12 Science Fiction, Dystopian, & Fantasy Books for July 2021

What's your favorite type of escape reading for hot summer days? I go for either speculative fiction or crime fiction. In today's roundup, I'm sharing some of the science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian books that caught my eye this month. I've already read some of them (reviews to come) and haven't been disappointed yet. All of the following books will be available in July.

The short descriptions are based on the publishers' summaries or from my own impressions, and I've included audiobook information. Thanks to the publishers for the review copies (either print, digital or audio).

Science Fiction Meets Mystery/Thriller

The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry (Putnam): Set in an alternate New York City. A space/time-traveling serial killer is perused by the journalist who was assigned to report on the murder of Madison May. The audiobook (Penguin Audio) is read by Helen Laser.

Midnight Water City by Chris McKinney (Soho Crime): First in a science fiction noir trilogy. A kind of police procedural set in the not-so-distant future involving the murder of a space scientist and the detective who will stop at nothing to solve the case. The audiobook (Recorded Books) is read by Richard Ferrone.

We Have Always Been Here by Lena Nguyen (Daw). Set on a space ship. A behavioral psychologist attempts to save her fellow crew members from a mysterious mental breakdown that begins to manifest after the ship was hit by a radiation storm. The audiobook (Recorded Books) is read by Catherine Ho.

It's a Dystopian World

Appleseed by Matt Bell (Custom House). Set in an alternative North America with sci-fi, historical fiction, and fantasy elements. In the past, two brothers plant apple trees in the territories slated for colonists; in the near future, a group of people are devoted to the rewilding of the continent; in the far future an AI being makes a startling discovery. The themes include climate change, survival, and humankind's relationship to the environment. The audiobook (Harper Audio) is read by Mark Bramhall.

Council of Animals by Nick McDonell, illustrated by by Steven Tabbutt (Henry Holt): Set in the future when humans are almost extinct thanks to pandemics, climate change, and more. The fate of the remaining people are in the "hands" of the animals. The audiobook (Macmillan Audio) is read by the author.

East Asian Roots

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (Tordotcom): This hopepunk novel is set on a moon. A tea monk travels the wilderness offering solace to those they talk to; when they cross paths with a sentient robot, the two begin a series of discussions about the nature of humankind and what people need. The audiobook (Macmillan Audio) is read by Emmett Grosland.

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan (Tor Books): Set in an alternative ancient China. This is a reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty with a young woman, who must pass as male, at the center. The audiobook (Macmillan Audio) is read by Natalie Naudus.

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (Knopf BYR): Based on Asian folklore and Western fairy tales. This is the story of a banished and silenced princess who must find a way to save both her cursed brothers and her repressed kingdom. The audiobook (Listening Library) is read by Emily Woo Zeller.

A Return to Camelot

Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian (Ace): A retelling of the Arthurian legend from the point of view of Elaine, the Lady of Shalott. The audiobook (Penguin Audio) is read by Ell Potter.

Sword Stone Table edited by Swapna Krishan and Jenn Northington (Vintage): A collection of reimaginings of Arthurian tales from a variety of perspectives, times, and places, emphasizing diversity in its many forms. The audiobook (Random House Audio) is read by a stellar cast of narrators.

Strong Young Women

Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent (HarperTeen): A fairy tale retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood" in which the wolves have a surprisingly different role to play and a young woman must decide her fate and that of her community. The audiobook (Harper Audio) is read by Taylor Meskimen.

What We Devour by Linsey Miller (Sourcebooks Fire): A young woman is caught between believing what she’s always been taught--that the rulers of her land are evil--and an alternative view presented by the crown prince himself. Down which path will she find the salvation of her land? The audiobook (Recorded Books) is read by Amy Scanlon.

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11 Picks for Speculative Fiction Fans

Here at Beth Fish Reads I try my best to provide book news for a range of reading tastes. Last week I was all about true stories, so this week I’ve taken a 180. The books featured today are not only fiction but have some fantastical elements. Most are set in fully imaginary worlds, but one takes places in the bleak future and a couple are based in contemporary times.

Here are 11 November books that caught my eye. The summaries are from the publisher, and I’ve included the first line and audiobook information as well. Speculative fiction lovers have a lot to be grateful for this month.

Note: All books were provided (digital, print, or audio) by the publisher; some first lines are from advance reader copies.

Life and Limb by Jennifer Roberson (DAW, Nov. 5) The first installment in a new urban fantasy with a western slant on Armageddon.

Gabe Harlan, ex-con biker, and Remi McCue, Texas cowboy, are informed—no, commanded—by a higher power that they must form a partnership, bound by blood and bone, to help save the world. Complete strangers one moment, they have now been thrust together, conscripted into heaven’s army-on-earth. While Remi is willing to believe in such things, to Gabe, newly released from prison, it makes no sense that heaven would count on humans when it has angels in its armory.

First line: “His voice was rich, a much loved, clear baritone, as he handed his seven-year-old grandson a gun.” Audiobook: Read by Kevin Stillwell (Audible Studios; 10 hr, 57 min).

