The primary conflict between the TRW and the NIA was based on the former granting personhood to artificial personalities and bestowing them with legal rights, leading to the xenophobic People First movement on the worlds under Norton control to secede from the Republic. Norton is known for being corrupt as corporations rule its system and prioritise their profit margins over protecting its citizens and providing for their basic necessities with mass poverty sadly common among its worlds. So when Ri’s ship, the Norton Independent System Starship Bootes encounters a deadly virus in Loki’s Ring that causes hallucinations and a violent frenzy in its hosts while it attacks the human nervous system, of course management at the corporate office that owns Bootes considers the potential of weaponising this contagion as opposed to saving any stranded survivors. Unaware of the perilous situation, Gita’s ship attempts a rescue mission and is shot down by an NISS corsair that is determined to leave no witnesses behind.

The beginning of Loki’s Ring is an intense crash-course in this complex sprawling future society with competing intergalactic alliances, artificial intelligences and the mysterious alien architects who designed Loki’s Ring for unknown reasons. While this book isn’t ‘hard’ sci-fi by any means, there is a bunch of technobabble and acronyms that may take time to adjust to, especially for readers who aren’t familiar with sci-fi conventions.

The strong focus on characterisation is what shines through the genre trappings, and I particularly appreciate the choice to create an ensemble of characters primarily composed of women, many of whom are over forty, queer, disabled and/or neurodivergent. Rather than feeling like a token assignment of niche characteristics, it’s integrated into the story in an understated manner like references to a past girlfriend of Gita’s or in an organic and meaningful way like crewmembers Aiofa and Mandy being in a romantic relationship. Mandy’s osteoarthritis and osteoporosis is referenced off-hand, but then becomes plot-relevant when the crew have to evacuate the ship and her health conditions need to be taken into consideration. Beyond their individual qualities, it’s the human interaction between the characters that keeps us invested with everyday bickering about who finished the coffee, teasing about each other’s taste in music or hacking into the ship cat’s electronic collar to program funny phrases into its vocabulary.

Towards the middle of Loki’s Ring, the pacing slows down and multiple character perspectives are added which weren’t really necessary. The fact that these alternative chapters are heavily laden with political conflict adds to the slow pacing; a mother rushing against time to save her daughter is a recipe for a breathless, action-packed reading experience, but although delving into the various political agendas provided more context surrounding the chaos at Loki’s Ring, it feels like a slog to get through those sections.

My greatest disappointment was how little time we spent on the planet at the centre of all this devastation. The blurb gives the impression that Gita’s crew are stranded on Loki’s Ring and the central conflict is escaping the planet, but that isn’t the case; they don’t step foot on the planet until about 70% of the way through the book. At this point, we’re treated to wonderfully bizarre and grotesque sights as Gita and co struggle to navigate their way past the dangers on the ground, but it’s an all-too-short portion of the book that doesn’t delve nearly enough into the alien-made construct. The author’s breath-taking imagination is on display throughout the story and would’ve elevated it to another level if we had the opportunity to explore the planetside dangers in more detail instead of only staying for a brief visit.

Overall this is a treat for fans of sci-fi and space opera with delightful AI characters, innovative technologies, thrilling space battles and alien horrors to overcome. A diverse mostly female cast is developed in loving detail with long and complicated histories between many of them which provides an even greater sense of a lived-in universe that springs vividly into mind. This is well-worth the read for those interested in stellar worldbuilding, believable characters you can root for, and an exciting, unpredictable storyline that will keep you guessing.

Loki’s Ring is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.

Will you be picking up Loki’s Ring? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Gita Chithra embarks on a mission through space to save the robot she loves as a daughter—or risk losing her in the depths of Loki’s Ring—in this intergalactic space adventure from beloved author Stina Leicht.

Gita Chithra, the captain of the intergalactic ship The Tempest , is used to leading her crew on simple retrieval and assistance missions. But when she receives a frantic distress call from Ri, the AI she trained from inception—making her like a daughter to Gita—she knows she’s in for something much more dangerous.

Ri is trapped in the depths of Loki’s Ring, an artificial alien-made solar system, and says everyone in the vicinity has been infected and killed by a mysterious contagion. Gita and her team investigate, only to discover horrors at every turn, and are soon stranded themselves, leaving them vulnerable to infection and attack.

Forced to call on an old friend to help them out of this mess, Gita must succeed or risk losing everyone she’s ever loved.

The post Review: Loki’s Ring by Stina Leicht appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We’re halfway done with 2021 and what another wild year it has been! But despite all that, we’ve had many positive things to love forward to, including more Sapphic representation in SFF Books, yes you read that correctly! Read on to discover 10 Sapphic SFF books that have released this year and you can’t get in your hands ASAP!

