 Supporting COMMUNITY. Inspiring DISCOVERY. Promoting LITERACY. |
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Fantasy and Science Fiction June 2025 |
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| The Keeper of Lonely Spirits by E.M. AndersonImmortal ghost hunter Peter Shaughnessy, cursed to wander for eternity, may have finally found a home in Harrington, Ohio. But Peter must hunt down an angry spirit and confront his own tragic past if he wants to protect his new found family and the man he loves. For fans of: paranormal romantasy with a contemporary queer twist. Readers will also enjoy Disco Witches of Fire Island by Blair Fell or Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore. |
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| A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea EamesWhen a young sorcerer accidentally snags a piece of her heart, Foss decides to take matters into her own hands and demand it back. However, the petulant and sulky Sylvester can't even fix his own mistakes, leading Foss to uncover the darkness lurking beneath the kingdom. This "delightful modern fairytale in which the heroine is determined to save herself" (Library Journal) is a must-read for fans of the Studio Ghibli adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle. |
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The expert of subtle revisions : a novel
by Kirsten Menger-Anderson
A young woman follows cryptic instructions after her father's disappearance, uncovering ties to a 1933 Vienna intellectual circle grappling with rising fascism, a mysterious time-travel device and secrets that connect their histories across decades.
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Vanishing world : a novel
by Sayaka Murata
"From the author of the million-copy literary sensation Convenience Store Woman comes a surprising and highly imaginative story set in a version of Japan where sex between married couples has vanished and where all children are born by artificial insemination. Sayaka Murata has proven herself to be one of the most exciting chroniclers of the strangeness of society, x-raying our contemporary world to bizarre and troubling effect. Her depictions of a happily unmarried retail worker in Convenience Store Woman and a young woman convinced she is an alien in Earthlings have endeared her to readers worldwide. Vanishing World takes Murata's universe to a bold new level, imagining an alternative Japan where attitudes to sex and procreation are wildly different toour own. As a girl, Amane realizes with horror that her parents "copulated" in order to bring her into the world, rather than using artificial insemination, which became the norm in the mid-twentieth century. Amane strives to get away from what she considers an indoctrination in this strange "system" by her mother, but her infatuations with both anime characters and real people have a sexual force that is undeniable. As an adult in an appropriately sexless marriage-sex between married couples is now considered as taboo as incest-Amane and her husband Saku ultimately decide to go and live in a mysterious new town called Experiment City or Paradise-Eden, where all children are raised communally, and every person is considered a Mother to all children. Men are beginning to become pregnant using artificial wombs that sit outside of their bodies like balloons, and children are nameless, called only "Kodomo-chan." Is this the new world that will purify Amane of her strangeness once and for all?"
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| The Third Rule of Time Travel by Philip FracassiScientist Beth Darlow has done the impossible and unlocked the secrets of time travel. Her device allows human consciousness to revisit any moment in their lifetime, but only to observe. However, as Beth's life begins to unravel, she realizes that even just looking can have consequences. This tightly plotted and character-driven science fiction thriller will appeal to fans of Recursion by Blake Crouch and Dissolution by Nicholas Binge. |
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| Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria GriffinAfter losing her job and moving back in with her parents, Shell Pine is eager to get back on her feet, and the new job offer from beautiful florist Neve may be exactly what she needs. But the flower shop has a deadly secret, and this secret is hungry. For fans of: menacing monster lit with dark humor and rich prose such as But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo or Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell. |
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| Where the Axe Is Buried by Ray NaylerIn this geopolitical science fiction thriller, a revolutionary group may have the key to freedom from the authoritarian regime of the Federation by directly infiltrating the mind of the President. Meanwhile, Western European societies delve into AI governance, kicking off a chain of events that will impact the entire world. "A richly detailed evocation of a grim future that is, sadly, absolutely believable" (Kirkus Reviews), this title will appeal to fans of Malka Older and M.R. Carey. |
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| The Lamb by Lucy RoseIn their secluded forest cottage, Margot and her "Mama" welcome in lost strangers, only for Mama to fully consume them. But when an alluring new stray named Eden enters their lives, Margot must confront her own desires and decide what she wants for herself. This gothic horror fairy tale will give fans of Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder and Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda something fresh to sink their teeth into. |
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| When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John ScalziWhen the Earth's moon inexplicably turns into cheese, it turns the entire planet on its head. From astronauts to billionaires, teenagers and terminal patients, and everyone else besides, each character faces a surreal personal transformation over the course of a single lunar cycle. "Scalzi’s ability to balance scathing satire with heartfelt optimism shines" (Publishers Weekly) in this new title that will delight both long-time fans and newcomers looking for hopeful and hilarious science fiction. |
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The Fourth Consort
by Edward Ashton
Dalton Greaves, reluctant hero and envoy for the pan-species Unity confederation, finds himself stranded on a hostile planet after a clash with the rival confederation Assembly. To survive, he'll have to maneuver through dangerous political schemes, strange new customs, and even his manipulative human ally Neera. For fans of: darkly humorous science fiction with intricate scheming such as Martha Wells' Murderbot Diaries series.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Mary Riley Styles Public Library
120 N. Virginia Ave, Falls Church, Virginia 22046 703-248-5030 (TTY 711) www.mrspl.org
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