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Fantasy and Science Fiction October 2019
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| American Magic: A Thriller by Zach FehstWhat it is: a globe-trotting fantasy spy thriller reminiscent of the work of Dan Brown and Robert Ludlum.
Starring: former CIA operative Ben Zolstra, who must track down a terrorist who has uploaded to the dark web incantations that allow ordinary people to wield powerful magic.
You might also like: Bookburners by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Mur Lafferty, and Brian Francis Slattery. |
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A Chain Across the Dawn by Drew WilliamsWhat it is: Drew Williams continues the Universe After series with an epic space opera chase across the galaxy with witty banter, fantastical planets, and a seemingly unbeatable foe. What it's about: Two members of The Justified, a group of space soldiers with special powers, travel to a remote planet in search of a gifted Wulf boy in this follow-up to The Stars Now Unclaimed. What happens: It's been three years since Esa joined the ranks of the Justified. Together, Esa and fellow Justified agent Jane Kamali travel from planet to Pulse-ravaged planet, searching for other children with Esa's supernatural abilities. But on a visit to an extremely remote planet to rescue a gifted Wulf boy named Sho, they learn that the Justified are not the only people searching for gifted children.
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| The Harp of Kings by Juliet MarillierWhat it's about: A group of apprentice warriors from Swan Island must locate the ancient Harp of Kings before Midsummer, when it will be used in the coronation of the next king of Breifne.
Why you might like it: Unfolding from the perspectives of its three main characters, this intricately plotted series opener's central quest narrative is enhanced by a coming-of-age story and a slow-building romance.
About the author: No one does Celtic-inspired historical fantasy like New Zealand-born, Australia-based author Juliet Marillier, best known for her Sevenwaters series. |
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The Obsoletes by Simeon MillsWhat it is: A thought-provoking coming-of-age novel about two human-like teen robots navigating high school, basketball, and potentially life-threatening consequences if their true origins are discovered by the inhabitants of their intolerant 1980s Michigan hometown. Why you should read it: Simeon Mills's charming debut novel is a funny, poignant look at brotherhood, xenophobia, and the limits of one's programming.
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| Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn MuirIntroducing: Lesbian swordswoman Gideon Nav, indentured servant in the House of the Ninth; and her nemesis, necromancer Lady Harrowhark Nonegesimus, who may be her best shot at freedom.
Why you might like it: This edgy, irreverent debut boasts a foul-mouthed, snarky heroine; an enemies-to-not-quite-lovers plot; a murder mystery in the midst of an interplanetary competition; and necromancy.
For fans of: the revenge plot of Jay Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicle; the protagonist and atmosphere of Nicole Kornher-Stace's Archivist Wasp. |
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| Blood of an Exile by Brian NaslundWhat it's about: Exiled lord-turned-dragonslayer "Flawless" Silas Bershad has a chance to redeem himself by rescuing a kidnapped Almiran princess and assassinating the emperor of neighboring Baleria.
Why you might like it: This opening installment of the Dragons of Terra series boasts an action-packed plot, compelling (if not exactly sympathetic) characters, and an immersive setting.
You might also like: John Gwynne's Of Blood and Bone series, a similarly verging-on-grimdark fantasy where no character is safe. |
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| It Devours! A Welcome to Night Vale Novel by Joseph Fink and Jeffery CranorWhat happens: Local scientist Nilanjana Sikdar investigates strange goings-on in the desert and discovers...well, you'll just have to find out.
Should you start here? While this spin-off of the popular Welcome to Night Vale) podcast stands on its own, it does contain some (minor) spoilers for the main series.
Food for thought: "Death is only the end if you assume the story is about you." |
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Broken Monsters by Lauren BeukesWhat it's about: Detective Gabriella Versado investigates after disturbing displays that fuse the bodies of murder victims with those of animals are uncovered in abandoned Detroit buildings, in a thriller from the author of the international best-seller The Shining Girls. What happens: If you're Detective Versado's geeky teenage daughter, Layla, you commence a dangerous flirtation with a potential predator online.If you're Thomas Keen, known on the street as TK, you'll do what you can to keep your homeless family safe--and find the monster who is possessed by the dream of violently remaking the world. Peer praise: "Scary as hell and hypnotic. I couldn't put it down...I'd grab it if I were you." --Stephen King
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| Storm of Locusts by Rebecca RoanhorseWhat it is: the sequel to the Nebula Award-nominated Trail of Lightning.
Starring: Diné (Navajo) monster hunter Maggie Hoskie, who must rescue her best friend, Kai, from a cult.
For fans of: Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels novels, another post-apocalyptic urban fantasy series featuring a strong heroine and plenty of monster-battling thrills. |
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| The New Annotated Frankenstein by Mary Shelley; edited by Leslie S. KlingerWhat it is: a thoroughly annotated, lavishly illustrated edition of Mary Shelley's classic novel Frankenstein.
Includes: both the 1818 and 1831 versions of the text, as well as 200 illustrations ranging from engravings to photographs.
Series alert: Readers whose sweet spot is the intersection of horror and SF will be pleased to learn that editor Leslie S. Klinger is also responsible for The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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