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 Jack Carr
In 'Reaper: Ghost Target' by Jack Carr, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey through the dangerous world of a former Navy SEAL turned vigilante sniper. With a gripping mix of action, suspense, and political intrigue, Carr weaves a complex tale of revenge and redemption. As the protagonist, James Reece, navigates the murky waters of covert operations and global espionage, the lines between right and wrong blur, leading to intense moral dilemmas. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while exploring themes of loyalty, duty, and the cost of war. 'Reaper: Ghost Target' is a pulse-pounding military thriller that leaves a lasting impact.
Heather Morris' 'The Tattooist of Auschwitz' is a poignant and gripping novel based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man forced to tattoo his fellow prisoners at Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. The book delves into the themes of love, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst unimaginable horrors. As Lale navigates the brutality of the camp, he finds solace in meeting Gita, a young woman whom he falls deeply in love with. Their relationship serves as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Morris' storytelling captures the raw emotions and complexities of living through such atrocities, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
by Beth O'Leary
In Beth O'Leary's heartwarming novel, 'The Flatshare,' Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey find themselves sharing a flat without ever meeting due to opposite work schedules. As they leave each other notes, a unique and endearing relationship develops. The book beautifully explores themes of friendship, healing, and the power of human connection. O'Leary's witty and engaging writing style keeps readers hooked as Tiffy and Leon navigate their unconventional living situation and personal struggles. 'The Flatshare' is a delightful blend of romance and personal growth that will leave you smiling and rooting for its charming characters.
by Jesmyn Ward
Jesmyn Ward's 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' is a haunting and lyrical masterpiece that delves into the complexities of a family grappling with intergenerational trauma, racism, and loss. The story follows Jojo, a young boy coming of age in rural Mississippi, his drug-addicted mother Leonie, and the ghost of a young boy who brings a deep sense of unease and darkness. Ward weaves a gripping narrative that explores the weight of the past on the present, the ties that bind us, and the resilience needed to navigate a world filled with pain and hope. Through exquisite prose and vivid characters, Ward creates a poignant and unforgettable tale that lingers long after the final page.