Unconquerable Sun
by Kate Elliott

What it is: a sweeping, action-packed space opera inspired by the life of Alexander the Great.

Starring: 20-year-old Princess Sun, daughter of Queen-Marshal Eirene of the Republic of Chaonia; who, aided by her loyal Companions, must dodge assassination attempts while battling the Phene Empire.

Why you might like it: The novel's diverse ensemble cast includes multiple narrators, who provide different perspectives on the action (copious) and intrigue (thorny).

The Year of the Witching
by Alexis Henderson

What it's about: Observing a life of strict submission to minimize discrimination for her mixed heritage, Immanuelle discovers dark truths about her community’s church and her late mother’s secret relationship with the spirits of four witches.

If you're looking for: A strong female lead taking on a menacing and fast-paced world. 
 

Crossings
by Alex Landragin

What is it?: A debut in three parts designed to be read straight through or in alternating chapters finds a Jewish-German bookbinder in occupied Paris discovering links between poet Charles Baudelaire, a Walter Benjamin-like exile and a seven-generation woman monarch.

If you like: Intricate and nonlinear historical fiction, you might like this.

For fans of: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. 

The Kingdom of Liars
by Nick Martell

What happens: Michael Kingman, the son of a traitor, seeks the truth behind his father's disgrace...and ends up following in his footsteps.

For fans of: the vengeance-obsessed protagonist of Mark Lawrence's Broken Empire series, the magic system of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn novels, or the narrative structure of Jenn Lyons' The Ruin of Kings.

Series alert: The Kingdom of Liars kicks off the Legend of the Mercenary Kings series.

Empire of Wild
by Cherie Dimaline

The plot: Inspired by the Canadian Métis legend of the Rogarou, a U.S. debut finds a woman reconnecting with her heritage when her missing husband reappears in the form of a charismatic preacher who does not recognize her.

If you want: A diverse cast of characters starring in a bleak and suspenseful tale then you'll like this book.

For fans of: My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

The Library of the Unwritten
by A.J. Hackwith

The library is open...and Claire, Head Librarian of the Unwritten Wing, the place in Hell where all the unfinished stories reside, must track down an escaped Hero in search of its author.

Don't miss: former muse Brevity and demon Leto, who assist Claire in her quest as the group races to prevent a war between angels and demons.

For fans of: the adventure plot and world-building of Genevieve Cogman's Invisible Library series; the cosmology of Good Omens.

1Q84
by Haruki Murakami

Get lost in: An ode to George Orwell's "1984" told in alternating male and female voices relates the stories of Aomame, an assassin for a secret organization who discovers that she has been transported to an alternate reality, and Tengo, a mathematics lecturer and novice writer.

For those looking for: surrealist fiction about secret societies driven by complex characters.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January
by Alix E. Harrow

Introducing: January Scaller, who rebels against her wealthy and eccentric guardian by secretly exploring doorways to other realms with her companion Bad, a very good dog.

Want a taste? "There's only one way to run away from your own story, and that's to sneak into someone else's."

Does the dog die? No! It's all good!

Every Heart a Doorway
by Seanan McGuire

Welcome to: Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, an unorthodox boarding school for young people who’ve returned, often unwillingly, from journeys to fantasy realms.

What happens: New student Nancy longs to return to the Underworld, but when a killer starts stalking the school, she has to put aside her dreams of death to keep her friends alive.

What sets it apart: Asexual Nancy is just one of several LGBTQIA characters in this intriguing dark fantasy, the 1st in a series.

The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern

What happens: A mysterious book leads graduate student Zachary Ezra Rawlins on a magical quest to another world, hidden in plain sight.

Why you might like it: A puzzle box narrative and dreamlike prose distinguish this atmospheric novel by the author of The Night Circus.

Want a taste? "Zachary Ezra Rawlins stares at the miniature versions of the same symbols he once contemplated in an alleyway behind his mother's store and wonders how, exactly, he is supposed to continue a story he didn't know he was in."