10 new fantasy and sci-fi books to read in January 2023
By Daniel Roman
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?
Next. Get ready for Sword Catcher, a new high fantasy book by Cassandra Clare. dark
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