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White (Delacorte Press, Nov. 5) This first in a trilogy offers a fresh look at Guinevere and her role at Camelot.

Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom’s borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution—send in Guinevere to be Arthur’s wife . . . and his protector from those who want to see the young king’s idyllic city fail. . . . To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old—including Arthur’s own family—demand things continue as they have been, and the new—those drawn by the dream of Camelot—fight for a better way to live.

First line: “There was nothing in the world as magical and terrifying as a girl on the cusp of womanhood.” Audiobook: Read by Elizabeth Knowelden (Listening Library; 10 hr, 51 min)

Sisters of Shadow and Light by Sara B. Larson (Tor Teen, Nov. 5) The story of two sisters living in a fairy-tale world.

Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world—including their Paladin father the night Inara was born. On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. . . . For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world . . . until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.

First line: “The night my sister was born, the stars died and were reborn in her eyes.” Audiobook: Read by Caitlin Kelly (Macmillan Audio, 14 hr, 42 min)

Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw (Simon Pulse, Nov. 5) A dark fantasy set near a haunted woods lightened by elements of romance.

Rumored to be a witch, only Nora Walker knows the truth. She and the Walker women before her have always shared a special connection with the woods. And it’s this special connection that leads Nora to Oliver Huntsman—the same boy who disappeared from the Camp for Wayward Boys weeks ago—and in the middle of the worst snowstorm in years. He should be dead, but here he is alive, and left in the woods with no memory of the time he’d been missing.

First line: “Never waste a full moon, Nora, even in winter, my grandmother used to say.” Audiobook: Read by Emma Lysy and Mark Turesky (Audible Studios; 10 hr, 16 min)

Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade (Tor, Nov. 5) An epic fantasy full of adventure and friendship.

Everyone loves Mathias. Naturally, when he discovers it’s his destiny to save the world, he dives in headfirst, pulling his best friend, Aaslo, along for the ride. However, saving the world isn’t as easy, or exciting, as it sounds in the stories. The going gets rough, and folks start to believe their best chance for survival is to surrender to the forces of evil, which isn’t how the prophecy goes. At all. As the list of allies grows thin . . . they must decide how to become the heroes they were destined to be or, failing that, how to survive.

First line: “ ‘Why?’ Mathias said as he stared down at the back of his best friend’s head.” Audiobook: Read by Nick Podehl (Macmillan Audio; 12 hr, 33 min)

Day Zero by Kelly deVos (Inkyard Press, Nov. 12) Set in the near future, a story of survival after organized violence ends life as we know it.

Seventeen-year-old coder Jinx Marshall grew up spending weekends drilling with her paranoid dad for a doomsday she’s sure will never come. . . . Now that her parents are divorced, she’s ready to relax. But all that disaster training comes in handy when . . . a pattern of violence erupt[s] all over the country. . . . In a desperate attempt to evade paramilitary forces and vigilantes, Jinx and her siblings . . . make a break for Mexico. . . . But if they can survive, will there be anything left worth surviving for?

First line: “I will save the world.” Audiobook: no information

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (Doubleday, Nov. 5) Stories come alive in an underground world where time is fluid and people are not what they seem.

Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, . . . he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—that lead him . . . through a doorway to an ancient library hidden far below the surface of the earth. What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians—it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead.

First line: “There is a pirate in the basement.” Audiobook: Read by Dominic Hoffman and others (Random House Audio, 18 hr, 37 min)

Eight Will Fall by Sarah Harian (Henry Holt BYR, Nov. 26) A dark adventure fantasy with battles, monsters, and forbidden magic

In a world where magic is illegal, eight criminals led by rebellious Larkin are sent on a mission to rid their kingdom of monsters. Descending into an underground world full of unspeakable horrors, Larkin and her crew must use their forbidden magic to survive. As they fight in the shadows, Larkin finds a light in Amias, a fellow outlaw with a notorious past. . . . But as the beasts grow in number and her band is picked off one by one, Larkin is forced to confront a terrible truth: They were never meant to return.

First line: “Beneath Larkin’s glowing lantern, luminite shimmered like fish scales in the darkness of Ethera Mine.” Audiobook: Read by Lauren Fortgang (Macmillan; 10 hr, 15 min)

Unnatural Magic by C. M. Waggoner (Ace, Nov. 5) A standalone historical fantasy with strong female characters who hope to forge peace in their land

Onna Gebowa is determined to become a great wizard. She can write the parameters of a spell faster than any of the young men in her village school. But despite her incredible abilities, she’s denied a place at the nation’s premier arcane academy. . . . Tsira is a troll who never quite fit into her clan, despite being the leader’s daughter. She decides to strike out on her own and look for work in a human city. . . . Trolls have lived alongside—and been revered by—humans for generations, but now it appears they’re being targeted by a sinister sorcery. And Onna and Tsira both begin to devote their considerable abilities into figuring out how to stop the deaths before their homeland is torn apart.

