Science Fiction/Fantasy

Gideon the Ninth is as if a liberated, lesbian Bronte sister wrote about necromatic death cult nuns in space, gothic drama and all. That is to say, this book makes dreams come true. Mouthy jock/swordswoman Gideon is pulsingly alive in the center of a mileu of fascinatingly macabre characters. High fantasy world building, brilliant, quick-witted dialogue—you can't ask for a more fresh, visceral, or mind-blowing fantasy debut. Read it! - Clara

This beautifully-written debut is set in turn-of-the-20^th-century New York City and seamlessly weaves fantastical elements into the historical setting resulting in a magical story that somehow still feels realistic. Recommended for fans of good writing, The Shadow of the Wind and Spinning Silver. - Stephanie

This book is a modern classic of satire and what it means to be human. The apocalypse is coming, and a vivid cast of characters will do battle (well, more cause nuisance to each other) in an attempt to either stop or hinder it. The collaboration of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is seamless, and brilliant creativity and hilarity ensue. Whether you watch the miniseries or not, you won’t regret treating yourself to this book. - Jocelyn

This can best be described as the demon lovechild of Carrie and Mean Girls. It offers mid 80's high school popularity woes alongside the timeless tale of girl meets demon. Luckily for the possess-y, she's got a best friend who knows something is up, and won't stop until someone's head spins around. - J Gallo

This remarkable debut novel is a richly imagined tale that immerses the reader in a unique culture. Interstellar politics set the stage for a murder mystery, a struggle of assimilation and questions of identity. Fascinating characters, an intricate plot, and a background of stars make this a brilliant space opera. Recommended for fans of Ann Leckie, Yoon Ha Lee and Issac Asimov. - Trey

I want to be Vivian Liao when I grow up. Tech genius, revolutionary subversive and chosen by a god, she is at the center of a whirlwind adventure across the galaxy to save space, time and autonomy. I loved the unique, brash characters running around in Gladstone's magic and computer-science-based world. So fun! - Clara

Ted Chiang is one of the best modern speculative fiction writers, and his writing encompasses the breadth of the human experience. The stories in this collection are subtle, introspective, and incredibly smart, and Chiang masterfully explores themes of science, theology, fate, heartbreak, and love. I can’t recommend this highly enough for fans of literary science fiction. - Stuart

Amberlough delighted me and broke me and did it all over again. A Jazz-age alternate world of queer spy-vs-spy shenanigans and cat-and-mouse politics, featuring the rise of a conservative facist government in a diverse and throbbingly alive world. Possibly a little too real in our current real-world, but author Lara Elena Donnelly kept me hoping against reason for the characters, even as she broke me down. Fair warning: you will immediately need to pick up the sequel. - Jocelyn

Sal the Cacophony is a gunslinging wizard-hunter on a mission of vengeance, and—armed with a giant sentient handgun—she’s on the hunt for seven vicious outlaw magicians. This book is brutal and bloody with big battles and lots of action, but also features rich, inventive worldbuilding, snappy dialogue, and characters with surprising humor and heart. I couldn’t put it down! - Stuart

The oldest soul in the world just can’t seem to reach perfection. He was a disciple of the Buddha, a superhero on an alien prison planet, a wise fisherman… but every single time, Milo doesn’t get it right. On a positive note, every time he dies, he reunites with his girlfriend, Death (who also goes by the name Susie). This book is totally goofy, sweet and wise. I loved the ending. - Jason