Science Fiction & Fantasy

Prophet

by Helen Macdonald, Sin Blaché

available in August, hardcover, Grove Press

From the extraordinary minds of the author of H Is for Hawk Helen Macdonald and first-time author Sin Blaché, Prophet is their electric debut, a tantalizing adventure fusing noir, sci-fi and a slow burn romance—set in a universe just one perilous step from our own. A tension-shot odd-couple romance, an unflinching send-up of corporate corruption, and a genre-bending tour de force, Prophet is a triumph of storytelling by a new writing duo with a thrilling future.

Translation State

by Ann Leckie

available in June, hardcover, Orbit

If you are a fan of unique, thought-provoking science fiction, look no further than Ann Leckie! Author of the Hugo award winning Imperial Radch trilogy, this novel is set in the same universe with an emphasis on the backstories of the alien Presger translators and how one such translator fights for their right of self-determination. –Laura P.

Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence : An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’

by R. F. Kuang

Revolution available in August, paperback, Harper Voyager 1828. Robin Swift, orphaned by cholera in Canton, is brought to London by the mysterious Professor Lovell. There, he trains for years in Latin, Ancient Greek, and Chinese, all in preparation for the day he’ll enroll in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation—also known as Babel. Babel is the world’s center for translation and, more importantly, magic. Silver working—the art of manifesting the meaning lost in translation using enchanted silver bars—has made the British unparalleled in power, as its knowledge serves the Empire’s quest for colonization. For Robin, Oxford is a utopia dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. But knowledge obeys power, and as a Chinese boy raised in Britain, Robin realizes serving Babel means betraying his motherland. As his studies progress, Robin finds himself caught between Babel and the shadowy Hermes Society, an organization dedicated to stopping imperial expansion. When Britain pursues an unjust war with China over silver and opium, Robin must decide…

Mountain in the Sea

by Ray Nayler

available now, paperback, Picador

The prospect of a book about an octopus species that has developed its own language and culture drew me in. The thrilling storytelling, complex and compelling characters, and philosophical explorations grabbed me and didn’t let go. Set in a near future where humans are navigating a world of their own creation where they are sometimes second-class citizens, even slaves, to A.I., a few are tasked to navigate this “first contact” with this octopus society. By turns hopeless and inspiring, you find yourself caring for even the vilest of characters. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. –Paul

Immortal Longings

by Chloe Gong

available in July, hardcover, Gallery

Princess Calla lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in the capital can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend the country’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming.

Building Community One Book at a Time

Wolfsong

(Green Creek Series #1)

by TJ Klune

available in July, hardcover, Tor Boooks

I can already tell this series is going to have a chokehold on me for quite some time. The drama is unmatched, the slow-burn romance is unbearable, and the characters are a found family like none other. I know, werewolves in the Pacific Northwest may feel reminiscent of another fantasy series, but this series is for adult readers (and is waaaay better). –Kiana