13 fantasy and science fiction books to read in August 2023

THE PHOENIX KING by Aparna Verma (The Ravence Trilogy #1) — August 29

Author Aparna Verma’s debut novel The Phoenix King is an Indian-inspired epic fantasy story filled with romance, magic and political intrigue. It was originally self-published in 2021 under the name The Boy with Fire, but this month we’ll see a newly revised version released by Orbit Books. It follows a princess who must fight to keep her throne and an assassin with hidden secrets drawn together by an ancient prophecy. It’s always refreshing to see more fantasy with non-European settings and inspirations.

The Ravani kingdom was born of a prophecy, carved from unforgiving desert sands and ruled by the Ravence bloodline: those with the power to command the Eternal Fire.

Elena Aadya is the heir to the throne—and the only Ravence who cannot wield her family’s legendary magic. As her coronation approaches, she will do whatever it takes to prove herself a worthy successor to her revered father. But she doesn’t anticipate the arrival of Yassen Knight, the notorious assassin who now claims fealty to the throne. Elena’s father might trust Yassen to be a member of her royal guard, but she is certain he is hiding something.

As the threat of war looms like a storm on the horizon, the two begin a dangerous dance of intrigue and betrayal. And the choices they make could burn down the world.

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From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi (Star Wars) — August 29

We end with another short fiction anthology. Like The Book of Witches, this one is so stacked with great authors that just reading the table of contents makes my head spin. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the classic Star Wars film Return of the Jedi, From a Certain Point of View lets 40 authors loose in the galaxy far, far away.

Ever wonder what was going through the head of the Imperial soldier who arrested Luke Skywalker on Endor, or how the Ewoks felt about people crash landing in their forest? How about the story behind Jabba the Hutt’s emotional rancor keeper who lost his best friend at the hands of Luke’s trickery? Or maybe you want to know what it’s like inside a Sarlacc pit. From a Certain Point of View gives you all that and much, much more.

On May 25, 1983, Star Wars cemented its legacy as the greatest movie franchise of all time with the release of Return of the Jedi. In honor of its fortieth anniversary, forty storytellers re-create an iconic scene from Return of the Jedi through the eyes of a supporting character, from heroes and villains to droids and creatures. From a Certain Point of View features contributions by bestselling authors and trendsetting artists:

• Olivie Blake provides a chilling glimpse into the mind of Emperor Palpatine.
• Saladin Ahmed recounts the tragic history of the rancor trainer.
• Charlie Jane Anders explores the life and times of the Sarlacc.
• Fran Wilde reveals Mon Mothma’s secret mission to save the Rebel Alliance.
• Mary Kenney chronicles Wicket the Ewok’s quest for one quiet day on the forest moon of Endor.
• Anakin Skywalker becomes one with the Force in a gripping tale by Mike Chen.

Plus more hilarious, heartbreaking, and astonishing tales from:
Tom Angleberger, K Arsenault Rivera, Kristin Baver, Akemi Dawn Bowman, Emma Mieko Candon, Olivia Chadha, Gloria Chao, Adam Christopher, Paul Crilley, Amal El-Mohtar, M. K. England, Jason Fry, Adam Lance Garcia, Lamar Giles, Max Gladstone, Thea Guanzon, Ali Hazelwood, Patricia A. Jackson, Alex Jennings, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Sarah Kuhn, Danny Lore, Sarah Glenn Marsh, Kwame Mbalia, Marieke Nijkamp, Danielle Paige, Laura Pohl, Dana Schwartz, Tara Sim, Phil Szostak, Suzanne Walker, Hannah Whitten, Sean Williams, Alyssa Wong.

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And thus concludes this month’s roundup of new fantasy and science fiction books. Happy reading!

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