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Fall brings a fresh crop of suitably autumnal cozy fantasies and gothic horror alongside some hotly anticipated sequels from TJ Klune, Chloe Gong, and others. TOP 10 Absolution Jeff VanderMeer. [...]

Want to see your book featured? Check out the Indie Spotlight calendar at booklife.com/indiespotlight. Monsters, Aliens & the Paranormal Cryptids Robert Herrick ASIN B0D265DVM1 Author statement: 'Alex was rescued by [...]

Horror continues to enjoy a heyday, with plenty of ghost stories on offer to get readers through spooky season. Meanwhile, forthcoming fantasy and sci-fi titles pit underdog heroes against oppressive [...]

Launching this spring: interstellar adventures, alien invasions, and lonely heroes seeking love across the galaxy. The Asiri Roye Okupe et al. Dark Horse, June 18($19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5067-3545-0) West [...]

Want to see your book featured? Check out the Indie Spotlight Calendar at booldife.com/indiespotlight. CHILDREN'S/YA FANTASY & SCI-FI Blessed Kandi J Wyatt ASIN BOB1CT69BK About the book: What would you [...]

ADVENTURE Azimuth (Rahki Chronicles 1) Rennie St. James ISBN 978-1-386-21668-1 About the book: Azimuth is a contemporary fantasy road trip adventure with a little magic, some romance, and a lot [...]

This fall is a season for beginnings and endings, with grand finales for several blockbuster sci-fi and fantasy series, new endeavors from big-name authors, and a selection of splashy debuts. [...]

"Dogs and Monsters" by Mark Haddon is a collection of stories that combines Greek mythology and science fiction. The stories explore human flaws and desires through various characters and situations. One story, "The Mother's Story," focuses on a woman defending her neuro-divergent Minotaur son against societal rejection. Another story, "D.O.G.Z," retells a scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses and delves into the lives of Ovid's 33 dogs. Haddon's writing is both gory and lyrical, offering perspectives from superhumans and immortals who reflect on the human condition and critique human inventions. Overall, the book is a captivating blend of mythology and science fiction. [Extracted from the article]

Crash Override Say what you will about New York City's oft-delayed transit system, but the subway helped Kevin Nguyen write his first novel, New Waves (One World, Mar.). Riding the [...]

The article offers information on the surging popularity of genre fiction, including romance, horror, mystery, science fiction and fantasy titles, leading publishers to increase their output to meet the demand. Topics include the rising interest in diverse and inclusive genre fiction; the influence of literary trends and movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp; and how readers turn to genre fiction for escape and emotional processing during challenging times.

> Between Dystopias Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki and Joshua Uchenna Omenga. Caezik SF & Fantasy, Oct. Africa Is Risen coeditor Ekpeki and debut author Omenga, who are both from Nigeria, contribute [...]

Litquake, a literary festival in San Francisco, is offering a selection of events that will continue into November. These events include a screening of the documentary "A Family" followed by a Q&A with Christine Angot, a reading by Jenny Slate from her book of essays "Lifeform," a poetry reading by Terry Tierney, a graphic novelist Agnes Lee discussing her work on the afterlife, and a panel discussion on incorporating climate activism into writing. These events cover a range of topics and genres, providing opportunities for attendees to engage with diverse perspectives and ideas. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of the book "Sinister Stories and Twisted Tales: The Ultimate Anthology of Sc-Fi & Cosmic Horror" by Anthony L. Abraham. The book consists of 14 spine-tingling tales that explore cosmic horror and the impact of technology on society. The stories are set in a universe that is both familiar and unfamiliar, featuring characters who may not be entirely human. The author creates a foggy and dreamlike atmosphere, leaving room for readers to interpret the violent and surreal surroundings. While the collection may not appeal to those who prefer more description and exposition, it offers a new perspective on a terrifying world and explores human experiences at its core. [Extracted from the article]

"A Battle For Tomorrow: End of Earth, Book 1" by Matt Simons is a thrilling novel that explores the dehumanization of soldiers during World War 3. Set in the Obama era, the story follows Jason Baker and his high school friends who are drafted into the war and sent to battle zones after North Korea's nuclear strike on Hawaii. The novel emphasizes the stripping away of humanity as a survival tactic, but also introduces a science-fiction twist that connects to the theme. Simons's fast-paced narrative delves into the horrors of combat and the transformation of young people into weapons, with a strong ending that hints at more to come. This book would appeal to fans of Elliot Ackerman and James Stavridis's "2034" and Oleg Pavlov's "The Matiushin Case." [Extracted from the article]

