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Fantasy and Science Fiction July 2018
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| The Memory of Fire by Callie BatesWhat happens: In this follow-up to The Walking Land, Paladisian nobleman Jahan Korakides must hide his magic powers -- or face punishment by death. But as the former emperor prepares to invade, Jahan finds that magic might be the only way to maintain peace.
Welcome back: While this 2nd epic fantasy in a planned trilogy does introduce readers to a new main character, fans will be happy that the star of the 1st volume, Elanna Valtai, also appears. |
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| Starless by Jacqueline CareyWhat it’s about: Since birth, Khai has been tasked with protecting and defending his soul’s twin, the Princess Zariya of the Ageless and Sun-Blessed. But in a world where exiled gods mingle among mortals, nothing is as it seems -- and an important and critical piece of Khai’s identity has been withheld from him.
Is it for you? Readers who like intricate world-building, intrigue, and adventure will enjoy this epic fantasy.
You might also like: authors Garth Nix and Rhoda Belleza. |
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| Medusa Uploaded by Emily DevenportStarring: Oichi Angelist, a genetically engineered “worm” who is "partially deaf, dumb, and blind" and toiling in domestic servitude for the Executives on the generation starship Olympia -- until she is joins with a sentient AI Medusa unit and sets out to change the world.
Reviewers say: “Richly detailed and gorgeously imagined…a gripping and unusual read” (Kirkus Reviews).
Series alert: This fast-paced science fiction thriller is the 1st in a planned trilogy. |
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| Mem by Bethany C. MorrowWhat it’s about: In 1925 Montreal, wealthy elites can separate their memories from their bodies and deposit them in “Mems” -- people who exist only to relive these memories over and over again. But one Mem -- Dolores Extract No. 1 -- has the unique ability to create her own memories, too.
Why you should read it: If you liked the movie Blade Runner and enjoy philosophical explorations of topics like memory, mortality, wealth, and what it means to be human, don’t miss this haunting speculative fiction debut. |
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| Witchmark by C.L. PolkStarring: Dr. Miles Singer, who has just returned from the war in an alternate world reminiscent of Edwardian England. Now working in a hospital, Miles is not only concealing his magical healing powers, but he is also hiding from his powerful family.
Who it's for: This debut historical fantasy is for fans of Philip Pullman, Victoria Schwab, or Tarun Shanker.
Reviewers say: “The final revelations are impossible to see coming and prove that Polk is a writer to watch” (Publishers Weekly). |
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Focus on: Australian Speculative Fiction
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| Lexicon by Max BarryWhat it’s about: Words have the power to maim and kill, but only a few people can wield them -- including teenage street denizen Emily, whom a mysterious organization recruits for training. In a parallel story, Wil is the only survivor of a catastrophe in Australia, and one man thinks he might be immune to the effects of powerful words that have proved fatal for others.
Who it’s for: Contemporary fantasy readers who also like thrillers, horror, and dystopian fiction.
You might also like: The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon. |
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| Thief's Magic by Trudi CanavanWhat it’s about: While excavating an ancient tomb, sorcerer-archaeologist Tyen discovers a sentient book named Vella, magically created from the body of a living woman. In a parallel narrative, Rielle has possessed supernatural powers since birth and is reluctant to conform to society’s expectations for young women.
Why you might like it: Thief's Magic is an epic fantasy with a hefty dose of magic.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Millennium’s Rule Trilogy, followed by Angel of Storms. |
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| The Clockwork Rocket by Greg EganWhat it's about: On a faraway planet where women are treated harshly and the species reproduces only through the death of the mother, the female polymorph Yalda discovers that a celestial object is headed straight for her home. Can Yalda build a rocket ship to save her people from impending destruction?
For fans of: Larry Niven and John Scalzi as well as science fiction and steampunk readers who like hard science.
Series alert: The 1st in the Orthogonal series, The Clockwork Rocket is followed by The Eternal Flame. |
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| Dreamer's Pool: A Blackthorn & Grim Novel by Juliet MarillierWhat it's about: To avoid execution, imprisoned healer Blackthorn strikes a bargain with one of the fae: her freedom in exchange for seven years' service in the kingdom of Dalriada, where she soon discovers that something’s rotten.
Reviewers say: a “feast for the imagination” (Publishers Weekly).
Series alert: Dreamer's Pool is the 1st book in the Blackthorn & Grim series, which is inspired by Irish mythology and features women’s empowerment as a theme. |
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| The Swan Book: A Novel by Alexis WrightWhat it’s about: In a dystopian near-future where climate change has drastically changed Australia, Oblivia Ethelyne, an Aboriginal teen, is violently assaulted but rescued by eccentric old Bella Donna -- until Warren Finch, the first Aboriginal president of Australia, forcibly takes her as his bride.
Who it's for: Readers who like mythology and folklore.
You might also like: The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenny Fagan, which is also a lyrical science fiction story set in a near-future world. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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