The landscape of science fiction literature continues to flourish, evidenced by the regular influx of exceptional titles each month. August 2017 promises an impressive lineup, catering to the genre’s enthusiasts. Among the notable releases are new works from acclaimed authors like Jeff Noon and N.K. Jemisin, including the final installment of Jemisin’s Hugo Award-winning trilogy. Here’s a selection of standout science fiction novels debuting in August that every fan should explore.
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A Man of Shadows – Jeff Noon
Renowned for his contributions to speculative fiction, Jeff Noon, known for titles such as Pixel Juice and Vurt, offers a new narrative in A Man of Shadows. This novel is set in a divided world, featuring Dayzone, where the sun reigns perpetually, and Nocturna, shrouded in endless night.
Private detective John Nyquist embarks on a seemingly simple case involving a missing teenager, leading him on a journey from Dayzone to Nocturna. Here, he discovers that the girl may hold the key to the fate of the city.
Expected release date: August 1
Buy: Amazon
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The Clockwork Dynasty – Daniel H. Wilson
In his latest work, The Clockwork Dynasty, author Daniel H. Wilson, known for Robocalypse, draws from his background in robotics to narrate a compelling story. The novel explores a hidden realm that coexists beneath our own world, intertwining events from 1725 Russia with a modern tale of discovery.
This narrative emerges amidst contemporary discussions about artificial intelligence. While figures like Elon Musk voice concerns over AI’s risks, others like Mark Zuckerberg offer a more optimistic viewpoint, highlighting the ongoing tension in the public discourse surrounding advanced technology.
Expected release date: August 1
Buy: Amazon
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Noumenon – Marina J. Lostetter
Noumenon, penned by Marina J. Lostetter, offers a distinctive exploration of humanity’s venture beyond the solar system. Set in 2088, as humanity prepares to probe the stars, the plot unfolds when an astrophysicist identifies a star that seemingly defies known physical laws.
To facilitate the ambitious journey that spans centuries, humanity resorts to using clones. However, the unpredictable dynamics between clones and AI introduce complexities that could jeopardize the mission. Lostetter blends hard science fiction with futuristic elements in this thought-provoking narrative.
Expected release date: August 1
Buy: Amazon
The Stone Sky – N.K. Jemisin
The Stone Sky marks the culmination of The Broken Earth trilogy, which began with the award-winning The Fifth Season. N.K. Jemisin employs a unique second-person narrative throughout the series, providing a fresh perspective that has captivated readers.
Set against the backdrop of catastrophic near-extinction events, this installment reveals escalating stakes as the moon’s return sets a mother and daughter on opposing paths: one determined to avert destruction, the other intent on annihilating humanity.
Expected release date: August 15
Buy: Amazon
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Reincarnation Blues – Michael Poore
Michael Poore’s upcoming release blends speculative fiction with whimsical storytelling in Reincarnation Blues. The narrative follows a man reincarnated nearly 10,000 times, perpetually seeking the elusive secret of immortality to reunite with his love, the embodiment of death.
Spanning from ancient India to the cosmos, this book presents a delightful option for readers in search of something unconventional.
Expected release date: August 22
Buy: Amazon
What science fiction titles are you eager to read? Share your thoughts in the comments.