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Fantasy and Science Fiction October 2019
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| American Magic: A Thriller by Zach FehstWhat it is: a globe-trotting fantasy spy thriller reminiscent of the work of Dan Brown and Robert Ludlum.
Starring: former CIA operative Ben Zolstra, who must track down a terrorist who has uploaded to the dark web incantations that allow ordinary people to wield powerful magic.
You might also like: Bookburners by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Mur Lafferty, and Brian Francis Slattery. |
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| Meet Me in the Future: Stories by Kameron HurleyWhat it is: a short story collection by speculative fiction writer Kameron Hurley, containing "16 hard-edged pieces that gleam like gems in a mosaic" (Publishers Weekly).
Don't miss: "When We Fall," a prequel to The Stars are Legion, and "The Light Brigade," which became the novel of the same name.
Reviewers say: "These are stories that pack a punch" (Booklist). |
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| The Harp of Kings by Juliet MarillierWhat it's about: A group of apprentice warriors from Swan Island must locate the ancient Harp of Kings before Midsummer, when it will be used in the coronation of the next king of Breifne.
Why you might like it: Unfolding from the perspectives of its three main characters, this intricately plotted series opener's central quest narrative is enhanced by a coming-of-age story and a slow-building romance.
About the author: No one does Celtic-inspired historical fantasy like New Zealand-born, Australia-based author Juliet Marillier, best known for her Sevenwaters series. |
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| Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirIntroducing: Lesbian swordswoman Gideon Nav, indentured servant in the House of the Ninth; and her nemesis, necromancer Lady Harrowhark Nonegesimus, who may be her best shot at freedom.
Why you might like it: This edgy, irreverent debut boasts a foul-mouthed, snarky heroine; an enemies-to-not-quite-lovers plot; a murder mystery in the midst of an interplanetary competition; and necromancy.
For fans of: the revenge plot of Jay Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicle; the protagonist and atmosphere of Nicole Kornher-Stace's Archivist Wasp. |
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| Blood of an Exile by Brian NaslundWhat it's about: Exiled lord-turned-dragonslayer "Flawless" Silas Bershad has a chance to redeem himself by rescuing a kidnapped Almiran princess and assassinating the emperor of neighboring Baleria.
Why you might like it: This opening installment of the Dragons of Terra series boasts an action-packed plot, compelling (if not exactly sympathetic) characters, and an immersive setting.
You might also like: John Gwynne's Of Blood and Bone series, a similarly verging-on-grimdark fantasy where no character is safe. |
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| It Devours! A Welcome to Night Vale Novel by Joseph Fink and Jeffery CranorWhat happens: Local scientist Nilanjana Sikdar investigates strange goings-on in the desert and discovers...well, you'll just have to find out.
Should you start here? While this spin-off of the popular Welcome to Night Vale) podcast stands on its own, it does contain some (minor) spoilers for the main series.
Food for thought: "Death is only the end if you assume the story is about you." |
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Tricks for Free
by Seanan McGuire
What it's about: Hiding out in Lowryland, the largest amusement park in Florida, Antimony Price, with the Covenant on her tail and her family in danger, formulates a plan to get home without getting anyone killed until a secret cabal of magic users, who want the fire that sleeps in her fingers, offer to help her—for a price.
Series alert: This is the seventh book in the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire.
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| Storm of Locusts by Rebecca RoanhorseWhat it is: the sequel to the Nebula Award-nominated Trail of Lightning.
Starring: Diné (Navajo) monster hunter Maggie Hoskie, who must rescue her best friend, Kai, from a cult.
For fans of: Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels novels, another post-apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a strong heroine and plenty of monster-battling thrills. |
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Sophia Princess Among Beasts
by James Patterson
What it's about: Finding herself the leader of a nightmarish realm populated by the awful beasts of her childhood stories, Princess Sophia unlocks a profound ancient secret to defend her people from violent conquerors.
About the author: James Patterson received a Hugo Award in 1977 and is the author of multiple series include Alex Cross.
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Fleet of Knives
by Gareth Powell
What it's about: Called upon by the House of Reclamation to investigate a distress call from the human starship Lucy’s Ghost, the former warship Trouble Dog and its ragtag crew become caught between chaotic alien monsters and the Marble Armada.
Series alert: This is the second novel in the Embers of War series by Gareth Powell.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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