15 new Fantasy and Science Fiction books to read in 2021

Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo (March 30)

With all the hype surrounding the Grishaverse and the upcoming Netflix adaptation of Shadow & Bone, it’s a welcome bit of news that we’ll also be getting a new book from author Leigh Bardugo this year. Rule of Wolves is the sequel to 2019’s King of Scars, which was a sequel to the Shadow & Bone trilogy that focuses on Nikolai Lantsov, the charismatic ruler of Ravka. Nikolai was one of the most memorable characters from Bardugo’s original trilogy, always ready with a quick punchline or a clever disguise.

However, the former prince of Ravka also had his share of dark run-ins. Without spoiling too much from the original books, let’s just say that Nikolai underwent a transformation of sorts. Now he’s the king of Ravka, and dealing with the politics of neighboring nations as well as his own haunted memories is no simple matter. From the sounds of things, life is only going to get more complicated for Nikolai and his allies in Rule of Wolves, the second and final novel in the King of Scars duology.

Moreover, according to Leigh Bardugo, Rule of Wolves will act as a grand finale for the entire Grishaverse. Here’s the official synopsis:

"The Demon King. As Fjerda’s massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm – and even the monster within – to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king’s gift for the impossible. The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost. The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart. King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall."

Rule of Wolves comes out March 30 from Imprint Books.