First line: “Onna Gebowa always liked numbers.” Audiobook: Read by Shiromi Arserio (Blackstone; ~14 hr)

Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao (Delacorte Press, Nov. 19) The start of an epic fantasy series with elements of mystery, political intrigue, and corruption

In the Cyrilian Empire, Affinites are reviled. Their varied gifts to control the world around them are unnatural—dangerous. And Anastacya Mikhailov, the crown princess, has a terrifying secret. Her deadly Affinity to blood is her curse and the reason she has lived her life hidden behind palace walls. When Ana’s father, the emperor, is murdered, her world is shattered. Framed as his killer, Ana must flee the palace to save her life. And to clear her name, she must find her father’s murderer on her own. But the Cyrilia beyond the palace walls is far different from the one she thought she knew.

First line: “The prison bore a sharp resemblance to the dungeons of Anastacya’s childhood: dark, wet, and made of unyielding stone that leaked grime and misery.” Audiobook: Read by Emily Woo Zeller (Listening Library; 13 hr, 57 min)

Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean (HMH BYR, Nov. 6) Set in a world where women battle for power and shape-shifters are despised

Each generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. The rules are simple. Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Marry the prince. All are eligible to compete—all except yokai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy. Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress. Winning should be easy. And it would be, if she weren't hiding a dangerous secret. Mari is a yokai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. If discovered, her life will be forfeit.

First line: “Breathing in the dark, and not her own.” Audiobook: Read by Hanako Footman (HMH, 9 hr, 52 min)

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: Preholiday Reading

This has been a crazy two weeks: I've been working hard, reading a bit, finishing the shopping (we're done!), and getting the house holiday ready. I swear, every second of my time has been taken up.

The good news is that we're in great shape and it's only December 10. For the first time in years, we'll be able to relax and enjoy the season. My stress levels are near zero!

Have you seen Netflix's version of Dumplin' yet? We really liked it, and I thought the film stayed true to the spirit of the book, even if some things were different. But isn't that always the case when a book is adapted for the screen?

For example, I love the series Outlander, even if the arc of a few characters has changed and even if the show isn't 100 percent following the books. It's still good. I think the writers and directors have captured the magic of the books, and I'm fine with that.

Here's what I read over the last two weeks. If you're interested in food or drink writing, I encourage you to look at my Saturday post, which covers three books that would make great holiday gifts.

Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Ace, February 2018). This first in a fantasy trilogy starts off slowly, introducing us to the characters, setting up the premise, and showing us the alternate world. I can surely understand why some readers gave up early, but if you stick with this book, you're in for a treat. In the world of Red Sister, nuns do more than hold the faith; they are also warriors and scholars. Our primary hero is young Nona Grey who, despite being just a child, is accused of murdering a grown man who was hurting her friend. Saved at the last second by Sister Glass of the Sweet Mercy Convent, Nona eventually settles into her new life as a initiate in the convent, learning to fight and use poisons along with her regular lessons. Over the course of her youth, Nona also discovers the meaning of friendship and her true heritage. Mixed in with familiar fantasy plot lines are some surprises, a unique universe, and many strong women. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Recorded Books; 19 hr, 21 min), read by Heather O'Neill. This is my first experience with O'Neill, and I was pretty impressed. I thought she did a great job with the dialogue, giving appropriate vocal tones to each character. Her diction was clear, and she kept my interest throughout. I was relieved to see that she performs the second book in the series, and I sure hope she's also around for the final installment. (library book)

Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (Mariner Books, October 2018). Okay guys, I think I'm now a short-story enthusiast, because this is the second collection that I just couldn't put down. Wow. Some of the stories in this collection are very loosely connected in setting, but they all share similar themes of being black in America, touching on family, power, death, poverty, working for minimum wage, education, and ethics. Adjei-Brenyah's worlds are mostly futuristic or semi-dystopian (some are full-on speculative), and each character's journey grabbed my attention. In one, a young man is working at an outdoor store at the mall, hoping to earn top sales so he can give his mom a new winter coat. In another, a usually straight-laced black teen reacts to a news story of a white man who killed seven very young black children and used self-defense as justification. In the title story, frenzied mall shoppers are afflicted with a zombie like condition, destroying stores in their quest for the perfect gift. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Recorded Books; 7 hr, 8 min), read by Corey Allen and Carra Patterson. The bulk of the stories are read by Allen, whose performance is near-perfect. Patterson's work is equally impressive. Highly recommended in print or audio. (For more on the audiobook, see AudioFile magazine.)

The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson (Viking, April 2018). So many things about this book called to me, particularly true crime, fly fishing, and evolutionary biology. In 2009, a young, promising American musician, studying abroad, broke into a satellite branch of the British Museum of Natural History and stole 299 specimens of tropical birds. These weren't just any old stuffed birds, but were important examples for scientific study and included many collected by Alfred Russel Wallace, who independently came up with the idea of natural selection at the same time as Charles Darwin. The birds were all rare, endangered, and very important to ornithologists, evolutionary biologists, and even climate scientists. So why did Edwin Rist commit this crime? He was a world-renown salmon flytier, who was obsessed with obtaining the rare bird feathers, which would advance his craft and bring him almost unlimited income from selling the bird carcasses, one beautiful feather at a time. Investigative journalist Johnson, a trout fly-fisherman, became intrigued with the case. Although Rist was arrested 18 months after the heist, he didn't serve jail time, and quite a number of the stolen birds remained unaccounted for. Johnson was captivated by the crime and the idea that someone would be driven to steal feathers just to tie flies that would never actually be used to catch salmon. He also wanted to know why Rist was released by the British courts and whether he worked alone. I was totally drawn in to Rist's story and Johnson's investigation. The crime is heartbreaking and mind-boggling and shows how some passions can have a dark side. You don't have to be a fly-fisherman to enjoy this book; Feather Thief would appeal to anyone who likes true crime. (library book)