The 2024 World Science Fiction Convention, known as Worldcon, was held in Glasgow and was described as a "joyous festival of genre" by attendees. The event attracted over 7,200 in-person attendees and 600 online participants. The convention was praised for its inclusivity and commitment to accessibility, with organizers ensuring that every participant felt represented. The importance of in-person connections within the science fiction and fantasy publishing industry and community was emphasized. The Hugo Awards ceremony, a highlight of the convention, was held and winners included Emily Tesh's "Some Desperate Glory" for best novel. The event was seen as a success in repairing damage from previous controversies, with transparency and community involvement being prioritized. Next year's Worldcon is scheduled to take place in Seattle. [Extracted from the article]

"Eyes on the Sky" by J. Kasper Kramer is a children's/YA novel set in 1947 New Mexico. After the deaths of their parents, 12-year-old Dorothy Duncan worries that she has ruined her older brother Dwight's military career. Living on a rundown ranch, Dorothy conducts science experiments and becomes concerned that her weather balloon experiment may have caused an aircraft to crash from the nearby Roswell Air Force base. With the help of a friend, she investigates the potential wreckage and uncovers a mysterious object in a cave, leading her to question if the government is hiding something extraterrestrial. The story incorporates science fiction elements and features a thrilling conclusion. The main characters are portrayed as white, and the book is recommended for ages 8-12. [Extracted from the article]

"Last Stop" by Django Wexler is a thrilling science fiction novel set in a universe where humans are threatened by giant insect-like creatures called mantids. The story follows Quedra Sa-Yool, a disgraced former fleet admiral, and her brother Zham as they embark on a dangerous mission to locate a site that could potentially be a safe new home for humanity. Wexler skillfully combines suspense, humor, and tragedy in this pulse-pounding adventure, and the worldbuilding is rich and immersive. Fans of Joss Whedon's Firefly will find this book particularly enjoyable. [Extracted from the article]

"New Girl on Louisiana Street" by Doug McCall is a small-town coming-of-age science fiction story that explores themes of family, friendship, acceptance, lies, and obsession. The protagonist, Mickey Forman, befriends a mysterious classmate named Heidi Jones and discovers that her family are actually space aliens. As Mickey navigates secrets, friendships, and a shaky romance, he also grapples with the anxieties and expectations of preteen life. While the pacing may be uneven, the story is filled with suspense, unexpected laughs, and heartfelt moments. The book emphasizes the importance of acceptance and features a sweet, albeit abrupt, ending. [Extracted from the article]

"A Time to Fight (Sainted Love #1)" by Steve Orlando and Giopota is a sci-fi adventure and queer romance graphic novel. The story follows heroes Malcolm and John, who use a time machine to escape persecution by a homophobic organization called The Pilgrims. They travel through time, encountering historical figures and engaging in both fight scenes and tasteful sexual encounters. Orlando addresses the victimization of gay people throughout history while providing an entertaining and visually appealing narrative. [Extracted from the article]

"Somewhat Lost: It Was One Bottle of Wine" by Remi DeWitt is a fast-paced science fiction novel that follows suburban mom Debbie, who is abducted by aliens after a night of wine and a movie. She is rescued by a mysterious woman named Ellen, and together they navigate across galaxies, fleeing from space pirates. The novel features diverse characters and humor derived from miscommunication and cultural differences. DeWitt keeps the story filled with danger, humor, and action, making it an entertaining read. [Extracted from the article]

"The Art Thieves" by Andrea L. Rogers is a science fiction novel set in 2052 Texas. The story follows Stevie Henry, a Cherokee high school graduate who works at a museum gift shop to save money for college. She meets Adam, a mysterious intern who reveals that he is from the future and has come to save important art pieces from an impending apocalypse. The book explores themes of Indigenous heritage, climate collapse, and family dynamics. Rogers, a Cherokee author, presents a gripping and emotionally moving tale that addresses tough issues with empathy and realism. Recommended for readers aged 12 and up. [Extracted from the article]

"Alien Clay" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that follows imprisoned dissident scientist Arton Daghdev as he tries to understand the alien ecology on the prison planet Kiln. Daghdev is caught between fellow prisoners planning a rebellion and a warden who believes that humanity is the pinnacle achievement of the Universe. The novel explores themes of identity and individuality, and offers a surprising resolution. Tchaikovsky's philosophical musings and unique storytelling style make this book a compelling read for science fiction enthusiasts. [Extracted from the article]

"Out of the Drowning Deep" by A.C. Wise is a puzzling yet fascinating novel set in a magic-infused near-future. The story follows three characters, including an automaton, a recovering addict, and an angel, as they come together to solve the Pope's murder. The worldbuilding is expansive, incorporating gods, angels, space travel, and advanced technology. While the core story is emotionally compelling, the abundance of elements can make it difficult for readers to fully appreciate. Overall, the novel presents a unique blend of genres and themes. [Extracted from the article]

Readers who cut their teeth on YA and middle grade fantasy and SF will be thrilled to see adult and new adult titles from some of their favorite authors, including [...]

