SciFi / Fantasy / Horror
Plot/Idea: In Vale’s exquisitely wrought story, Death has a serious job to take care of—and this time, he’s chasing down a woman, Molly Molloy, on a decidedly haphazard, outside-the-box assignment. She’s harder to conquer than he expects, and their repartee during his laughable attempts to tame her inner spirit are blissfully entertaining. The plot is catchy, the pace perfection, and the ending sweet to behold.
Prose: Vale’s witty, snapping prose refreshes and stuns in equal turns throughout this surprisingly upbeat tale.
Originality: Vale’s afterworld is wondrously unique, brimming with odd characters and an intriguing set of rules that Death must adhere to in order to get the job done. When he’s willing to defy those rules in the name of love, the story takes flight, evolving into a sweet, profound study on self-sacrifice and belonging.
Character/Execution: From his Vans to his astonishing empathy, Death is a delightful, likable character, who Vale manages to make relatable on a very human level, despite his otherworldly presence and soul-picking career. Molly plays the perfect counterpart, dynamic to a fault and hell bent on staying out of Death’s clutches, but as their relationship grows and transforms, readers will be swept into this vulnerable ride, one that opens up both characters to the inner reaches of their very souls—and changes the afterlife forever.
Plot/Idea: Coles’s plot is breathtaking, an immense sweep of love, belonging, and self-discovery against a confusing, disturbing world. As the characters struggle to make sense of their universe—and their place in it—readers also will come to grasp its boundaries. The worldbuilding is intensely beautiful, interjected with brief sparks of creepy foreboding, with constant twists that slither unexpectedly through the narrative.
Prose: Coles writes blistering prose, a riveting mix of elegance and eerie curiosities, both eye-opening and reflective at the same time.
Originality: The Limits of My World is a study on humanity in many ways, as Coles’s characters come to the realization that their world may not be as ordered and predictable as they’ve always been taught. That opens the cast up to experience new worlds—and new beings—while giving them a window into their own souls.
Character/Execution: Coles’s skillful rendering of deeply memorable characters makes this novel stand out, gifting readers with a cast that resonates, astounds, and continually surprises. Both Kanan and Tei must fight markedly different, but parallel, battles, and their abiding connection to each other thrums in the background throughout the novel. Kanan’s speed and impulsivity balance out Tei’s well-ordered, thoughtful rationality, making them a perfectly complementary dyad.
Plot/Idea: This stinging, post-apocalyptic novel shreds expectations and offers up a jagged but disarming hero in the singular Beamo Roamer, a scavenger in possession of a treasure map and more enemies than he can count. The terrain is prickly, the danger sky-high, and the monsters Beamo faces along the way gnarly—but the plot is a stunning, violent tinderbox that entices just as much as it devastates.
Prose: Wow writes nimbly, with prose that balances on a knife-edge of suspense and lacerates the routine.
Originality: Ride the Snake Road is unarguably a behemoth of invention, with a fickle storyline that teases, satiates, and staggers readers over and over again.
Character/Execution: Beamo—cunning, desperate, and strangely appealing—is the undisputed man of the hour in Wow’s harsh world, though he’s bolstered by a cast of ne’er do wells and the hopeful elect trying to carve out an existence, of sorts, in a world that’s given up on them.
Plot/Idea: In this bold work of fantasy, the first in the Seizing Freedom trilogy, Jones offers a reimagining of the story of Harriet Tubman. Jones echoes the timeless fight for liberation, while integrating a fantastical twist via a parallel magical universe.
Prose: Jones utilizes highly descriptive imagery, and language that transports readers into Harriet’s world. Jones once again proves herself to be a masterful writer of captivating fantasy.
Originality: Jones's concept is strikingly original. As Harriet hopes to lead her people to freedom, she must not only contend with slavery and racism, but with transformations and conflict within a fantastical world.
Character/Execution: As a testament to Jones's writing prowess, she doesn't rely on the novelty of the premise to fully carry the storytelling, instead populating the world she creates with believable and lovingly created characters; readers will invest in their stories and the battle to be freed from all forms of enslavement.
