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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
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
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.
Highly recommended for lovers of woman-forward SF/F and any reader still waiting for that wardrobe to open.
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.
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
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
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
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 Warden
Ford (Cheap Heat) begins an appealing new fantasy series filled with adventure, action, and old magic.
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
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
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.
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
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
A Touch of Moonlight
Ray and Larimar’s romance is lovely, as is the inclusion of Dominican lore, culture, and recipes.
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
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 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.
PREMIUM
Sand
Howey’s imaginative novel, which brings to mind the wrecked world of Mad Max, should appeal to fans of Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl and C.A. Fletcher’s A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World.
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.
PREMIUM
The Foxglove King
Whitten’s (For the Throne) new novel showcases her witty dialogue and captivating prose. Romantic fantasy fans will enjoy this and await the next in the series.
PREMIUM
Conquer the Kingdom
Estep lands solidly with her last book of the “Gargoyle Queen” trilogy (after Tear Down the Throne), capping off a delightful romantic fantasy in her growing world.
PREMIUM
Liar City
This promising series opener is packed with action, interesting metaphysical abilities, and a fully realized world with political divisions that feel relevant to the current political climate. The developing romance is likely too subtle for romance readers, but urban fantasy fans will be thrilled with the possibilities for future entries.
Gladstone (Ruin of Angels) launches a new series that will end his Craft saga (begun with the “Craft Sequence” series). This will not only be relished by fans of the previous books but might also make a terrific starting point for new readers.
PREMIUM
Ascension
An exciting story where the undiscovered wonders of Earth prove as exciting as those out in the galaxy.
Witches, spaceships, and dragons appear in the most spellbinding and thrilling science fiction and fantasy books of 2022.
PREMIUM
Barrow of Winter
This novel from Long (Temple of No God) is a self-contained story that can be read without reading the previous titles set in the same universe, but readers will definitely want to seek out the others. Fans of character-centric fantasy with a well-built world will find much to love about Thray, the Hall of Smoke world, and its denizens.
PREMIUM
The Phantom Scientist
A puzzle, a panopticon, and an invitation to seek answers even as obstructions abound, this is an engaging, dryly funny read for armchair philosophers, disillusioned academics, and the unceasingly curious.
A fast-paced, unpredictable, and utterly original story rendered in delicate linework and vibrant color.
This enchanting book is perfect for readers who love The Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, and other whimsical fantasy stories. Filled with heroes, noble quests, magical creatures, curses, and unforgettable characters, it is an unforgettable listen for all ages.
PREMIUM
The Book Eaters
This is the type of dark fantasy that breaks out of the genre and into popular culture. Beautiful and intense, it is a must-listen.
PREMIUM
The Witch and the Tsar
Kapustin’s deft narration combined with Gilmore’s intriguing rendition of the often maligned Baba Yaga makes for an enchanting listen.
PREMIUM
Thistlefoot
Outstanding narration and an enchanting story line make this book a must-buy for all audio collections. Recommend to listeners who enjoy fiction with a fairy tale twist, such as that found in Rena Rossner’s The Sisters of the Winter Wood or Olesya Salnikova Gilmore’s The Witch and the Tsar.
PREMIUM
The Awoken
This audiobook is a disappointment to sci-fi fans but may interest some patrons hoping to dip their toes into a new genre.
PREMIUM
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven
Readers looking to start an engaging fantasy series filled with magic, friendship, and feminism should start here. Dawson’s following among YA readers promises strong crossover appeal.
PREMIUM
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance
Recommended for readers looking for an absorbing queer fantasy, complete with intricate world-building, tantalizing mystery, and a slow-burn, tender romance.
PREMIUM
High Times in the Low Parliament
Recommended for fans of fantasy, quirky characters, and political satire.
PREMIUM
Intergalactic Exterminators, Inc
This largely misses the mark. Libraries may want to take a pass.
PREMIUM
The Art of Prophecy
Clocking in at almost 19 hours, this is a hefty book, but listeners will be captivated by the intricate worldbuilding and satisfying character development. An engrossing series starter that is highly recommended for fans of Ken Liu, Yong Jin, and Nghi Vo.
PREMIUM
Bindle Punk Bruja
Recommend to Jazz Age aficionados, as well as readers of historical fantasy.
PREMIUM
Ten Thousand Stitches
Atwater’s second book in the “Regency Faerie Tale” series (after Half a Soul) is a fanciful and funny romp, with plenty of twists and turns to keep listeners guessing. Perfect for fans of The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk.
PREMIUM
The Mountain in the Sea
This slow-burning novel strikes a balance between hard- and soft-speculative fiction without being too heady or obtuse and would be a sound addition to any library’s collection.
PREMIUM
Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence; An Arcane History of The Oxford Translators’ Revolution
Sure to please fantasy readers. Order this unique and absorbing book in all formats.
PREMIUM
Queen of Dust
Dare, who also writes contemporary romance as Hanna Earnest, here pens a science-fiction romance that leans heavily into its tropes and brings forth a successful story. Fans of enemies-to-lovers will be thrilled with this book.
An energetic start to a pirate fantasy trilogy, filled with magic, mayhem, and self-reflection. Fans of Jenn Lyons’s storytelling will want to pick up Chakraborty’s (“Daevabad Trilogy”) new series.
The first novel from Tesh (“Greenhollow” novellas) is an intriguing space opera and study of radicalization, indoctrination, and what happens when one breaks free in the most absolute way.
PREMIUM
Bitter Medicine
Urban fantasy readers will appreciate the well-crafted hidden world, and lovers of bad boy or Mafia romances will see Luc as their darkly delicious type, all while Elle’s long sacrifice will break readers’ hearts. Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s epic paranormal fantasies will also find much to savor in Tsai’s debut.
