This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Release the TBR! One of the great things about being a reader is that there are always more books! And sometimes nothing seems shinier or more exciting than books that aren’t out yet. So for all you science fiction and fantasy fans, here are seven SF/F titles headed our way later this year that sound awesome, from a middle grade fairy tale that plays with format and font to a high-stakes space opera with a linguistics twist.
Code and Codex by Yoon Ha Lee (S&S/Saga Press, October 27)
Ninefox Gambit author Yoon Ha Lee returns with a new space opera about language and history, where an epic fight must be waged when thousands of years of history are in danger of being erased by an evil empire. This story features forbidden languages, a panopticon Peacock, and a traitor Basilisk, all in a swashbuckling space setting.
This Is a Door by Daniel Nayeri (Stonefruit Studio, October 27)
Up next is a middle grade fairy tale by National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner Daniel Nayeri. A boy named Nothing the Younger goes on a journey with his dog and mouse to find out the truth about his parents, and while they travel, the text in the book changes formats and fonts for an exciting reading experience.
Saved by the Spell by Tanya Huff (DAW, November 3)
When a Hero arises at the High School for Magical Arts, it can only mean that a Villain isn’t far behind. And that means the teachers must figure out which student it will be and protect the Hero at all costs, which is way above their pay grade.
Drown the Bones by Alexandra Kennington (Berkley XO, November 3)
In this slow-burn romantasy, the spare heir’s brother is murdered, and Merridan is determined to find his killer. But after being barred by the Goddess from making inquiries, she uses forbidden magic to try and raise his ghost. Guess what happens? Yep—she gets the wrong ghost. Now Merridan must make a deal with Phoenix, the ghost, to get the answers she wants.
Swords and Spaceships
Sign up to Swords and Spaceships to receive news and recommendations from the world of science fiction and fantasy.
Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi (Tor Books, November 3)
This sci-fi book is about Richland, Ohio, a town close to ruin after its biggest employer closes. Mike has the unfortunate experience of having just returned to Richland, and with two friends, is about to get involved in all kinds of mayhem. (The description of this novel doesn’t reveal much, but guessing from the cover art, there is going to be weirdness. It is John Scalzi, after all.)
The Drakon King by Terry J. Benton-Walker (Bramble, November 10)
This is a queer romantasy about two princes who are each searching for something—freedom and a missing friend—and wind up stranded together in the Wraithwood. To survive and to save the world from an upcoming catastrophe, they will have to work together. (Cue the close proximity music!)
Halfheart by Linden A. Lewis (S&S/Saga Press, November 10)
Last, but not least, a revenge fantasy from the author of The First Sister series! Aging mercenary Mordrena Halfheart lost everything to the god of War; so when she is offered a chance to join a group of mages in killing War, she can’t say yes fast enough. But her journey will reveal much she didn’t know about War’s fate—and her own.
Okay, star bits, now take the knowledge you have learned here today and use it for good, not evil. If you want to know more about books, I talk about books pretty much nonstop (when I’m not reading them), and you can hear me say lots of adjectives about them on the Book Riot podcast All the Books! and on Instagram.