Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A reluctant medium discovers the ties that bind can unleash a dangerous power in this compelling Malaysian-set contemporary fantasy.

Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Blade of Secrets, the first book in Tricia Levenseller’s exciting new YA fantasy duology, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made.

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief begins a ‘dazzling’ (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other.

How to Mars by David Ebenbach
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What happens when your dream mission to Mars is a reality television nightmare? This debut science-fiction romp with heart follows the tradition of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, with a dash of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a hint of The Real World.

The Shadow in the Glass by J.J.A. Harwood
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A deliciously gothic story of wishes and curses – a new dark fairy tale set against a Victorian backdrop full of lace and smoke.

The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and David Mitchell, a genre bending, time twisting alternative history that asks whether it’s worth changing the past to save the future, even if it costs you everyone you’ve ever loved.

Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rivers Solomon’s Sorrowland is a genre-bending work of Gothic fiction. Here, monsters aren’t just individuals, but entire nations. It is a searing, seminal book that marks the arrival of a bold, unignorable voice in American fiction.

The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a brand-new, Norse-inspired world, and packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance, The Shadow of the Gods begins an epic new fantasy saga from bestselling author John Gwynne.

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark returns to his popular alternate Cairo universe for his fantasy novel debut, A Master of Djinn.

Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

One young woman faces down an all-powerful corporation in this all-too-near future science fiction debut that reads like a refreshing take on Ready Player One, with a heavy dose of Black Mirror.

Spells Trouble by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

We Are Satellites by Sarah Pinsker
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Sarah Pinsker comes a novel about one family and the technology that divides them.

What May fantasy and sci-fi releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post May 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

2021 is absolutely jam-packed with fantasy and science fiction books that readers around the world are going to devour! Between the months of January and June, readers can expect magic, warring kingdoms, witches, magic, post-apocalyptic worlds, and so, so much more!

Read on to discover some of the January to June fantasy and sci-fi books we’re excited for and be sure to let us know in the comments what books you’re looking forward to!

Want more 2021 releases? Check out our lists for Most Anticipated 2021 Books, 2021 Queer Book Releases, 2021 Romance Book Releases, 2021 YA Book Releases, and 2021 Queer SFF Book Releases.

JANUARY

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Darkly magical and intricately imagined, The Mask of Mirrors is the unmissable start to the Rook & Rose trilogy, a rich and dazzling fantasy adventure in which a con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord must unite to save their city.

The Frozen Crown by Greta Kelly
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess with a powerful and dangerous secret must find a way to save her country from ruthless invaders in this exciting debut fantasy, the first novel in a thrilling duology packed with heroism, treachery, magic, and war.

Hall of Smoke by H.M. Long
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Epic fantasy featuring warrior priestesses and fickle gods at war, for readers of Brian Staveley’s Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne.

The Stranger Times by C. K. McDonnell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

There are Dark Forces at work in our world (and in Manchester in particular) and so thank God The Stranger Times is on hand to report them. 

Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an all-new novel set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring Julie Lennart-Olsen, Kate and Curran’s ward.

The Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson
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The first book in a new environmental epic fantasy series set in a world where ships kept afloat by magical hearthfires sail an endless grass sea.

Brother Red by Adrian Selby
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From one of the most exciting new voices in dark epic fantasy comes an intensely brutal and brilliantly cinematic novel: the story of a soldier torn between loyalty to her family and her quest to preserve a kingdom’s future.

Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
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From Jeff Wheeler, the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Kingfountain novels, comes an epic new series of warring kingdoms, deadly family rivalries, and fearless loyalty.

FEBRUARY

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
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Ancillary Justice meets Red, White & Royal Blue in Everina Maxwell’s exciting debut.

The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When a banished witch falls in love with the legendary trickster Loki, she risks the wrath of the gods in this moving, subversive debut novel that reimagines Norse mythology.

The Black Coast by Mike Brooks
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Epic world-building at its finest, in an upcoming author’s fantasy debut. The Black Coast is the start of an unmissable series filled with war-dragons, armoured knights, sea-faring raiders, dangerous magic and crowd-pleasing battle scenes.

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Award-winning author Aliette de Bodard returns with a powerful romantic fantasy that reads like The Goblin Emperor meets Howl’s Moving Castle in a pre-colonial Vietnamese-esque world. 

