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PREMIUM
The Judas Blossom
Aryan’s latest (after The Warrior) is perfect for those who enjoy dynamic historical fiction with a touch of magic, like the work of Guy Gavriel Kay.
A beguiling prince vanishes and Sleeping Beauty’s fairy godmother takes center stage in these mixed-up tales.
The SFF highlight from the May issue is a new novella that presents a future where artificial intelligences fight for equal rights and off-planet colonies agitate for independence, as seen through the eyes of the sarcastic, independent AI Scorn. Perfect for “Murderbot” fans.
Bear’s feminist reimagining of Greek myth allows Medusa’s forgotten fellow Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryale, to powerfully reclaim their voices and individuality. A must-read for Greek mythology fans seeking new depth in their tales and those who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s Circe or Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls.
PREMIUM
The Curse of Saints
Debut author Dramis’s new series has lots of potential, introducing an exciting world precariously balancing good versus evil magic in kingdoms ruled by ordinary humans.
A terrific entry point into this compelling, corrupt, dystopian world, with a story about the forging of unbreakable bonds set against harrowing adventure, heartrending choices, and traumatic consequences.
PREMIUM
A Thousand Recipes for Revenge
Cato’s (The Clockwork Crown) latest is an intriguing story filled with gods, magic, and enough culinary references to please any fan of epicurean magic.
This hard sci-fi thriller is full of cinematic and wild suspense and would be great for fans of Andy Weir, although the tone is far more austere.
PREMIUM
Charming
A delightfully twisted mash-up of fairy tales, filled with amusing dialogue and unusual character variations. Fans of Alix E. Harrow’s “Fractured Fables” series or Kevin Hearne and Delilah S. Dawson’s “The Tales of Pell” series will enjoy this story from Linwood (who wrote Bad Gods under the name Gaie Sebold).
PREMIUM
Prophet
Macdonald (H Is for Hawk) and Blaché’s fiction debut is a low-key sci-fi mystery that blends the genres into a fusion of something new. With a hard-to-pin-down genre, the novel will appeal to a wide variety of readers.
PREMIUM
The Book of Gems
Recommended for fans of moody aesthetic academia or fantasy mystery and anyone who enjoyed The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older.
PREMIUM
Ebony Gate
The contemporary setting and unusual magical system create an intriguing beginning to this series from Vee and Bebelle, who also write the “Seattle Slayers” series together. Put this book in the hands of fans of Fonda Lee’s “Green Bone Saga.”
PREMIUM
Ethera Grave
The final book of “The Graven” trilogy, after Azura Ghost, digs deep into the multiverse, along with themes of genocide, utopian idealism, and autonomy.
PREMIUM
The Road to Roswell
Recommended for readers of humorous SF, especially those who loved the author’s previous lighthearted books, such as Bellwether and To Say Nothing of the Dog.
PREMIUM
The Legend of Charlie Fish
Rountree’s colorful palette brings together Western and fantasy elements to create a magical tale about the deep bonds forged by circumstance.
PREMIUM
Capture the Sun
Following Eclipse the Moon, the “Starlight’s Shadow” trilogy ends as it began: with strong female protagonists, an engaging science-fiction setting, and a sexy romance.
PREMIUM
Out of the Dawn
For fans of the previous book in this duology or those interested in postapocalyptic stories of women regaining their power. This could work as a stand-alone, as Cast effectively recaps key events from the previous novel.
PREMIUM
Queen Wallis
Recommended for readers of alternate history, especially those who loved the previous book in the series.
PREMIUM
Dark Water Daughter
This new series crosses genres and ages and is one that Long’s fans will love and new readers will embrace.
PREMIUM
Thick as Thieves
The follow-up to Among Thieves is an enjoyable heist fantasy in a rough landscape of magic and morally gray characters.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves to see fables fractured into new and different shapes, similar to Alix E. Harrow’s A Spindle Splintered.
A must-read for Greek mythology fans seeking new depth in their tales and those who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s Circe or Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls.
PREMIUM
VenCo
An inessential audio purchase, except where interest in Dimaline’s works is high. Listeners would be better served by Alix E. Harrow’s The Once and Future Witches or India Holton’s The League of Gentlewomen Witches.
Despite some flaws, listeners will be caught up in Chokshi’s haunting, sensual world. An excellent fit for fans of Diane Setterfield’s Once Upon a River or Kate Morton’s The Clockmaker’s Daughter.
Highly recommended for fans of “The Murderbot Diary” series by Martha Wells and SF mysteries in general, particularly John Scalzi’s Lock In.
PREMIUM
The Endless Vessel
Exploring the necessity of human connection with incredible depth, Soule serves up a delightful cocktail of dystopian and science fiction, with elements of historical fiction as a cherry on top. Recommended for, but not limited to, fans of Dan Brown’s “Robert Langdon” series and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas.
PREMIUM
L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Vol. 39: The Best New SF & Fantasy of the Year
This collection of winners will satisfy readers of SF, epic and urban fantasy, and the squishy places in between, where speculative fiction is mashed into brave new worlds and mixed-up old ones.
PREMIUM
SubOrbital 7
This is a tight military procedural for fans looking for something like Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan transported to space, with rockets flying, ruthless Russians scheming, and unvarnished trust in the American way.
PREMIUM
Darkly She Goes
In this fantasy tale, Mallié (Arsène Lupine, Gentleman Thief) and Hubert (Beauty) create an ethereal, shadow-strewn world where cruel pasts corrupt the present.
PREMIUM
A Sleight of Shadows
Howard offers another riveting foray into this magical world. Recommend to fans of Naomi Novik’s “Scholomance” series.
Bushnell (The Weirdness) seamlessly blends mystery, urban fantasy, and an exploration of gender identity into the kind of fun and fantastical ride that his readers have come to expect. Recommend to fans of TJ Klune and Kevin Wilson.
PREMIUM
The Infinite Miles
Fergesen’s debut will appeal to fans of Doctor Who who enjoy a little nostalgia paired with a reminder to not dwell too much on the past.
This is powerful storytelling at its finest, and the mind-blowing ending opens the series to so much more potential. Perfect for fans of Patrick Rothfuss and Anthony Ryan.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
The thought-provoking and mind-bending writing of this collection often offers as many questions as answers, which is part of its appeal. Insatiably curious SF readers will want to check this out.
A must-read modern folktale set in an alternate world where wishes come true, but not always as expected.
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
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.
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