Science Fiction/Fantasy

The year is 2095 and there is a struggle for the rights of A.I. A former marine and now cyborg- gun-for-hire, Welga, protects the rich against daily violent protests lead by battle bots and armored drones. In nonstop action, full of cool tech and innovative world building, this visionary science fiction thriller reimagines artificial intelligence, sentience, and labor rights in an automated near future. Penned by a Hugo and Nebula finalist. — Jason

Solomon’s writing does something to me that I ironically can’t explain in words. Whether the setting is space, the open ocean, or the forest, their writing examines the human condition, with a focus on race, gender, and sexuality, through the lens of fantasy and science fiction. It always feels fresh; everything about the stories is alien and yet all too familiar. I don’t have a lot to say, but Sorrowland gave me a lot to feel. And I think that’s important. — MJ

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is turning 42! To mark this auspicious birthday, illustrator Chris Riddell put pen to paper and has brought to life beloved characters like Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Marvin the Paranoid Android. Riddell is the prolific artist best known for illustrating The Edge Chronicles and for his work on many Neil Gaiman novels, including versions of Coraline, The Graveyard Book, and Fortunately, the Milk. So grab your towel, pour a cup of something almost but not quite entirely unlike tea, and get ready to share and enjoy this hilarious classic. — Molly

I am a big fan of Welcome to Night Vale and Joseph Fink. Fink always takes something simple and puts a fascinating spin on it. He could have just written a memoir. Instead, his wife Meg Bashwiner and he give us two different perspectives on 10 of their years. Brilliant. In fact, Bashwiner might actually be funnier (sorry, Joseph!). There’s lots for fans of the show, but really it’s the perfect encapsulation of a millennial love story. It’s funny, poignant, and weird, all in one go. — Ivy

This was an enthralling ride through a fantastical version of Africa, with characters I loved despite their flaws. Danso is a student of stories who longs to be the author of his own, despite the rigidity of color and class within his city. A mystery brought to light threatens to upend everything, forcing questions of what is truly worth saving. It’s been a while since I gave myself fully over to the creation of a fantasy world, and Okungbowa made sure it was worth the time. — Jax

Zen Cho builds an immersive #ownvoices Malaysian fantasy, where the interplay of gangsters, ghosts, and gods acts as a compelling counterpoint to a modern-day story of identity, family, and self-determination. Cho’s protagonist Jess, drawn away from her home, career, and girlfriend, is real and relatable. Black Water Sister has a vivid supporting cast of family, frenemies, and supernatural entities, who will welcome you with a smile (and maybe a knife) to explore secrets and plots in the green heat of Malaysia. — Jocelyn

If you love atmospheric fantasy and retellings of familiar fairy tales, look no further. Redarys is promised to the Wolf that hunts the Forest, a generational sacrifice that keeps her home and the entire continent on which she lives safe from demonic destruction. Or so the stories have always told. But what happens when she learns the intricacies of these stories? And how will she find her place among the legends? — Jae

Josie Morrow is Girl One of the nine Homestead girls, all conceived without male DNA. An arson fire destroyed their experimental commune when they were still young children, and the girls and their mothers scattered far and wide. Now 23, Josie embarks on a desperate journey to find her missing mother. She connects with other Homestead girls, and together they discover their hidden powers. Secrets and lies unravel one after another as the truth finally emerges. An exciting sci-fi/mystery thriller! — Trey

A lyrical, character driven space symphony that is a refreshing break from the average space odyssey. Jimenez’ focus on characters and their interactions makes it a compelling speculative exploration of life in a universe where time has been dislocated by technology. It’s almost like a series of short stories and micro-fictions woven together to form a loose, flowing narrative about love, loss, and deep space politics. Highly recommended as an entry point for literary fiction readers looking for a sci-fi change of pace. — Edward

This book is part of our Spring Reading Challenge. Read more here.

Nnedi Okorafor, award-winning author of The Binti Trilogy, offers us a new coming-of-age story. Remote Control chronicles the travels of Sankofa, a young Ghanian girl who is endowed with the touch of Death by a mysterious celestial object. Through Okorafor’s skillful storytelling, Sankofa quickly becomes a living legend in this slim Afrofuturistic novella. A wonderful read for lovers of fast-paced sci-fi and female protagonists. — Juj