Science Fiction/Fantasy

Why do we ignore the realities that upset our ideas of ourselves? What if we were forced to face them? What if you were a brilliant scientist who made a clone of yourself and then your husband started having an affair with that clone? The Echo Wife takes these questions and runs with them, merging Black Mirror’s eerie, science fiction energy with the page-turning thrill of a murder mystery (and don’t forget the strong feminist voice!). A must read for the modern sci-fi enthusiast! —Jess

In Aliya Whitley’s The Loosening Skin, humans periodically shed their skin along with the emotions and identities embedded in them, to varying degrees. For the novel’s protagonist, Rose Allington, the effects of this process are extreme: she is always driven to leave her life and her loves behind. This literal molting process explores the transient and permanent aspects of self, of love, and of our own histories. It is sparse, engaging, strange, and deeply affecting. — Brooks

I don’t often think of calligraphy and traditional art as the basis for a fun, beautifully rendered fantasy, but Phoenix Extravagant is all of that. Automata and fox spirits roam the streets while subjugated people fight for their freedom, and dragons turn out to be far less monstrous to face than is contending with humanity’s greed. I particularly admire Lee’s ability to navigate the nonbinary gender of his protagonist with a light touch. I haven’t devoured something like this since Uprooted. Don’t miss out! — Jax
 

Naomi Novik is a literary chameleon and here she slides effortlessly into the magic school genre, making it brilliantly her own. If you like characters defying their tropes, intriguing magic systems, deadly libraries, stories of friendship and staying true to yourself—amidst magical monsters and backstabbing high school cliques—but with just a little more snark and murder, pick this up. I loved this book, and can’t wait to find everyone else who will love it too. 
— Jocelyn
 

An atmospheric, dark fantasy surrounding new and ancient religions and the intersection of science and faith, told from multiple perspectives. A haunting and at times violent exploration of trust, love, and authority. Fans of Rebecca Roanhorse, rejoice with me! One of my favorite books, period. — MJ

A wild and creative twist on the superhero trope. Who inflicts more damage on society, superheroes or the supervillains they fight? Anna is a hench, a temp worker for low-level supervillains. After becoming a victim of superhero mayhem, she uses her data-analysis skills to fight back. What ensues is a battle royale, with twists and turns aplenty. This is a fun, cinematic novel set in a comic book universe, unlike anything else you've ever read.  
— Trey

The deliciously intricate prose of Master of Poisons will swirl around you like a swarm of bees, minutely detailed but still moving as one, pulling you into a world of magical young girls, pirate wives, and complicated families. This is perfect for fans of Marlon James’s Black Leopard, Red Wolf. — Jae

While this one may not be entirely traditional fantastical fare, Schwab’s latest novel is utterly magical. Addie is given as much time to experience life as she wants but in exchange, she has become forgettable...until hundreds of years later, she meets a man who, against all odds, remembers her name. Immersive and transportive, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue makes you think about what price you would pay to keep what you want, and what deals with devils are worth making. — Jax

The best science fiction transforms us into actors in their world and in ours. It makes us invest in a future that we have the potential to (un)make. In this cyber-feminist, totally punk, time-travelling tale, Newitz uses her quick-paced storyline and captivating characters to introduce us to a world that could be ours. Not only will this book make you want to wear fishnets and mosh to Grape Ape, it’ll make you lucidly see your own role in revolution. — Citlalli

White supremacists are monsters. No really, watch out! There’s a monster behind you! Only some people can see them, and they have formed a motley group of Black resistance fighters, including our heroine, who is armed with a sword embodied by spirits of her ancestors. This book is a mixing pot of Deep South folk tales and fantasy set in the post–WWI Jim Crow South. — Celeste