The science fiction and fantasy genre has had a remarkable year, with books that blur the lines between SFF and other genres. From historical fiction to fable retellings to intergenerational sagas in translation, this year’s releases have been particularly standout. The pandemic may have crested, but its sense of dread and discoloration has lingered in new forms of novels. This list is in reverse chronological order, with the newest releases listed first, and includes the authors’ favorite runners-up.
Witch King by Martha Wells
Martha Wells’ Witch King is a complex and meaty fantasy novel that challenges readers with its intricate plot and world-building. The story revolves around Kai, the witch king of the title, who is resurrected from a watery grave and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his betrayal and entrapment.
The novel is structured in multiple intertwined timelines, which requires readers to learn about Kai’s world as his story unfolds. This includes understanding what a “witch king” is, unraveling the layers of Kai’s identity, and navigating the dense political machinations that shaped the lives of his allies and enemies in the past and present.
Despite its audacious and expansive world-building, Witch King remains an enjoyable read thanks to the vivid inner life of its protagonist. Kai is a powerful and skilled character, but his biggest struggles are often internal. He has intense emotional responses to the world, but lacks the tools to understand how to deal with them or who to trust with his feelings.
The book’s complications and surprises are filtered through Kai’s inner life, giving readers something to hold onto as they untangle the puzzlebox aspects of this cleverly structured novel. Witch King is a standalone novel, but its rich world and characters could easily invite sequels or prequels.
Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park
Same Bed Different Dreams is a complex novel that weaves together three storylines to create a speculative history of Korea, with a focus on World War II and Japan’s colonial rule. The book’s three story threads explore the role of the Korean Provisional Government, a Black Korean War vet who wrote a sci-fi epic series, and a has-been writer who works for a tech company. These threads intersect at times, creating a dense and ambitious patchwork that has been compared to works such as David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas and David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest. The book’s humorous moments and absurd elements make it a challenging read, but one that is worth the effort.
The Strange by Nathan Ballingrud
In this debut novel by Nathan Ballingrud, readers are transported to an alternate history where Mars has been colonized by humanity in the early 1900s. The story follows the journey of Annabelle Crisp, a 14-year-old girl who sets out to retrieve a stolen voice recording of her mother and seek justice. As the adventure progresses, Annabelle becomes more consumed by her own desires and loses sight of what is right and wrong. Despite her vengeful and cruel nature, the author makes it impossible not to empathize with her. The Strange is a wonderfully original sci-fi tale with a complex and outstanding protagonist.
Mister Magic by Kiersten White
Mister Magic is a dark fantasy novel written by Kiersten White, author of Hide. The book follows the story of a children’s TV show, which has no official records, and any discussion of it on the internet rapidly disappears. The show features a creepy magician-figure leading a group of children in imagination-games aimed at teaching some decidedly non-standard lessons about embracing conformity and meekness. The central concept of the show is unnerving, and the special effects are remarkably vivid and realistic. The novel revolves around a reunion between five of the former child cast members, taking place 30 years after the show ended, which slowly unravels the mysteries of the show.
Mister Magic is a startling dark fantasy that features a lot of foreboding, foreshadowing, and eerie twists. At heart, though, it’s also an incisive story about the kinds of people who revel in control over other people’s lives and about what an act of rebellion imagination can be. The book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and those who love to explore the mysteries of the unknown.
Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare by Megan Kamalei Kakimoto is a collection of short stories that blend Hawaiian mythology with the everyday lives of Hawaiian and mixed-race Japanese women. The stories range from fabulism to science fiction and explore themes of pregnancy, queer relationships, and protests against the destruction of Kaua’i. One story features a woman who pays for hairless skin by giving up personality traits, while another foreshadows a complicated pregnancy through a wild pig encounter. The author challenges the idealization of Hawaii as a paradise, emphasizing the complexity and depth of Hawaiian culture and history. Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare offers a unique perspective on Hawaii and its people, defying easy categorization and demanding attention.
The Museum of Human History by Rebekah Bergman
In The Museum of Human History, Rebekah Bergman presents a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and connection. The novel features a collection of characters, each grappling with their own experiences with the passage of time. The story weaves between an identical twin whose sister has not aged since she fell asleep at age 8, a museum director questioning his place in the family legacy, and a widower who lost his cherished memories due to an anti-aging treatment. The prose has a lyrical detachment that creates a haunting atmosphere, leaving the reader transfixed by the characters’ melancholic cycle. Bergman’s debut novel is reminiscent of Emily St. John Mandel’s work and is a must-read for those who enjoy introspective and poignant stories.