Game Changer by Neal Shusterman
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This high-concept novel from the National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author of the Arc of a Scythe series tackles the most urgent themes of our time, making this a must-buy for readers who are starting to ask big questions about their own role in the universe.

Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters by Aimee Ogden
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters has all the wonder and romance of a classic sci-fi novel, with the timelessness of a beloved fairy tale. 

A History of What Comes Next by Sylvain Neuvel
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Showing that truth is stranger than fiction, Sylvain Neuvel weaves a sci-fi thriller reminiscent of Blake Crouch and Andy Weir, blending a fast moving, darkly satirical look at 1940s rocketry with an exploration of the amorality of progress and the nature of violence in A History of What Comes Next.

This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An #ownvoices debut YA fantasy, This Golden Flame is an epic adventure full of magic, rebellion, and finding where you truly belong.

MARCH

Dead Space by Kali Wallace
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An investigator must solve a brutal murder on a claustrophobic asteroid mine in this tense science fiction thriller from the author of Salvation Day. 

The Councillor by E.J. Beaton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This Machiavellian fantasy follows a scholar’s quest to choose the next ruler of her kingdom amidst lies, conspiracy, and assassination

Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Skyward Inn is Jamaica Inn by way of Ursula Le Guin, bringing the influences, too, of Angela Carter, Michel Faber and Jeff Vandermeer to create a fantastic story of love, belonging, and togetherness. Asking questions of ideas of the individual and the collective, of ownership and historical possession, and of the experience of being human, it is at once timeless and thoroughly of its time.

A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is the first book in a young adult, epic fantasy that’s a tale of competition, coming of age, distant lands, elemental magic, and romance. It’s perfect for fans of the Legend of Korra, Truthwitch, and A Sorcery of Thorns.

Machinehood by S.B. Divya
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From the Hugo Award nominee S.B. Divya, Zero Dark Thirty meets The Social Network in this science fiction thriller about artificial intelligence, sentience, and labor rights in a near future dominated by the gig economy.

Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.

Burning Girls and Other Stories by Veronica Schanoes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Burning Girls and Other Stories, Veronica Schanoes crosses borders and genres with stories of fierce women at the margins of society burning their way toward the center. This debut collection introduces readers to a fantasist in the vein of Karen Russell and Kelly Link, with a voice all her own.

We Shall Sing a Song Into the Deep by Andrew Kelly Stewart
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A Canticle for Leibowitz meets The Hunt for Red October in We Shall Sing a Song into the Deep, a lyrical and page-turning coming-of-age exploration of duty, belief, and the post-apocalypse from breakout newcomer Andrew Kelly Stewart.

APRIL

The ​Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her Blood and Ash series.

The Helm of Midnight by Marina J. Lostetter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A legendary serial killer stalks the streets of a fantastical city in The Helm of Midnight, the stunning first novel in a new trilogy from acclaimed author Marina Lostetter.

The Light of the Midnight Stars by Rena Rossner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An evocative combination of fantasy, history, and Jewish folklore, The Light of the Midnight Stars is fairytale-inspired novel from the author of The Sisters of the Winter Wood.

The Last Watch by J.S. Dewes
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Expanse meets Game of Thrones in J. S. Dewes’ fast-paced, sf adventure The Last Watch, where a handful of soldiers stand between humanity and annihilation.

The Infinity Courts by Akemi Dawn Bowman
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From award-winning author Akemi Dawn Bowman comes an incisive, action-packed tale that explores big questions about technology, grief, love, and humanity.

The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a world where a virus stalks our male population, The End of Men is an electrifying and unforgettable debut from a remarkable new talent that asks: what would our world truly look like without men?

Fugitive Telemetry (The Murderbot Diaries, #6) by Martha Wells
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling security droid with a heart (though it wouldn’t admit it!) is back in Fugitive Telemetry, a new standalone adventure!

Unity by Elly Bangs
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Evoking the grittiness of Mad Max and the idealism of Sense8, this absorbing sci-fi debut is a dynamic vision of the fluidity of identity. With Unity, breakout author Elly Bangs has created a prescient, moving, and unforgettable adventure that expands upon human consciousness and its possibilities.

MAY

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne forges a new epic, outside the traditional narratives of heroism and glory that leave no room for women.

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A reluctant medium discovers the ties that bind can unleash a dangerous power in this compelling Malaysian-set contemporary fantasy.

Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Blade of Secrets, the first book in Tricia Levenseller’s exciting new YA fantasy duology, a teenage blacksmith with social anxiety is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made. 

How to Mars by David Ebenbach
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What happens when your dream mission to Mars is a reality television nightmare? This debut science-fiction romp with heart follows the tradition of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles, with a dash of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and a hint of The Real World.

Spells Trouble by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hunter and Mercy Goode are twin witches, direct descendants of the founder of their town of Goodeville. As their ancestors have done before them, it is now time for the twins to learn what it means to be Gatekeepers–the protectors of the Gates to different underworlds, ancient portals between their world and realms where mythology rules and nightmares come to life.

Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rivers Solomon’s Sorrowland is a genre-bending work of Gothic fiction. Here, monsters aren’t just individuals, but entire nations. It is a searing, seminal book that marks the arrival of a bold, unignorable voice in American fiction

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a world of goblin wars, stag-sized battle ravens, and assassins who kill with deadly tattoos, Christopher Buehlman’s The Blacktongue Thief begins a ‘dazzling’ (Robin Hobb) fantasy adventure unlike any other. 

The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and David Mitchell, a genre bending, time twisting alternative history that asks whether it’s worth changing the past to save the future, even if it costs you everyone you’ve ever loved. 

JUNE

Star Eater by Kerstin Hall
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A phantasmagorical indictment of hereditary power, Star Eatertakes readers deep into a perilous and uncanny world where even the most powerful women are forced to choose what sacrifices they will make, so that they might have any choice at all.

The Tangleroot Palace: Stories by Marjorie Liu
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New York Times bestseller and Hugo, British Fantasy, Romantic Times, and Eisner award-winning author of the graphic novel, Monstress, Marjorie Liu leads you deep into the heart of the tangled woods. In her long-awaited debut story collection, dark, lush, and spellbinding short fiction you will find unexpected detours, dangerous magic, and even more dangerous women.

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
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Practical Magic meets Twister in this debut contemporary fantasy standalone about heartbreaking power, the terror of our collapsing atmosphere, and the ways we unknowingly change our fate.

The All-Consuming World by Cassandra Khaw
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Cassandra Khaw’s debut novel is a page-turning exploration of humans and machines that is perfect for readers of Ann Leckie, Ursula Le Guin, and Kameron Hurley.

The Ninth Metal by Benjamin Percy
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From award-winning author Benjamin Percy comes an explosive, breakout speculative thriller in which a powerful new metal arrives on Earth in the wake of a meteor shower, triggering a massive new “gold rush” in the Midwest and turning life as we know it on its head. The first of a cycle of novels set in a shared universe.

The Coward by Stephen Aryan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Who will take up the mantle and slay the evil in the Frozen North, saving all from death and destruction? Not Kell Kressia, he’s done his part…

Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Swordplay, magic, intrigue and friendships stronger than iron: the first volume in the new swashbuckling fantasy series by the bestselling author of The Greatcoats.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
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Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they’re fighting for a common purpose–and falling for each other–in Zoe Hana Mikuta’s high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown’s Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu’s Legend series.

What 2021 fantasy and sci-fi books are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 48 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller (326 pages)

A great read for those who want to embrace their inner Slytherin. The Shadows Between Us tells the story of the devious Alessandra and her carefully-plotted rise to power. Overlooked and neglected by her family, Alessandra sets her eye on the Shadow King, intent on wooing him, killing him, then claiming his kingdom for her own. The author does a fantastic job of completely inverting classic YA tropes, all while keeping the storyline fresh and fun.

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winters (544 pages)

At over 500 pages, The Rage of Dragons is hardly a short read. However, the storytelling is extremely fast-paced, and once the plot gets going, you’ll find yourself hurtling along at a breakneck speed. Brimming with painful betrayals, breathtaking fight scenes, and illustrious lore, The Rage of Dragons will snatch your attention and hold it hostage all the way to the end. Plus, the sequel, The Fires of Vengeance, recently released on November 10th 2020!

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (320 pages)

If you’re looking for a light and zippy read, The Wedding Date is the perfect book to pick up. What starts out as two strangers getting stuck in a broken elevator quickly turns into a faux relationship, then rapidly spirals out of control. Full of adorable hijinks and a quirky ensemble cast, The Wedding Date is a quick fun read to get you to your 2020 goal.