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
A space opera that is very queer with a high-stakes adventure! Hugo Award Nominated author Stina Leicht creates a world full of POCs and Queer characters within the science fiction genre, friendships with representation, and exploration of gender.

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner
From the author of Unnatural Magic comes a new historical sapphic bodyguard romance. Full of action, and Victorian feels, witches and necromancers, and a band of strong women to fight against the bad.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
This is a reimagining of Dracula’s brides, in a lyrical and dreamy way. A story of desire, obsession, and anticipation. Sapphic yearning at opera with a gothic backdrop, a blood soaked tale where the heroine embraces monstrosity, kisses in Cathedrals, polyamorous relationships, and vengeance all await you.

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
A wholesome Queer found family within this Toronto based urban fantasy! This is a story of revenge, vengeance, love, and friendship. A Dark and Hollow Star follows four Queer teens as their paths and worlds collide. Full of mythology, it’s blended perfectly with the modern era, fae court politics, and fury revenge.

Sweet and Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
This novel follows Tamsin, a witch who is cursed to never love, when she meets meets Wren who is willing to provide her all the love she needs if she can save their Queendom from the magical plague. Love bargains with life-or-death consequences!

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
An incredible epic fantasy that is politically charged, about choosing sides, and loyalty. It follows Touraine, a soldier who is off to put down a rebellious colony, and in between assassinations and murders, war rooms and politics, two girls haggle over the price of the nation and what price everyone has to pay when their destinies entangle.

Malice by Heather Walter
A sapphic queer, dark, magical retelling of Sleeping Beauty, but this time the princess doesn’t fall for the Prince, but instead she falls in love with the evil sorceress. A tale of forbidden love, a darker side of a fairytale…

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
A sapphic retelling of the Russian folktale The Firebird with plenty of political intrigue, a Queendom without a queen, and the sisters left with the mystery of the dead queen. Destructive magical powers, richly detailed, court politics, and a bodyguard romance will cause you to devour this book whole!

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
A stunning fantasy story that is set in an alternate universe Cairo and comes from Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-Winner P. Djèlí Clark. The novel follows a lesbian detective amidst murder, chaos, and magic, whilst trying to restore the peace to the city from the imposter who is trying to create unrest.

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
A bold, lyrical, queer reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty and can be described as Mulan meets Song of Achilles. This is powerful, brutal fantasy with war and an appealing anti-heroine who will do anything to achieve her goal. Emotionally charging, unforgiving, brutal, and blood soaked.

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

The post 10 Recent Sapphic SFF Book Releases You Will Love appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Read on to discover our picks and tell us in the comments below if you will be picking up any of these releases!

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hugo award-nominated author Stina Leicht has created a take on space opera for fans of The Mandalorian and Cowboy Bebop in this high-stakes adventure.

Crown of Bones by A.K. Wilder
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of epic fantasies and sweeping adventures, this ensemble cast will immerse you in a world of unique magic, breathtaking action and unforgettable characters.

Knight’s Ransom by Jeff Wheeler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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.

The Charmed Wife by Olga Grushin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the award-winning author comes a sophisticated literary fairy tale for the twenty-first century, in which Cinderella, thirteen years after her marriage, is on the brink of leaving her supposedly perfect life behind.

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by C.M. Waggoner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sparks fly in this enchanting fantasy novel from the author of Unnatural Magic when a down-and-out fire witch and a young gentlewoman join forces against a deadly conspiracy.

We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An extraordinary and emotional adventure about unlikely friends and the power of choosing who you want to be.

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 Forever Sea by Joshua Phillip Johnson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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.

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. 

Brother Red by Adrian Selby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

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.

The Mask Falling (The Bone Season #4) by Samantha Shannon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree, the stunning fourth novel set in the world of Scion.

Wings of Ebony by J. Elle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this riveting, keenly emotional debut fantasy, a Black teen from Houston has her world upended when she learns about her godly ancestry–and with evil sinking its claws into humans and gods alike, she’ll have to unearth the magic of her true identity to save both her worlds. 

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

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

Persephone Station has been out for a few days and we had the pleasure of chatting to Hugo award–nominated author Stina Leicht! Read on to know more about Stina, her latest release Persephone Station, the research involved in it, writing queer characters, and her upcoming projects.

Hi Stina, welcome! Please tell us about yourself!

Like most writers, I’ve wanted to be an author since I was in middle school. My father managed to talk me out of it by the time I hit high school because “writer” wasn’t one of the things he felt women could be. Even so, I wanted to do something creative. Therefore, my degree is in computer animation, but I’m a much better writer than I was a computer animator.

