July 2018 promises to be an exhilarating month for aficionados of science fiction and fantasy literature. Renowned authors from the science fiction realm, including the legendary Poul Anderson, will release new works alongside esteemed fantasy writers like Naomi Novik. For reading enthusiasts, now is an opportune moment to dive into freshly launched titles in these genres.
Top Science Fiction Reads for June 2018
The Complete Psychotechnic League Vol. 3 by Poul Anderson
Poul Anderson has long been celebrated in the hard science fiction community, with works like Tau Zero earning him a special place among fans. For those yet to experience his writing, Tau Zero is recommended, especially for those eager for hard SF, despite its lack of character development against a sweeping narrative backdrop.
This third volume of The Psychotechnic League compiles a series of short stories exploring future history. It delves into the ramifications of World War III, offering glimpses into the fate of humanity through narratives set in a distant future. Featuring new contributions from Anderson, a central theme is the concept of Psychodynamics—the capability to sway governmental decisions and public sentiment. Following World War III, this discipline ushers in a temporary peace on Earth. However, like most utopias, this one ultimately meets a tragic end. This edition concludes the Psychotechnic League saga.
Expected release date: July 3, 2018
Buy: Psychotechnic League Vol. 3
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Her latest novel, Spinning Silver, features the tale of Miryem, who comes from a lineage of moneylenders. While her father struggles with the responsibilities of their trade, Miryem takes a different approach, striving to save her family from financial ruin. Gaining notoriety for her supposed ability to turn silver into gold captures the interest of mysterious forest creatures, particularly their enigmatic king, who seeks to exploit her talents for hidden agendas.
Expected release date: July 10, 2018
Buy: Spinning Silver
The Final Frontier, edited by Neil Clarke
Neil Clarke is well-known as the editor of Clarkesworld magazine, a prominent platform for science fiction works. His editorial contributions have garnered multiple Hugo Awards, making him a respected figure in the field.
The Final Frontier, curated by Clarke, is an anthology that contains a variety of short stories unified by a central theme: humanity’s inherent desire to explore uncharted territories. Readers can expect to encounter narratives that transport them to the furthest reaches of the universe, presenting fresh perspectives on exploring new worlds.
Expected release date: July 10, 2018
Buy: The Final Frontier
The Wild Dead by Carrie Vaughn
Carrie Vaughn has made a name for herself in the realms of fantasy and science fiction through her urban fantasy series featuring Kitty Norville. She is also the creator of the Coast Road series, which holds significant promise as evidenced by its initial installment, Bannerless.
The Wild Dead marks the second entry in this series. Set in a post-apocalyptic future characterized by a century of environmental and economic devastation, the inhabitants of the Coast Road have established a new society, vowing to avoid the pitfalls of their predecessors. Central to the narrative are two main characters, Enid and Teeg, who are summoned to resolve a minor conflict but unexpectedly discover a body, complicating matters. The plot centers on this murder and explores moral dilemmas within an isolated dystopian world.
Expected release date: July 17, 2018
Buy: The Wild Dead
Apocalypse Nyx by Kameron Hurley
Kameron Hurley is one of the rising voices in science fiction, previously highlighted for her work The Stars Are Legion, which featured a group navigating the chaos of deep space.
Apocalypse Nyx introduces readers to Nyx, an ex-government assassin turned bounty hunter, navigating a world ravaged by catastrophe, where giant insects, magicians, and toxic deserts prevail amidst an ongoing war. This narrative follows Nyx and her band of misfit companions as their journey continually leads them closer to a nightmarish future.
Expected release date: July 17, 2018
Buy: Apocalypse Nyx
Which titles are you eager to read this July? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
