August brings a wealth of new science fiction titles that promise to captivate readers. From eerie tales of black orbs in downtown Seoul to thrilling adventures on Mars, esteemed authors have released exciting new works. Notable mentions include the latest titles from James S. A. Corey, Josh Malerman, and Neal Asher, alongside an intriguing short story collection by Mark Haddon. This month, I will begin my reading journey with Janina Matthewson’s compelling story set against an apocalyptic backdrop on a small island, followed by Miles Cameron’s imaginative universe featuring monumental “Greatships.” There’s a diverse array of options for every science fiction enthusiast.
The new speculative novel opens in downtown Seoul, where a mysterious black orb emerges, consuming people one by one. As the orb grows and multiplies, chaos ensues, leaving Jeong-su desperate to locate his elderly parents amidst the escalating panic.
The Horses by Janina Matthewson
This gripping tale unfolds in the isolated island community of Black Crag, where Sarah awakens to an unsettling silence across the globe—no aircraft in the sky and dead radios. The arrival of a traumatized ferryman sparks rumors about a catastrophe on the mainland, causing rifts among the villagers. This story draws favorable comparisons to Emily St. John Mandel’s acclaimed Station Eleven.
Set within Asher’s Owner universe, this standalone novel follows Ottanger, a rebel and mutant, as he uncovers his ability to access alternate worlds after undergoing experiments by Earth’s tyrannical Committee. Can he rise up against their oppressive regime?
Sam Wilson’s new novel transports readers to Mars in 2034, where humanity’s first child is born, and extends to 2103, revealing a world fraught with division and fear.
Pearl by Josh Malerman
The author of Birdbox returns with a chilling narrative centered on Pearl, a sinister pig, and her fearful owner, Walter Kopple. As eerie incidents unfold, the townspeople’s grip on sanity begins to unravel.
This military science fiction story acts as the sequel to Cameron’s Artifact Space and introduces readers to Marca Nbaro, who fulfills her dream of serving on a Greatship. However, as sinister forces target these colossal vessels in the void of space, danger looms.
Introducing Raffi, an imaginative physicist enamored with parallel universes, who grapples with the path not taken when he meets sculptor Britt. Their connection draws Raffi into bizarre alternate realities, yet all roads ultimately lead back to Britt.
This short story collection weaves together ancient Greek mythology with contemporary themes, exploring genetics and our treatment of animals. Standout tales, such as a retelling of the Minotaur myth, delve into deep societal issues, showcasing Haddon’s exceptional storytelling.
The acclaimed authors of the Expanse series present a thrilling new space opera in which the empire of the Carryx invades the isolated world of Anjiin. Among the captured is Dafyd, a scientist’s assistant—can he leverage his skills for an escape?
With a witty title, this comedic story narrates an alien invasion in Muddy Gap, centered around pie enthusiast Denver Bryant. Following a UFO explosion, Denver documents the incident, ultimately finding an ally in a charming bartender.
In a dystopian London ravaged by climate collapse, biohackers Charlie and Parker navigate a fractured society. Divided into factions—Greens, Blues, and Blacks—their journey intertwines with activism, leading to moral dilemmas as they take on dangerous assignments.
This debut short story collection explores Central American identity through its characters, ranging from mango farmers to cyborgs, as it grapples with the concept of an unrecognizable future influenced by advanced technology and bureaucratic challenges.
Lastly, while not purely science fiction, a collection of quotes spanning four centuries highlights the genre’s impact. From Isaac Asimov to Frank Herbert, these insights encapsulate the philosophical depth and foresight of science fiction literature.
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