Ancestral Night Elizabeth Bear (Saga) ISBN 978-1-5344-0298-0, $25.99 * Anyone who enjoys space opera, exploration of characters, and political speculation will love this outstanding novel, Bear's welcome return to hard [...]

In "The Ex-Human: Science Fiction and the Fate of Our Species," Michael Bérubé, an English professor at Penn State, explores sci-fi novels and films that prompt readers to consider humanity's future from a non-human perspective. Bérubé analyzes Arthur C. Clarke's "2001: A Space Odyssey" and argues that the unemotional and unbiased robot HAL would have been a better choice for first contact with extraterrestrials than the human characters. He also examines Octavia Butler's "Lilith's Brood" series, suggesting that merging with aliens may be a preferable fate to the violence and destruction that characterize human colonies on Earth. Bérubé further contends that in the "Matrix" and "Terminator" franchises, it would make more sense for humans to cede their devastated worlds to the machines. While the extensive plot summaries may overshadow the analysis, fans of science fiction will appreciate Bérubé's unique perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the work of Brandon Winn Sanderson, is an American author of high fantasy and science fiction who is best known for the Cosmere fictional universe, in which most of his fantasy novels, most notably the "Mistborn" series and "The Stormlight Archive," are set. It discusses about a "soft magic" system in which the reader is not totally aware of the "rules" of employing magic; and a "hard magic" system is one in which the reader almost fully comprehends the rules.

"Children of the Stars" is a coming-of-age science fiction novel by Neil V. Young. The story follows Dayton Murdoch, a 16-year-old Survey pilot aboard the exploration ship Venture. When Venture unexpectedly returns to Earth ahead of schedule, Dayton and the crew must adapt to life on Earth, facing challenges and societal divides. The novel explores themes of adaptation, acceptance, and the clash between different cultures. It offers an exciting space-to-Earth narrative that will appeal to young readers interested in science fiction. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a collection of fiction book reviews from Publishers Weekly. The first review is for a contemporary romance novel called "Enemies to Lovers" by Laura Jane Williams. The story follows Flo Greenberg, who has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Jamie Kramer, for a long time. After some flirting, Flo finds a note from Jamie saying they shouldn't pursue a relationship, which leads to tension between them. The review praises the appealing characters and colorful supporting cast, as well as the charming setting in Greece.The second review is for a historical romance novel called "The Winged Tiara" by J’Nell Ciesielski. The story is set in 1918 Paris and follows Esme Fox and Jasper Truitt, who impulsively marry but separate the next morning. Four years later, they meet again and are shocked to discover each other's true identities. The review describes the novel as sparkling and praises the author's ability to mix romance with historical elements.The third review is for a science fiction anthology called "New Adventures in Space Opera" edited by Jonathan Strahan. The anthology features 15 award-winning science fiction stories from the past decade that exemplify the best of space opera. The review highlights the sophisticated and evocative nature of the stories, as well as the impressive worldbuilding and action.The fourth review is for a fantasy novel called "The Enchanted Lies of Celeste Artois" by Ryan Graudin. [Extracted from the article]

"Heaven Sent" is a new adult debut novel by YA author Sara Wolf, which is ranked #4 on the hardcover fiction list and #10 overall in the country. The book is described as a breathtaking epic that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, and mystery into a coming-of-age story. It comes in a deluxe limited edition packaging with illustrated endpapers and concludes with "Hellrunner." The novel has received positive reviews and is recommended for fans of diverse genres. [Extracted from the article]

"Generations" is an epic science fiction novel set on a generation ship called the Thetis. The story takes place eight generations after the ship's launch and follows Sandrine Liet, a Gen7 traveler who works as a Senior Archivist. When Sandrine is asked to investigate a report of extortion by the ship's leader, Primo Sebastian Anderson, she uncovers a cover-up and a potential threat to all life on the ship. The novel combines elements of political thrillers, science fiction, and procedural investigations, offering a compelling hero and a detailed exploration of ship life. While the identity of the villain may be predictable for seasoned mystery readers, the book's worldbuilding and storytelling are satisfying. It is recommended for fans of Patrick S. Tomlinson's "Children of a Dead Earth" series and Nick Harkaway's "Titanium Noir." [Extracted from the article]

