While May may not be the most prolific month for science fiction, it certainly compensates with high-quality releases. The month features four major titles from established authors known for their previous successful works. Among these is the 20th installment of a beloved space opera series, along with a new novel by John Scalzi, a prominent figure in action-driven science fiction literature. Additionally, readers can look forward to a posthumous release from the celebrated Michael Crichton.
This article highlights four noteworthy science fiction book releases for May 2017. Readers may also want to explore our earlier list for more recommendations if they haven’t yet done so.
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The Gathering Edge by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
The Liaden series stands as one of the longest-running space opera sagas ever, with 20 novels published over two decades. The Gathering Edge is the latest entry, and fans can take comfort in knowing that the authors have commitments to produce additional titles in the future.
Set in a distant future, the Liaden series introduces three distinct races: Terran, Liaden, and Yxtrang. The narrative typically unfolds through fast-paced action, exploring inter-racial conflicts and the potential evolution of humanity. The plot of The Gathering Edge involves battleships inadvertently leaking from another universe and a character’s quest to uncover her ancestry.
Expected publication date: May 2
Buy: Amazon
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The Dispatcher by John Scalzi
Known for his military science fiction series Old Man’s War, John Scalzi returns with The Dispatcher, set to launch at the month’s end. This speculative fiction narrative explores a world where murder is an impossibility; almost every individual who is killed comes back to life, fundamentally altering societal norms. Scalzi’s imaginative take on this premise is highly anticipated.
Expected publication date: May 31
Buy: Amazon
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Radiate by C. A. Higgins
C. A. Higgins concludes her Lightless trilogy with the upcoming release of Radiate. With a background in physics, Higgins has garnered acclaim for her hard science fiction narratives, and her earlier novels—Lightless and Supernova—received significant praise. The trilogy’s finale centers around Ananke, a sentient artificial intelligence that was once a military spacecraft.
The preceding books follow Ananke’s transformation from a military vessel to a developed AI, placing emphasis on her emotional connection with Althea, one of her creators. In Radiate, Ananke’s fervent quest to understand her origins propels her towards potentially dangerous discoveries.
Expected publication date: May 23
Buy: Amazon
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Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton
Michael Crichton, who passed away in 2008, left behind an extensive oeuvre, much of which has been adapted for film. Now, nearly a decade later, a new novel surfaces, as his family unearthed a manuscript titled Dragon Teeth.
This novel marks a return to the dinosaur-themed narratives that made the author famous through his Jurassic Park series. Dragon Teeth narrates a tale of rivalry between two paleontologists, leading the main character, William Johnson, to a significant discovery fraught with peril.
Expected publication date: May 23
Buy: Amazon