Other than writing, I enjoy reading fiction and nonfiction, knitting, watercolor painting, watching movies, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. I like muscle cars. I used to have a 1967 Mustang with a 302 v8 engine in it named Lasher. (Lasher was a franken-stang. The 302 didn’t come out until 1968.) I used to work on it myself, but life got hectic, and I needed something reliable. So, I switched to a Miata MX-5. I love driving with the top down. I also took rally racing lessons while doing research for Of Blood and Honey. I used to fence (foil, epee, saber, and Kendo) and enjoy studying martial arts. But I can’t do that any longer because well… the pandemic.

Persephone Station is out now. What can the readers expect?

An old school SF action/adventure starring women and nonbinary characters set on a foreign world and on a space station. Think Magnificent Seven meets Alien and Cowboy Bebop.

What was your initial inspiration for Persephone Station?

When the 2016 remake of Magnificent Seven premiered, the previews made it seem like it had been updated into something more inclusive. Still, there were no women, and I had trouble believing that in 2016 films were being made with no actresses in significant roles or at all—let alone other genders. So, I wrote a novel with no straight cis men in significant roles. Fair is fair, after all.

I found the world-building in Persephone Station so intricate and expansive. How did you go about creating this world?

Settings contribute to the overall story. They can set the mood, and they can be characters, too. In the case of Persephone (the planet), I wanted an environment that reflected what it was like to live in a world that was not designed for you—that may even be hostile toward you. Thus, the weather is violent and threatening. There are moments of sunshine and good weather, but intense storms inevitably loom in the near future. Without revealing too much, I kind of love the idea of passive-aggressiveness taking a physical form.

As for the rest of the human inhabited galaxy, I thought it’d be nice to see a future where certain differences were completely accepted. That anyone could be anything they wanted. I’m a big Star Trek fan. Universal Income, free education, free healthcare, equal rights for all… these are things I wanted in my future universe. I wanted to create a culture where no one had to prove their worthiness. At the same time, even a quasi-utopia is going to have its problems just because… well… humans. And holy crap, a galaxy-sized governmental entity would be huge and possibly more than a bit unwieldy. Inequities would slip in. So, I like the idea of a benign entity helping humanity along behind the scenes.

The Artificial Intelligence aspects of the story and their effects on the fictional universe were a lot of fun to play with.

As I see it, the only way we’ll be able to grow out beyond our own planet is if humanity unites together and pools resources. It’s how civilization advances. An “Every person for themselves” philosophy doesn’t build anything because capitalism is ultimately a predatory system. We need a structure that looks out after everyone including those who can’t take care of themselves. (Yes. I suppose that makes me an enormous hippie. There are worse things.) But there’s a pragmatic side to that kind of future.

If you’ve ever read actual accounts of the American frontier, you’d know that the “rugged individualist” ideal is a myth at best and a harmful lie at worst. The only reason people survive in circumstances like the frontier is by helping one another. There aren’t enough hours in the day to bake bread, fish or hunt, make clothing, and farm—let alone mill grain or take care of domesticated animals. Baking bread alone takes hours. Have you tried to spin yarn? Or knit a sweater? Quilt a blanket? You can’t just go to a store and buy it. You’re all alone. That’s why dividing tasks among various people is so practical. I’m not even going to bring up dentistry, illness, or accidental injury. There’s no other way. Sorry, Mr. Heinlein, specialization is necessary.

And that’s talking about an environment that contains oxygen, gravity, water, and the other basic building blocks of what humans require to exist.

Speaking of the American frontier, are you familiar with Dodge City by Tom Clavin? The Dead Line that I created for West Brynner was an actual boundary on the edge of Dodge City. The law didn’t venture beyond the Dead Line. Ever. I enjoy swiping historical details for my work. It makes settings that much more interesting. There are even tidbits I incorporated from the five years of Northern Irish research for my previous novels.

Without revealing too much, I’m going to say that the plot itself involved a lot of science as well. Did you have to do any research for it?

Absolutely. Getting as many details right as possible makes the story feel more real. And hey, if the reader learns something new in the process, that’s a bonus. Since this was my first SF novel the amount of research I felt I should do was overwhelming. The only way I could get past that was to take it one bite at a time. So, I focused on one area to start with: Artificial General Intelligence (which is distinct from Artificial Intelligence by the way). I read a couple of books and listened to podcasts produced by MIT to get comfortable. Then, I expanded into learning what it was like to travel in space—or at least transition from Earth’s atmosphere to space. Memoirs are extremely useful, by the way. I’m a big believer in experience as research. If you can afford to travel, do. If you have a friend who owns a gun and you write anything involving guns—have them take you to a gun range and fire it once or twice. (I don’t care for guns, but I have fired several.) Ride a horse, if you’re going to write about them. Fire a bow. Cook, dance, fence—do everything you can and observe the experience. When you can’t do the thing due to financial reasons or shouldn’t (due to the danger or legality or the fact that time travel isn’t a thing), then memoirs are your best friend. Learn from other people’s experiences. They almost always provide details you wouldn’t know any other way.

