Yup. It’s totally 100% true. Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy is totally awesome. Imagine if J.J. Abrams, Margaret Atwood, and Alan Weisman collaborated on a novel…the books are futuristic supernatural thrillers, part science fiction, part dystopian, part horror, all amazing. Stephen King is a big fan and the New York Times Book Review recently gave […]
Tag: sci-fi
LOCK IN lands on the August 2014 LibraryReads list!
FANTASTIC NEWS! LOCK IN by John Scalzi is #4 on the August 2014 LibraryReads list! In Hugo Award-winning author Scalzi’s latest sci-fi novel, a meningitis-like virus known as “Haden’s syndrome” has swept the globe, leaving nearly 5 million people “locked in” fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus. Locked-in Haden’s survivors […]
Summer SF/Fantasy
Greetings, SF/fantasy fans! Here are a few books hitting the shelves this summer that we think you'll love:
CALIFORNIA BONES by Greg Van Eekhout
Available Now
“This wonderfully imaginative story is set in an alternate-reality Los Angeles that will seem both familiar (the author mentions Topanga Canyon and Rhino Records) and weirdly unusual (the city has an elaborate canal system, like that in Venice, for example). In this world, the bones of magical creatures contain remnants of their powers; if you consume these ancient bones, or the bones of magical people living today, you acquire their magical properties (when the Hierarch killed Daniel’s father, he, um, ate him). The story is structured like a caper novel, and fans of stories about heists will enjoy it, but its fantastical elements make it an absolute must for urban-fantasy readers, too.” — Booklist, starred & boxed review
UNWEPT: Book One of The Nightbirds by Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman
On Sale: July 1, 2014
In this start to a spellbinding new trilogy by the bestselling co-creators of Dragonlance and Ravenloft, unknown events have robbed Ellis Harkington of her memory. Concerned individuals, who claim to be friends and loved ones, insist that she simply needs to recuperate, yet they refuse to divulge what has brought her to this state. “A gothic, unsettling, and eerie beginning to the new trilogy from the Hickmans. Creepy imagery and the withholding of information from both Ellis and the reader keep the pages turning.” — Library Journal
LOCK IN by John Scalzi
On Sale: August 26, 2014
In Hugo Award-winning author Scalzi’s latest sci-fi novel, a virus known as “Haden's syndrome” has swept the globe, creating the largest medical crisis in history with nearly 5 million people “locked in”—fully awake and aware, but unable to move or respond to stimulus. In this new world, rookie FBI agent Chris Shane and veteran agent Leslie Vann must investigate a Haden-related murder that may have much larger implications in this new society.
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Super Sci-Fi/Fantasy!
Booklist recently announced their Best SF/Fantasy/Horror picks for 2014 and surprise, surprise, Macmillan made the list:
THE BONE SEASON by Samantha Shannon
The first in a series of seven novels, in which we find ourselves in a totalitarian state in England around 2059, is a dazzlingly brainy, witty, and bewitching tale of courage and freedom.
THE KRAKEN PROJECT by Douglas Preston
The Kraken Project is a NASA initiative to send a probe to Titan, a large moon of Saturn; the author sells his premise by sheer force of will and with compelling characters and persuasive storytelling.
ON THE RAZOR'S EDGE by Michael Flynn
This magnificent and satisfyingly open-ended conclusion to the tale of the civil war between the Shadows of the Names is a beautifully told story with colorful characters out of the epic tradition.
What's that you say? You've read these and want even MORE sci-fi/fantasy? Your wish is our command!
THE TIME TRAVELER'S ALMANAC by Ann VanderMeer and Jeff VanderMeer
On the heels of the World Fantasy Award–winning THE WEIRD, the next genre-defining anthology from Ann and Jeff VanderMeer explores the popular world of time travel fiction. “The VanderMeers' latest giant anthology does the genre a great service, reaching back through that history for classics as well as newer pieces readers might have missed.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
THE REVOLUTIONS by Felix Gilman
Gilman pens a sweeping stand-alone tale of Victorian science fiction, arcane exploration, and planetary romance. “Gilman pulls one surprise after another out of his hat, winking slyly as he does so, and floods of action never let readers come up for air. A remarkable, hugely enjoyable performance.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
MY REAL CHILDREN by Jo Walton
Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Walton delivers a powerful tale of one woman who lived two lives, each with their own loves and losses. “Walton is a beautiful writer... The subtle nature of the 'what if?' could make this book a hit with literary fiction fans who enjoyed Kate Atkinson's LIFE AFTER LIFE.” — Library Journal
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Kirkus April SF picks!
