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| Merrow by Ananda Braxton-SmithHistorical Fiction. Just like the water swirls around her home on Carrick Island, rumors swirl around Neen Marrey and her family. Some say that after Neen's father drowned, her mother wasted away with a broken heart. Others claim that she was a merrow -- a mermaid -- who followed her husband into the sea. Neen's harsh Auntie Ushag might know what really happened, but she's not telling, leaving Neen to search for the truth within the stories. Though the Irish folklore and snippets of Manx language in Merrow hint at a Middle Ages setting, this atmospheric, absorbing tale about the need to belong will still resonate with modern readers. |
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Sea of Ink and Gold: The Reader
by Traci Chee
Fantasy. The small, flat package was the only thing Sefia saved after her father's horrific murder, and she's kept it, unopened, for years as she hides in the wilderness of Kelanna, learning survival skills from her wily aunt Nin. But now Nin has been kidnapped and Sefia needs clues, so she opens the package to reveal a dangerous, highly illegal object: a book. This discovery kicks off a powerful, multi-layered tale of vicious assassins, unexpected allies, and hidden powers. Fantasy fans looking for deep world-building will appreciate the inventive magic and ethnically diverse society in this debut, which is the 1st in a series.
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| Of Fire and Stars by Audrey CoulthurstFantasy. After arriving in Mynaria to prepare for her arranged marriage to the prince, Princess Dennaleia soon finds herself falling in love…only not with her fiancé. Already hiding her illegal magical abilities, Denna is keenly aware that she's responsible for clinching her country's alliance with Mynaria -- yet the deepening feelings between her and Mare, the prince's sister, are undeniable. As an assassination rocks the kingdom, both girls begin to question the future that's been chosen for them. If you're intrigued by the clash of romance and politics in this debut fantasy, you may also want to try Malinda Lo's Ash or Rachel Hartman's Seraphina series. |
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Stalking Jack the Ripper
by Kerri Maniscalco
Historical Fiction. Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life. Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world. The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
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| Fate of Flames by Sarah RaughleyFantasy. In an uncertain future where the world is plagued by monstrous Phantoms, the Effigies are humanity's last line of defense. Four girls with elemental powers, the Effigies are heroes and celebrities, and when one dies, another is chosen. After Effigy fangirl Maia inherits the powers of the Fire Effigy, she's shocked to discover that her idols are just as messed-up as any human. Then a new villain with game-changing powers appears, and the Effigies are forced to step up like never before -- if only they can learn to work together. Pairing high-stakes action with plenty of personal drama, Fate of Flames kicks off a new and unusual superhero series. |
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| Scythe by Neal ShustermanScience Fiction. Most job training isn't life-threatening, but being a Scythe isn't a typical job. It's 2042, and Earth is enjoying a post-mortal period, free of natural or accidental death. To keep the population in check, the Scythes -- an organization of professional killers -- are tasked with randomly "gleaning" lives. Sixteen-year-olds Citra and Rowan are horrified at the idea of murder, yet both are chosen as apprentice Scythes and forced into a winner-gleans-loser competition. As their violent training progresses, the apprentices take turns describing their moral misgivings and increasingly complicated relationship. If you're into provocative, philosophical science fiction, don't miss this series opener from award-winning author Neal Shusterman. |
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Focus on: Artificial Intelligence |
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| The Scorpion Rules by Erin BowScience Fiction. In the far future, an artificial intelligence called Talis has achieved world peace...by holding hostage the children of world leaders. Princess Greta has grown up as one of these "Children of Peace," but now her country is on the brink of war and her life could be forfeit. Enter Elián, a new, rebellious hostage who inspires Greta to question who she loves and where her duty truly lies. With an international cast of characters, Canadian author Erin Bow crafts an intricate world filled with impossible decisions and shocking twists. If you can't get enough dystopian fiction but are tired of the same old, same old, don't miss The Scorpion Rules, the 1st in the Prisoners of Peace series. |
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| Willful Machines by Tim FloreenScience Fiction. You'd think that being the President's son would offer a life of ease, but things are far from easy for Lee Fisher. For one thing, he's been targeted by a rogue "artificially conscious" terrorist (ironic, since Lee is a robotics geek). Then there are his dad's ultra-conservative politics, which force Lee to hide the fact that he's gay and falling fast for his eccentric new classmate, Nico. And those are just the first of many thorny situations Lee has to face in this near-future techno-thriller filled with star-crossed romance and thought-provoking questions about artificial intelligence. |
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| Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay KristoffScience Fiction. Ugh, you know that feeling when your break-up is overshadowed by the destruction of your planet? No? Well, it isn't what Kady and Ezra are expecting either, but when their home on the mining colony Kerenza IV is annihilated by corporate rival BeiTech, their personal issues take a back seat to survival. Yet even after they escape on separate spaceships, survival is a tall order: the ships are afflicted with unrest, conspiracies, a crazed artificial intelligence, and a virus that turns people into rage-filled zombies. First in a trilogy and told through message transcripts, surveillance logs, and other found documents, Illuminae is a gripping, unconventional science fiction thriller. |
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