Deadly Class, Volume 1: Reagan Youth by Rick Remender, Wes Craig (160 pages)

In the mood for something a bit darker? Deadly Class is an amazingly fast-paced comic series that follows Marcus, a teenager who has been scouted by an elite private school after burning his orphanage to the ground. Think Hogwarts…but for killers. His classmates are the children of crime lords (think the mafia, the yakuza, the KBG). In a place where having no affiliation can put a very literal target on your back, Marcus must learn to navigate the dangerous waters of his new home, all while figuring out how to pass Dismemberment 101.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (306 pages)

While Long Way Down may be a quick read, it’s by no means an easy one. Jason Reynolds is a master of written verse, and his tale of a young Will reeling from the murder of his older brother will pull all sorts of heartstrings. Diving deep into the intersection of family, loyalty, vengeance, and oppression, this book will take you down the painful path of internal reconciliation. A graphic novel version of Long Way Down has also been recently released.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (218 pages)

A timeless childhood classic, A Wrinkle of Time serves as many readers’ gateway into science fiction. Written for children, but appealing to all ages, the story follows socially awkward Meg Murray and her genius kid brother on a whirlwind chase across galaxies to save their missing scientist father. Accompanied by a crew of otherworldly guides and a popular classmate, the group uncovers a treacherous plot to overthrow the universe. Despite its small size, A Wrinkle in Time contains immensely complex narratives and an immersive fantastical experience.

Riot Baby by Tochi Onyebuchi (176 pages)

Riot Baby is a masterpiece of a novella that follows two siblings, Ella and Kev, both bestowed with mysterious powers, in a world defined by systemic and brutal racism. The story intertwines fantasy elements alongside stark commentary of an all too familiar oppressive society. When Kev is wrongfully incarcerated, Ella will stop at nothing to bring him justice – even if that means bringing the entire world down around her. Brimming with magical realism and profound imagery, Riot Baby offers a startlingly profound view into the fierce battle that precedes a dystopian world.

Fairest by Marissa Meyer (222 pages)

If you’ve ever wondered how The Evil Queen in every fairytale ends up so…evil, Fairest will show you exactly what went down. A quick novella companion to the Lunar Chronicles series, the story provides insight into the turbulent childhood of a young royal and the struggles that warped her into an evil queen. Fairest can be read as a standalone or as a part of the full Lunar Chronicles series (P.S. if you enjoy a good evil queen backstory, also check out Heartless by Marissa Meyer which dives into the Queen of Hearts backstory).

The Deep by Rivers Solomon (166 pages)

This poetic novella tells the riveting history of an ocean society descended from drowned African slave women, pushed overboard to their deaths during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. These women did not drown, but instead transformed into a race of merpeople residing in the deep. With memories far too painful and traumatic to bear, members of the society rely on a single historian to bear the burden of their past, a task assigned to Yetu, the youngest to ever receive the hold. With the generational pain being too much to bear, Yetu escapes to the surface, only to discover the truth about her people’s past along with the promise of their future.

The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James (352 pages)

A quick read, but a truly spectacular one, The Quiet at the End of the World brings a fresh take to the apocalypse genre. Instead of the world ending in violent chaos, this particular apocalypse story depicts how a worldwide phenomenon causing global infertility has gently brought about the end of humanity. Lowrie and Shen are the last two children on Earth, and spend their days living among a small elderly community. A truly profound look at the mental state of humanity when faced with its demise, The Quiet at the End of the World is a quick, gentle, and introspective read.

Wishing all readers the best of luck in finishing your 2020 reading goal.

Which books will you be speeding through to meet your goal? Let us know in the comments!

The post 10 Fast-Paced Books To Help Reach Your 2020 Reading Goal appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

The Godserfs Trilogy by N. S. Dolkart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

While the LGBTQIA+ storylines don’t really appear until the second book, they’re worth waiting for. Though I love stories about falling in love, I also really appreciate the chance to see established and/or married queer people thriving. This series has both, and also a supportive environment for a trans child. Each successive book is better than the one before, culminating in an amazing capstone novel full of humour and heart.

Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nuns on an interstellar mission of mercy uncover a conspiracy, and even though that’s plenty for a brief novella, there’s also a quiet and beautiful romance. Thoughtful and brave, this story isn’t about religion vs. government, but truly about good vs. evil.

