apprentice to the VillainBook #3 Accomplice to the VillainBook #4 Adversary to the Villain
What We Are Seeking by Cameron Reed
What We Are Seeking
by Cameron Reed

John Maranthia has been forced to relocate to the far off colony world of Scythia to act as a doctor. As he adjusts to the culture shock of Scythia's unfamiliar biology and customs, John and his translator Sudharma's travels will force them to confront questions about autonomy, marriage, and identity. This innovative novel is "a beautifully written and highly imaginative exploration of culture clash, queer identity, and adaptation" (Library Journal) that fans of Lois McMaster Bujold and Ann Leckie will find thought-provoking and intriguing.
The Door in Penrose Forest by Sean David Robinson
The Door in Penrose Forest
by Sean David Robinson

In 1997, Nico accompanied his mother on a butterfly research trip; he watched as she walked through the forest to a mysterious mansion, stepped through a magical door, and never came back. Twenty years later Nico has returned home, seeking answers as he deals with his father's ailing health. This haunting and atmospheric historical science fiction story spanning multiple timelines will intrigue fans of Emet North's In Universes.
The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
The Book Witch
by Meg Shaffer

Rainy March knows the rules of being a book witch: real people belong in the real world, and characters belong in their books. Knowing this hasn't stopped her from falling in love with fictional detective the Duke of Chicago, though she's forbidden from seeing him. But when a priceless book is stolen and her grandfather goes missing, Rainy knows there's only one detective who can crack the case. With a feel-good plot and likeable characters, this fluffy bookish fantasy is a treat "for anyone who ever wished they could walk around in their favorite book" (Kirkus). 
Moss'd in Space by Rebecca Thorne
Moss'd in Space
by Rebecca Thorne

Cargo handler Torian Razner gets more than she bargained for when she discovers that the dilapidated spaceship she just bought is covered in sentient moss. Running afoul of Moss' previous owner (who has also accused Torian of stealing the ship), the unlikely pair enlist the help of Amelia Perrosk, Torian's former captain and would-be lover. This action-packed 1st in a new series is perfect for fans of Julie Leong. 
Sea of Charms: A Spellshop Novel by Sarah Beth Durst
Sea of Charms: A Spellshop Novel
by Sarah Beth Durst

DELUXE EDITION--a gorgeous hardcover edition featuring beautiful sprayed edges #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst brings cozy fantasy romance to the high seas in Sea of Charms, the third magical adventure in the Spellshop series Marin has always belonged on the great blue sea. Betrayed by love, Marin lives and works as a supply runner, sailing from island to island, delivering an array of goods with Perri the sea serpent and Ree the sailor shrub as her crew. On one of her routine trips to the capital, Alyssium, Marin finds a revolution underway--and her friend Dax in the line of fire. What starts as a rescue evolves into a deal: Marin will keep Dax on as a member of her crew if he pretends to be her boyfriend at the End-of-Harvest Festival back home. But against her better judgment, Marin finds herself intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, his charming smile--and realizes that perhaps she isn't saving him. Maybe it's the other way around. Sea of Charms is a cozy fantasy romance about finding your crew, your family, and moreover, finding yourself. Read in whatever order your heart desires, but don't miss The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse. I, for one, couldn't ask for more. --Sangu Mandanna on The Spellshop Expect: Standalone romanceFriends to loversMagical creaturesSwimming lessons Bramble books by Sarah Beth Durst The Spellshop seriesThe SpellshopThe Enchanted GreenhouseSea of CharmsThe Magical Cheese Emporium
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