Behind the Palleseen crusade to eradicate magic, a field hospital confronts war's brutal reality. Yasnic, a former priest reprieved from execution, serves in an unorthodox medical unit led by the formidable 'Butcher'. Amidst gore and suffering caused by monsters, magic, and enemy soldiers, this motley crew of conscripts and healers works to save the seemingly unsavable. Their precarious existence is threatened by their illicit practices involving unapproved magic, necromancy, and Yasnic's forbidden Gods, risking disbandment, arrest, or worse at the hands of the zealous Palleseen.
This alternate history/philosophical fantasy trilogy includes The Just City, The Philosopher Kings, and Necessity. Inspired by Plato’s Republic, the series imagines Greek gods creating a city governed by philosophical ideals, staffed by scholars from across history. As the experiment evolves—and unravels—the books explore questions of justice, consent, identity, and divine intervention. Walton blends speculative fiction with intellectual rigor and emotional insight, crafting a unique, thought-provoking exploration of idealism and imperfection in both gods and humans.
A British author known for his diverse and imaginative science fiction and fantasy novels, often featuring intricate world-building, unique alien species, and thought-provoking explorations of evolution and consciousness. His Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning novel, Children of Time, is a prime example of his ability to create compelling narratives with truly alien perspectives. Tchaikovsky's prolific and inventive storytelling has made him a significant figure in contemporary speculative fiction.
Series: Children of Time (#1)
Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Children of Time is a sweeping sci-fi epic about the rise of a new civilization. As humanity flees a dying Earth, they discover a planet where uplifted spiders—descendants of a failed terraforming experiment—have evolved intelligence and complex societies. The novel alternates between the spiders’ development and a desperate human crew searching for a new home. It explores themes of evolution, empathy, and what it means to be human. With bold ideas and a richly imagined alien perspective, Children of Time is a thought-provoking, genre-bending masterpiece that challenges assumptions about intelligence, progress, and survival.
by Pat Barker
Series: The Women of Troy (#2)
In 'The Women of Troy,' Pat Barker continues her exploration of the classical Greek narratives, picking up where 'The Silence of the Girls' left off. The novel immerses readers into the devastating aftermath of the Trojan War, focusing on the women who endure the grim realities of powerlessness and enslavement. Key figures such as Briseis, once a queen and now a trophy of war, navigate a precarious landscape of loyalty and survival. Barker adeptly weaves a tapestry of grief, resilience, and unity among these women, painting a vivid picture of historical misogyny reframed through a contemporary lens. Her portrayal underscores an enduring struggle against silencing and subjugation, delivering a poignant commentary on the timeless nature of female resilience. With her elegant prose and insightful character development, Barker captures the complex emotions and stark realities faced by women in wartime, making this a compelling read that blends myth with the rawness of human experience.
by John Knowles
John Knowles' classic novel, "A Separate Peace," delves into the complex themes of friendship, rivalry, and the loss of innocence against the backdrop of a World War II-era boarding school. The story follows Gene Forrester, whose introspective narrative recounts his experiences with his charismatic and athletic best friend, Phineas (Finny). As their relationship teeters between admiration and envy, a tragic accident irrevocably alters their lives. Knowles explores the inner conflicts of adolescence, the harsh realities of coming-of-age, and the impact of war on youth. With vivid settings and psychological depth, the novel resonates with readers, offering a poignant reflection on human nature's duality.
by Pat Barker
Series: The Women of Troy (#3)
In 'The Voyage Home', Pat Barker masterfully explores themes of identity, trauma, and the relentless quest for self-discovery in a post-war world. Set against the backdrop of a society trying to piece itself back together, the narrative follows a diverse ensemble of characters grappling with their pasts as they seek a sense of belonging and purpose. Barker's lyrical prose intricately weaves personal stories with broader historical context, creating a vivid tapestry of human resilience and vulnerability. The novel's introspective nature coupled with its emotionally charged journey invites readers to reflect on their own paths and the complex interplay between memory and healing.
by Pat Barker
Series: The Women of Troy (#1)
In 'The Silence of the Girls,' Pat Barker revisits the epic tale of the Trojan War from a revolutionary perspective, shining a spotlight on the silenced voices of women. The narrative follows Briseis, a queen turned slave, as she navigates her new reality as Achilles’ war prize. Barker masterfully weaves themes of power, trauma, and resilience, bringing an achingly human touch to a tale traditionally dominated by male-centric heroism. Her prose is both lyrical and harrowing, painting vivid imagery of brutality and survival. The novel challenges readers to reconsider celebrated legends by exploring the cost of war through the eyes of its often-overlooked victims, offering a poignant commentary on the untold experiences of women in history.