Related
The duology’s conclusion (following In a Garden Burning Gold) is a raw, emotional journey of a family created and broken by the consequences of their actions.
PREMIUM
The Carnivale of Curiosities
This novel will appeal to those who deeply loved V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus, but may be a tough sell for others.
PREMIUM
On Earth as It Is on Television
Jane’s energetic and contemporary debut will appeal to fans of family-focused sci-fi like Mike Chen’s Light Years from Home.
With surprising depth and touching relationships, this debut packs a punch and sets up a fascinating foundation for the rest of the series. Great for fans of Will Wight.
PREMIUM
The Sword Defiant
This novel has the potential to become a fan-favorite among those who appreciate vast and eloquent epic fantasy. Readers will enjoy the unique twists, absorbing intrigue, and endearing characters.
This stand-alone epic fantasy from Tchaikovsky (Children of Memory) is highly recommended for lovers of big sprawling sagas who don’t want to wait years for a climactic conclusion.
While still full of action and intrigue, Blair’s fantastic second book in the gripping “Halfling Saga” gives space for more introspection as Keera searches for answers about her family and her magical abilities and realizes that she’ll need to rely on others to achieve freedom for herself and all of the Halflings.
PREMIUM
Titanium Noir
Harkaway (Gnomon) combines a satisfying mystery with a thought-provoking science-fictional setting and just the right touch of heartbreak to make for a compelling read. Recommended for those who enjoy reading SF/mystery blends such as The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal, Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty, and especially Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson.
Törzs does a fantastic job creating a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps readers on their toes and wanting more. Fans of The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern will love this magic- and suspense-filled novel.
The captivating finale (following Savage Bounty) to a series filled with action and themes of politics and classism features an epic world and showcases hidden power structures, family secrets, and women who believe in a better life for all.
Readers who enjoyed Arkady Martine’s “Teixcalaan” series will see fascinating similarities in this portrait of a rapacious empire as it begins to fall, while any SF reader who loves political skullduggery told through fascinating and empathetic characters will be captivated by Leckie’s latest foray into the Imperial Radch in all its complexity and corruption. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Hell Bent
Fortgang’s and Axtell’s performances will have listeners eagerly awaiting the next book in Bardugo’s wholly engaging, well-narrated series.
PREMIUM
Karma of the Sun
This beautifully realized audio is an absolute must for fans of postapocalyptic fiction. Recommend to listeners who enjoy science fiction that’s based in fantasy rather than hard science.
PREMIUM
Murky World
Corben’s (Shadows on the Grave) surreal imagination and highly detailed, stunningly textured illustration have earned him a place among the most highly acclaimed and influential creators of graphic novels and commercial art of the past five decades. This volume collects material originally serialized across various monthly publications in the years before his death in 2020.
PREMIUM
Arca
Author Jensen (Bylines in Blood) balances an exploration of truth and systemic power with propulsive action and suspense, while illustrator Lonergan’s (Planet Paradise) page design and visual storytelling result in an uncanny sense of scale, movement, and pacing.
PREMIUM
Vern, Custodian of the Universe
Waiters’s impressive debut is a fast-paced science-fiction odyssey that explores morality, ethics, and personal responsibility with humor and loads of charm.
PREMIUM
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
There is a lot to enjoy here, with a fantastic setting, a feisty heroine, and hints of a deeper mystery that calls to mind the depths of Frank Herbert’s Dune and its intertwined cultural and religious issues.
PREMIUM
Dragonfall
Lam’s (Goldilocks) newest trilogy is a powerful nod to pursuing one’s own path, wrapped in an intriguing magical system and dragon scales.
Wagers raises the stakes with exciting action, terrific characters, and an expansive view on life in the universe.
PREMIUM
On the Nature of Magic
Fans of the first volume or patient readers who can accept a level of fogginess in their narrative may enjoy this one.
PREMIUM
Hybrid Heart
Give this to fans of manga and anime for an insightful, speculative glimpse into Japanese pop culture.
PREMIUM
The Lost War
Originally self-published by Anderson (Carpet Diem) and now being released by a big publisher, this exciting novel manifests as fierce and fresh epic fantasy with DnD undertones. Perfect for fans of Anthony Ryan.
This gripping, folkloric tale of the Scottish fae will keep readers thoroughly engrossed and transport them to this fairy tale realm. Fans of Rebecca Ross, Heather Fawcett, and Sarah J. Maas will enjoy the latest from Harwood (The Shadow in the Glass).