Plot/Idea: The Reflection of Raidin hosts an epic, multilayered plot, but Markloff manages to keep it believable on many levels. Protagonist Jen’s efforts to understand her own powers—and how they can be used to protect those she loves the most in addition to her world at large—are carefully wrought, lending her a palpable sense of uneasy responsibility. The romance sprinkled throughout adds heat to the plot and makes characters all the more memorable.
Prose: The prose is convincing and comfortable, poetic in all the right places while still surprisingly concise.
Originality: The Reflection of the Raidin brims with all the elements readers will expect in a sweeping fantasy: time travel, well-ordered worldbuilding, and a wealth of magic. The finishing touches are Markloff’s down-to-earth, relatable characters who offer readers a straightforward thread to follow in a complex, tangled tapestry.
Character/Execution: Characters leap off the page in this intricate novel, full of internal contradictions and vivid emotion. Markloff draws their authenticity exceptionally well, crafting heroes—and villains—who have the perfect mix of power and vulnerability. Each character, even those in minor roles, comes across as deliciously complicated.
Plot/Idea: In book three of the Heartless series, the author takes readers on a lightning-fast, whirlwind journey that will challenge their sense of what is possible. This installment sees climate scientist Quinn, who lives on a boat outside the city of Usus, struggling to adapt to the experience of new motherhood.
Prose: Lahey's prose blends rich description with matter-of-fact storytelling that establishes and quickly immerses readers in the unique world her characters inhabit.
Originality: Time Is Heartless is a sparklingly original futuristic sci-fi tale set in a world that features cyborgs, AI meerkats (yes, meerkats), cutting edge tech, time travel, and exists in the midst of surging climate change.
Character/Execution: Despite the invigorating and expertly crafted worldbuilding, it's the characters and humanity of the novel that make it a true standout within the genre. Lahey infuses the story with practical and relatable concerns (such as Quinn seeking balance between career and raising a child), providing readers an emotional anchor to offset the fantastical circumstances.
Plot/Idea: Primarily character-driven and delivered through dual viewpoints, James's engrossing novel follows Riley’s winding path to freedom, from the threat of a patriarchal Earth to her blossoming kinship with the intriguing, thoughtful Martian, Matty. Well-executed flashbacks reveal Riley’s past traumas and obstacles while lending context to her present decisions.
Prose: James’s effective worldbuilding employs strong emotional and sensory descriptions of life both on and off the story's Martian-bound spaceship. Her choice to use a distant third-person voice parallels Riley’s compelling—and authentic—neurodivergent perspective, as well as Matty’s unique Martian upbringing. If readers feel alienated, that is precisely the point.
Originality: James uses the lens of Riley’s recovery from abuse and embrace of her new identity as a way to explore a distinct and creative Martian culture, often paralleling our society’s own issues with neurodivergence, gender equality, economic disparity, and more.
Character/Execution: James balances Riley’s feelings of alienation, gender dysphoria, and desire for change with a burgeoning romance with the confident, thoughtful Matty. Watching Riley shed her Earthen teachings to embrace her new identity is highly satisfying, and James's emphasis on diversity is refreshing.
Plot/Idea: Robinson's twisty, suspense-filled novel grips readers as the story swells to include Charlie's night time visitor, a horror-laced scene that reverberates throughout the Barry family. The plot is layered, rich with detail, and satisfyingly complex.
Prose: Robinson is a strong writer and storyteller, particularly adept at creating living, breathing tension. The narrative, which jumps back and forth from a younger to older Charlie, is extremely effective at not only advancing the story but also in keeping readers guessing as to what is actually happening.
Originality: Walking the Dusk is rich with the pressure of uncertainty, creating insidious danger that lurks just beneath the surface. Readers will be left unsettled long after the last page is finished.
Character/Execution: During the story's flashbacks to childhood, Charlie's voice feels too mature for his age at times, though that adds an element of erratic disquiet to the more terrifying scenes. As an adult, Charlie's ongoing battles with nightmares add a chilling clarity to his experiences.