I love Captain de la Reza’s crew! How did you go about creating this ragtag of a group?

This is the part where I tell you I have biases, and I believe in making one’s weaknesses one’s strengths. I used to only write about men, you see. Once I admitted this was a problem, I faced it head-on. But in order to get past those biases—internal misogyny is a hell of a thing, I yoinked characteristics from some of my favorite cis male characters. I borrowed other qualities from women and other people I know, too, because I absolutely wanted the individual crew members to be their gender whatever that was—not cis men stuffed in women and nonbinary suits. You know what I mean? You can always tell when an author has gender-flipped a character and not given it much thought beyond that. Gender, ethnic background, socioeconomic background, ableness, and religion all have distinct connotations. You have to be careful. You must pay attention. If you don’t, you end up writing badly. How do I know? I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way. And I’ve no doubt I made some with this novel, too. I am learning.

Above all, characters should be interesting people. Readers are going to spend a lot of time with them—at least one hopes. So, I give them interests and hobbies… favorite ice cream flavors, pets. Do they like coffee or tea? Do they like art? Are they tidy or messy? Introvert? Extrovert? Sense of humor? How do they handle stress? (I’ve a thing for female mechanics by the way. When I was ten, I wanted to be a pit mechanic at a race track.) It’s the little details that flesh characters out.

I also thought a lot about my favorite male friendships: Kirk and Spock, Luke and Han, Murtaugh and Riggs (Lethal Weapon), Fezzik and Inigo, Frodo and Sam, Woody and Buzz, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday—friendships between women and other genders aren’t depicted that way at all.

Lastly, I adore stories about found families. A good friend of mine uses the expression “the Island of Misfit Toys” to describe our friend group. It works. Maybe, it takes a misfit to write about misfits?

Persephone Station for me was so queer and I loved it. Do you think it’s high time that we see more wholesome queer rep in SFF?

I kind of love this question. I’m honestly flattered that you see my novel that way because I didn’t. I was merely trying to write a story that featured diverse representation where the characters’ sexual orientations weren’t the main feature of the story.

It’s like I said: options are important.

When I write characters that aren’t like me—and, let’s face it, that’s a big part of the SF/F writer gig—I tend to apply what I call the “Uhura Rule.” Do you know the story about how Nichelle Nichols almost quit Star Trek? She actually went so far as to turn in her resignation. Gene Rodenberry tried to talk her out of it but couldn’t. Soon after, she met Martin Luther King, Jr., at a party. It turned out that King was a huge fan. He told her that her role as Uhura was extremely important. “But I don’t do anything,” she said. “Anybody could do what I do.” King said, “That’s the point. Black girls see you doing what anyone else can do.” I’m paraphrasing, of course. But that’s the gist. She went to see Rodenberry the next day. He smiled, pulled her letter out of his desk drawer, and tore it up.

This is how I stay in my lane. I write about these characters like they’re anyone else. But there’s a trick to it. As a writer, I have to drop in details that signal to the reader that although this character is doing things anyone can do, they still have a distinct cultural background—whether that’s as a pansexual Black woman from Nigeria or an Ace woman of mixed race. Now, if you add in that I didn’t want to focus on romance… well, I guess that’s how you end up with “wholesome” queer representation.

I’m sorry. The word “wholesome” is cracking me up because every time I think of that word I remember all the violence and cursing in the novel. For that reason, I wonder if it is all that wholesome? But you know what? It’s important that heterosexuals see homosexuals as homosexuals or pansexuals or bisexuals and be comfortable with that. Thus, the emphasis on sex. That’s understandable. But if that’s the only way LBGTQ+ people are presented, then we risk fetishizing the community. Ultimately, LGBTQ+ folks should be seen as whole people. No one is just their age or gender or sexuality or ethnic background or able-ness or religion or class. All human beings are an intersection of those things.

Everyone deserves to be wholly themselves, doing things that they feel passionate about. We can’t be what we can’t imagine.

Lastly, I often laugh at people who get caught up in that whole “check box diversity” argument. If you can’t write about a group of diverse people and make it seem natural for them to be who they are, then you’re kind of a shitty writer. And, if you can only see “diversity check boxes” when you read about a diverse group of people, then maybe you’re a shitty human being.

