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The tangled lands
by Paolo Bacigalupi
A tyrannical leader known as The Jolly Mayor uses his devious right-hand man, the last living archmage, to collect all the magic from The Blue City and control its citizens. By two New York Times best-selling authors.
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| The Memory of Fire by Callie BatesWhat happens: In this follow-up to The Walking Land, Paladisian nobleman Jahan Korakides must hide his magic powers -- or face punishment by death. But as the former emperor prepares to invade, Jahan finds that magic might be the only way to maintain peace.
Welcome back: While this 2nd epic fantasy in a planned trilogy does introduce readers to a new main character, fans will be happy that the star of the 1st volume, Elanna Valtai, also appears. |
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| Starless by Jacqueline CareyWhat it’s about: Since birth, Khai has been tasked with protecting and defending his soul’s twin, the Princess Zariya of the Ageless and Sun-Blessed. But in a world where exiled gods mingle among mortals, nothing is as it seems -- and an important and critical piece of Khai’s identity has been withheld from him.
Is it for you? Readers who like intricate world-building, intrigue, and adventure will enjoy this epic fantasy.
You might also like: authors Garth Nix and Rhoda Belleza. |
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Amberlough
by Lara Elena Donnelly
A mission gone wrong that has triggered political fires throughout Amberlough City finds gay double agent Cyril DePaul scheming to protect his smuggler lover, Aristide Makricosta, throughout the rise of a fascist government coup. A first novel.
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Circe
by Madeline Miller
A highly anticipated follow-up to the award-winning The Song of Achilles follows the banished witch daughter of Titans as she hones her powers and interacts with famous mythological beings before a conflict with one of the most vengeful Olympians forces her to choose between the worlds of the gods and mortals. 75,000 first printing
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Blackfish City : a novel
by Sam J Miller
When a climate-wars project involving the construction of a sophisticated floating city in the Arctic Circle begins to succumb to corruption and crime, the arrival of a woman riding an orca at the side of a polar-bear companion subtly brings together four marginalized people to stage strategic acts of resistance. By the award-winning author of the young-adult novel, The Art of Starving. 40,000 first printing
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Focus on: Australian Speculative Fiction
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| Lexicon by Max BarryWhat it’s about: Words have the power to maim and kill, but only a few people can wield them -- including teenage street denizen Emily, whom a mysterious organization recruits for training. In a parallel story, Wil is the only survivor of a catastrophe in Australia, and one man thinks he might be immune to the effects of powerful words that have proved fatal for others.
Who it’s for: Contemporary fantasy readers who also like thrillers, horror, and dystopian fiction.
You might also like: The Word Exchange by Alena Graedon. |
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| Thief's Magic by Trudi CanavanWhat it’s about: While excavating an ancient tomb, sorcerer-archaeologist Tyen discovers a sentient book named Vella, magically created from the body of a living woman. In a parallel narrative, Rielle has possessed supernatural powers since birth and is reluctant to conform to society’s expectations for young women.
Why you might like it: Thief's Magic is an epic fantasy with a hefty dose of magic.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Millennium’s Rule Trilogy, followed by Angel of Storms. |
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| The Lyre Thief by Jennifer FallonStarring: Princess Rakaia of Fardohnya and her illegitimate half-sister Charisee, who have been trading identities for years. But this time it's not a game, for Rakaia has learned that she is not the king's biological daughter, placing her in extreme jeopardy.
Why you might like it: This fast-paced epic fantasy is full of romance, revenge, and political intrigue.
Series alert: The Lyre Thief is the 7th in the Hythrun chronicles, but it offers plenty of backstory for new readers. |
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| Dreamer's Pool: A Blackthorn & Grim Novel by Juliet MarillierWhat it's about: To avoid execution, imprisoned healer Blackthorn strikes a bargain with one of the fae: her freedom in exchange for seven years' service in the kingdom of Dalriada, where she soon discovers that something’s rotten.
Reviewers say: a “feast for the imagination” (Publishers Weekly).
Series alert: Dreamer's Pool is the 1st book in the Blackthorn & Grim series, which is inspired by Irish mythology and features women’s empowerment as a theme. |
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| The Swan Book: A Novel by Alexis WrightWhat it’s about: In a dystopian near-future where climate change has drastically changed Australia, Oblivia Ethelyne, an Aboriginal teen, is violently assaulted but rescued by eccentric old Bella Donna -- until Warren Finch, the first Aboriginal president of Australia, forcibly takes her as his bride.
Who it's for: Readers who like mythology and folklore.
You might also like: The Sunlight Pilgrims by Jenny Fagan, which is also a lyrical science fiction story set in a near-future world. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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