Escape Into Fantasy: A Guide to July’s Must-Read Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Books
Summer is here, the sun is shining, and the air is alive with the promise of adventure. But what happens when you’ve exhausted all the beaches, devoured all the ice cream, and still have that itch for something truly engaging? Fear not, fellow bibliophiles, for July is brimming with fresh, exciting releases in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. From cosmic mysteries to heart-wrenching romances, this list has something to satiate every literary craving.
This July, we see a resurgence in narratives exploring the power of relationships, featuring characters confronting dark pasts and reuniting to face unfathomable threats. This can be called "the It effect," a phenomenon inspired by the recent success of the It movie adaptations. The theme isn’t limited to horror; it also weaves its way into fantasy and sci-fi, highlighting the enduring importance of human connection even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
So, grab a comfy chair, settle in with your favorite beverage, and prepare to journey into worlds beyond imagination:
July 2nd:
Concerning the Future of Souls by Joy Williams: Prepare for a thought-provoking collection of stories that delve into the essence of the soul. Williams masterfully weaves together "ordinary folk" and "grand, known figures," all facing the profound darkness of transcendence in our era of ecological crisis. This is a read for those who seek reflection on the human condition.
The Down Deep by Catherine Asaro: Embark on a thrilling space opera adventure in the Undercity. Major Bhaajan and her Dust Knights become entangled in a mission of goodwill, tasked with protecting a member of the Imperial family. However, the Undercity is full of hidden dangers, and what awaits them in "the Down Deep" could shatter any hope of peace.
The Failures by Benjamin Liar: This epic blend of futuristic sci-fi and fantasy kicks off a trilogy chronicling a group of unlikely heroes in a broken world. Facing an eternal darkness, they embark on a desperate journey across their mechanical planet, driven by hope and the desperate desire to survive.
The Gilded Crown by Marianne Gordon: This captivating tale blends fantasy and romance. A woman with the extraordinary ability to resurrect souls, serving a mysterious representative of the afterlife, is tasked with bringing back an assassinated princess. As she ensures the princess’s survival, a forbidden love blossoms, setting the stage for a complex web of intrigue and danger.
The Icarus Changeling by Timothy Zahn: Get ready for a thrilling espionage adventure in the depths of space. Gregory Roarke, an agent for the ultra-secret Icarus Group, receives a seemingly simple assignment: locate a teleportation portal on a remote colony world. However, the mission quickly spirals into a desperate race for survival when murder strikes, and an alien enemy emerges from the shadows.
Made For You by Jenna Satterthwaite: This intriguing dystopian novel takes a sharp look at the reality of artificial beings in a world obsessed with appearances. A synthetic woman enters a Bachelor-esque competition, finds love, and marries—only to encounter a sinister twist when her husband vanishes, and she becomes the prime suspect.
Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi: This captivating fantasy novel takes us to a 15th-century West Africa bathed in magic, inspired by the myth of Persephone. One woman fights for freedom and self-discovery, pushing herself to the limits to secure her future—but freedom comes at a cost.
The Moonlight Market by Joanne Harris: Step into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur in this romantic tale. Set in London, a photographer finds himself drawn to a mysterious woman, unknowingly entering a hidden world of strange creatures locked in a war that unfolds just beyond the perception of ordinary humans.
The Night Ends With Fire by K.X. Song: This sweeping fantasy adventure, infused with magic and romance, offers a modern retelling of the Mulan legend. A young woman, driven by a desire to shape her own destiny, challenges everything she holds dear to defy expectations and carve her own path in a world brimming with magic.
Rhymer: Hoode by Gregory Frost: Journey through the Sherwood Forest with Thomas Rimor in the continuation of "The Rhymer Trilogy." Now living as a hermit, Rimor adopts the identity of Robin Hood, facing both human and elven foes as he navigates a treacherous world where he must embrace his destiny.
- Wilderness Reform by Matt and Harrison Query: This suspenseful young adult novel transports us to a court-mandated wilderness camp for troubled teens. A newcomer suspects the counselors are hiding a sinister secret and, teaming up with his fellow inmates, undertakes a dangerous investigation to uncover the truth.
