Beth Fish Reads: 8 Speculative Fiction Books for July

30 June 2017

8 Speculative Fiction Books for July

Yes, I'm a day early, but I'm already looking forward to my July reading list. Although I don't read every one of the many genres embraced by the speculative fiction label, I especially like books that focus on time travel, fantasy, and dystopian and postapocalyptic worlds. If you're a fan of speculative fiction, like I am, here are eight books you'll want to put on your July wish list.

The Dystopian Future

4 dystopian novel for your July wish list

Bannerless by Carrie Vaughn (Mariner; July 11): After major environmental and economic disaters destroy the world, a community in what was once California forms a family-based society with strict population control. The illusion of peace is broken when an outcast is found murdered.
When the English Fall by David Williams (Algonquin; July11): In the aftermath of a solar storm that devastates communication, transportation, and the comforts of modern life, the Pennsylvania Amish continue to flourish, living off their provisions . . . until the English (outsiders) remember their peaceful neighbors and pillage their homes, carting off whatever they find useful.
Out in the Open by Jesus Carrasco (Riverhead; July 4; young adult): In a world brought down by drought, a boy must find a way to survive in the wilderness, figuring out friend from foe while evading the violent men who are determined to capture him.
Tropic of Kansas by Christopher Brown (Harper Voyager; July 11): A brother and sister--political fugitives--risk crossing the arid wasteland that was once America's breadbasket in the hopes of finding refuge in the new New Orleans; revolution is in the air.

Fantasy and Beyond

4 speculative fiction books for your July wish list

Age of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan (Del Rey; July 25): Epic fantasy. In this second book in a series exploring the deep history of Sullivan's universe, the world is on the brink of war between humans and elves.
Talon of God by by Wesley Snipes and Ray Norman (Harper Voyager; July 25): Urban fantasy. This debut novel from a well-known actor is set in Chicago and pits a reluctant doctor against Satan's minions and one of their weapons: a new street drug.
The Punch Escrow by Tal M. Klein (Geek & Sundry; July 25): Hard science fiction. A teleporting trip gone horribly wrong leaves a man running from enemies in both the tech industry and a religious cult as he tries to find a way back to his wife and family.
The Alexander Inheritance by Eric Flint, Gorg Huff, and Paula Goodlett (Simon & Schuster; July 4): Alternate history / time travel. During a supernatural storm, a modern-day Caribbean cruise ship is transported to the Mediterranean Sea in the wake of Alexander the Great's reign. Can the passengers and crew survive ancient Egypt's political chaos and return to their own time?

6 comments:

Tina, 6/30/17, 6:29 AM: I already have When the English Fall on my library wait list from a previous recommendation from you. I get lots of good book ideas from you :-)
(Diane) bookchickdi, 6/30/17, 7:25 AM: I don'r read much dystopian fiction, but my nieces do, I will be sure to pass this on to them.
rhapsodyinbooks, 6/30/17, 10:21 AM: All my dystopia reading these days comes from perusing The Washington Post every morning....
Vicki, 6/30/17, 1:40 PM: I'm not a fan of speculative fiction but my granddaughter is.
Iliana, 7/2/17, 5:38 PM: I don't read a lot of speculative fiction but I do enjoy a good dystopian novel every once in a while. These look to be some interesting reads to keep in mind!
Jackie McGuinness, 7/3/17, 10:17 AM: You need to stop these posts! My TBR list is getting too long. Just added Bannerless to it.