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Fantasy and Science Fiction January 2023
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| The Stars Undying by Emery RobinWhat happens: To seize the throne from her sister, Altagracia Caviro Patramata, would-be ruler of Szayet, forges an alliance with military commander Matheus Ceirran of the Ceian Empire.
Why you might like it: Full of intrigue, this space opera is the 1st installment of the Empire Without End series, which draws inspiration from the reign of Cleopatra.
For fans of: Kate Elliott's Unconquerable Sun. |
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To Each This World
by Julie Czerneda
Biologist Julie E. Czerneda's new standalone science fiction novel follows a desperate mission to reconnect with long lost sleeper ships, sent centuries earlier from Earth to settle distant worlds. A trio of humans must work with their mysterious alien allies to rescue any descendants they can find on those worlds. Something is out there, determined to claim the cosmos for itself, and only on Earth will humans be safe. Or will they? The challenge isn't just to communicate with your own kind after generations have passed. It's to understand what isn't your kind at all. And how far will trust take you, when the truth depends on what you are?
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| A Fire Endless by Rebecca RossWhat it is: the sequel to A River Enchanted and the conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology.
Read it for: well-drawn characters, both familiar and new; a magical island setting inspired by Scotland; and an inventive twist on Celtic folklore.
You might also like: Freda Warrington's Aetherial Tales series, Charles de Lint's Jack of Kinrowan novels. |
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The Ivory Tomb
by Melissa Caruso
The Dark Days have returned. The Demon of Carnage mercilessly cuts through villagers and armies. The Demon of Corruption poisons/rots the land. The Serene Empire and the Witch Lords race towards war. And in the middle of it all stands Rxyander, the Warden of Gloamingard. Burdened by conflicting loyalties and guilt, Ryx searches desperately for a way to defeat the demons before the world she loves is completely destroyed. To find answers, she'll have to return to where it all started...the black tower at the heart of Gloamingard.
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| Age of Ash by Daniel AbrahamWhat it's about: In the ancient city of Kithamar, street thief Alys searches for her brother's murderer.
Read it for: sympathetic characters, immersive world-building, and a slowly unfurling mystery.
Series alert: Age of Ash marks the opening installment of the Kithamar series, which continues with Blade of Dream. |
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| The Blood Trials by N.E. DavenportWhat happens: Determined to avenge her grandfather's assassination at the hands of the Republic of Mareen's ruling Tribunal, Black warrior-in-training Ikenna pledges herself to the Praetorian Trials, a brutal initiation rite with a very low survival rate.
Is it for you? Blood and gore abound in this opening installment of the Blood Gift duology, which concludes with the forthcoming The Blood Gift.
For fans of: the strong-willed fighters and blood-soaked vengeance quests of Pierce Brown's Red Rising saga or Evan Winter's The Burning series. |
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| Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby DixonStarring: Florida woman Georgie Carruthers, who escapes her alien captors -- only to be claimed by Vektal, a blue-skinned alien from the ice planet "Not-Hoth."
Book buzz: Originally self-published, this steamy BookTok fan favorite (the 1st novel in a 20-volume series) is now available in print.
You might also like: Cheryl Brooks' Cat Star Planet series; Ann Aguirre's Galactic Love series. |
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| Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold HoldtWhat it is: the opening installment of the Hanged God trilogy, a historical grimdark fantasy inspired by Norse mythology.
Read it for: a well-drawn ensemble cast; a detailed Viking Age setting; fiery, gore-drenched raids and battles; and a slow but steady march towards Ragnarok.
For fans of: John Gwynne's Bloodsworn saga. |
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| Shards of Earth by Adrian TchaikovskyWhat it's about: A century after the alien Architects destroy Earth, genetically modified supersoldier Idris Telemmier joins the crew of the salvage ship Vulture God and discovers a derelict craft containing some dangerous and in-demand cargo.
Series alert: Shards of Earth kicks off the Final Architecture series, which continues with Eyes of the Void and the forthcoming Lords of Uncreation.
Book buzz: This "dazzlingly suspenseful space opera" (Publishers Weekly) won the 2022 BSFA Award for Best Novel. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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