Bethany Jacobs is a former college instructor of writing and science fiction, who made the leap to education technology. When she is not writing, she enjoys reading, trying out new recipes, and snuggling in bed with a TV show she's already watched ten times.
She lives in Buffalo, New York, with her wife and her dog and her books.
Queenswood (2026) Kathleen Schwab "Kathleen Schwab's Queenswood is a pure joy, with prose as elegant and enchanting as the world it imagines. A perfect specimen of its genre, it elevates the typical fairyland tale with deep character studies, its protagonists balancing the expectations of their people with the need and the courage to find their own way. Here you'll discover delight, depth, and warm comfort. Schwab is an arresting new voice, and one to watch!"
The Republic of Memory (2026) (Song of the Safina, book 1) Mahmud El Sayed "In The Republic of Memory, El Sayed creates a world of familiar politics and utterly fresh, engrossing newness. It is a world so full and intricately developed that I felt I could wander through it for years and still find more to live in. Those who love the depth and wonder of language, and who see it as the seed of revolution, will find this an essential contribution to the canon."
The Photonic Effect (2026) Mike Chen "Found family goes multiverse and science is better than war in this rousing sci-fi adventure! Watching Chen's cast slam into the pointless cruelty of wartime bureaucracy, and fight for a better way, feels way too relatable in our times. Perfect for fans of Essa Hansen and Ren Hutchings."
An Unbreakable World (2025) Ren Hutchings "In An Unbreakable World, the complex, engrossing universe we first encountered in Under Fortunate Stars is somehow deeper, darker, and more immense, full of fresh mysteries and glimpses of the familiar. Hutchings is a bright light in space opera, and her sophomore novel shouldn't be missed."
Volatile Memory (2025) (Volatile Memory Duology, book 1) Seth Haddon "It can be difficult to find new science fiction that imagines unique and fascinating technology with real human stakes--Volatile Memory wins that prize. Add in a beautiful transhuman love story and a seething revenge plot, and you've got a sharp, tight narrative that had me dying to know what's next."
The Raven Scholar (2025) (Eternal Path Trilogy, book 1) Antonia Hodgson "Engrossing and unputdownable...my favorite read of the year. A conflagration of court intrigue, religious folktale, and characters with deliciously murky motivations, The Raven Scholar is a pure delight. Fantasy readers will gobble this down and curse the skies that they don't have the sequel yet."
Metal from Heaven (2024) August Clarke "This is industrial fantasy like you've never read before. With prose that drips like honey and burns like a forge, Metal from Heaven is all hungry revenge, human tenderness, and bloody political intrigue. August Clarke does something new here, and I can't wait for more!"
The Mercy of Gods (2024) (Captive's War, book 1) James S A Corey "ver wonder what happens after the alien invasion? The Mercy of Gods radiates the dread and revelation of first contact, shaping new worlds and cultures that had me riveted. Characters to root for and disdain, Corey's novel delves into the human condition as that condition irrevocably changes. These guys are on their game, and I can't wait until the next book in the series!"
Lady Eve's Last Con (2024) Rebecca Fraimow "Lady Eve had me hooked from page 1. Charming and funny, smart and unique, Fraimow's novel is perfect for fans of Becky Chambers who want fascinating worldbuilding with unforgettable characters. Ruthi and Sol will have you pining, cheering, and rolling your eyes in utter delight. A must read."
Generation Ship (2023) Michael Mammay "A riveting political drama that had me on the edge of my seat wondering if humanity would survive itself. Tense, twisty, and deeply human--my favorite Mammy novel so far!"
