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Fantasy and Science Fiction August 2026 |
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| To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke FastTo 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. |
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| The Language of Liars by S.L. HuangThe 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. |
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| The Winged Game by Sophie KimIn 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. |
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| The Heart of the Nhaga by Lee Young-DoIn 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). |
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| Six Savage Thrones by Holly RaceIn this sequel to Six Wild Crowns, Henry VIII's six magically bound queens are determined to strike back. As Henry and his advisers consolidate more power, the queens learn they'll have to work together to stop him from summoning something great and terrible into the world. This second book in the Queens of Elben trilogy will be perfect for fans of feminist fantasy retellings rife with political intrigue. Read next: The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon or Lady Hotspur by Tessa Gratton. |
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| What We Are Seeking by Cameron ReedJohn 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. |
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| The Door in Penrose Forest by Sean David RobinsonIn 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. |
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| The Book Witch by Meg ShafferRainy 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). |
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| Moss'd in Space by Rebecca ThorneCargo 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. |
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| Misery's Wife by Joan TierneyElixane was too young to remember much about her elder sisters before they were each stolen away to wed the magical beings known as the King of the Air, the King of the Sea, and the King of Misery. But now that she's older, she sets off on a journey, determined to save them with all the luck and courage she can muster. This queer and cli-fi influenced retelling of a Portuguese folktale is a great choice for fans of J.R. Dawson's The Lighthouse at the Edge of the World and Rose Sutherland's A Sweet Sting of Salt. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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