"Still the Sun" by Charlie N. Holmberg is a gripping science fantasy novel set on the planet Tampere. The protagonist, Pell, is approached by a stranger named Moseus to help repair machines in a mysterious tower. As Pell tinkers with the devices, she experiences intense flashbacks of the planet's past. Alongside Moseus's enigmatic companion, Heartwood, Pell uncovers the dark truth behind the tower and the broken machines. While the worldbuilding and technology specifics may be confusing at times, the suspenseful plot and slow-burn romance make for a fascinating read. [Extracted from the article]

"Time Is Heartless: The Heartless Series: Book Three" by Sarah Lahey is a near-future science fiction novel set in a heat-choked Earth. The story follows Quinn Buyers, a climate scientist living in a floating equatorial city, as she balances her work, marriage, and the care of her young daughter. The novel combines elements of romance, family drama, and adventure, with themes of love, connection, and advanced technology. The book explores future politics and features action-packed scenes, but its strength lies in its rich relationships and world-building. Readers new to the series are advised to start with the first book. [Extracted from the article]

In "The Long Run: A Creative Inquiry," Stacey D'Erasmo explores the reasons and methods behind artists' ability to continue creating. Through interviews with late-career painters, writers, composers, and others, D'Erasmo uncovers the ways in which these individuals sustain their creativity. The book offers an admiring portrait of the perseverance, talent, and drive that fuels creatives, providing inspiration for artists seeking motivation. While D'Erasmo's self-reflections occasionally divert attention from the focus on her subjects, the overall result is an inspiring exploration of the creative process. [Extracted from the article]

Authors change genres, characters travel through time and between worlds, and readers will find elements of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and the comedic and surreal all mixed together in these [...]

Science fiction and fantasy have long been used as vehicles for examining topical concerns. As those real-world issues evolve, so too do the stories authors choose to tell. This feature [...]

"The Belt" by Dale E. Lehman is a science fiction thriller set on Mars. Exobiologist Miguel Hernandez discovers microfossils in Sinus Meridiani, providing evidence of independent life on Mars. However, he is labeled an outlaw by the mayor of Lowell Colony, who opposes Miguel's efforts to preserve Meridiani as a research site. Miguel and his students become entangled in a political conspiracy that extends to the asteroid belt. While the resolution of the conspiracy is somewhat underwhelming, the story offers an enjoyable read with complex characters and a gritty Martian survival setting. Fans of the Expanse series will appreciate the familiar worldbuilding and multilayered political landscape. [Extracted from the article]

"A History of the Multiverse: Orion Spatial" is a quirky and humorous space adventure novel by A.S. Jerickson. The story follows Pharos Barton Plyaedes, who is hired by a clone committee to retrieve an errant droid that is pursuing a destructive entity called the Entirely Unwelcome and Unjust Tite. Barton is equipped with a time-traveling K-Drive and is accompanied by a grumbling Monk of Karlof and a persnickety Bookkeeper. Throughout the book, comical extracts from the multi-volume History of the Multiverse provide background information on the uncanny world. This action-packed and humorous novel will appeal to fans of classical science fiction and readers who enjoy humor in their stories. [Extracted from the article]

Sofia Samatar's novella, "The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain," explores themes of capitalism and labor exploitation through the lens of science fiction. The story follows a nameless boy who is born and raised in the oppressive environment of a mining ship. He is rescued by a woman who implements a scholarship program, and together they navigate a world filled with deep horrors. Samatar's masterful worldbuilding and subtle reveals highlight the power of collective action in the face of oppression. This thought-provoking novella delivers a powerful message. [Extracted from the article]

Contravening the expectations of both springtime and speculative fiction, this season's science fiction and fantasy authors are looking back as well as forward. Nnedi Okorafor's Who Fears Death, her first [...]

Did you specifically set out to write a sci-fi novel, or did that emerge organically along the way? Definitely organically--the reason I was thinking about dystopia is because the very [...]

The article offers information associated with thriller novel writer Walter Mosley. Mosley believes that ThrillerFest is a professional event that pays attention to all writers from the seasoned master to the perspective writer who have yet to pen their first novel. It is noted that Mosley is best known for his gritty crime fiction, but his versatility also includes ventures into science fiction.

Writers of sci-fi and speculative fiction have a unique superpower: the ability to create, dismantle, and rebuild whole universes. The universe of the indie author Fredric Shernoff's dystopian Atlantic Island [...]

Podium Publishing was launched in Toronto in 2012 by audio engineer Creg Lawrence and financial entrepreneur James Tonn. The company first gained the attention of the industry with its audiobook [...]

Readers immersed in the raging debates over the future of speculative fiction should take a break from social media and hit the bookstores. The future is already here, and it's [...]

After Charlaine Harris wrapped up the Sookie Stackhouse series with Dead Ever After, readers demanded to know what she'd be doing next. The answer is Midnight Crossroad, set in the [...]