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8 new fantasy and science fiction books to read in December 2024

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As a seasoned reader who has traversed countless realms of imagination and unearthed countless gems in the vast expanse of literature, I must say that this round-up of December releases is truly a treasure trove for all us genre enthusiasts!

2024 seems to have sped by, and here we are, standing at the doorstep of December. While this month is often associated with festive decorations and spreading joy, it’s also an ideal time for gifting books to those dear to you or even indulging in a good book yourself as a well-deserved break from a hectic year. It’s a perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading while unwinding during the holiday season.

Although this year has been wonderful for book enthusiasts, December is relatively light when it comes to new publications. However, while there may be fewer releases in quantity, the quality makes up for it significantly. This month will bring some highly anticipated titles from both emerging authors and renowned figures in the fantasy and science fiction genres. From dystopian sci-fi settings to cities teeming with uncontrolled alchemy, sci-fantasy martial arts spectacles, and a revisit to one of the most iconic fantasy realms in recent memory, there’s an exciting array of books that will delight readers and spark their imagination this holiday season.

BLACKLIGHT BORN by Alexander Darwin (The Combat Codes #3) — December 3

To start off the new month, let’s get it rolling with some actual physical kicks! “Blacklight Born” is the concluding part of the science fantasy martial arts series by Alexander Darwin named “The Combat Codes“. In a distant future, conflicts between nations are resolved through deadly duels involving skilled fighters known as Grievar Knights. These warriors are honed into supreme combatants through elite warrior schools. The initial book introduced us to the seasoned Grievar Murray Pearson and his student, Cego, whom he picked from a fighting pit in the slums and thrust into the limelight.

Readers uncover numerous secrets, delving into the intricacies of the Grievar system and the pasts of Cego and Murray. In the concluding volume, “Blacklight Born,” these hidden truths are revealed as Murray guides students in mastering combat, while Cego grapples with whether to abide by the Grievar traditions or align himself with a burgeoning rebellion that could disrupt this delicate equilibrium.

If you’ve been loving the show “Cobra Kai” or if martial arts action appeals to you, then “The Combat Codes” is a series you definitely should keep an eye on. Plus, with “Blacklight Born” now available, you can read the entire story from beginning to end!

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REBEL BLADE by Davinia Evans (The Burnished City #3) — December 3

In the coming month, we’ll see the end of “The Burnished City,” a captivating fantasy series penned by Davinia Evans that delves into a city steeped in alchemy and mystery. The latest installment, “Rebel Blade,” is the third book in this gripping tale, and our protagonist, Siyon Velo, the unpredictable alchemist, finds himself in a precarious situation.

In the meantime, the affairs among the nobles remain just as contentious as before. It remains uncertain if they can put their personal goals aside for the sake of Bezim’s stability.

Evans skillfully crafts characters who find themselves knee-deep in trouble, resulting in unexpected consequences while still managing to endear themselves to readers with their amusing behavior. It’ll be intriguing to follow Siyon and the others as they navigate their predicament in “Rebel Blade“.

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ARDENT VIOLET AND THE INFINITE EYE by Alex White (The Starmetal Symphony #2) — December 3

Next, we venture into the domain of glam rock space operas, exploring Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye, the sequel to Alex White’s Starmetal Symphony. This series brims with personality and flair. The story revolves around a non-binary musician named Ardent Violet, their partner August Kitko, and their motley crew of musicians, who are on a mission to prevent an army of giant AI robots from conquering Earth. In the previous installment, August Kitko and the Aliens from Space, the team formed an alliance with extraterrestrials to thwart the AI invasion. It was a risky move, but as you well know, music has the power to unite us all!

The storyline progresses further in “Ardent Violet and the Infinite Eye,” as a puzzling artificial intelligence gains traction across our solar system, adding to the intricate maneuverings of the alien coalition. Later on, August unearths a shocking revelation that thrusts Ardent Violet back into the limelight for another captivating performance.

This novel evokes the spirit of “Kings of the Wyld,” but set in the cosmos, with a twist of eccentricity, and amplifying the fun factor. It’s an ideal choice if you’re seeking a heartfelt yet light-hearted science fiction read for the upcoming holidays.

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QUEEN OF FURY by Natania Barron (The Queens of Fate #2) — December 3

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Arthurian tales during your holiday break, then the book “Queen of Fury” might be right up your alley. This novel is an Arthurian fantasy romance and serves as the second installment in Natania Barron’s “Queens of Fate” series, following “Queen of None”. It’s important to note that “Queen of Fury” isn’t a direct continuation of the first book; instead, it presents another self-contained story set within the same universe. The main character in this book is Hwyfar, who finds herself back in her homeland of Avillion when she learns that her father is unwell and a potential usurper threatens to seize the throne.

Instead, she took on the title of Queen Regent, which shifted focus from King Arthur, who proposed assisting her in return for her giving up the throne and marrying one of his knights. However, it was none other than Gawain of Orkney, a well-known figure from Arthurian tales whose past interactions with Hwyfar were less than pleasant. Yet as they spent more time together, they discovered shared interests beyond their initial expectations. They grew closer, yet Arthur harbored other plans for Hwyfar, and Gawain was firmly instructed not to develop feelings for her.

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Von Bek: The Warhound and the World’s Pain and The City in the Autumn Star by Michael Moorcock — December 3

Michael Moorcock is a renowned figure in the realm of fantasy literature, having published works since the 1960s. This latest edition compiles two novels featuring Ulrich von Bek, a disillusioned soldier who seeks refuge in a castle amidst Europe’s Thirty Years War. However, von Bek’s peaceful sanctuary is disrupted when he crosses paths with Lucifer within the castle walls. The fallen angel assigns von Bek a quest to retrieve the Holy Grail, which holds the potential to mend humanity and restore Lucifer’s relationship with God, all while offering redemption for both parties.