We're so excited to see so many of our titles included in Kirkus Reviews's April Best Bets for Speculative Fiction!
STELES OF THE SKY by Elizabeth Bear
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Having amassed an army of warriors and teamed with a wizard, an exiled heir to the Great Khan finally stakes his claim to the rule the Khaganate and defeat the evil that threatens all the lands with war.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: The previous books in The Eternal Sky trilogy, RANGE OF GHOSTS and SHATTERED PILLARS, were met with wide acclaim and deservedly so. Its depiction of magic, politics and war set amongst diverse cultures makes for great reading.
SHIPSTAR by Gregory Benford & Larry Nevin
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Human space exploration is thrown into uncertainty when a massive artifact—an enormous bowl-shaped object that encompasses a star and contains a habitable area equivalent to many millions of Earths—is found to be headed toward the same system that Humans are trying to colonize.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: Two science fiction masters team up for a classic space story filled with sense of wonder? A better question would be: Why wouldn't you read it?
TRANSHUMAN by Ben Bova
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: A brilliant cellular biologist named Luke Abramson abducts his granddaughter from the hospital to circumvent the red tape that would allow him to cure her brain tumor with a new experimental enzyme. But the clock is ticking: Abramson has lung cancer and it's spreading rapidly, despite injecting himself with another experimental enzyme that reverses his aging.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: Bova's premise is enticing and his books are grounded in realistic science.
THE REVOLUTIONS by Felix Gilman
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Set amongst spiritualist and occult societies of 1893 London, a young journalist-turned-accountant fights to save his fiance, who is fighting for her own survival somewhere in the vicinity of Mars.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: This standalone Victorian science fiction story is a throwback to planetary romances of yesteryear where the emphasis is on adventure and fun.
AFTERPARTY by Daryl Gregory
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Technology meets Big Pharma in a story where anybody with an Internet connection can download recipes and print their own drugs—even if those drugs turn out to be deadly.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: Science fiction excels at asking "What if?" questions and this merging of mind-altering drugs with easily accessible technology is a great platform that does just that.
VALOUR AND VANITY by Mary Robinette Kowal
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: Set in a world where illusionary magic is possible, a couple who fell victim to a scam that cleaned them out of all their money devise a scheme to get it all back. Think: old-fashioned heist with magic.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: Unlike sprawling epic fantasies where the fate of the word is at stake, Mary Robinette Kowal's quaint Regency stories are more intimate and personal, and thus quite refreshing.
THE FOREVER WATCH by David Ramirez
WHAT IT'S ABOUT: The last survivors of humanity—on a 1,000-year journey across the stars to find a new planet to call home—are all aboard one generation starship...and one of them is a dangerous serial killer.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT: This mystery-in-space story features a woman who is a gifted psychic and finds purpose in her life again after she serves her society-mandated Breeding Duty.
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For Your Consideration: May LibraryReads titles
Spring is coming, we promise! If you're still stuck with winter weather, stay indoors, read, and nominate* your favorite May 2014 titles for the next LibraryReads list!
*(deadline for nominations is April 1. More details here.)
THE SNOW QUEEN by Michael Cunningham
In the “tender, funny, and sorrowful” (Booklist, starred review) new novel from the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of THE HOURS, Cunningham examines the complex dynamics between a couple and a brother and a mysterious light in the sky.