What’s next for you? Do you have any upcoming projects after Persephone Station? Please tell us about it!

Currently, I’m working on a novel titled Loki’s Ring. I’m a little reluctant to talk about it because it’s early days yet–not because if I talk about it I can’t write or whatever. It’s because I’m an organic writer and the sucker is still morphing into whatever it’s going to be. I don’t want to promise something and then deliver something else. Story brain has to story brain, you know? However, the starter idea is that it’ll be about a group of older women (trans women are women) and other genders who are First Responder types, and there’s this ringworld called Loki’s Ring. It’s off-limits because it’s inhabited by aliens that human beings can’t communicate with, and, every time they try, they end up dead. Subsequently, some jackass decides they want to steal valuables from that world. And then everything goes horribly awry. Think gender-flipped A Team meets Apollo 13 and Hellfighters (a terrible, terrible John Wayne movie).

There are plans for more short stories in 2021, too. (I have a novelette called Forgiveness Is Warm Like a Tear on a Cheek in the anthology Evil in Technicolor.) I wrote and sold three in 2020, and I definitely want to write more.

The post Q&A: Stina Leicht, Author of ‘Persephone Station appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Despite 2020 being a wild rollercoaster ride, it brought us good things as well. And by good things, I mean queer science fiction and fantasy books! Throughout 2020, we saw glorious queer rep in SFF books, both in YA and Adult. Now the year is over after blessing us with great queer SFF books, but 2021 also has tons of surprises for us. Here are 15 queer SFF books to look out for in 2021!

 Want even more 2021 releases? Check out our list of Most Anticipated releases, Fantasy and Sci-Fi releases, Young Adult releases, Romance releases, and Queer releases.

In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Not only does this book look absolutely stunning, the synopsis is also enough to stop you in your tracks. Here’s the first line of the synopsis: A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead. Sprinkle in dark magic, more queer representation, and a polyamorous relationship, and you get In the Ravenous Dark!

Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

If you like a) LGBTQ+ heroes who get to save the world and b) the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers trope, then this YA debut is for you! Victories Greater Than Death is a thrilling adventure set against an intergalactic war, from internationally bestselling author Charlie Jane Anders.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Okay, here’s the vision: mechas, cyberpunk weaponry, sapphics, enemies-to-lovers, and sword fights. Gearbreakers already sounds fantastic! In this queer SFF book, two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they’re fighting for a common purpose, all the while growing closer and falling for each other.

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Get ready for a queer space opera with high-stakes adventure from Hugo award–nominated author Stina Leicht. Persephone Station features a cast that is mostly made up of women of colour, heists, a touch of Northern Irish Crime, and a feminist take on The Mandalorian.

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

TJ Klune is back with another fantasy creation told with his signature warmth and humour! Under the Whispering Door is about a ghost who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with. And if this has the same vibes as The House in the Cerulean Sea does, we all better get our tissues ready. 

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Witch King sounds downright delightful with its trans witch main character, royal faes, impending gay marriage, and a fae kingdom in need of saving. In this debut YA fantasy, Wyatt Croft needs to face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind, and decide between his people or his freedom.

Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Winter’s Orbit is described as a mashup between Ancillary Justice and Red, White & Royal Blue and, yes, it sounds exciting! Expect romantic space opera, interplanetary wars, arranged marriage for political advantages, and more from this debut.

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

After crafting two novellas for his popular alternate Cairo universe, Nebula, Locus, and Alex Award-winner P. Djèlí Clark is now making his fantasy novel debut with A Master of Djinn. It features a steampunk alternate version of Cairo, Egypt, supernatural forces, strong female cast, queer romance, and a murder to solve.

Girls at the Edge of the World by Laura Brooke Robson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

With dangers of an epic apocryphal flood, teen girl romance, and a “healthy mix of bad puns and classic lit references”, this romantic fantasy debut is something to look forward to! Girls at the Edge of the World features an aerial silk performer hell-bent on survival and another who thirsts for revenge.

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A Dark and Hollow Star sounds captivating all throughout. With four different queer point of views, a sapphic romance, court intrigue, faes, a magical underworld in Toronto, a serial killer, and a brewing war, this thrilling fantasy novel is mashup of The Cruel Prince and City of Bones.

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Two boys lost in space in a sentient spaceship. Doesn’t that already sound riveting? The Darkness Outside Us is a queer science fiction novel about two teen boys from warring countries who needs to embark on a rescue mission to save an astronaut, and also face their spaceship who might be their enemy.