If you're looking for display inspiration or need to update your collection, check out these short science fiction and fantasy reads. Also included, a downloadable spreadsheet of 50 titles to keep your display stocked.
The collection’s wide range of international authors means it has something to offer everyone. Recommended for libraries with strong SFF collections and readers who enjoy short fiction.
PREMIUM
Saturnalia
Fans of intricate worldbuilding, urban fantasy, and apocalyptic stories will be hooked. An excellent addition to any audio fantasy collection.
PREMIUM
The First Men in the Moon
This charming listen is perfect for libraries looking to add classic sci-fi to their collections.
This is The Love Story of Missy Carmichael with fairies and snow. A sure win for believers in the value of story.
Listeners of the series’ prior audiobook will already be clamoring for this one. Purchase multiple copies, and rest assured that patrons will be delighted.
PREMIUM
A Fractured Infinity
A fast-paced, character-driven queer sci-fi romance that shows how far someone will go to be with the one they love.
PREMIUM
Meru
This book will appeal to science fiction readers who appreciate meticulous worldbuilding and learning about societies that are governed by a set of axioms. This impressive audio is a must-add for any science fiction collection.
An essential buy for modern-fantasy collections. Share with fans of Emily Tesh’s Silver in the Wood or Ellen Klages’s Passing Strange.
PREMIUM
All the Horses of Iceland
With a run time of slightly over two hours, there is little risk and great reward for trying out this audio gem.
PREMIUM
No Gods for Drowning
Piper’s world has a deep backstory to wade through, but the thriller elements, plus the drama of multiple encroaching disasters, keep the novel sailing to a thought-provoking and satisfying conclusion.
PREMIUM
The Union
Although the narrative occasionally feels forced, the story is uplifted by the emotionally affective narration, which brings out the nuances in Vernon’s engaging characters.
PREMIUM
Fourth Wing
A good selection for fans of Naomi Novik’s “Scholomance” series; will fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
Not Alone
Ecologist Jackson makes her debut with this engrossing postapocalyptic cli-fi thriller that will have readers anxiously turning the pages and questioning their use of plastic.
PREMIUM
A Crown of Ivy and Glass
Best-selling YA author Legrand’s (Lightbringer) first novel for adults is full of high stakes for her characters and detailed fantasy worldbuilding with interesting mythology for readers. It will appeal to older teens and adults.
PREMIUM
The Archive Undying
Will appeal to readers who like their giant robots paired with explorations of emotional intimacy and moving forward after trauma. A good purchase for large SFF collections.
PREMIUM
Fractal Noise
Those daunted by the 800+ pages of the first in this series, To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, will find this a comparably brief read, and it works well as an excellent starting point for the series as a whole.
Stewart’s final book in “The Drowning Empire” trilogy (following The Bone Shard Emperor) is an epic and emotional end to the series.
PREMIUM
Spring’s Arcana
There’s much to savor here for readers looking for a deeper dive into the same legends as those in The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, but in a more contemporary setting. Also a good choice for readers seeking stories imbued with the sensibilities of urban fantasy, like The Book of Night by Holly Black.
PREMIUM
Whether Violent or Natural
Calder (The Offset) tells a unique tale that will appeal to many cli-fi fans, though some may be put off by the leisurely pacing and introspective storytelling.
PREMIUM
The Blood Gift
“The Blood Gift” duology concludes with a dramatic, action-filled story (a sequel to The Blood Trials).
A lovely duology that invokes the charm of The Last Unicorn while extending the magic of the original into a bigger world. Highly recommended for lovers of Beagle’s classic, who are legion.
PREMIUM
Engines of Chaos
Constant peril and charged action sequences propel this high-octane steampunk thriller forward at break-neck speed. The solid writing and engaging plot establish a fully realized world with diverse magic systems mixed with artifice. Perfect for fans of Brian McClellan and Tyler Whitesides.
PREMIUM
Demons of Good and Evil
The latest in the “Hollows” series, after Trouble with the Cursed, contains all the magical action, emotional tension, and snippy dialogue that fans adore.
PREMIUM
The Shadow Cabinet
The second book of the series, after Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, is filled with witty dialogue, pop culture references, and features the bonds of childhood, sisterhood, and fighting for what one believes in.
PREMIUM
Not of This World
A blast for urban-fantasy readers looking for a broken fourth wall riddled with dry-witted commentary, evil getting its just deserts, and the good walking away to fight the good fight.
Will keep audiences enthralled to the end. Highly recommended for readers of alternate history, those who enjoy re-examinations of classics, and fans of Cogman’s “Invisible Library” series.
