Science Fiction/Fantasy

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

Revenge, intrigue, and unexpected magic live at the heart of this stunning debut. In an Asian-inspired fantasy world, rebellion foments against the mysterious and harsh Emperor who demands a literal part of every citizen to keep them safe from a nebulous threat. One young woman must seek out the secrets to her father’s magic, but the answers are much darker than she can imagine. Rich and truly surprising, this book stayed with me long after I put it down. —Ivy

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

Ash is an indentured servant trying to earn her freedom. She’s in love with the Captain of her spaceship, but they can’t be together—not until the war ends. Ash soon discovers a powerful alien weapon that could turn the tide of the war, but at what cost? Cool world-building and endless action make for a page-turning thrill ride. The ending is full of surprises. Fans of The Expanse will love this nail-biter of a space opera.  —Jason

This book is everything early Stephen King was trying to be. What happens when you spend all summer bonding with a mannequin, only to leave him to gather dust for years in the garage? A group of seniors from a small town are about to find out. Horror fans, get ready for this twisty psychological tale. And be careful what you bring back from a creek...It can follow you in ways you'd never expect.  —MJ

Strap in, kids, this one is a wild ride. With a slow-burn horror, Lovecraftian beginning, you won't be able to put this one down. Part family drama, part spine tingling spookiness, the Turner family and their woes will make any horror fan happy. —Jae

I’ve been hooked on Louisa Morgan since I first picked up A Secret History of Witches last year. The Age of Witches is her third foray into magical historical fiction and, in my opinion, her best. Reconstruction-era New York and Victorian England are brought to vivid life as we weave our way through the social niceties (and not-so-niceties) of families and stepfamilies, marriage, and the social expectations of women of the era while expertly adding in a beautiful thread of magic and female companionship. 

From beginning to end Middlegame is the book you’ve been waiting for. I’ve been reading McGuire’s work for years and this is her best. The technical writing alone is masterful, then add in complex characters, and a plot that defies time and space, and you can see why it’s been nominated for a Hugo Award. Roger and Dodger, despite their ridiculous names, are characters to fall in love with even when they’re being their most exasperating.