8 new fantasy and science fiction books to read in February 2023
By Daniel Roman
OUR SHARE OF NIGHT by Mariana EnrÍquez, translated by Megan McDowell (February 7)
Moving into the realm of speculative horror, our next book comes from Argentine author Mariana EnrÍquez, translated into English by Megan McDowell. EnrÍquez is best known for her short story collections Things We Lost in the Fire and The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, the latter of which was a finalist for a bunch of awards back in 2021. Our Share of Night is a full-length novel that promises more of the author’s signature take on psychological horror.
A young father and son set out on a road trip, devastated by the death of the wife and mother they both loved. United in grief, the pair travels to her family home, where they must confront the terrifying legacy she has bequeathed. The woman they grieve came from a clan like no other—a centuries-old secret society called the Order that commits unspeakable acts in search of eternal life. For Gaspar, the son, this vampiric cult is his destiny.
Now Gaspar is in danger. As the Order tries to possess him, father and son take flight, yet nothing will stop the Order for nothing is beyond them. Hunted by evil and surrounded by horror, Gaspar and his father attempt to outrun a powerful family that will do anything to ensure its own survival. But can any of us escape the fate that awaits us?
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THE TYRANNY OF FAITH by Richard Swan (February 14)
The follow-up to Richard Swan’s breakout 2021 debut novel The Justice of Kings is arriving this month as well! Combining mysteries with the trappings of fantasy, Swan’s Empire of the Wolf series follows Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice who serves as “detective, judge, and executioner all in one,” and his companion Helena Sedanka. The first novel garnered a ton of praise for its intricate political conflicts, detailed worldbuilding, inventive magic and compelling characters. The Tyranny of Faith is set to continue the story of Konrad Vonvault, delving even deeper into the difficult task of upholding the law in a land rife with corruption and intrigue.
The Battle of Galen’s Vale is over, but the war for the Empire’s future has just begun. Concerned by rumors that the Magistratum’s authority is waning, Sir Konrad Vonvalt returns to Sova to find the capital city gripped by intrigue and whispers of rebellion. In the Senate, patricians speak openly against the Emperor, while fanatics preach holy vengeance on the streets.
Yet facing down these threats to the throne will have to wait, for the Emperor’s grandson has been kidnapped – and Vonvalt is charged with rescuing the missing prince. His quest will lead him – and his allies Helena, Bressinger and Sir Radomir – to the southern frontier, where they will once again face the puritanical fury of Bartholomew Claver and his templar knights – and a dark power far more terrifying than they could have imagined.
