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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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Kill the Farm Boy
by Kevin Hearne
What it's about: While on a mission to stop LOCHER and figure out the conundrum of The Chosen One, Gustave the Talking Goat, Fia the Unusually Tall, Argabella the Ensorcelled Bird and Grinda the Sand Witch are joined by two others who have their own evil agendas.
Reviewers say: “A rollicking fantasy adventure that upends numerous genre tropes in audacious style, the first installment of Dawson and Hearne’s Tales of Pell series is a laugh-out-loud-funny fusion of Monty Python–esque humor and whimsy à la Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.”—Kirkus Reviews
For fans of: The Princess Bride by William Goldman, or authors Terry Pratchett and Christopher Moore.
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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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Night fall
by Simon R. Green
"From the New York Times bestselling author of Moonbreaker comes the last Secret Histories adventure, where the Droods will take on the most unexpected of enemies, the inhabitants of the Nightside. The Droods are all about control, making people do what they're told for a greater good. The Nightside is all about choice: good and bad and everything in between. The Droods want to make the world behave; the Nightside wants to party. They were never going to get along. For centuries, ancient Pacts have kept the Droods out of the Nightside, but now the Droods see the Nightside as a threat to the whole world. So they march into the long night, in their armour, to put it under their control. All too soon, the two sides are at war. It's Eddie Drood and Molly Metcalf against John Taylor and Shotgun Suzie. The Drood Sarjeant-at-Arms and their Armourer against Dead Boy and Razor Eddie. More groups join in, on either side: the London Knights, the Ghost Finders, the Spawn of Frankenstein, Shadows Fall, and the Soulhunters. Science and magic are running wild, there's blood running in the gutters, and the bodies are piling up. Is anyone going to get out of this alive?"
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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 Lyre Thief by Jennifer FallonStarring: Princess Rakaia of Fardohnya and her illegitimate half-sister Charisee, who have been trading identities for years. But this time it's not a game, for Rakaia has learned that she is not the king's biological daughter, placing her in extreme jeopardy.
Why you might like it: This fast-paced epic fantasy is full of romance, revenge, and political intrigue.
Series alert: The Lyre Thief is the 7th in the Hythrun chronicles, but it offers plenty of backstory for new readers. |
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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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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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