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A political fantasy like no other in a queernorm world, The Unbroken sounds like a fantastic debut novel from author C.L. Clark. This North-Africa inspired fantasy debut features rebellion, espionage, assassinations, and a sapphic romance between a soldier and a princess.

Fragile Remedy by Maria Ingrande Mora 
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In the dystopian world featured in Fragile Remedy, Nate is a cure for the elite from the fatal lung rot ravaging the population, but also has a genetic failsafe himself. Now, has to choose between working for a shadowy terrorist organization that has the means to keep him alive, or stay (and die) with the boy he loves.

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

These Feathered Flames is a queer #ownvoices retelling of the Russian folktale “The Firebird”. You can expect sapphic romance, enemies-to-lovers trope, court intrigue, and a sisterhood reminiscent of Game of Thrones’ Sansa and Arya Stark.

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Here’s a wonderful vision for A Marvellous Light: Edwardian England, conspiracies, murder mystery, hidden magical society, and queer romance! This book features a civil service liaison to a hidden magical society who discovers what’s been operating beneath the unextraordinary reality he’s always known.

I’m already reeling from this round of queer SFF books, and I know there are more of these coming out in 2021!

What 2021 queer SFF books are you excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 15 Queer SFF Books To Look Out For In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

With a striking cover, an intriguing plot, thrilling action, and a diverse cast, Persephone Station makes a great queer SFF read first thing in 2021!

Persephone Station follows Captain Angel de la Reza, an ex-marine and head of a semi-organised band of beneficent criminals and mercenaries. When framed for an assassination job they weren’t responsible for, Angel and her crew are forced to make an abrupt retreat. However, Rosie has a different plan for them; to protect a planet that the Serrao-Orlov Corporation wants to exploit. Now, Angel and her crew find themselves up against an army, and the odds are not looking great.

First of all, I have to say, this book was so unbelievably queer and I love that! There were nonbinary characters, sapphic characters, and other gender-neutral characters all throughout the book. It may not seem much to some, but it was so delightful for me to see this kind of representation, especially in SFF. Also, the fact that the cast was mostly made up of women, nonbinary people, and BIPOC was so refreshing.

As for the writing style, it was straightforward, and yet it also left mysteries for the readers here and there. There were several perspectives in the story, which dealt with different subplots that will ultimately come together in the end. Because of this, it might take a while for everything to make sense, but once you have a grip on the characters and the storyline, you’ll be wanting to know more.

The plot of Persephone Station was certainly distinctive. I loved the plot twist in the end. My main problem would have to be the pacing. It was fast-paced and action-packed at the early parts of the book. After that, it kind of dwindled down in the middle. Then, at the last 40%, the action and thrill were back again. Still, I know it made sense for the pacing to be this way. The middle parts of the story, where it kind of slowed down, were dense with information. Here we have the author trying to lay the puzzle pieces for us, giving us all the information that will ultimately lead to the apex of the story. Those last parts of the book were just a whirlwind and I love that there are a couple of surprises for the readers.

I also love how the story was plot-driven, and yet the characters also shone in their own ways. They will move you, even the antagonist of the story, and will certainly leave an impact. I, for one, couldn’t help but adore Angel and her ragtag group of criminals. I love found family tropes, so seeing the dynamic between Angel, Sukyi, Enid, Lou, and the others was heart-warming. They were mercenaries and criminals who found refuge among themselves and were now trying to do the right thing.

When it comes to the worldbuilding, the author created something so vivid and expansive and I loved that. The different perspectives along with the different locations also helped a lot in the imagery and atmosphere of the story. I could almost see its world-building almost as if it’s a setting of a Marvel movie.

Another thing I noticed in this book was that, though it has its fair share of action and thrill and gore, there was also poignancy in the story. There was poignancy in Persephone and the individuals living on the planet, in Vissia and her harsh desire to take over Persephone, in Angel and Sukyi’s friendship, in the forgotten pasts of Angel and her crew. I believe these added something mellow and moving to the story and the characters themselves.

Overall, Persephone Station is a solid read, one that will whisk you away into space, on an alien planet, on a wild ride. Those who are looking for action and remarkable plot will adore this one.

Persephone Station is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 5th 2021.

Will you be picking up Persephone Station? Tell us in the comments below!

Synopsis | Goodreads

Hugo award-nominated author Stina Leicht has created a take on space opera for fans of The Mandalorian and Cowboy Bebop in this high-stakes adventure.

Persephone Station, a seemingly backwater planet that has largely been ignored by the United Republic of Worlds becomes the focus for the Serrao-Orlov Corporation as the planet has a few secrets the corporation tenaciously wants to exploit.

