Science Fiction/Fantasy

You may recall that a few years back our staff was obsessed with M. R. Carey’s The Girl with All the Gifts. If you, like us, loved that book, you are in luck—set ten years before Girl, The Boy on the Bridge is another smart, tense zombie book appropriate even for those like me who don’t usually like zombies. Come for the gore, stay for the characters and the deftly crafted writing! - Flannery

This debut novel, reminiscent of Nnedi Okorafor, is a fresh and welcome addition to the SFF genre. The South African setting and combination of gods and technology in the world of The Prey of Gods will pique any reader’s interest. “Draydon weaves an engaging story that’s populated by a diverse cast and enhanced by fascinating concepts.” —Publishers Weekly - Karena

What does it mean to live in a post-scarcity world that can’t let go of capitalism? Walkaway deftly explores this sticky subject and I enjoyed each of its twists and turns. Those who refuse to play by the rules of the old system, those who walk away, discover something the ultra-rich of a dying world desperately want. Set in the near future, this book is a terrifying but also optimistic look at what the world could become. - Ivy

A magic school, time travel, hilarious talking birds and the end of the world! Charlie Jane Anders has written a genre-blending, trope-upending coming-of-age tale of two friends—a witch and a time traveler—whose inseparable paths alter the fate of the entire planet. Told in refreshing prose with an unpredictable ending that will leave readers of sci-fi and fantasy satisfied, All the Birds is a futuristic fairy tale for all. - Jason

There is no adequate way to describe this book in the short space I have, or to fully impart how excited I am for it. I’m burned out on dystopic fiction but can’t wait for Borne because I love Jeff VanderMeer’s unsettling, descriptive writing, the mind-bending ways his books make me think, and his worlds—in many ways recognizably ours, yet alien, altered, weird. If you want something different, look no further. - Flannery

This is one of those books that is hard to remember was totally groundbreaking because it feels so essential it’s hard to imagine the world without it. Gaiman, a Jewish Brit living in Minnesota, took a road trip through America and then wrote this unique exploration of plurality, religion, identity, and home. An amazing, engrossing epic adventure. - Jocelyn

Jacqueline Carey is second-to-none in world building and this book is no exception. Phedre, a child marked by destiny, is sold into indentured servitude at a young age, but soon finds herself being trained in the courtly arts of intrigue and seduction. Stuck as a pawn of greater families, she struggles to find her own path and protect those she holds dear. - Ivy

Hilarious shenanigans, diva superheroes, and catty bloggers made this a fun read. I devoured this urban fantasy and not just because of the demon cupcakes. Evie Taneka is the best reluctant-assistant-turned-superhero ever. It's the first of a series that I'm looking forward to continuing. - Karena

This sci-fi comedy is British humour in top form still referenced today in pop culture around the world. The characters are zany, locations wild, and plot outlandish. Yet, when all is said and done, it still ends in a fitting way. A true classic of the craft. - Ian

This beautiful novella combines historical fiction with a dash of magic to produce a fascinating story about queer women in 1940's San Francisco. Klages has woven a soft and surreal tale of art, romance and forbidden love into a vivid setting, with compelling characters, that will enchant and delight you. - Trey