My Murder by Katie Williams
In My Murder, Lou and a few other women have been resurrected after being murdered by a serial killer. They are now celebrities for all the wrong reasons, and are struggling to come to terms with their deaths and their new lives in a world where resurrection is a complicated and rare process. The victims are all dealing with their deaths differently, questioning their culpability and navigating their families’ unpredictable responses to their revival. The novel thoughtfully explores issues around women subjected to violent men and the society that shapes that violence. At its core, My Murder is a sci-fi twist on the survivor story, allowing different people to explore what it means to be victimized and how to reclaim their lives.
The Terraformers by Annalee Newitz
In The Terraformers, Annalee Newitz explores the evolution of human society and behavior over the course of 50,000 years in the future. The novel centers around the process of terraforming and developing a privatized planet into a tourism hub for the ultra-wealthy. With the help of advanced technology, animals and robots are granted human-level intelligence, but some familiar societal issues still persist, such as unscrupulous real estate developers and inadequate public transit. The story is split into three novellas, each taking place 700 years apart, with one featuring a sentient train and an investigative journalist who happens to be a cat. Newitz’s work emphasizes the importance of a free press in keeping capitalist power in check.
Land of Milk and Honey by C Pam Zhang
In “Land of Milk and Honey,” C Pam Zhang takes readers on a journey through a world ravaged by climate change. The story follows a protagonist who is hired as a private chef for a wealthy family living in the Italian Alps, where fresh produce has become a luxury reserved for the elite. Zhang’s vivid descriptions of food and queer intimacy create a hyperreal experience for readers, emphasizing the texture and taste of every ingredient. The story is a departure from Zhang’s debut novel, with a more indulgent and descriptive language style. Overall, “Land of Milk and Honey” is a captivating and immersive read that transports readers to a world both alluring and dangerous.
Translation State by Ann Leckie
Translation State, a standalone novel set in the same universe as Leckie’s Imperial Radch trilogy, explores the themes of self-identification and personhood through the eyes of Enae, Reet, and Qven. Enae, a diplomat investigating a missing Presgr translator, discovers a talent for solving the 200-year-old cold case. Reet, an adopted maintenance worker, and Qven, a young Presgr terrified of their species’ ritual of merging with an elder, also embark on journeys of self-discovery. Leckie gives weight to the small moments, both personal and shared, making this book a fantastic introduction to her world. Translation State is a thrilling mystery where intimate emotions fuel universal upheaval.
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez
Our Share of Night is a haunting novel that captures the story of a family’s desperate attempt to escape a death cult in Argentina during the Dirty War in 1981. The novel’s supernatural elements are intertwined with the authoritarian violence of the era, which offers cover for the cult to operate uninhibited. The father, Juan, is a complex character who is at times violent and terrifying, while at other times, he displays bewildering tenderness and infinite love for his son, Gaspar. The novel’s slow, dreadful pace and razor-sharp plot are a testament to Mariana Enríquez’s exceptional writing skills. Our Share of Night is a must-read for those who enjoy horror, supernatural, and historical fiction.
Children of Memory (Children of Time #3) by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Adrian Tchaikovsky’s third book in the Children of Time series continues to explore complex science fiction themes. The novel features another hyper-intelligent animal species, which raises questions about what it means to be “alive.” However, the book also takes readers to new and unexpected places, making it difficult to describe without giving away too much. Tchaikovsky’s writing style is reminiscent of Asimov, and he is unafraid to take the plot in imaginative directions. Despite the unconventional premise of sentient spider colonies, this finale is highly recommended. The book promises to be an exhilarating ride for science fiction fans.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
Ink Blood Sister Scribe is a thrilling novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the power of magic. The story revolves around two estranged sisters who reunite to uncover the secrets of their family and prevent further tragedies. In this world, blood is used to create ink that scribes use to write books with arcane powers. However, the creation of such books takes a toll on the scribe’s health. When others read these books, they can wield magic and perform incredible feats.
The novel’s plot is engaging and keeps the reader hooked until the very end. The book’s premise is entertaining, and the author delivers it with finesse. Despite the dark undertones, the story is cozy and magical, making it a perfect read for anyone who loves books about books.
Loki by Melvin Burgess
Melvin Burgess, a well-known author of children’s literature, ventured into the realm of adult fiction with his book, Loki. This transgressive and entertaining take on Norse myths is narrated by the god of tricks and political intrigue himself, Loki. Burgess paints Loki as an eternal outsider, challenging the might-is-right order of the gods while addressing the reader directly in first person. The author’s best trick is the seamless blending of the ancient and modern worlds, bringing the wild power of Norse myths to life. The book’s deeply weird, muddy, and shape-shifting mystery is paired with a bracing modernity in characterization and language, creating a unique and engaging read.