PREMIUM
Myriad
Like a Mission Impossible or a Minority Report with the addition of time-travel. Readers of sci-fi will enjoy this new take on a classic idea from Bellin (Scarred City).
PREMIUM
March’s End
The battles of politics and war give a real feeling of tension and life to this novel. Readers who enjoy the political complexity and epic battles of A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin as well as the classic fantasy of The Nutcracker will enjoy this stand-alone.
PREMIUM
Twice Cursed: An Anthology
Some of the stories merely sidle up to the line between dark fantasy and horror, and some stake their oozing, bleeding hearts with it, but all bring a shiver of fear, dread, or understanding.
Dawson mashes up history, fantasy, and the magic of the circus in an emotionally immersive, character-driven story.
PREMIUM
For the First Time, Again
The final volume of Neuvel’s generational alien conflict (following Until the Last of Me) takes the space race in new directions.
Malkasian’s “once upon a time” parable infuses a Handmaid’s Tale–type set-up with surrealistic charm and bittersweet resolution, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s work. Highly recommended for fantasy connoisseurs.
Highly recommended for lovers of woman-forward SF/F and any reader still waiting for that wardrobe to open.
PREMIUM
The Cleaving
McKenna (The Green Man’s Gift) tells a compelling new story from an old tale that is timely, giving the women of Arthur’s heroic tale a voice and place in this world. Give to fans of Michael J. Sullivan and David Dalglish who appreciate stories with swordplay, revenge, and medieval adventure.
PREMIUM
Dual Memory
This rollicking thriller from Burke (Immunity Index) moves at a fast pace but manages to maintain its focus on the true threats of climate change and human hubris, all the while keeping readers riveted and entertained.
PREMIUM
Witch King
After the rousing success of “The Murderbot Diaries,” Wells has returned to her fantasy roots in a tale of revolt, rebellion, and betrayal. Readers looking for more Murderbot may be disappointed, but fantasy readers looking for new worlds and characters to explore will be enthralled.
PREMIUM
The Warden
Ford (Cheap Heat) begins an appealing new fantasy series filled with adventure, action, and old magic.
PREMIUM
Backpacking Through Bedlam
Following on Spelunking Through Hell, this latest installment in the “InCryptid” series continues to highlight the fast action, delightful cryptids and the gloriously dysfunctional family dynamics the Prices are known for. Urban fantasy fans will rejoice.
PREMIUM
The Thick and the Lean
The two storylines in Porter’s (The Seep) latest, particularly Beatrice’s story of accepting herself for who she is and what she loves in spite of everything, will make readers hunger for more.
PREMIUM
The Golden Enclaves
Should satisfy Novik’s many fans and appeal to mature fans of Harry Potter, dark-fantasy lovers, and those who enjoyed Lev Grossman’s The Magicians.
PREMIUM
On the Marble Cliffs
More than a mere roman à clef about Hitler or Stalin (or both), Jünger’s vivid and evocative narrative transcends its moment in capturing the ageless struggle between our individuality and creative wonder, and the darkness and terror sure to follow when people abandon themselves to belief, even if only to a belief in nothing.
The beautiful, spare narration from Kris as she struggles with grief and motherhood delivers a deep emotional punch, lightened by dry humor and the hope in human connection. For fans of Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven and Veronica Roth’s Poster Girl.
PREMIUM
The Deep Sky
Readers will be engaged by the mystery and suspense and find familiarity and connection in the humanity of Asuka and the journey of The Phoenix.
PREMIUM
Head Cleaner
Once it gets going, Keaton’s (She Was Found in a Guitar Case) novel is a nonstop thrill ride blending science fiction, horror, and a lot of humor. For readers who enjoy Chuck Palahniuk and Lauren Beukes.
PREMIUM
Spells for Forgetting
In her adult debut, YA novelist Young (“Fallen City” duology; Sky in the Deep) combines romance and mystery on an island with mystical powers in a story that is sure to appeal to current fans and new readers.
PREMIUM
Hel’s Eight
Holborn’s blend of gritty Western and science fiction set in the stark landscape of a barren moon is the sequel to Ten Low that fans have been waiting for. Certainly the novel’s centerpiece are its action sequences, but its heart lies in Ten, her ragtag band, and their redemptive and hopeful attempts at survival.
A gritty, dystopian story and an all too real and possible exploration of the dangers of continuous surveillance and the spread of disinformation.