Back in the 80s, finding “The Warhound and the World’s Pain” and “The City in the Autumn Stars” on bookshelves could be quite a challenge for us avid sci-fi readers. But now, with this latest omnibus release, Michael Moorcock fans can finally complete their collections! These von Bek novels are an essential part of Moorcock’s epic “Eternal Champion” series – a unique universe where the heroes from his various tales come together to embody a single, heroic theme. If that concept strikes you as a bit out-there, trust me, you’ll want to dive right in and experience this captivating series for yourself!

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WIND AND TRUTH by Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Archive #5) — December 6

We’ve reached the significant release in December, which is likely to be the largest fantasy novel launch of 2024: the fifth installment, “Wind and Truth”, within Brandon Sanderson’s grand opus, “The Stormlight Archive”. If you’re not acquainted, “The Stormlight Archive” is an extensive epic fantasy series where each book surpasses 1,000 pages as Sanderson guides us to every nook and cranny of his imaginative world, Roshar – a rugged terrain frequently lashed by catastrophic storms that have influenced the development of its wildlife, societies, and magic.

However, let’s get honest: chances are you’re familiar with “The Stormlight Archive”. And though every book in the series is remarkable, “Wind and Truth” stands out even more so because it concludes the initial significant storyline. The fourth installment, “Rhythm of War”, concluded with the magical Knights Radiant and Odium’s malevolent forces setting up a duel of champions within 10 days. “Wind and Truth” narrates the events of those 10 days, as well as the characters, both heroic and villainous, who emerge in this crucial moment for Roshar.

Following the completion of “The Stormlight Archive”, I, as a supporter, am taking a break alongside Brandon Sanderson. During his hiatus, he’ll be focusing on other captivating series such as “Mistborn” and “Elantris”. When “Stormlight” makes its comeback, it’s bound to undergo significant changes as Sanderson’s shared universe, the Cosmere, ventures into the era of space travel. Therefore, let’s savor these final moments with Dalinar Kholin, Shallan Davar, and Kaladin Stormblessed before we reach the climactic finale of arc 1 in “Wind and Truth”.

One final note about Wind and Truth: yes, you’re reading the release date right. This book comes out on a Friday. In the U.S., books from traditional publishers usually come out on Tuesdays like clockwork, but Sanderson is a big enough name that he was able to get Wind and Truth released on a Friday to coincide with his Dragonsteel Nexus convention. Never underestimate the power of Sanderson.

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CLUB CONTANGO by Eliane Boey — December 10

It may surprise you, but each book we’ve discussed thus far tends to debut during the first week of December. Afterward, December becomes less active in publishing as companies wind down for the holiday season. However, there are still some books releasing later in the month. One noteworthy title for science fiction enthusiasts is Club Contango, the newest book from author Eliane Boey, who penned Other Minds.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of “Club Contango.” This captivating series follows Connie Lam, a resilient single mother who secretly operates an illegal micro-casino within the first international space city. However, when a past business partner’s murder triggers a clause in an ancient AI contract, Connie finds herself chasing her life across parallel realities, evading other versions of herself. With my insatiable appetite for mind-bending sci-fi, “Club Contango” seems tailor-made to satisfy my craving for thought-provoking speculative fiction as we step into the new year.

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MISS AMELIA’S LIST by Mercedes Lackey (Elemental Masters #17) — December 24

We find ourselves on Christmas Eve eve, and silence blankets the entire house, not even a tiny creature is moving…while Mercedes Lackey, an influential figure in fantasy literature, prepares to launch the seventeenth installment of her extended Elemental Masters series. Known for her vast contributions to the genre, Lackey has been penning books for many years; her devoted readers won’t need an introduction. For those unacquainted with Lackey, you might want to explore her highly acclaimed Valdemar epic fantasy series as well.

The “Elemental Masters” series is a collection of reimagined fairy tales predominantly set during the 1800s and the early 20th century. Each book in this series can be enjoyed independently, as they only share minor connections with one another. So feel free to start reading with “Miss Amelia’s List,” regardless of whether or not you’ve read any of the previous 16 stories – jump right in whenever suits you best!

In 1815, I find myself in the town of Devon alongside Amelia Stonehold and Serena Meleva, two extraordinary women with the power to manipulate earth and fire, and one capable of shifting shapes. My own objectives in Regency England are much like any other, but Amelia has a specific list she wishes to complete, such as acquiring property and finding a suitable partner. However, when the covetous Captain Harold Roughtower becomes interested in Amelia’s wealth, our peaceful existence is disrupted, leading us on an exhilarating journey to an antiquated Roman temple that harbors an ancient and treacherous secret.

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As a dedicated fantasy and science fiction enthusiast, I must say that curating this monthly round-up of new releases for Winter Is Coming has been a joyous journey throughout 2024. With each passing month, I’ve felt the thrill of diving into fresh worlds brimming with imagination and innovation, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have shared these experiences with you all. As we prepare to embark on another year filled with exciting new releases in 2025, I can’t help but look back at this year with a sense of wonder and anticipation for what’s yet to come. From the depths of space to the realms of magic, there’s no end to the boundless creativity our favorite authors continue to bring to life. So, let’s keep the adventure going, my fellow readers! And here’s to another year filled with captivating stories that will leave us eagerly awaiting the next page turn. Happy reading!

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2024-11-29 17:42

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