Rosie—owner of Monk’s Bar, in the corporate town of West Brynner—caters to wannabe criminals and rich Earther tourists, of a sort, at the front bar. However, exactly two types of people drank at Monk’s back bar: members of a rather exclusive criminal class and those who sought to employ them.

Angel—ex-marine and head of a semi-organized band of beneficent criminals, wayward assassins, and washed up mercenaries with a penchant for doing the honorable thing—is asked to perform a job for Rosie. What this job reveals will affect Persephone and put Angel and her squad up against an army. Despite the odds, they are rearing for a fight with the Serrao-Orlov Corporation. For Angel, she knows that once honor is lost, there is no regaining it. That doesn’t mean she can’t damned well try.

The post Review: Persephone Station by Stina Leicht appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

After whatever that last year was, we’re certainly hoping that 2021 will be a significant improvement! Just like every single industry, the publishing industry faced its own challenges with many 2020 releases delayed by months or even years in some cases and it caused much concern for authors with either recent or upcoming releases.

But with every year, there’s also the improvement when it comes to diversity and whilst it still unfortunately takes devastating events to invoke some kind of change or even discussion, there’s great change heading our way with 2021 releases (and even 2022 and 2023 based on book announcements made thus far).

The year promises for more #ownvoices authors to be heard with stories of fierce Black characters taking the lead role (and also killing it on their covers), queer characters and their journeys offering hope, characters embracing their bodies and their culture, and so much more. Then there’s the continuing shift in perception on genres, including romance and YA, with some incredibly great stories and offering a new take on the genres altogether.

To be honest, it’s quite exciting and refreshing, and we at The Nerd Daily can’t wait to see what comes next and cover 2021 releases!

Read on to discover just a few of our favourite January to June 2021 releases and tell us in the comments if you’re looking forward to any of them! 

Want more 2021 releases? Check out our lists for  2021 Queer Book Releases, 2021 Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Releases, 2021 Romance Book Releases, 2021 YA Book Releases, and 2021 Queer SFF Book Releases.

JANUARY

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An alien artifact turns a young girl into Death’s adopted daughter in Remote Control, a thrilling sci-fi tale of community and female empowerment from Nebula and Hugo Award-winner Nnedi Okorafor

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic queer love story about creativity, passion, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Darkest Minds comes a sweepingly ambitious, high-octane tale of power, destiny, love and redemption.

The Push by Ashley Audrain
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A tense, page-turning psychological drama about the making and breaking of a family–and a woman whose experience of motherhood is nothing at all what she hoped for–and everything she feared.

Persephone Station by Stina Leicht
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Hugo award-nominated author Stina Leicht has created a take on space opera for fans of The Mandalorian and Cowboy Bebop in this high-stakes adventure.

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A delicious twist on a Gothic classic, Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs pairs Southern charm with atmospheric domestic suspense, perfect for fans of B.A. Paris and Megan Miranda.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Rachel Lynn Solomon’s sparkling romantic comedy debut.

A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A spellbinding novel of dark family secrets and a young woman’s rise and revenge set against the backdrop of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

FEBRUARY

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sensitive, funny, and painful coming-of-age story with a wry voice and tons of chisme, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega tackles our relationships to our parents, our bodies, our cultures, and ourselves.

A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

What is a Victorian lady’s formula for love? Mix one brilliant noblewoman and her enigmatic protection officer. Add in a measure of danger and attraction. Heat over the warmth of humour and friendship, and the result is more than simple chemistry—it’s elemental.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone comes an epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression.

The Project by Courtney Summers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From Courtney Summers, the New York Times bestselling author of the 2019 Edgar Award Winner and breakout hit, Sadie, comes a sensational follow-up―another pulls-no-punches thriller about an aspiring young journalist determined to save her sister from a cult.

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Echo Wife is a non-stop thrill ride, perfect for readers of Big Little Lies and enthusiasts of Killing Eve and Westworld­.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this world, girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice. Get ready for battle. The start of a bold and immersive fantasy series for fans of Children of Blood and Bone and Black Panther.

A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sarah J. Maas’s sexy, richly imagined series continues with the journey of Feyre’s fiery sister, Nesta.

Do No Harm by Christina McDonald
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Behind Every Lie and The Night Olivia Fell comes an unforgettable and heart-wrenching novel about the lengths one woman will go to save her son.

MARCH

Can’t Take That Away by Steven Salvatore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Steven Salvatore’s debut Can’t Take That Away is about Carey Parker, a genderqueer teen who dreams of being a diva like their hero Mariah Carey. When they are cast as the female lead in the school musical, they must fight against discrimination and injustice from their closed-minded school administration. 

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Act Your Age, Eve Brown the flightiest Brown sister crashes into the life of an uptight B&B owner and has him falling hard—literally.