Impossible Fortress by Jason Rekulak (Simon & Schuster, February 7). I had absolutely no idea what this book was about when I reached into my backlog of review copies and decided to give this a try. Set in 1987, when few people had a home computer and CompuServe ruled the dial-up-connected world, this is part coming-of-age story and part homage to a simpler, more private era. Billy Marvin has two loves: writing computer games for his Commodore 64 and Vanna White (of Wheel of Fortune fame). When he and his fellow nerdy friends develop a scheme to steal copies of Playboy magazine featuring Vanna in her birthday suit, Billy discovers that he's not alone in dreaming of becoming a world-famous computer game coder and that, despite his better instincts, he's not above getting into very bad trouble. This was a fun, cute, and nostalgic story. I really liked Billy and completely understood the issues he faced--his loyalty to his best friends, his passion for programming, and his budding romance as well as his genuine regret when he becomes involved in something he knows is dead wrong. This novel (not a YA book) is for those of us who remember the 1980s--even those of us (like me) who were well out of high school by then. The plot is somewhat predictable but no less charming and is full of pop culture references. This is the perfect stress-reducing read. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Simon & Schuster Audio; 7 hr, 23 min), read by Griffin Newman, whose expressive performance added to the emotional depth of Billy's story. I liked his characterizations and good delivery of the dialogue. The audiobook has some well-done sound effects as well. (review copy from the publisher)

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7 New(ish) Books for Speculative Fiction Fans

What's your favorite escape reading? Do you turn to a steamy romance, light women's fiction, or a heart-thudding spy thriller? I've been known to read all three, but I think my top genres for ditching reality are good, solid murder mysteries and full-on speculative fiction, especially fantasies. If you're like me, then read on . . . here are seven fall fantasies that should be on your current reading list. (Descriptions are adapted from the publisher's summary.)

The Alehouse at the End of the World by Stevan Allred (Forest Avenue Press, November 6). Genre: epic fantasy. Audience: adult.

When a fisherman receives a mysterious letter about his beloved’s demise, he sets off in his skiff to find her on the Isle of the Dead. Set in the sixteenth century, where bawdy Shakespearean love triangles play out with shapeshifting avian demigods and a fertility goddess, drunken revelry, bio-dynamic gardening, and a narcissistic, bullying crow, who may have colluded with a foreign power. A hopeful tale for our troubled times.

City of Ash and Red by Hye-young Pyun (Arcade Publishing, November 6). Translated from Korean. Genre: dystopian. Audience: adult.

Distinguished for his talents as a rat killer, the nameless protagonist is sent on an extended assignment to a country descending into chaos and paranoia, swept by a contagious disease, and flooded with trash. No sooner does he disembark than he is whisked away by quarantine officials and eventually told he is the prime suspect in his wife's murder. Barely managing to escape arrest, he must struggle to survive in the streets of a foreign city gripped with fear of contamination and find a way to clear his reputation.

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan (Jimmy Patterson, November 6). Genre: fantasy. Audience: young adult.

Lei--a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara--lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards for an unknown fate still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after, whose rumored beauty has piqued the king's interest. At the palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's consort. Lei's ensuing forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens her world's entire way of life. Although still a country girl at heart, Lei must decide how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd (HMH Books for Young Readers, October 2). Genre: dark, epic fantasy. Audience: young adult. First in a series.

Seventeen-year-old Anouk has been enchanted from an animal form into a human girl but is forbidden to venture beyond her Parisian prison to mix with real humans. She is destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving the evil witch who spelled her into existence. But when her mistress is found murdered, Anouk is accused of the crime. Pursued through Paris by an underground magical society, Anouk and her friends have only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known, but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.

Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch (DAW, November 20). Genre: urban fantasy. Audience: adult. Seventh in the River of London series.

The series follows Peter Grant, a constable turned magician’s apprentice, as he solves crimes in London. This mystery-thriller-fantasy involves the Faceless Man, who is wanted for multiple counts of murder, fraud, and crimes against humanity. Detective Grant soon realizes that in order to bring the criminal to justice and thwart a larger, deeper conspiracy he may have to rely on a woman who once betrayed him.

The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman (Ace, November 27). Genre: time travel / urban fantasy. Audience: adult. Fifth in the Invisible Library series.

The series follows librarian Irene and her assistant Kai as they travel to various worlds fighting creatures of chaos and tracking down important books. In this installment Irene travels to 1890s Paris where a powerful dragon has been murdered in the middle of a top secret dragon-Fae peace conference. Tasked with solving the case, Irene and fellow Librarians find evidence of a larger crime that might involve the Invisible Library itself.

