reviews

These two buzzy SFF picks, originally self-published, get big publisher attention.

SFF highlights include dystopian fiction, a West African–based epic fantasy, a queer fantasy set in the Appalachian mountains, and a novel of vampires, werewolves and sorcerers; plus a list of forthcoming series titles.

Take the deadly mystery and vicious academic politics of The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older, stir in the magic and the romance of the “Emily Wilde” series by Heather Fawcett (but make it sapphic), add several drops of the political shenanigans of epic fantasy, and stir with a sharp, prickly thorn of a main character to get this fraught enemies-to-lovers fantasy. YA author Saft’s (A Fragile Enchantment) adult debut is highly recommended.

Fans of Patricia A. McKillip’s The Forgotten Beasts of Eld or Marie Brennan’s Driftwood will be in awe of Berry’s (The Manual of Detection) wonderfully odd ode to language, story, and family.

Soria’s newest book will wrap readers into a cozy world that they won’t want to leave. This fantasy romance is sure to enrapture readers looking for an atmospheric and lovable read, much like Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett.

PC Cast reimagines famous warrior queen Boudicca, and Samantha Sotto Yambao writes a cozy romance fantasy; plus exciting series installments from Mai Corland, Melissa Blair, and Rebecca Yarros.

Journey into imaginary realms full of wonder, chaos, comfort, and adventure.

Explore the near present and the far future in spectacular works of rational imagination and inquiry.