THE HOLLOW GROUND by Natalie S. Harnett
Set amongst the deadly coal mine fires of 1960s Pennsylvania, this extraordinary debut tells the coming-of-age story of Brigid Howley, a young girl struggling to keep her family together despite the "curse" laid upon them generations earlier. “This cursed Irish-American clan will grab you by the brisket and not let go.” — Gary Shteyngart, New York Times bestselling author of SUPER SAD TRUE LOVE STORY
DARK AEMILIA by Sally O'Reilly
A tale of sorcery and passion in 17th century London—where witches haunt William Shakespeare and his dark lady, the playwright's muse and one true love. “O’Reilly casts her story with witches, doomed royals, evil courtiers, and star-crossed lovers, as if it were a Jacobean play. But her finest accomplishment is not the tribute she pays to these historical figures, but the bold imagination she displays in bringing them together.” — Publishers Weekly
INVISIBLE CITY by Julia Dahl
In Julia Dahl's accomplished debut, young journalist Rebekah Roberts finds herself drawn into her mother's tight-knit world when she's assigned to cover the murder of an Hasidic Jew. “The secretive society of Brooklyn’s ultra-Orthodox Jews provides the backdrop for Dahl’s impressive debut. Dahl’s convincing dialogue and perfect pacing make for a real page-turner. And her storytelling skills illuminate the intriguing worlds of the tabloid press, Hasidism, the NYPD, and Brooklyn’s 20-somethings—as well as the fragile boundaries of family, religion, and life itself.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
BONE DUST WHITE by Karin Salvalaggio
When a young woman witnesses the murder of her mother who had abandoned her as a child, Detective Macy Greeley must solve the case and stop a killer in this “...haunting debut...that readers won't soon forget.” — Publishers Weekly
MY REAL CHILDREN by Jo Walton
Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Walton delivers the haunting and powerful tale of Patricia Cowan—a woman who lived two lives: one in which she marries and has four children, and the other in which she raises three children with her partner instead. Two lives, two worlds, two versions of modern history; each with their loves and losses, their sorrows and triumphs.
THE SHELF: From LEQ to LES: Adventures in Extreme Reading by Phyllis Rose
Can you have an Extreme Adventure in a library? Phyllis Rose casts herself into the wilds of an Upper East Side lending library in an effort to do just that. Hoping to explore the “real ground of literature,” she reads her way through a somewhat randomly chosen shelf of fiction, from LEQ to LES. “Rose's...understanding of readers and reading is candid and sincere.” — Library Journal
For more May LibraryReads title suggestions, view our collection on Edelweiss. Happy reading and happy nominating!
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Happy #BookBday (3/4/14 Edition)
Oh what a lovely day for a #BookBday! Today we're celebrating:
SHOTGUN LOVESONGS by Nickolas Butler
Butler's debut novel about the relationship between four friends in a small Midwest town is the #1 March Indie Next pick, and is receiving rave reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Shelf Awareness, and more. Don't miss the chance to meet him at PLA next week!
NOTES FROM THE INTERNET APOCALYPSE by Wayne Gladstone
Perfect for fans of David Wong, Chad Kultgen, and Chuck Palahniuk, Cracked.com columnist Wayne Gladstone’s novel about what happens when the world suddenly loses all Internet access is a hilarious look at life unplugged. “...the punchlines are pitch-perfect. Anyone who spends time sharing jokes in web communities will find this satire irresistible.” — Booklist
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR by Jeffrey Archer
The fourth volume in Jeffrey Archer's New York Times bestselling Clifton Chronicles series opens with Harry Clifton and his wife Emma rushing to learn the fate of their son Sebastian, who has been in a fatal car accident. But who died, Sebastian or his best friend? “Archer’s...tight plotting make for a page-turning rich man’s soap opera. Lightweight, entertaining beach reading.” — Kirkus Reviews
WORDS OF RADIANCE by Brandon Sanderson
“Sanderson’s skill at world building is unmatched, and in the 'Stormlight Archive' series he has developed an innovative magical system and combined it with rich, complex characters to create a compelling story. His eagerly awaited sequel to THE WAY OF KINGS exceeds expectations. This developing epic series is a must-read for all fantasy fans.” – Library Journal, starred review
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Calling all Sci-Fi/ Fantasy Readers!