The XY by Virginia Bergin (Sourcebook Fire, November 6): Genre: dystopian. Audience: young adult.

Sixty years ago, a virus wiped out almost all men on Earth. Now women run the world, and men are kept in repopulation facilities, safe from the deadly virus. At least, that's what everyone has been led to believe, until River discovers a young man on a country road-—injured but alive. Mason has been outside for five days since escaping from his facility, and no one can understand how he has survived. Hiding the boy violates the rules of their world, but as the women of the town band together to try to save him, River begins to suspect that the truth behind Mason's existence is darker than she could have imagined.

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A Bookish Miscellany

This week's roundup is a departure from my norm. Besides my weekly book list, I want to tell you about a couple bookish events this month plus alert you to a super podcast. So let's jump right in.

For Audiobook Fans

It's November, which means it's one of the biggest travel months of the year. And you know what I like to do when driving or flying? That's right, I listen to a good audiobook, which makes the time zip on by and the trip that much more fun.

If you're not sure what to listen to next or which audiobooks to pack for your holiday travel, put aside your worries. The Audiobook Publishers Association teamed up with 21 bloggers, who have some great listening recommendations and who are offering one of their readers the chance to win 8 audiobooks. Visit the APA's website to get the list of participating bloggers. Don't be shy, enter for a chance to win. Good luck!

If you need even more audiobook recommendations, be sure to tune in to AudioFile Magazine's new podcast, Behind the Mic. The podcast airs every weekday and is available via whatever podcast app you use and whatever operating system you like.

The really cool thing about this podcast is that it lasts only about 5 minutes! Each episode (they're up to about 60 now) focuses on a single book, which means you can listen quickly whenever you have a spare moment: while getting ready for work in the morning, when settling into your office for the day, or while walking to your car at lunchtime. Check out the list of available episodes and get ready to add to your wish list.

Giving the Gift of Reading

It's that time of year when we're reminded to be grateful for what we have and to give to those who are less fortunate. Zulily and Penguin Random House have once again joined forces to provide books to children in need.

When shopping for books for the kids on your holiday list, be sure visit the Zulily website or app and look for the Buy One, Give One banner. For every book you buy, Penguin Random House will donate one book to First Book, which provides quality books to families, children, and classrooms across the country. Here is a list of holiday books that are part of this generous program.

Borrowing Books

This week's roundup is quick look at some random books I have checked out of the library.

The Red Sister by Mark Lawrence (Ace, February 2018): This is the first in an epic fantasy trilogy that a friend of mine told me about. Here's the short blurb from the publisher: "A brand-new epic fantasy trilogy about a girl of rare talents who enters a convent to learn the art of combat and is drawn into a battle for empire." I didn't want to research the book too much (for fear of spoilers), but I think the main character is harboring secrets and powers. Reviews have been mostly glowing, noting that the world and concept are fresh. Most also mention how quickly they were drawn to the characters and their plight. I'm intrigued by the fighting nuns! Book two is already out and the final installment is just a few months away.

My Twenty-Five Years in Provence by Peter Mayle (Knopf, June 2018): you may recall that I reviewed this memoir in September. So why did I wait in the library hold line to get a copy of the book? I listened to the unabridged audiobook for a review assignment, which meant I missed out on the photographs that were included in the memoir. The library ebook became available just yesterday, so I haven't had a chance to flip through it, but I plan on spending an hour or so this weekend just looking at the pictures. As much as I love audiobooks, I hate missing out on the visuals and wish audiobook publishers would include PDFs of the illustrations.

The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson (Viking, April 2018): Speaking of missing out on visuals, I held off starting the audiobook of this true-crime story because I wanted to see the photos while I was listening. This book is about an obsessed American fly-tier who stole 299 rare bird carcasses from a branch of the British Natural History Museum. Why? So he could sell the feathers to fellow fly-fishing enthusiasts and make a fortune. What was so devastating about this strange crime is that many of the birds were collected over 150 years ago by the famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. Johnson, also a fly-fisherman, became fascinated with this story and wanted to know more about Edwin Rist, the music student who became a feather thief. The book won all kinds of starred reviews, and I'm really looking forward to being able to view the photographs while listening to this weird twenty-first-century heist.

At My Table by Nigella Lawson (Flatiron, April 2018): I have a major weakness for cookbooks. In an effort to feign restraint, I've developed the habit of delaying buying a new one until I've had a chance to check it out of the library or at least look through it at the store. Last week one of my Weekend Cooking participants wrote about Nigella's newest cookbook, and I couldn't resist taking a look. I've gone through this cookbook only very quickly, but it looks like it's focused--as the subtitle says--on home cooking and geared to cooks of a variety of skill levels. There are about 275 recipes that take you from breakfast to cocktail hour drinks and nibbles all the way through to after-dinner dessert. The photographs are stunning, and I'm afraid I can already tell that this is a must-own book. There are a couple of fall/winter recipes that are calling my name, such as a beet and goat cheese salad and a pork with prunes dinner. God save my wallet. Full review sometime in the future.

