Fantasy and Science Fiction
October 2024

Recent Releases
The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois
by Ryan Graudin

In 1900s Paris, Celeste Artois has had her artistic dreams crushed by the elite, and has turned to forgery to make ends meet. However, an illness means her time is running out. When she makes a deal with the mysterious stranger Rafe -- more time to live in exchange for her con artist services -- she realizes she may have asked for more than she bargained for. For fans of: rich historical fantasy with in-depth world building such as Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar.
Buried Deep and Other Stories
by Naomi Novik

Naomi Novik delves deep into her own beloved lore to deliver 13 short stories set in her fictional worlds. Such stories include the origin of the Dragon Corps in ancient Rome, an aggrieved witch with roommate problems, and a preview of the continent for Novik’s upcoming new series. Along with fans of Novik herself, this collection will delight fans of rich and thrilling fantasy story collections such as Marjorie Liu’s The Tangleroot Palace and Jane Yolen’s The Emerald Circus. 
Time's Agent
by Brenda Peynado

Once, the discovery of pocket worlds held scientific and exploratory promise. Now that they’re under the control of colonizing corporations, archaeologist Raquel has lost her academic standing, and her wife Marlena refuses to leave her own pocket universe. But Raquel has one last chance to save her wife – and herself. For fans of stylistically complex time-bending science fiction such as This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, and The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley.
Space Oddity
by Catherynne M. Valente

In this sequel to the offbeat and witty Space Opera, the Metagalactic Grand Prix is once again under threat as humanity battles to stay alive against the civilizations that plot to bring them to an end. For fans of “cosmic absurdity and intergalactic hijinks” (Publishers Weekly) such as those brought to you by Douglas Adams and Jasper Fforde. 
Retro Reads
The Splinter in the Sky
by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

In the wake of war, young scribe Enitan finds her plans as an aspiring tea business owner upended when her lover is assassinated and her sibling is abducted, taking Enitan to the heart of the Holy Vaalbaran Empire to rescue them. Enitan’s plans to avenge all that she’s lost may also end up saving her homeland. “Delving into serious sociopolitical matters without ever losing the shine of hope” (Publishers Weekly), this book will appeal to fans of The Hundred Thousand Suns by N.K. Jemisin and The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi.  
The Pomegranate Gate
by Ariel Kaplan

Inspired by Jewish folklore, this historical fantasy follows Toba and Naftaly escaping persecution from the Inquisition, who are after the amulet and the ancient book the two have taken with them. When Toba stumbles upon a mythical realm known as the Mazik, she and Naftaly must work on both sides of the world to discover the secrets of their relics. For fans of: the lush world building and courageous characters found in titles such as Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale and Helene Wecker’s The Golem and the Djinni.
The Death I Gave Him
by Em X. Liu

After Hayden Lichfield's father is murdered in their lab, he can only conclude the killer was after their research into a formula that could reverse death itself. Now he’s in lockdown with four other people -- one of whom is potentially the killer -- and Hayden has no choice but to pursue revenge at any cost. This locked room technothriller retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet is perfect for fans of Rob Hart’s The Paradise Hotel and Karen Bao’s Pangu’s Shadow. 
They Split the Party
by Elijah Menchaca

The Starbreakers have begun to tentatively repair their bond since their last outing in They Met in a Tavern, but new political turmoil forces them together again when the criminals they’ve put away have suddenly escaped. For fans of: The Malevolent Seven by Sebastien de Castell; How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler; and The Coward by Stephen Aryan.  
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Sonoma County Library
707-545-0831www.sonomalibrary.org