July 9th:
All This and More by Peng Shepherd: Prepare for a mind-bending exploration of time travel and the consequences of rewinding our lives. A middle-aged woman is chosen to participate in a popular TV show, using quantum technology to rewrite her past. But the seductive promise of perfection comes with a heavy price as she realizes that getting everything she ever wanted isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Black Tide Son by H.M. Long: Join the thrilling escapades of the Winter Seas series as Benedict, Sam, and Mary find themselves trapped in a desperate race for survival. Their mission to save Benedict becomes a test of their resilience as they fight their way through enemy territory.
The Blood Dimmed Tide by Stephen Aryan: This gripping historical fantasy delves into the brutal world of Genghis Khan’s empire. Aryan explores the ambition of the Golden Horde, now facing a devastating civil war, as Genghis Khan’s grandson strives to conquer the world.
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle: Get ready for a laugh-out-loud, bizarrely captivating horror-comedy. A struggling actor finally lands his big break, only to discover a sinister plot by studio executives. As if that wasn’t enough, monsters from his past horror movie roles come to life, seeking a horrifyingly hilarious revenge.
The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee, translated by Sandy Joosun Lee: Step into a cozy fantasy world where dreams are tangible commodities. This heartwarming tale asks: "What if there was a store that sold dreams? Which would you buy? And who might you become when you wake up?"
Daughters of Olympus by Hannah Lynn: This feminist retelling of the Demeter and Persephone myth is a must-read for lovers of Greek mythology. Lynn explores the complex relationship between mother and daughter, reinterpreting their journey through the lens of modern sensibility.
The Family Experiment by John Marrs: This speculative thriller dives into a world grappling with overpopulation, where some couples choose "virtual children" in lieu of real ones. Marrs examines the consequences of this choice within the context of a reality show, where couples compete for the right to have a biological child.
Let Gravity Seize the Dead by Darrin Doyle: Prepare for a chilling encounter with the supernatural in a remote cabin nestled deep in the woods. A family uncovers the dark history of their grandparents’ former home, leading to spine-tingling encounters with spirits from a century before.
Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi: This intricate fantasy novel transports us to a world reminiscent of Renaissance Italy, where powerful families vie for control. The story follows a young scion who must unravel the mysteries of an ancient artifact, one that seems to be shaping his destiny.
The Price of Redemption by Shawn Carpenter: Dive into a swashbuckling fantasy adventure on the high seas. This debut novel follows a powerful sorceress forced to flee, where she crosses paths with a young sea captain and an eclectic cast of characters. Carpenter paints a vibrant world of magic and intrigue, captivating readers with his imaginative storytelling.
Shadowstitch by Cari Thomas: In this thrilling sequel to Threadneedle, Anna returns, concealing her magic to protect her coven. But a relentless witch hunt threatens their safety, forcing Anna to team up with Effie to protect their community.
The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons: Get ready for a standalone fantasy adventure brimming with magic, intricate world-building, and electrifying characters. This captivating tale combines "conniving dragons, lightning banter, high-stakes intrigue, and a little bit of heat."
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst: Escape to a whimsical world where magic and whimsy collide. A librarian who tends a collection of spellbooks finds herself on the run after a fiery revolt. She seeks refuge in her island hometown, opening a magical store and embarking on a journey of self-discovery.
These Deathless Shores by P.H. Low: This captivating reimagined origin story of Captain Hook offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale. Low explores the themes of cruelty, magic, lost innocence, and the indelible impact of storytelling.
This Great Hemisphere by Mateo Askaripour: This thought-provoking speculative novel dives into a near-future world defined by a stark social divide. A young woman, invisible by birth and relegated to a second-class citizenship, embarks on a quest to find her brother, a political murder suspect, challenging the deeply entrenched inequalities of her society.
Toward Eternity: A Novel by Anton Hur: This fascinating novel explores the ethical implications of a world on the cusp of immortality. Hur examines the fundamental question of what it means to be human in a society where technology blurs the line between biology and machinery.
- Unraveling by Karen Lord: This standalone fantasy novel delves into the mysteries of spirits, myth, and memory. A series of unusual murders leads to an otherworldly investigation, steeped in Caribbean storytelling and explorations of the complex nature of identity.
July 16th:
The Backtrack by Erin La Rosa: This time-travel thriller delves into the nostalgia of our past. A woman returns to her childhood home after 20 years, where her longing for her teenage years takes a strange turn. An old CD player, imbued with the power to turn back time, unlocks a thrilling, dangerous journey back to her past.