The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This is not the “Snow Queen” you remember: it’s better. Gerta sets out to rescue her friend Kay from a magical and mysterious lady, but she has no idea what to expect. Fortunately, a talking raven, a robber girl, and the mystic strength of the reindeer are there to help her. Kingfisher always finds ways to make you laugh, cry, and sigh, and this is one of her best.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Yetu is the historian for her mermaid kindred, the living repository of memories so awful that they threaten the peaceful life they have built below the sea. For the mermaids were born from pregnant women thrown from slave ships, heirs to unspeakable trauma. But the intensity of those memories is slowly driving Yetu to despair. She must discover the will to put her own needs before those of the community, and also find a way to let memories of love speak louder than horror. Also, Yetu is implied to be on the spectrum (and not because she’s a mermaid, or any other dehumanising reason like that. She just happens to have particular sensitivities and neurological differences), which is extra cool.

The Name of All Things by Jenn Lyons
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Janel is a paragon of Disaster Bisexuals, and a genderqueer queen to boot. (Well, technically she’s a count.) She’s stronger than ten fighters combined, can talk to horses, and she doesn’t need any fridging to motivate her. She’s plenty motivated on her own to save her homeland, her friends, and maybe her world. Note, though, that this is the second book in the Chorus of Dragons series and you really need to read the first one, which is somewhat less queer.

Armed in Her Fashion by Kate Heartfield
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This is a very well-researched book, except for the parts that are entirely fabricated. Like for instance the Beast of Hell emerging from the earth and recruiting soldiers, all of whom are transformed into strange chimeras. But Claude, a transman and a soldier, doesn’t want to be anything other than what he is. He’s part of a larger cast of colourful characters

The Merro Tree by Katie Waitman
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

This book was way ahead of its time in its depiction of a beautiful pansexual, polyamorous relationship between two men of different species. It’s still extremely timely in its defense of the arts, too.

The Tiger’s Daughter by K. Arsenault Rivera
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The love between Shizuka and Shefali is truly epic. Their relationship defies demons, overthrows empires, and transcends legends.

Full Fathom Five by Max Gladstone
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Kai’s job is to create and monitor gods for profit. Yeah, no big, just manipulating the fabric of the universe while she’s also contemplating issues of colonialism and her relationships. She also happens to be a transwoman. Badass.

City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane Anders
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Humans on January have always lived on the edge of a knife, existing on the non-rotational planet in the thin band of dusk between the frozen night side and the boiling sun side. Sophie lives on an even thinner edge, a queer girl in a city of endless rules, expected to stay in line and produce babies. But her love, her curiosity, and her tenacity leads her to other cities, to other paths, and ultimately to a magnificent and transformative revelation.

Honorable Mentions

Because this is SFF, dead doesn’t always mean forever. The following are books in which a queer person technically dies, but gets better. I won’t reveal who dies, but please be aware that slight spoilers follow.

Down Among the Sticks and Bones and Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Even among the many wonders of the Wayward Children series, Jack and Alexis’s love is something special. Death (and various other forms of Gothic mayhem) is more of a challenge than an absolute to a mad scientist like Jack, and thank goodness for that. Also, Jack’s OCD is treated with respect and thoughtful research.

The Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In a series overflowing with blood and murder it’s still surprising and tragic when this particular character dies. But adherents to the goddess of murder don’t play by the same rules, fortunately for all of us who love queer love.

The Shadow Quartet by Lila Bowen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rhett is a bisexual transman of colour in the Wild West, a time and place made even more unforgiving by the presence of monsters. Gorgons, shapeshifters, vampires and more stalk the towns and deserts, and Rhett is charged with hunting the bad ones down. His journeys are action-packed adventures, but also full of self-discovery and moments of tenderness.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The queer death is a bit more permanent in this one, but there is some form of endurance beyond the grave. And in a trilogy about necromancers that’s already broken all the rules, I suspect we’ve not seen the last of quite a number of characters.

Breath of the Sun by Isaac R. Fellman
Goodreads | Amazon

This won the Lambda this year for LGBTQ SFF/Horror, and I want to make everyone read it immediately. However, it’s important to note that there is a queer death in it, and it is not reversed, although it happens before the book begins. I thought it was worth including, though, because there are other deep and meaningful queer relationships, and because there’s so much peace and joy that our queer narrator discovers for herself.

Do you have any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post John Doesn’t Die At The End: SFF Without Queer Death appeared first on The Nerd Daily.