Death at the Chateau Bremont by M. L. Longworth (Penguin, June 2011): Not long ago a friend of mine recommended a mystery series set in Aix-en-Provence, featuring a chief magistrate and his law professor girlfriend. I love the concept and setting of these mysteries. It's the south of France! I expect to read about the beautiful countryside, good wine, and excellent food . . . n'est-ce pas? In this first installment we meet the investigators and learn of the importance of an excellent neighborhood cafe. Oh, and there's the murder of the count and whodunit puzzle. Reviewers comment on the vivid descriptions of the town, the chateau, and the secondary characters. I always seem to find room to add just one more series to my reading list.

I'm not quite sure who the library gods are, but I do know they like to play with me. No matter how spread out I make my library requests, all the books always seem to become available within a few days of each other. I waited months for some of these, and others I got right away. In any case, I'd better get reading or resign myself to the sadness that is returning books to library before I've had a chance to read them.

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8 New Fantasies to Read in March

Good news for speculative fiction fans: March's new releases offer a wide range of subgenres and settings, and readers of all ages will find a a great story to carry them through the last weeks of winter. Today's round-up includes stand-alone stories and books that start new adventures. You'll also find a bonus list of three long-awaited continuations of some favorite series.

New Worlds

• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (Henry Holt BYR, March 6): This first in the new Legacy of Orisha series takes place in a world that's been stripped of its magic. With the help of her brother and a runaway princess, Zélie is determined to restore power to her people, even if she must put herself in mortal danger. Themes of race, family, overpowering tyranny, and love are set in an African atmosphere.
• The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw (March 6, Simon Pulse): About 200 years ago in a small Oregon town, three sisters were tried and executed for witchcraft. The town thought they were done with the witches, but the sisters weren't done with the town. Every summer they seek revenge by inhabiting the bodies of young girls and luring boys to their death. Will one of this year's girls finally break the spell?
• Daughters of the Storm by Kim Wilkins (Del Rey, March 6): In this new epic fantasy series, a king falls into a coma, leaving his realm vulnerable. His five daughters scour the land to find a cure, while fending off their step-brother, who is only all too eager to take the reins of power. The story shares elements with Norse legends.

Young Readers

• Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (Rick Riordan Presents, March 27): When Aru takes a dare from her classmates to light a supposedly magical lantern housed in a museum where her mom is a curator, the young girl awakes a sleeping spirit who is bent on destroying the world. Rich in classic Hindu tales, infused with humor and feminism, and starring a delightful protagonist this is the first in the Pandava series.
• Strange Star by Emma Carroll (Delacorte BYR, March 20): In June 1818, Lord Byron invites four guests to a villa in Switzerland to entertain each other with ghost stories. Just as Mary Shelley is about to speak, the party is interrupted by a young girl who arrives exhausted and covered in strange scars. This is her spooky tale, which was inspired by the classic Frankenstein, on its 200th anniversary.

Continuing Series

• Burn Bright by Patricia Briggs (Ace, March 6): In this fifth installment in the Alpha and Omega series, the werewolf pack is under threat from other not-so-human creatures. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy and werewolves. Note of interest: set in the same universe as Briggs's Mercy Thompson books.
• Heart Forger by Rin Chupeco (Sourcebook Fire, March 20): In the follow-up to the first Bone Witch book, our hero, Tea, is amassing her power and revenge will soon be hers. Perfect for fans of black magic mixed with a touch of humor and solid characters.
• Lost Crow Conspiracy by Rosalyn Eves (Knopf BYR, March 27): In this middle volume of the Blood Rose Rebellion trilogy, Anna must face the consequences of her reckless behavior, which set loose unregulated magic to wreak havoc across 19th-century Europe. Perfect for fantasy fans who like historically recognizable settings, flawed characters, and good action.

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Stacked-Up Book Thoughts: 3 Recommended Novels

As I'm writing this on Sunday afternoon, the snow is falling (we're up to about 3 inches now), and we're waiting for the Super Bowl to begin. It was great day to stay inside: we read a little, played some cards, and listened to music.

In case you couldn't guess, we're rooting for the Eagles in my house. I spent most of the weekend baking and preparing sinful snacks (read: fatty and salty) to go with the copious beer that I'm sure we and our friends are going to consume as we cheer our state's team on to victory. (By the time you read this, you'll know if we're smiling or crying.)

My busy editing season is creeping up, but I managed to finish three books and break up with a fourth.

I finally read the newest book in the Invisible Library series. In The Lost Plot (Ace, Jan. 9), Genevieve Cogman keeps the characters and plotting fresh and promises many more adventures to come. In this outing, Irene Winter and her assistant, Kai, must visit an alternate 1920s New York City to obtain a book that is being used by a dragon queen for her own political games. I loved the way Irene reaches into her bag of many skills and talents to outwit the mob, the crooked police, and warring dragons while protecting a fellow librarian and saving her own life. I also love the ending of this installment, which will take the series into new territory. The Invisible Library books breath new life into speculative fiction: part paranormal, part steampunk, part alternate history, part mystery plus adult characters in adult situations. I'm sad I have to wait another year for book five. A note on the audiobooks: As you know, I recently reread the first three Invisible Library books via audiobook. Susan Duerden narrates the series (produced by Audible Studios) and does a decent job. My only complaint is that her performance sometimes toes the line of overdramatic, making me forget these books are not middle grade fantasy but adult stories that often address adult themes. I'm not sorry to have listened to the audiobooks, but I was happy to return to print. (Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.)

