40 fantasy and science fiction books you should read in 2022

Moon Witch, Spider King by Marlon James (The Dark Star Trilogy #2) — February 15

The sequel to Marlon James’ dark fantasy Black Leopard, Red Wolf is due out in 2022 as well. Moon Witch, Spider King turns things on their head and recounts the events of the first book from the point-of-view of its villain, Sogolon the Moon Witch. Book one told the story of Tracker, a man who journeyed across a fantasy world inspired by African myth in search of a missing boy who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Sogolon was his foil at every turn, and now, James is giving her the chance to tell the story her way:

In Moon Witch, Spider King, Sogolon takes center stage and gives her own account of what happened to the boy, and how she plotted and fought, triumphed and failed as she looked for him. It’s also the story of a century-long feud—seen through the eyes of a 177-year-old witch—that Sogolon had with the Aesi, chancellor to the king. It is said that Aesi works so closely with the king that together they are like the eight limbs of one spider. Aesi’s power is considerable—and deadly. It takes brains and courage to challenge him, which Sogolon does for reasons of her own.

James likes to subvert tropes and give readers meaty stories that take time to digest, and from the sound of Moon Witch, Spider King, it will be in that same vein. The first book, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, received somewhat mixed reviews owing to the fact that it has some very dark content…but if you like your fantasy brutal, unexpected, and thought-provoking, the series has you covered.

Pre-order it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million