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh is a thought-provoking space opera that tells the story of Kyr, one of humanity’s last genetically engineered super soldiers. Tesh’s novel takes readers on a journey of self-discovery as Kyr grapples with the reality of a subjugated, war-torn race that has been manipulated into an endless war of vengeance.
Throughout the book, Tesh shows incredible restraint, slowly unraveling a thick and binding thread of painful realizations from deep within Kyr. The novel is a must-read for anyone who has ever painted a Space Marine in earnest and is a new fixture in the canon of queer science fiction.
With its deeply affecting reality and unique perspective, Some Desperate Glory is a standout addition to the space opera genre.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
In Chain-Gang All-Stars, a program called CAPE pits prison inmates against each other in gladiatorial matches, all broadcasted to a ravenous audience. The show promises freedom to those who survive three years, but the average life expectancy is only three months. Loretta Thurwar and Hammara Stacker emerge as two leading contenders within the system.
This National Book Award finalist delves into the harshness of the carceral system, with similarities to The Hunger Games. Fans of “hard action” eagerly await matches, while the women who top the leaderboards become sex symbols. However, Chain-Gang All-Stars addresses the real cruelties of the for-profit penal system. The book illustrates how imprisonment is akin to slavery, with contestants performing menial labor for pennies an hour. Critics have praised the book as a thrilling act of protest without straightforwardly preaching.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is an action-packed fantasy romance novel that captures the essence of young adult books with nostalgia-filled tropes. The book revolves around Violet Sorrengail, who is unexpectedly thrown into a series of deadly trials to prove her worth as a dragon rider. Despite being trained as a scribe, Violet manages to overcome the challenges thrown her way, including dealing with her sworn enemy, Xaden Riorson, and managing a joint condition that causes chronic pain.
One of the most remarkable moments of the book is when Violet is given a mobility device to help her with her trials. The book handles this gracefully, emphasizing that the device doesn’t diminish her power but is a tool like any other that allows her to flourish. The book is also extremely romantic, with a love triangle between Violet, a golden retriever love interest, and a misunderstood emo rival.
Overall, Fourth Wing is an excellent read that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. The next installment of the series is set to release in November, and fans of the book can’t wait to see what adventures await Violet and her dragon.
Chlorine by Jade Song
Chlorine is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of adolescence, cultural identity, and sexuality. The story revolves around Ren Yu, a Chinese-American girl who is a talented swimmer and believes she is a mermaid. However, Ren’s human ambitions and the pressure from her parents and swim coach keep her tethered to land.
Jade Song’s writing style is both lyrical and gruesome, creating a stark contrast between the sublime and the deeply disturbing. The author masterfully captures the struggles of being a young girl, dealing with high expectations, predation from adult men, and casual racism from peers.
Through Ren’s belief in being a mermaid, Song highlights the power of imagination as a means of dissociating from the horrors of everyday life. Chlorine is a must-read for anyone who wants to delve into the complexities of adolescence and cultural identity through a unique lens.
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin
In The Ferryman, Proctor Bennett is a ferryman whose job is to guide unhappy citizens from the utopian Propersa to the Nursery, where they retire their old selves before returning in younger bodies with no memories of their former lives. However, when Proctor is assigned to retire his own father, he begins to question the prescribed truths and confronts the darker side of Prospera. The novel is a tightly-wound, atmospheric thriller that weaves together layers of knotted mystery with Proctor’s haunting point of view. It is a sharply complex mystery with a cinematic quality to it, immersing readers in a distinct dystopian world. Despite the familiar premise, The Ferryman is anything but predictable.
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
In Lone Women, Victor LaValle blends elements of horror and fantasy to create a gripping story about Adelaide Henry, a Black woman traveling alone to Montana during the homestead boom of 1915. Adelaide carries a heavy burden with her in the form of an enormous steam trunk that seemingly causes death and destruction whenever it opens. LaValle’s expert pacing and incisive commentary on the price of being an outsider make for a satisfyingly bloody read. The novel also delves into the societal structures that uphold white women’s proximity to power and examines how shame and the family unit contribute to ostracizing those who seek community support.
Summary
The year 2023 saw the release of some of the best fantasy books in the sci-fi genre. These books showcased intricate world-building, compelling characters, and unique plotlines that kept readers engaged from start to finish. Some of the standout titles included “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab, and “The Once and Future Witches” by Alix E. Harrow. These books are a must-read for any fantasy or sci-fi enthusiast looking for a captivating and immersive reading experience.