Here's a book for your best of 2018 list: The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara (Ecco, Feb. 6). Set in New York at the dawn of the AIDS epidemic, the book focuses on four transgender or gay teens who escape their homes looking for acceptance, love, and a future. Cassara personalizes the Latino ball scene and exposes the indignities and cruelties suffered by this population of men and boys who want nothing more than to be themselves, some hoping to escape their birth gender. Undereducated, without resources, and finding it difficult to pass as straight, so many of these boys see prostitution as their only recourse. If they're lucky, they'll find shelter in a house run by a more experienced queen, who tries to protect them, feed them, and support their true natures. But even with friends and lovers, too many of these individuals succumb to disease, poverty, drugs, and violence before they've even had a chance to truly live. Angel, Venus, Juanito, and Daniel's stories broke my heart and opened my eyes. I'm so glad I took a chance on this book--based on true events--and I can't recommend it enough. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Harper Audio; 15 hr, 35 min) read by Christian Barillas. My full audiobook review will be available from AudioFile magazine, but let me say here that Barillas's respectful and brilliant performance is unforgettable.

Set in 1879 Albany, New York, The Winter Sisters by Robin Oliveira (Viking, Feb. 27) is the story of two young girls who disappeared when trying to walk home from school after a massive spring blizzard. Readers learn the fate of the sisters fairly early on, so this complex mystery focuses less on the girls and more on the identities of the men who kidnapped them. Woven throughout the novel are feminist issues that still haven't been fully dealt with almost 140 years after this story takes place. Although the current #MeToo movement has given some women courage to speak out, teens, children, the poor, and women of color are still very much without a support system, and for them, rape trials haven't advanced much since the nineteenth century. One of the disturbing facts I learned from this book is that the age of consent at that time was 10 years old, and so a preteen girl could be blamed by a defense attorney for her own rape. The mystery was well done, and the ending wasn't completely predictable, though I had one of the bad guys pegged midway through. I also enjoyed revisiting Oliveira's previous character Mary Sutter, who has her own problems as one of the few licensed female physicians of the era. I listened to the unabridged audiobook (Penguin Random House Audio; 16 hr, 36 min), read by Tavia Gilbert. I'm a big fan of Gilbert's work, especially her characterizations and the way she has of completely drawing me into a story. Her performance here met my every expectation. She enhanced the drama of action scenes, found the emotional heart of the characters, and kept me glued to my earbuds during the courtroom scenes. Recommended in print or audio. (Thanks to the publishers for the review copy.)

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7 Books for Speculative Fiction Fans

November is a great month for speculative fiction fans. Nothing is better than escaping to another world when pre-holiday stress gets to be too much. Here are seven recent and forthcoming fantasy and science-fiction books to ease you into the end-of-year shopping and socializing frenzy.

• Artemis by Andy Weir (Crown, Nov. 14): The first city on the moon is dominated by the rich and richer, so what's a lowly porter to do? Jazz supplements her resources by smuggling and taking odd (illegal) jobs, one of which exposes her to information that threatens her life and could change the power structure of the lunar settlement.
• City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty (Harper Voyager, Nov. 14): In the Ottoman Empire, family-less street urchins must get by as best they can, and Nahri earns her keep by reading fortunes, healing the sick, and indulging in a little thievery. She has plans for a better future, until she unwittingly awakens a djinn and discovers she can't escape her past or her fate.
• The Complete Sookie Stackhouse Stories by Charlaine Harris (Ace, Nov. 21): Whether you're a fan of the original books or met Sookie through the HBO's True Blood, you'll love revisiting Bon Temps, LA, for more fun with your favorite not-quite-human friends. The ten stories are gathered into a single volume for the first time.
• Jade City by Fonda Lee (Orbit, Nov. 7): In an alternative Chinese world, jade is the key to magical abilities, and families vie for control, especially after the development of a power-enhancing drug. This adult fantasy involves clan wars, family loyalty, and life outside the law. Kirkus made comparisons to the Godfather books.

• Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller (Delacorte, Oct. 31): Billed as a kind of Westworld for teens, this science-fiction thriller explores the future of full-experience gaming, in which players believe they face no limits or consequences. Instead of the Wild West, expect familiar fantasy elements, such as dragons and wizards.
• This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada (Simon Pulse, Nov. 7): When a devastating plague hits a high-tech future world, a teenage gene hacker races to find, understand, and produce her late-father's potential vaccine. The lines between friends and enemies, truth and fiction blur in this action-adventure science fiction tale.
• The Wild Book by Juan Villoro (Restless Books, Nov. 14): Who can resist a story in which books (literary) come alive, moving on their own and stealing from each other. This coming-of-age story for middle grade readers is set in Mexico and will appeal to book lovers and fans of magical realism.