Plot/Idea: In The Dark Of A Dream is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror novel about J.J., a teenage girl who just lost her father, finds herself in the custody of her long-absent mother, and is now trapped on a secluded island owned by a mysterious biotech company. If that wasn't stressful enough, she endures increasingly horrific night terrors which might not be mere nightmares, and finds herself an unwitting test subject for unscrupulous experiments.
Prose: DeLano's prose is engaging and filled with lively descriptions. Her dialogue is light and realistic, especially for the teenagers. The author also manages to slip in lots of lighter, hilarious moments, a good trick given the seriousness of J.J.'s situation. And it all starts with a killer opening sentence: "Let's begin with your death."
Originality: In The Dark Of A Dream pulls together multiple threads, succeeding as a book about a teenager mourning her father and resentful of her mother; about a shadowy biotech company; and about a squad of desperate soldiers doing all they can to survive in the face of annihilation.
Character/Execution: J.J. is everything a teenage heroine struggling with adolescence should be: sarcastic, serious, loving, hateful, overwhelmed and underwhelmed, brave and terrified, resentful, and remorseful. The author also shows us J.J.'s growth throughout the novel. Her friends and squad-mates (Rio, Shadow, Beast, Chef, Sarge, etc.) have their own distinct personalities, as do J.J.'s parents (even her deceased father), and the villains are suitably awful without coming off as cartoonish.
Plot/Idea: Billed as a sci-fi word symphony in three movements, The Sound of Light is the endlessly inventive first movement of Miltenberg's proposed trilogy. A fresh, dynamic, and personal ode to music and the natural world, The Sound of Light is an unforgettable and uplifting spiritual adventure.
Prose: Miltenberg's text is passionate, involving and delicately told with a clear aesthetic in mind. His endlessly creative and imaginative psychedelic journey stays true to its vision throughout, resulting in a colorful and enlightening read.
Originality: The Sound of Light is vibrant and full of verve with several cute, if rather obvious, nods to pop music culture. The imaginative worldbuilding and consistent "hippy rocker" vibe combine effectively to sustain the reader's interest throughout.
Character/Execution: Soniqa StarCloud is a convincing protagonist in a book where music plays a pivotal role in bonding and uniting people. The character names and mannerisms are heavily indebted to rock music lore, lending the book a powerful nostalgic feel and an overwhelmingly positive energy.
Blurb: A mind-bending sonic trip.
Plot/Idea: Isle of Stars is a compelling and well written supernatural thriller that is full of tension and intrigue. Porto's consistently engaging storyline sees Morgan Thomas battle for survival against a strange and slippery enemy, resulting in an imaginative and absorbing read.
Prose: Jess Porto's text features intricately described characters, with their idiosyncrasies and nuances succinctly realized. Isle of Stars effectively explores the subconscious in a novel rife with mysterious entities and a brilliant attention to detail.
Originality: Isle of Stars is written with guile and confidence, effortlessly emitting wit, charm and dramatic tension from the start. Its biting melodrama and supernatural charm literally seeps through its pages in a passionately written swarm of self-discovery and sacrifice.
Character/Execution: Morgan Thomas is the protagonist of Isle of Stars, a gripping mystery filled with well written and engaging characters. The dialogue is realistic and believable, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in Porto's excellently crated supernatural realm.
Blurb: A strong, character-driven mystery thriller.
Plot/Idea: Shirley Estar is known for being the most ruthless and accomplished killers in the galaxy and usually goes on her missions solo. As she lived alone on Earth, Shirley did all she could to survive, and now faces a reckoning. Rowntree creates a story that is always moving forward, tinged with absurdity, and that revolves around a strong and intriguingly flawed protagonist.
Prose: Rowntree strikes a unique tone and uses a vernacular that sets the futuristic and fantastical world apart. The prose has an arresting lyricism and is infused with a surprising degree of emotion.