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness: Join Diana Bishop and Matthew de Clermont, the beloved characters from "The All Souls" series, in their latest adventure. As they seek to ensure their children’s safety, Diana delves into her family’s mysterious history, unveiling secrets from the past that threaten to reshape their present.
Blood Jade by Julia Vee and Ken Bebelle: The Phoenix Hoard series continues with Emiko Soong, guardian of the sentient city of San Francisco. A murder investigation leads her to uncover a hidden truth about her magical family’s past, pushing her to unravel secrets that have been buried for generations.
Bright Objects by Ruby Todd: This captivating debut novel blends mystery, astronomy, and romance. A young widow finds her world turned upside down when a once-in-a-lifetime comet approaches, unleashing its tumultuous consequences on her life and the world around her.
The Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur by Lev Grossman: The author of the acclaimed "The Magicians" trilogy reimagines the enduring King Arthur legend. This gripping retelling is designed to captivate readers in the modern era, refreshing the classic tale with new perspectives and thrilling adventure.
Descent by Marko Kloos: Join the ongoing Palladium Wars series as a POW receives a chance at freedom and a fresh start. But this opportunity comes with a dangerous price: he must go undercover and sabotage an interstellar rebellion.
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones: The author of My Heart Is a Chainsaw brings his unique dark humor to a thrilling slasher tale. Set in 1980s small-town Texas, the story is told from the perspective of the teenage killer, offering a chillingly intimate perspective on his motivations and descent into darkness.
In the Belly of the Whale by Michael Flynn: Embark on a space opera adventure aboard a massive generation ship. Earth’s brightest minds strive to ensure the survival of humanity, creating a rigid regime with unintended social divisions. These divisions lead to rebellion among the disillusioned crew, igniting the first sparks of revolution.
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer: This captivating story, reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia, follows two childhood friends who vanish into a state forest, returning with fragmented memories. Years later, they reunite to confront the mystery of a girl who disappeared from the same woods, unearthing a haunting truth about their shared experience.
A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne: Dive into the world of Shakespeare’s sonnets. This captivating retelling explores the "Dark Lady," one of Shakespeare’s most intriguing subjects, unveiling the captivating story behind the sonnets and unveiling her hidden desires.
The Second Son by Adrienne Tooley: This epic fantasy delves into the clash of powerful deities and the dual nature of pain. The story continues the dark fantasy series that began with The Third Daughter, featuring a sweeping sapphic romance and exploring the complexities of grief and rage.
The Spice Gate by Prashanth Srivatsa: This exciting debut fantasy transports us to a world where eight kingdoms are connected by "Spice Gates." Amir, a young man blessed with the ability to navigate these gates, embarks on a journey to uncover the balance of power, seeking to understand the hidden forces that shape his world.
Talio’s Codex by J. Alexander Cohen: This captivating legal thriller blends fantasy and mystery. A magistrate, disgraced by a past theft, receives a chance to redeem himself—but it comes with a perilous legal case, leading him to confront his past and navigate a complex web of deception.
The West Passage by Jared Pechaček: Step into a world of magic, danger, and courage. The West Passage, a vital gateway, has been left unguarded, leading to a looming threat. The young Mother of Grey House and the Guardian’s squire are tasked with saving their people, embarking on a challenging quest to restore balance and safeguard their world.
The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power edited by Terry J. Benton-Walker: This chilling anthology brings together 13 terrifying tales by a diverse collection of prominent horror authors. Each story explores themes of fear, power, and social realities, offering a haunting and thought-provoking journey into the depths of the human psyche.
- Yoke of Stars by R.B. Lemberg: This intricate fantasy novel interweaves two distinct perspectives, showcasing a complex power dynamic. An apprentice assassin and an inquisitive linguist engage in a game of storytelling, seeking revenge while navigating a world where words are weapons and fate hangs in the balance.
July 23rd:
The Body Harvest by Michael J. Seidlinger: This transgressive horror novel blends elements of Crash and The Plague for a chillingly relevant tale. Set in a world obsessed with virtual realities and social media, the story explores the consequences of our digital obsession.
The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville: The legendary actor and acclaimed author collaborate on a novel inspired by Reeves’ BRZRKR comics. This action-packed story follows an immortal warrior embarking on a mission to fulfill his death wish, only to be pulled into a mystery that unravels the nature of his existence and the very fabric of reality itself.
