Best SF/Fantasy 2019

by Kristi Chadwick, Marlene Harris, Meredith Schwartz
Nov 18, 2019 | Filed in Reviews+

Aliens, magical gangsters, and demons welcome here. The best sf and fantasy published in 2019.

See all of our 2019 Best Books lists.

 
Chambers, Becky. To Be Taught, If Fortunate. Harper Voyager. ISBN 9780062936011.
The tiny crew of the Melian is sent to explore the far reaches of the galaxy. When things don’t go as planned, they must reach deep into themselves to find their purpose. Chambers asks big questions and gives surprisingly human answers.
 
Hackwith, A.J. The Library of the Unwritten. Ace: Berkley. ISBN 9781984806376.
Claire is head librarian in the Unwritten Wing of Hell, where the unfinished works reside. When a Hero escapes to find his author, a simple chase turns into a quest for the Devil’s Bible, which could tip the power balance between Heaven and Hell. A love letter to found families, books, and readers.
 
Hurley, Kameron. The Light Brigade. Saga: S. & S. ISBN 9781481447966.
Old Man’s War meets Slaughterhouse-Five in this unique military sf tour de force. Teleportation has a glitch—our hero experiences combat out of order. But is it real or a psychological side effect? With the big picture constantly shifting just out of sight, a visceral grunt’s-eye view of future war takes center stage.
 
Landsman, Keren. The Heart of the Circle. Angry Robot. ISBN 9780857668110.
In her English-language debut, Israeli author Landsman explores the power of demagoguery to transform a people into a hated underclass, as sorcerers become the target of rage and prejudice. Themes of oppression, acceptance, and betrayal are explored in this gripping sf thriller.
 
Lee, Fonda. Jade War. Orbit: Hachette. ISBN 9780316440929.
This follow-up to the award-winning Jade City expands the world of magical gangsters, clan warfare, and jewel-enhanced power, while focusing more intimately on its central characters. An enthralling #ownvoices story of honor, duty, and revenge.
 
Lyons, Jenn. The Ruin of Kings. Tor. ISBN 9781250175489.
This debut epic fantasy is told in multiple voices as its protagonist waits in prison to discover whether his fate is to save the empire or destroy it. He argues with the demon who both tormented and watched over him as he survived adoption, rejection, slavery, and torture. A well-crafted, elaborate tale.
 
Martine, Arkaday. A Memory Called Empire. Tor. ISBN 9781250186430.
Mahit Dzmare has always admired the complex, cultivated beauty of Teixcalaan Imperial culture. As ambassador, she must manipulate it while remaining apart enough to save herself and her home. A space opera of manners, full of exquisite palace intrigue, this debut grapples with how technology changes mortality and morality.
 
Muir, Tamsyn. Gideon the Ninth. Tor.com. ISBN 9781250313195.
Gideon just wants to escape her isolated future in the necromantic Ninth House, but her childhood nemesis Harrowhawk demands one last service first: take part in the trial of the Houses’ heirs and cavaliers. Dark, brilliant prose distinguishes this sf mystery.
 
Turnbull, Cadwell. The Lesson. Blackstone. ISBN 9781538584644.
When aliens settle in the Virgin Islands they bring technological advances, but also violence. Fear and resentment intensify. An arresting read exploring themes of invasive occupation and emotional uprising.
 
Valdes, Valerie. Chilling Effect. Harper Voyager. ISBN 9780062877239.
In this snarky and snappy space opera filled with aliens and psychic cats, Captain Eva Innocente leads the crew of La Sirena Negra as a small-time hauler, trying to outrun her nefarious past. When her sister is kidnapped, Eva must complete a series of difficult missions, testing the loyalties and love of her found family.
 
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

Robert Henley

You forgot Dark Nights, by Christopher A. Gray. Terrific alternate universe story with lot of suspense.

Posted : Nov 18, 2019 09:30

RELATED 

BEST OF

Best Horror of 2023
by Melissa DeWild & Becky Spratford
BEST OF

Best Romance of 2023
by Melissa DeWild & Neal Wyatt
BEST OF

Best Literary Fiction of 2023
by Barbara Hoffert
BEST OF

Best World Literature of 2023
by Barbara Hoffert
BEST OF

Best Short Stories of 2023
by Barbara Hoffert & Lisa Peet
BEST OF

Best Graphic Novels of 2023
by Tom Batten & Melissa DeWild
More
RECOMMENDED
Story Image
REVIEWS+

Run Your Week: Big Books, Sure Bets & Titles Making News | July 17 2018
Neal Wyatt Jul 17, 2018
The Other Woman by Daniel Silva leads holds this week. Former President Obama has more summer reading. Downton Abbey is heading to the movies.
Story Image
TECHNOLOGY

Materials on Hand | Materials Handling
Matt Enis, May 16, 2018
Automated systems are helping libraries move staff to patron-facing work, while manufacturers innovate new design features.
Story Image
PROGRAMS+

LGBTQ Collection Donated to Vancouver Archives
Lisa Peet, Jun 21, 2018
Longtime archivist, former head of the Vancouver Public Library’s history division, and queer rights activist Ron Dutton donated more than 750,000 items documenting the British Columbia LGBTQ community to the City of Vancouver Archives in March.
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?