18 fantasy and science fiction books to read in November 2023
By Daniel Roman
THE KING-KILLING QUEEN by Shawn Speakman (Old World Tales #1) — November 7
Author Shawn Speakman is best known as the founder of Grim Oak Press and for his Annwn Cycle series, which began with The Dark Thorn, an urban fantasy series with deep roots in folklore. This month he begins a new chapter in the Annwn world with The King-Killing Queen, a medieval fantasy. Though it does technically take place in medieval France, Speakman weaves in magic and intrigue more akin to traditional fantasy than historical fiction.
One of the most exciting things about The King-Killing Queen is how it stands on its own; though this is technically the start of a new prequel series, it’s set far enough back before the Annwn Cycle that it’s still accessible to newcomers.
When Alafair Goode lay wounded during his quest to destroy Mordreadth the Great Darkness, a witch magicked and saved the future High King’s life to fulfill his destiny. Thereafter, all born to his line also cannot die, to be only undone by natural death.
Decades later, Sylvie Raventress is the devoted apprentice to the Master Historian stepbrother of the High King. It is a life of scholarly pursuit and privilege where one day she will take her instructor’s place and write her own histories. But beside Alafair’s deathbed, Sylvie and his scions learn a surprising truth—she is no orphan but is his named heir. Worse, when he dies, the witch’s curse is no more, leaving all of them suddenly mortal and vulnerable.
With her siblings loathing Sylvie’s selection and vying for her throne, she must rely on a Fae guide, a disgraced former First Knight, and a cantankerous light-weaver to restore the fracturing kingdom and become High Queen. And yet the thing none of them know is destiny has its own part to play too.
For the witch saved Alafair Goode for her own reasons…
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
A Curse of Krakens by Kevin Hearne (The Seven Kennings #3) — November 7
Iron Druid Chronicles author Kevin Hearne is releasing the third and final book of his epic fantasy series The Seven Kennings this month as well. Krakens, giants, fantastical warfare and ancient magics come to the fore as the series that began with A Plague of Giants speeds toward its epic conclusion.
Seeker and Sower
Pen Yas ben Min’s cousin was one of the legendary heroes of the wars against the giants until her untimely death. Pen has grown up in her famous cousin’s shadow, but when she’s given a quest to plant the seed of the magical Fourth Tree, she has a chance to step into the light—and usher in a new age for her country.
Fighter and Friend
Abhi’s life—and the world—changed when he discovered a lost magic: the power to speak to animals. After fighting so many battles, he’s weary and longs for home and his love, Tamhan. But before he can return, there is one last mission that only Abhi can complete: to speak to the colossal creatures who wait beneath the waves—the krakens.
Sailor and Explorer
Koesha and her shipmates have already made an impossible journey by navigating the Northern Yawn, at the end of which she secured an unusual cloak. But when that cloak turns out to be the key to unlocking the mystery of the Seventh Kenning, Koesha has to risk everything on another life-threatening journey and hope that she can steer her crew to safety.