Originality: With a strong hook and a well-realized futuristic society, Shirley Estar Goes to Heaven offers suspense, twists, unexpected reveals, and deceit. Shirley's character drives the originality of the story and makes it one that is memorable and captivating.
Character/Execution: Rowntree succeeds in creating a morally gray yet deeply relatable heroine whose past as an intergalactic criminal shapes her sense of self. The narrative offers profound insights on the trappings of our identities and examines whether any of us are truly capable of change.
Plot/Idea: Ethos of Cain is a gripping and unrelenting futuristic sci-fi crime caper with well-formed characters and a keen sense of adventure. The plot moves at a frenetic pace, sustained by expertly conceived moments of bold, dramatic tension.
Prose: James writes with verve and precision, effectively building an evocative and intoxicating atmosphere. Though clichéd moments dot the narrative, Ethos of Cain manages to intricately weave themes of colonization, climate danger, and science into its bombastic storyline.
Originality: Ethos of Cain is a consistently engaging and entertaining book that benefits from a propulsive and effervescent energy. James carefully integrates intriguing sci-fi, intimate romance, and brutal action into this powder keg of a novel.
Character/Execution: James capably develops his characters, affording them both relatability and immense appeal. Cain is the brusque, all-action protagonist, an elite soldier carrying out complex assignments and the focal point of the novel, while his love interest, the capable and determined Francesca, adds a more intimate edge to the story.
Blurb: A no holds barred, action-rich sci-fi thriller.
Plot/Idea: Ultimately, Minimum Safe Distance is a fascinating novel about an intergalactic threat and how humanity responds in kind. Ho Yen's novel hosts an intriguing storyline with identifiable development throughout. The work suffers from narrative fragmentation, however, which results in a sometimes disjointed reading experience.
Prose: Ho Yen's prose is readable and generally well-executed, though a degree of stiffness pervades much of the writing.
Originality: Conceptually, Minimum Safe Distance is strikingly fresh and unique. Most notable is the work's detailed worldbuilding surrounding the nature of the SelfMades and the relationship between the Cosmologist and the Ethnologist.
Character/Execution: Minimum Safe Distance features a number of potentially rich and broad-ranging characters. However, due to the fragmentation of the plot, it is difficult to grasp the whole development of these characters; while they are intriguing, readers only have brief glimpses of their collective journeys.
Plot/Idea: Isaak's plot starts slow but quickly picks up speed, barreling toward an explosive conclusion, as Arby Keeling, conceived when his mother falls in with a cult in 1969, navigates his otherworldly powers amid a tumultuous, volatile world.
Prose: Assured and engaging, Isaak's tone invites readers into the story, painting an intense world rich with both fantasy and real life, a marrying, of sorts, of the past with a complex, visionary future.
Originality: Arby's journey is entertaining, teeming with twists and turns, as he warily examines his new and daunting role as potential protector of the universe.
Character/Execution: Isaak crafts distinctive characters, heady in their intensity and powerful observance of the world around them. Arby's development is dynamic, and Isaak transforms him into a vividly realistic and relatable hero.
Plot/Idea: AWE is a striking contemporary suspense thriller that features a brilliantly paced and intriguing storyline. Schwob intelligently orchestrates his unique and thought-provoking stance on moral and environmental degradation in a consistently engrossing novel.
Prose: AWE is written with a great deal of technological accuracy, astutely encapsulating futurisitc scientific concepts. The text is rich and detailed, with Schwob displaying a verve for inventive creativity.
Originality: AWE is a prescient and inspiring techno-thriller that poses pertinent questions regarding climate change, political leadership and the power of individual responsibility. The book's strength lies in its ability to accentuate humanity's need to tackle critical global issues head on.
Character/Execution: AWE's memorable cast of character is spearheaded by Pic de Lucrète and his expert scientific team, while a range of well rounded adversaries led by a psycho with links to Putin and his oligarchs threaten to disrupt their progress. The characters are generally fascinating and help enhance the gripping and dynamic atmosphere of the text.
Blurb: A bold and inventive technothriller.
