August 2018 promises to be an exciting month for enthusiasts of science fiction and fantasy literature. Fans can look forward to fresh releases from notable authors like Jasper Fforde, alongside an anticipated hard science fiction title from acclaimed writer Cixin Liu. The offerings this month are sure to outshine those from July 2018, making it a perfect time for readers seeking captivating new material.
Early Riser by Jasper Fforde
Jasper Fforde, renowned for his contributions to alternative history and fantasy genres through works like The Eyre Affair and The Last Dragonslayer, returns with a standalone novel titled Early Riser. The narrative unfolds in a unique world where humans hibernate each winter, leaving only a few outliers responsible for facilitating a smooth hibernation process. The story centers around Charlie Worthing, who comes across a troubling outbreak of viral dreams with fatal consequences. As he experiences these dreams that begin to materialize, Worthing is faced with complex decisions that will drastically alter the course of his life.
Expected release date: August 2
Buy: Early Riser
Ball Lightning by Cixin Liu
Cixin Liu, acclaimed for his English-translated works including the Three-Body Problem trilogy, continues to captivate readers with his new military science fiction novel, Ball Lightning. This gripping tale follows Chen, whose parents are tragically killed in an incident involving ball lightning. Driven by the desire to understand this phenomenon, Chen embarks on a journey that unveils groundbreaking scientific discoveries, ultimately entangling him with those who seek to exploit his findings for creating lethal weaponry.
Expected release date: August 21
Buy: Ball Lightning
Terra Incognita by Connie Willis
Connie Willis, the author of science fiction classics like To Say Nothing of the Dog, is set to release her latest work, Terra Incognita. This collection features three unpublished novellas: Uncharted Territory, D. A., and Remake. In Uncharted Territory, a team of planetary surveyors grapples with hazardous landscapes and bureaucratic hurdles. D. A. tells the story of a young cadet wrongfully accused of a crime as she works to clear her name. Meanwhile, Remake presents a future where filmmaking is dominated by computers, centering on a woman with aspirations of dancing on screen.
Expected release date: August 21
Buy: Terra Incognita
The Fall of Gondolin by J. R. R. Tolkien
J. R. R. Tolkien, famous for his monumental works including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, continues to shape the fantasy landscape with his posthumously published novel, The Fall of Gondolin. Edited by his son Christopher, this book recounts the epic struggle between Morgoth, the dark power leading extensive military forces, and Ulmo, the Lord of Waters, over the legendary Elven city of Gondolin. Tolkien’s legacy endures as readers are drawn back into the intricacies of Middle-earth.
Expected release date: August 30
Buy: The Fall of Gondolin
Which title are you eager to dive into this August 2018? We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