PREMIUM
VAMPS: Fresh Blood
Arend creates an exciting world of civilized vampires that hold power and weight even inside the human hierarchy. It’s an alluring and fast-paced read for fans of The Atlas Six, A Deadly Education, and True Blood.
PREMIUM
World Running Down
Engaging prose and compelling dialogue make this novel an easy read that will appeal to teen and adult readers who enjoy sci-fi that addresses social justice issues. This is the traditionally published debut novel from Hess, who has previously written the self-published “Travelers” and “Hep Cats of Boise” series.
PREMIUM
Karma of the Sun
For readers of post-apocalyptic cli-fi who enjoy magic-infused stories that don’t center Western cultures.
As with the previous book, inventive storytelling delves into philosophical concepts such as time, meaning, and language. This is a novel that transcends genre and will astound readers looking for serious, contemporary fiction.
This short but deeply affecting parable will unveil new perspectives to readers long after it’s done. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Threadneedle
Already a bestseller in the UK, Thomas launches an engrossing, magic-filled series that follows the coming-of-age of a witch against the backdrop of modern London.
PREMIUM
The Scarlet Circus
This fourth volume in a series of short fictions and poetry from multiple award-winning Yolen (The Midnight Circus) showcases her enchanting storytelling and lyrical voice.
PREMIUM
The Curator
King’s (Double Feature) latest is a masterpiece of storytelling to be enjoyed by readers who love language and the fantastical.
The velvety prose, the creepy heart-clenching suspense, and the meaning and emotion layered into every word all give rise to an incredibly thought-provoking sci-fi thriller from Cronin (The City of Mirrors).
The second “Sun Chronicles” book (after Unconquerable Sun) continues the complex action and intrigue from the first volume. Expansive space opera at its finest.
Chokshi’s (Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality) adult debut is recommended for lovers of gothic romance, magical realism, and stories where fairy tales come true, especially when they shouldn’t.
Fans of the series will be thrilled to reenter the world of Lethe house, and the current popularity of dark academia will send it to the top of TBR piles.
Brown’s debut novella is highly recommended for readers who like their science-fictional thrills to be both real and out of this world at the same time.
A veteran journalist, Denise Crittendon has been writing for so long that she sometimes wonders if she has ink in her blood. Her career includes two major metropolitan daily newspapers and stints as editor-in-chief of two magazines, one national and one based in her hometown, Detroit. Kristi Chadwick, LJ’s co-columnist for SFF, talks with her about writing, reading, and the SFF genre.
PREMIUM
Untethered Sky
This slim novella packs a punch as it explores the emotional journey of one woman’s feelings of vengeance and devotion, as wild as the creatures that she must face.
PREMIUM
Frontier
This western-inspired, post-apocalyptic tale is an adventurous science-fiction story, filled with a high-action quest and intimate looks at what people will do to survive.
PREMIUM
Hopeland
An eccentric and adventurous love story mixed with a rich and picturesque family saga. The popping action sequences reinforce McDonald’s (The Menace from Farside) swift and distinctive writing style. Perfect for fans of Stephen Baxter.
PREMIUM
A Fire Endless
Ross (A River Enchanted) creates a magical story with lyrical prose that draws the reader into the tale and its setting. Recommend this series to fans of Jeffe Kennedy, Susanna Clarke, and Terry Brooks.
PREMIUM
Feed Them Silence
Supported by Mandelo’s (Summer Sons) characteristic, melancholic prose, this novella may not be for every reader, but it will appeal to those who appreciate delving into thorny ethical dilemmas and will make readers consider their own beliefs regarding ethics, research, technology, and relationships.
PREMIUM
The Daughters of Izdihar
Elsbai’s debut feminist fantasy, inspired by modern Egyptian history, provides an in-depth exploration of a society on the edge of revolution and war. The fight for women’s rights is centered here, but it is clear that more is yet to come in book two of this projected duology.
PREMIUM
The Mimicking of Known Successes
Recommended for readers who enjoy a bit of mystery mixed with their SF (like Mary Robinette Kowal’s recent The Spare Man and Eddie Robson’s Drunk on All Your Strange New Words) and anyone who cannot resist a Sherlock Holmes pastiche.
PREMIUM
The Strange
Ballingrud, whose story collection North American Lake Monsters was adapted as the Hulu TV series Monsterland, makes his full-length novel debut with this Wild West frontier story on Mars that edges into horror.
This science-fictional noir will appeal to readers who have fallen hard for the upswing in blended SF/mysteries such as John Scalzi’s “Lock In” and “Dispatcher” series. The blend brings a new twist to both parts of its equation, with the mystery and all its delicious red herrings set in a world not quite like the present. Curtida fits right into the mold of the noir detective while giving Sam Spade and company an entirely different perspective as a neuro-atypical Latinx protagonist. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Summer’s End
Van Stry’s nuts-and-bolts approach to spaceships, mixed with a fascinating and complex portrait of future-Earth politics and society, will appeal to fans of James Corey’s “Expanse” series.
The post-apocalyptic setting makes Kalfar’s (Spaceman of Bohemia) latest an excellent addition to SF collections, but it’s also an interesting story of an adopted adult reuniting with her birth family.
PREMIUM
The Basilisk Throne
Keyes’s (Realms of the Deathless) high seas, epic fantasy is fast-paced, contains exceptional worldbuilding, and offers multiple intricate plots woven together to create a marvelous adventure that will appeal to Game of Thrones fans. Readers will eagerly await future volumes.
PREMIUM
Wild Massive
The latest from Moore (Battle of the Linguist Mages) is perfect for those who enjoy offbeat sci-fi where the weak stand up to the strong.
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