Here's the scoop on the latest greatest and soon-to-come SF & Fantasy from Tor Books:
PILLAR TO THE SKY by William Forstchen
PILLAR TO THE SKY is part of NASA-inspired Works of Fiction–a partnership between NASA and Tor/Forge aimed at raising awareness of science, technology, engineering, and math, and attracting students to those fields. The titular pillar is a controversial supertower developed by a visionary rocket scientist intent on finding a new energy source. "Forstchen’s work is as convincingly told as it is diverting." – Kirkus Reviews
LIKE A MIGHTY ARMY by David Weber
In the seventh entry in Weber's popular Safehold series, Merlyn Athrawes, the cybernetic avatar of a thousand-year-old warrior, has one purpose: to restart the history of the too-long-hidden human race. "Weber’s seventh far-future Safehold novel is a complex and fascinating epic about change, identity, and the nature of faith." – Publishers Weekly
THE GOBLIN EMPEROR by Katherine Addison
A half-goblin named Maia unwittingly inherits the throne to the Imperial Court and struggles to navigate the politics of being Emperor. "Addison patiently and tellingly paints in the backdrop, mingling steampunk elements and low-key magic with imperial intricacies. The result is a spellbinding and genuinely affecting drama. Unreservedly recommended." – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
WORDS OF RADIANCE by Brandon Sanderson
In the second volume of New York Times bestseller Sanderson's Stormlight Archive (after THE WAY OF KINGS), the war with the Parshendi will move into a new, dangerous phase, Jasnah and Shallan search for the legendary city of Urithiru, and Kaladin is learning how to fulfill his new role as leader of the restored Knights Radiant. "... the novel is weighty without being ponderous, and delivers a satisfactory story despite being part of an episodic secondary world fantasy series." – Publishers Weekly
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#BookBday Bonus: ANNIHILATION
If J.J. Abrams, Margaret Atwood, and Alan Weisman collaborated on a novel...it might be this awesome!
Ok, we know we just did a bunch of Book Birthdays, but this one is extra special: Jeff VanderMeer's ANNIHILATION, the first book in the Southern Reach trilogy.
With more buzz than a hornet's nest, this futuristic supernatural thriller has three fabulous starred reviews and is on several 2014 Most-Anticipated lists, including io9, SF Signal, Vulture, The Onion's A.V. Club, B&N.com, and Omnivoracious!
Praise for ANNIHILATION:
“After their high-risk expedition disintegrates, it’s every scientist for herself in this wonderfully creepy blend of horror and science fiction.... Speculative fiction at its most transfixing.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A gripping fantasy thriller, ANNIHILATION is thoroughly suspenseful. In a manner similar to H. G. Wells’ in THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU (1896), VanderMeer weaves together an otherworldly tale of the supernatural and the half-human. Delightfully, this page-turner is the first in a trilogy.” — Booklist, starred review
“Using evocative descriptions of the biologist's outer and inner worlds, masterful psychological insight, and intellectual observations both profound and disturbing—calling Lovecraft to mind and Borges—VanderMeer unfolds a tale as satisfying as it is richly imagined.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
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Happy Belated #BookBday (1/28/14 Edition)
D'oh! We forgot to wish our new books a happy #BookBday on Tuesday! We'll keep the party going with belated best wishes for...
THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS by Charles Finch
Finch's coming-of-age tale about a Yale graduate is getting lots of attention, from People Magazine to USA Today. "In prose that glides effortlessly from scene to scene, Finch captures the fleeting time in people’s lives when their every decision, from career to lover, seems freighted with eternal consequence. Highly recommended for all collections." – Library Journal, starred review
THE QUEEN'S DWARF by Ella March Chase
In this richly imagined novel set in the Stuart court, our unique hero Jeffrey Hudson–who happens to be a dwarf–is tasked with spying on the beautiful but vulnerable queen. "Rich in detail and brimming with intriguing characters, Chase’s novel will please fans of historical fiction..." – Kirkus Reviews
A DARKLING SEA by James Cambias
This debut science fiction novel about alien races has three remarkable starred reviews, such as this one from Kirkus: “An exceptionally thoughtful, searching and intriguing debut.”
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