RaveLibrary JournalEmotional prose and distinctive characters highlight an incredible story that will touch readers’ hearts and minds ... A compelling tale of invasive occupation and emotional uprising, Turnbull’s debut is complex and enthralling. It’s a must for all libraries, and the writer, who crafts speculative stories with black characters on par with Octavia Butler, is definitely one to watch.
Sarah Gailey
RaveLibrary JournalGailey\'s debut is an energetic modern fantasy that plays rough with relationships and personal beliefs, from youth to adulthood. Ivy\'s emotional investigation will strike a chord in anyone who has ever felt like they don\'t belong. Highly recommended for all collections.
Ashok K Banker
RaveLibrary JournalDespite the heft of this nearly 700-page volume, readers will hardly be able to pull themselves away from the layered story lines and well-developed characters ... Banker launches a new epic fantasy series set in a vivid world inspired by India and the Middle East, mythology and monarchy, filled with enticing narration and action.
Zen Cho
PositiveBooklist\"Cho continues to confront class and gender roles in an alternate Regency England while showcasing entertaining prose and characters. A delightful historical-fantasy novel that will capture readers in its layered story line.\
Kameron Hurley
PositiveLibrary JournalHurley\'s take on war and interplanetary adventure is mixed with a vigorous helping of time travel, which will have readers trying to catch up with the truth as much as the lead character. An absorbing and gritty story from this accomplished author.
Namwali Serpell
RaveLibrary JournalThree multicultural families\' pasts and presents, told by a swarming chorus of voices, culminate in a tale as mysterious as it is timeless ... This stunning cross-genre debut draws on Zambian history and is twisted with inverted stereotypes and explicit racist language that only reinforces the far-flung exploration of humanity.
Angus Macallan
PositiveLibrary JournalEpic worldbuilding with extensive Asian influences, especially Indonesian, meets bold characters and detailed battles across land and sea. Note that scenes of rape and gore may be traumatic for some readers.
Sylvain Neuvel
PositiveLibrary JournalThis compact novella combines issues of immigration as well as a hostage story into a tale of incredible choices.
Jenn Lyons
RaveLibrary JournalLyons\'s story is a well-crafted, elaborate tale of a thief-turned-prince. Those who enjoy the works of Brandon Sanderson and George R.R. Martin, with a grand cast of characters and a doublecross in every chapter, will find this on par with their beloved authors ... This stunning debut takes epic fantasy to a high level, portraying a world filled with magic, demons, gods, and dragons, in which politics and power plays are the laws of the land.
Charlie Jane Anders
RaveLibrary JournalAnders weaves an intricate tale of colonialism and evolution on both physical and social levels. The harsh world and well-developed characters combine with stunning storytelling that will capture readers\' minds and hearts.
S. A. Chakraborty
RaveLibrary JournalWith a richly immersive setting and featuring complex familial, religious, and racial ties and divides, Chakraborty\'s second book in the trilogy wraps readers in a lush and magical story that takes over all the senses.
Lavie Tidhar
RaveLibrary JournalShifting perspectives will keep readers trying to catch up with this fast-paced plot involving incredible twists on multiple realities and homecoming. This latest from Campbell and World Fantasy Award winner Tidha...is fascinating and powerful.
Jennifer Estep
PositiveLibrary JournalThis epic fantasy launch brings all of the action, magic, and smart cast of characters whom fans have come to expect from Estep ... Readers of Chloe Neill, Kim Harrison, and Ilona Andrews will welcome this bright new heroine.
Grady Hendrix
PositiveLibrary JournalDrawing on the dark side of American society, laden with conspiracy theories, Satanists, pop culture, and the crushed dreams of middle age, this book takes the power of music and turns it into delightful horror ... Hendrix\'s...emarkable, immersive prose will have readers recognizing pieces of themselves in the characters\' flawed thoughts and actions, which is by turns disturbing and captivating.
Drew Williams
PositiveLibrary JournalEven with long expositional internal narratives from Jane, the story is fast paced and filled with action sequences both on- and off-planet ... This expansive debut for space opera enthusiasts is full of high-flying battles that readers of Becky Chambers and fans of the show Firefly will relish.
Alan Dean Foster
PositiveLibrary JournalIn a race against time and disbelief, Ruslan takes a journey unlike any he has ever faced, testing his courage and the strength of that small glimmer of hope ... The stunning plot of Foster\'s...stand-alone novel will intrigue readers for not only the \'last man in the universe\' trope but also the well-developed alien species. A true first contact novel on many different levels.
Sarah Beth Durst
RaveLibrary JournalLoyalty to land, lovers, and family will be up for grabs in this action-packed and emotional epic ... This engrossing conclusion to the Queens of Renthia trilogy has been worth the wait, providing a challenging but satisfying ending.
Sam Hawke
PositiveLibrary JournalWhen the city is besieged by a rebellious army, residents must figure out how to survive. Can Tain, Jovan, and his sister Kalina find a way to root out internal and external betrayals and save the Heir and Silasta? ... This epic fantasy debut weaves political, class, and belief systems into a deftly drawn world, laying fertile ground for exciting political commentary.
Mary Robinette Kowal
PositiveLibrary JournalA fast-forward thrill ride, Hugo Award winner Kowal\'s exciting alternate history, the first in a duology, highlights the space race and the sexism of the time. Sf and space history buffs will enjoy this entertaining tale.
