10 new fantasy and sci-fi books to read in January 2023

THE TERRAFORMERS by Annalee Newitz (January 31)

The latest novel from io9 founder and science fiction novelist Annalee Newitz, The Terraformers is a standalone science fiction novel with a hopeful streak reminiscent of authors like Becky Chambers. It’s a story that spans centuries, following both terraformer Destry as well as her future protege Misha. Complete with sci-fi trappings like a robots, naked mole rats, a cyborg cow and even a “taciturn moose” companion, The Terraformers sounds like it’s equal parts fun and uplifting, which is a nice change of pace from the dystopian sci-fi that’s so popular these days.

Destry’s life is dedicated to terraforming Sask-E. As part of the Environmental Rescue Team, she cares for the planet and its burgeoning eco-systems as her parents and their parents did before her.

But the bright, clean future they’re building comes under threat when Destry discovers a city full of people that shouldn’t exist, hidden inside a massive volcano.

As she uncovers more about their past, Destry begins to question the mission she’s devoted her life to, and must make a choice that will reverberate through Sask-E’s future for generations to come.

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HOUSE OF THE DRAGON: INSIDE THE CREATION OF THE TARGARYEN DYNASTY by Gina McIntyre (January 31)

Okay, so this last one isn’t technically a novel, but it’s Game of Thrones-related so I’m can’t not tell you about it. To close out the month, Insight Editions will be releasing a comprehensive behind-the-scenes coffee table book all about the production of House of the Dragon, HBO’s Golden Globe award-winning prequel to Game of Thrones. Written by longtime entertainment journalist Gina McIntyre, House of the Dragon: Inside the Creation of the Targaryen Dynasty features never-before-seen concept art, photography from the set, and interviews with the cast, crew, and creators of the series.

If you’re missing Westeros and all those wacky Targaryens, this could be a nice way to tide you over during the long wait for season 2.

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And thus concludes our January round-up of new fantasy and science fiction books. Which are you most excited to read?

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