14 fantasy and science fiction books to read in June 2023
By Daniel Roman
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It’s hard to believe, but we’re closing in on the halfway mark for 2023. There has been no shortage of great books to dive into so far this year, but there are always more right around the corner. With the summer vacation season almost upon us, it’s the perfect time to start prepping your reading list so you don’t find yourself on a beach needing to do mundane things like stare at the sand or enjoy the water because you forgot to bring you next favorite book.
To that end, we’re here with our monthly round-up of new science fiction and fantasy book releases! June’s going to be a fun one, if this first book is any indicator:
THE GALACTIC ZOOKEEPER’S GUIDE TO HEISTS AND HUSBANDRY by A.C. Huntley — June 1
The Galactic Zookeeper’s Guide to Heists and Husbandry is the debut novel from author A.C. Huntley, and it sounds like a total blast. If you’ve ever wished for a story in the vein of Douglas Addams’ Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, but with more zoo animals and student debt, then this is a book you want on your radar.
You’re already curious, aren’t you? Here’s the back-of-book description:
For eight years, Saffron Savage has been stuck on a dilapidated zoo-planet on the outskirts of the galaxy. Her mountains of overdue student loans make it impossible to afford the cost of leaving, and her sleazy coworkers force her to work demoralizing jobs on a daily basis. Desperate to escape, she hatches a scheme that might just be crazy enough to work: steal the zoo’s rare, two-headed llama and sell it to the highest bidder.
When the poorly planned theft lands Saffron and her stolen companion as unwitting stowaways on an outbound ship, she must pose as an animal rights activist on a mission to return the animal to its home planet. To her surprise, the ride comes with some perks – an instant chemistry with Captain Michael Reyes and burgeoning friendships with the ship’s motley, animal-loving crew. Other than the lie that’s snowballing out of control, Saffron finds herself settling into this quirky, ship-bound life.
If only the buyer wasn’t the most notorious, cut-throat mob boss in the galaxy. Or there wasn’t a warrant out for her arrest.
The Galactic Zookeeper’s Guide to Heists and Husbandry is a fast-paced space romp about second chances, rediscovering purpose, and finding family in unexpected places.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
WAYBOUND by Will Wight (Cradle #12) — June 4
This month also marks the release of Waybound, the twelfth and final book in author Will Wight’s Cradle series. Cradle is an epic fantasy story with a magic system reminiscent of manga like Naruto, and it is finally coming to an end.
The story began with Unsouled, which introduced us to a young man named Lindon, an underdog who was unable to access the magic used by many other people in his society. After discovering an immense threat to his world, Lindon was forced to set off on a journey of self-discovery. We’ll see how it all concludes in Waybound.
Years ago, Lindon left his home as a powerless Unsouled. Now, he goes to war with the most powerful beings in the world over the future of Cradle itself.
The Weeping Dragon has a grudge to settle, and Lindon intends to take out the Dreadgod with his friends by his side. But rival Monarchs know his plans, and they won’t let things end so easily.
If Lindon does win, he will ascend to the heavens. But he may not find a safe haven there either.
In the worlds above, Suriel and Ozriel face off against the Mad King to determine the new shape of the cosmos. The victor will decide the fate of countless universes.
Whether he wins or dies, Lindon will soon leave this life behind.
The time has come to say goodbye to Cradle.