The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In an epic political fantasy unlike any other, two women clash in a world full of rebellion, espionage, and military might on the far outreaches of a crumbling desert empire.

The Cost of Knowing by Brittney Morris
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Dear Martin meets They Both Die at the End in this gripping, evocative novel about a Black teen who has the power to see into the future, whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death, from the acclaimed author of SLAY.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network returns with another heart-stopping World War II story of three female code breakers at Bletchley Park and the spy they must root out after the war is over.

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From award-winning author Sarah Beth Durst, a standalone epic fantasy set in a brand-new world of towering mountains and sparkling cities, in which a band of ageing warriors have a second chance to defeat dark magic and avenge a haunting loss.

Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For readers of The Silent Patient – a taut, twisty, character-driven suspense novel about a famous novelist and a small-town striver locked in a struggle for fortune and fame

APRIL

First, Become Ashes by K.M. Szpara
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

K. M. Szpara follows Docile, one of the most anticipated science fiction novels of 2020, with First, Become Ashes, a fantastic standalone adventure that blends pain and pleasure and will make readers question what is real, and what is magical.

Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the USA Today  bestselling author of The Hating Game and 99 Percent Mine comes the clever, funny, and unforgettable story of a muscular, tattooed man hired as an assistant to two old women—under the watchful eye of a beautiful retirement home manager.

Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and rom-com queen Becky Albertalli comes a buoyant new novel about daring to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight in love, life, and, yes, theater.

The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Naomi and Ethan will test the boundaries of love in this provocative romance from the author of the ground-breaking debut, The Roommate.

House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A dark, twisty modern fairytale where three sisters discover they are not exactly all that they seem and evil things really do go bump in the night.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Perfect for fans of the Lady Janies and Stalking Jack the Ripper, the first book in the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series is a clever retelling of Pride and Prejudice that reimagines the iconic settings, characters, and romances in a thrilling and high-stakes whodunit.

Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Deadly, fierce, magnetically addictive: this Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut is a thrilling journey where dangerous magic reigns supreme and betrayal lurks beneath every word. 

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Never Have I Ever builds on her success with this addictive novel of domestic suspense in which a mother must decide how far she is willing to go to protect her child and the life she loves—a chilling and thoughtful tale of power, privilege, lies, revenge, and the choices we make, ones that transform our lives in unforeseen ways.

MAY

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six . . . Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever.

Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this sweeping debut, actress Asha Bromfield takes readers to the heart of Jamaica, and into the soul of a girl coming to terms with her family, and herself, set against the backdrop of a hurricane.

A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

It’s a club like no other. Only the most important women receive an invitation. But one daring young reporter is about to infiltrate this female-run secret society, whose beguiling members are caught up in a dark and treacherous business.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this incredible new science-based thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian.

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From one of the most exciting new storytellers in epic fantasy, the first book in the Nameless Republic trilogy is a sweeping tale of violent conquest and forbidden magic set in a world inspired by the pre-colonial empires of West Africa.

In the Ravenous Dark by A.M. Strickland
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A pansexual bloodmage reluctantly teams up with an undead spirit to start a rebellion among the living and the dead, in this dark YA fantasy by A.M. Strickland, author of Beyond the Black Door, whom Richard Kadrey calls “a storyteller of both grace and power.”

The Hunting Wives by May Cobb
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Hunting Wives share more than target practice, martinis, and bad behaviour in this novel of obsession, seduction, and murder.

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard
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Irresistibly action-packed and full of lethal surprises, this stunning new fantasy series from Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Red Queen series, begins where hope is lost and asks: When the heroes have fallen, who will take up the sword?

JUNE

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is a magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Nghi Vo’s debut novel The Chosen and the Beautiful reinvents this classic of the American canon as a coming-of-age story full of magic, mystery, and glittering excess, and introduces a major new literary voice.

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love—she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.

Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The start of an exciting new historical mystery series set in 1920s Harlem featuring Louise Lloyd, a young black woman caught up in a series of murders way too close to home…

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne begins the powerful Burning Kingdoms trilogy, in which two women–a long-imprisoned princess and a maidservant in possession of forbidden magic–come together to rewrite the fate of an empire.

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Get Out meets The Devil Wears Prada in this electric debut about the tension that unfurls when two young Black women meet against the starkly white backdrop of New York City book publishing.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.

Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The New York Times bestselling author of Her Last Flight returns with a gripping and profoundly human story of Cold War espionage and family devotion.

What 2021 book releases are you excited for? Tell us in the comments below!

The post The Most Anticipated 2021 Book Releases appeared first on The Nerd Daily.