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Reading on Topic: New Fantasy / Speculative Fiction

Why is it that summer is the time for escape reading? Perhaps it's the heat or the pleasure of an afternoon relaxing poolside that requires lighter books with engaging characters and story lines. Whatever the reason, I am currently on a fantasy kick for my downtime reading.

Today I'm featuring five books in my current to-read stack. I've limited the list by three criteria: published in 2016, first in a series or standalone, and I own a print copy. Have you read any of them? Which one should I start with?

Dragons . . .

• The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan is the first installment in a fantasy / alternate history (Europe) series that involves spies, politics, pirates, dragons, and adventure. Some reviewers have also mentioned a strong steampunk bent to the novel. I'm on the fence because I've seen the book compared to the Eragon series, which I was only meh about, but The Waking Fire has dragons and pirates and strong female characters, so I need to give it a try. (Ace Books, July)
• The Summer Dragon by Todd Lockwood is first in an epic fantasy trilogy starring a young female dragon breeder. The story includes a classic battle of good versus evil, myths, imaginative creatures, and good action. Reviewers mention the intense emotional impact of the book and the realistic, smart main character. Lockwood's beautiful black-and-white illustrations bring his fantasy world alive. (Daw, May)

. . . And Other Worlds

• Age of Myth by Michael J. Sullivan is the first in a new epic fantasy series that is set in the same universe as the author's Riyria Chronicles, although in a different time period and with new characters. The fantasy world contains several familiar creatures (elves, talking trees) and involves a struggle between two realms, one populated by the powerful bad guys and the other by the down-trodden good guys. Despite the expected plot elements, reviewers have generally given this book two thumbs up. (Del Rey, June)
• The Crown's Game by Evelyn Skye is an alternate history / fantasy story set in Imperial Russia and involving a competition to the death between two contenders for the court's head magician. The story is told from different points of view and is based on a solid historical foundation sparked with magical details. Reviewers mention the nicely complex plot, unique take on magicians, and the terrific character development. Although the prospect of a love triangle is a bit off-putting, I'm interested in this promising story. I can't tell if the novel is the first in a series or a standalone. (Balzer + Brray, May)
• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a middle grade (with adult cross-over) standalone fantasy with fairy tale elements. I love so much about the premise of this book: a misunderstood forest-dwelling witch makes a mistake and infuses a baby with magic. To protect the child, the witch raises her as her own. As the girl grows up and into her great power, we begin to wonder who is protecting whom from the outside world and the true evil one. I've read nothing but praise for this imaginative and beautifully written coming-of-age story. (Algonquin Books for Young Readers, August)

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Review: Dead Reckoning & Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

I am so bad with finishing series that I'm still behind in the Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) series by Charlaine Harris. I decided a few days ago that I would do my best to catch up. I had three books left and managed to listen to two and have already started on the last.

It's my understanding that there will be only one more Sookie book, which is sad, but I think the series has lost some of its initial charm. I still love Sookie; she's cute, funny, and spunky and has surprising strengths. On the other hand, how many times can she be beaten up by life?

I can barely remember the problems in just the last two books: She was almost burned to death; she was betrayed by loved ones; she was kidnapped; she was the target of jealous women; she was almost murdered; she was tricked and bullied; and she was pursued by men she didn't want. Okay, so some good things happened to her too, but the premise of Sookie being at the center of violence in every single book is getting old.

Because these are the eleventh and twelfth installments in the series, I'm not going to try to avoid spoilers to the earlier books. And, frankly, there's not much to review here anyway.

In Dead Reckoning and Deadlocked, Sookie, Eric, and the gang get involved in the affairs of other creatures, which leads to murder, revenge, and some tricky schemes to try to set things right. Meanwhile, vampire law and politics are threatening Sookie and Eric's relationship, and Sookie was forced to decide what to do with a few things she had inherited.

At the end of Deadlocked, it appears that Sookie's life is going to change drastically. I think this is a good thing and likely foreshadows how Sookie's story will ultimately end. If I'm right, then I'm pretty happy where things could end up. That said, though, I kind of wish Sookie had done something different with a gift her grandmother left her. It's not that Sookie squandered her inheritance, but she could have used it in a way that would been more directly beneficial to her well being.

The plotting of both books followed Harris's usual style. There is a ton of action played out against Sookie's personal life and the doings of her family and friends in Bon Temps, Louisiana. As always, Harris's sense of humor comes shining through, and her world of humans, weres, fairies, vampires, and more is complex and well developed.

As you can tell, I have mixed feelings about the series. I'm still interested in the characters, but I'm not going to be too sad to say good-bye when Harris writes the last page of Sookie's story.

What I will miss, however, is Johanna Parker's stellar performances on the audiobook editions (produced by Recorded Books). I can't imagine a better narrator for the series. Parker has nailed the characters' personalities and is amazingly consistent both with a single book and across the entire series. She has added greatly to my enjoyment of Sookie's adventures.

Penguin USA / Ace
Dead Reckoning, ISBN-13: 9781937007355, 2012
Deadlocked, ISBN-13: 9781937007447, 2012
Source: Review (both print and audio) (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy).

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