The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill: This magical thriller revisits the bonds of friendship and the unexpected consequences of youthful escapades. Twenty years after unleashing a destructive force, a group of friends reunite to confront the apocalypse they may have inadvertently set in motion.
The Drowning House by Cherie Priest: This haunting tale of suspense is set in the eerie and unforgiving Pacific Northwest. When a house washes ashore, a man disappears, and his estranged friends are forced to delve into the dwelling’s dark history to find him, confronting a supernatural force that threatens everything they know.
The Factus Sequence – Ninth Life by Stark Holborn: Travel to the edge of the galaxy with this captivating space opera. An elusive outlaw is finally captured, and a bounty hunter, eager to collect his reward, must listen to the outlaw’s stories. Each story reveals one of her nine lives, unraveling the secrets of her past and the mysteries of the galaxy.
Grand Theft AI by James Cox: This high-tech thriller takes us to a future San Francisco where technology reigns supreme. A seasoned thief and an underworld fixer partner up for the ultimate heist, seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of artificial intelligence and secure the greatest score of their careers.
Gravity Lost by L.M. Sagas: This exciting space opera follows a crew on a thrilling, chaotic adventure. In this sequel to Cascade Failure, the "fierce, messy, chaotic space fam" navigates a galaxy of vibrant worlds, embracing their wild journeys and encounters with unpredictable threats.
Hera by Jennifer Saint: This captivating retelling of the Greek myth of Hera shines a new light on the goddess, exploring her strength, her vulnerabilities, and the complexities of her position as Zeus’s wife. Saint presents a fresh perspective on a classic figure, challenging traditional interpretations and celebrating the power of femininity.
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran: Enter a world of cosmic war and ancient deities. This first entry in a new epic fantasy duology follows an untried acolyte who must fight to save the orisha, faced with a resurgent threat that threatens to destabilize the realm.
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton: Prepare for a charming historical-fantasy rom-com that blends romance with a whimsical touch. Two rival ornithologists traverse England in search of a rare magical bird, engaging in charming banter and romantic tension as they navigate their shared passion and the mysteries of their world.
- Queen B: The Story of Anne Boleyn, Witch Queen by Juno Dawson: The final entry in Dawson’s "Her Majesty’s Royal Coven" series rewinds the clock to the reign of Henry VIII, revealing the origins of the Coven under the enigmatic rule of Anne Boleyn. This captivating tale explores the power, magic, and secrets of the legendary queen, challenging perceptions about her role in history.
July 30th:
Brothersong by TJ Klune: The highly anticipated conclusion to the "Green Creek" series brings the story of Carter and Gavin to its climax. This final book explores the strength of their love as Carter embarks on a journey in search of Gavin, facing challenges and uncovering truths that will forever change their lives.
The Future Was Now: Madmen, Mavericks, and the Epic Sci-Fi Summer of 1982 by Chris Nashawaty: This engaging and insightful text takes us back to the summer of 1982, when Hollywood was inundated with groundbreaking sci-fi blockbusters. Nashawaty explores the making of these iconic films and their lasting impact on both Hollywood and the cultural landscape.
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan: Dive into a fantasy novel where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur. A woman on the brink of death escapes into the world of her beloved fantasy novels, finding herself trapped in a fantastical landscape inhabited by both familiar and terrifying creatures.
Navigational Entanglements by Aliette de Bodard: This exciting space opera blends elements of xianxia-style martial arts with intricate world-building. De Bodard explores themes of love, duty, and found family in a galaxy brimming with unique cultures and intriguing characters.
One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye: This captivating paranormal romance explores the complexities of love and grief. After her boyfriend falls into a coma, a woman discovers she can communicate with his soul, which has become separate from his body. But his soul has no memory of her, forcing her to confront the doubts in their relationship and fight for his love.
- Saturation Point by Adrian Tchaikovsky: This thrilling science fiction novel transports us to a future ravaged by climate change. A scientist embarks on a dangerous mission into "the Zone," a rainforest poisoned by extreme climate, seeking to complete a daring rescue. His mission unveils a shocking corporate conspiracy, threatening to further destabilize the already fragile world.
July promises a whirlwind of exciting releases in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Get ready to journey into captivating worlds, encounter formidable characters, and unravel the mysteries of love, loss, and the ever-shifting nature of reality. Whether you crave the thrills of space opera or the chilling horrors of the unknown, there’s a book waiting to ignite your imagination. So, grab your book, settle in, and get ready to escape.
