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Fantasy and Science Fiction October 2019
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Hollow Kingdom: A Novel
by Kira Jane Buxton
What it's about: Sensing something is wrong with his owner, a domesticated crow abandons the only life he ever knew to discover that humans are turning into zombies and must use knowledge gleaned from his TV-viewing to save them.
Reviewers say: "Buxton’s quirky ideas and compelling nonhuman characters will satisfy literary fiction and zombie genre enthusiasts alike who are looking for something beguilingly different" (Booklist).
For fans of: Colson Whitehead's Zone One.
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Exhalation: Stories
by Ted Chiang
What it is: the long-awaited 2nd short story collection by the author of Stories of Your Life and Others.
Don't miss: "The Life Cycle of Software Objects," in which humans and machines form parent-child bonds; "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," a time travel tale in the style of One Thousand and One Nights.
Reviewers say: "likely to linger in the memory the way riddles may linger -- teasing, tormenting, illuminating, thrilling" (The New Yorker).
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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 Dragon Republic
by R.F. Kuang
What it's about: Haunted by her deeds during the Third Poppy War, warrior and shaman Rin is determined to redeem herself -- by allying herself with the Dragon Warlord to depose the treacherous Empress.
Is it for you? This dark and ultra-violent military fantasy, set in a world reminiscent of 19th-century China and starring an opium-addicted heroine struggling with PTSD, does not pull any punches.
Should you start here? Due to the complexity of the plot and world-building, newcomers should start with The Poppy War.
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The Cruel Stars
by John Birmingham
What it's about: A band of reluctant heroes becomes civilization’s protectors when a genocidal army of cybernetically enhanced beings, believed defeated centuries earlier, returns to annihilate all human life.
For fans of: Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam and Ben Elton's Time and Time Again.
Reviewers say: "The Cruel Stars is sure to be popular with military-science-fiction readers and fans of James S. A. Corey’s The Expanse series" (Booklist).
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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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| 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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Midnight Crossroad
by Charlaine Harris
What it's about: Welcome to Midnight, Texas: a dried-up, one traffic light town with a mysterious new resident, Manfred Bernardo. Stay awhile, and learn the truth.
Reviewers say: "Recommended for those who prefer a mystery that perhaps calls for accepting the unbelievable and fantastical" (Library Journal).
Should you start here? Yes, this is the first installment in the popular trilogy Midnight, Texas.
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World War Z : An Oral History of the Zombie War
by Max Brooks
What it's about: An account of the decade-long conflict between humankind and hordes of the predatory undead is told from the perspective of dozens of survivors who describe in their own words the epic human battle for survival.
For fans of: Raymond A. Villareal's A People's History of the Vampire Uprising.
Reviewers say: "This infectious and compelling book will have nervous readers watching the streets for zombies" (Library Journal).
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Frankenstein
by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
What it's about: A monster created by scientist Victor Frankenstein from parts of corpses and brought to life develops loathing for himself and hatred for his creator as he learns to think for himself.
For fans of: Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
About the author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, wife of the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, holds the distinction of writing the archetypal science fiction novel.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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St Joseph County Public Library
304 S. Main St
South Bend, Indiana 46601
574-282 -4646
http://sjcpl.org
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