PREMIUM
A Touch of Moonlight
Ray and Larimar’s romance is lovely, as is the inclusion of Dominican lore, culture, and recipes.
Langbein explores what it means to belong, how the shape of identity can morph and change, and just how hard it can be to hold onto the core of your being when everyone around you is pushing you to change.
PREMIUM
Weyward
The three timelines and the compelling stories of each of the women intertwine and are layered with the natural magic that runs through the female line of the Weyward family
PREMIUM
The Ice Sings Back
Jackson’s eco-thriller conveys the claustrophobia and power of the wilderness in which Amelia is lost and creates a creeping dread as each woman picks through her piece of the puzzle.
PREMIUM
To Shape a Dragon’s Breath
Blackgoose blends Indigenous history with fantastical beasts, taking themes of inequality and social agency in new directions. An excellent crossover novel for adults and young adults alike.
PREMIUM
Quantum Radio
Eclectic author Riddle (Lost in Time) combines science and history to create a riveting thriller.
This Hindu-inspired sci-fi fantasy is a transcendent debut, full of cosmic magic and set in an exquisitely glorious and treacherous world. Such a daring ecological and metaphysical endeavor is perfect for fans of Wesley Chu and Brandon Sanderson.
PREMIUM
The Cage of Dark Hours
Fans of the first book in the series will want to read this next installment as more myths are unveiled, building toward the final book.
PREMIUM
Poor Man’s Sky
The story combines the thrill of nascent space exploration with the challenge of a murder mystery to excellent effect.
Readers who loved Klune’s (Under the Whispering Door) previous works will find plenty of the author’s trademark charm, heart, and bittersweetness, while those looking for more hopeful robot stories, like A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers, will find this interpretation of a robot-future different but just as compelling.
PREMIUM
Damsel
Skye creates an atmospheric world that allows readers to immerse themselves in Elodie’s struggle to survive. Great for fans of Kiera Cass’s “The Selection” series and Victoria Aveyard’s “The Red Queen” series.
Zinging one-liners, familiar superhero tropes with hilarious twists, and defying the world’s expectations to be your authentic self combine to make this an appealing tale for older teens and adults. Be prepared to giggle at dinosaur antics and get teary-eyed as Rex comes into her own.
Drake’s (Fighting Kat) new novel is highly recommended for lovers of fantasy romance and urban fantasy rooted in myths and legends.
PREMIUM
Nothing but the Rain
Recommended for readers who prefer their apocalypses amorphous and like their chills of horror to come from the implications of the unknown.
PREMIUM
The Immortal Detective
Unevenly joining a slow-paced police procedural with a vampire dramedy of manners and blood, this novel isn’t an essential purchase.
A bold story of sisterhood, societal expectations, and the lengths women may be willing to travel for love and freedom. Fans of Alix E. Harrow’s The Once and Future Witches will find this fierce and folkloric tale a terrific read.
PREMIUM
Meru
This is a thrilling combination of traditional SF space travel and forward-thinking examinations of what “humanity” will mean in the future. With its blend of science fiction and social justice concepts, this will appeal to advanced teen and adult readers alike who enjoy progressive science fiction.
PREMIUM
Loki’s Ring
A purchase for large SFF collections, Leicht’s (Persephone Station) latest may appeal to fans of the “NeoG” series from K.B. Wagers.
PREMIUM
Camp Zero
An enjoyable read for those who like eco-dystopian novels. Give this to fans of Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel and Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood.
PREMIUM
A Portrait in Shadow
Jarvis brings the city of Florence to life, including many of its well-known residents. However, fantasy readers will wish she had spent more time building the magical aspects of her world. A good choice for fans of historical fiction authors such as Susan Vreeland and Tracy Chevalier.
PREMIUM
Red Team Blues
This absorbing and ruthless cyberpunk thriller from Doctorow (Attack Surface) tackles modern concerns involving cryptocurrency, security, and the daunting omnipotence of technology. Great for fans of Charles Stross.
PREMIUM
The Iron Princess
As she attempts to redeem her world, the adventures of the Iron Princess will keep readers engrossed in this cleverly plotted novel. Fans of fantasy and particularly of Hambly’s (Prisoner of Midnight) complex and often enchanting style are certain to enjoy this imaginative story and its heroine.
PREMIUM
The Queen’s Price
A fine continuation of the “Black Jewels” series, keeping the legacy alive with its tangled web of family and power. Bishop’s devoted fans will devour this, while readers of Nalini Singh and Ilona Andrews who enjoy high fantasy may want to start this series from the beginning.
articles
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
