17 new fantasy and science fiction books to read in November 2024
As a long-time fantasy enthusiast with a penchant for tales of magic and adventure, I find myself eagerly anticipating two captivating releases this November.
As we move past Halloween and the chilling tales it brought, all the spectral beings are heading back to their rest. October saw an abundance of captivating fantasy and sci-fi books hitting the shelves, leaving us overwhelmed by the number of unread gems. Yet, time marches on, and book publishers are not ones to linger; they’re already preparing a fresh batch of stories for our reading pleasure this November. And since it’s still pumpkin spice season, there’s no better time than now to snuggle up with an engaging tale!
Each month, just as we usually do at Winter Is Coming, we’ve gathered an array of the most exciting fantasy and science fiction books releasing this month (or digitally, as times are changing). November is packed with a plethora of new releases. You’ll find everything from snuggly fantasies to grand epics, from terrifying sci-fi horror to expansive space operas, from fresh debuts to long-awaited sequels. There’s such a broad range of books that fans of various genres should find something they love. In fact, there’s even a novel adaptation of a beloved cult comic and film character making its first appearance in book form!
Since this is a pretty big list, let’s waste no more time with pleasantries, and get to the books!
BROKEN STARS by Jeremy Szal — November 1
Kick things off with a brief piece of imaginative writing. The book “Broken Stars” is the newest work from Jeremy Szal, writer of science fiction novels like “Stormblood” and “Blindspace“. This is Szal’s debut short fiction collection. It encompasses 18 short tales, with some having been published before and others making their debut in this compilation for the first time.
As a movie enthusiast who’s always on the hunt for fresh tales, I’d say these narratives span across various realms of science fiction, from military sci-fi to space opera and even science fantasy. One moment you’re following an alien smuggler in over her head with some dangerous cargo, next, a nonhuman mercenary escorting a beleaguered king through a city under siege, and then a warrior uncovering the shocking truth that her memories might not belong to her, potentially placing her on the wrong side of a devastating conflict. If you’re a fan of short stories and enjoy sci-fi, you might want to check out “Broken Stars” by Szal – it’s definitely worth your time!
Amazon | Goodreads
INTERSTELLAR MEGACHEF by Lavanya Lakshminarayan (Flavour Hacker #1) — November 5
Have you ever pondered over the idea of participating in a cooking competition akin to The Great British Bakeoff, but set in space and enriched with elements of science fiction? If not, it might be because the concept hasn’t crossed your mind yet. However, Lavanya Lakshminarayan has brought this unique idea to life through her latest charming sci-fi novel, Interstellar Megachef.
Saras Kaveri journeyed far from Earth, a planet known for its simple and unappealing food by many, to compete in the galaxy’s most prestigious cooking contest…but there was a twist. Despite her ambitious goal of winning the Interstellar Megachef competition, Saras and her small robot companion Kili encounter Serenity Ko, a corporate genius who’s seeking fresh ideas for a new venture. Serenity aims to develop a food simulator, but she lacks cooking skills herself. This unique alliance could revolutionize how people savor their meals in the future.
The title “Interstellar Megachef” seems delightful; it exudes positivity that appears to cascade from it. If you’re searching for a light, warm-hearted, and amusing read this November, then this book might be just the ticket!
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THE SWARM by Andy Marino — November 5
Even though October has passed, there’s always a perfect moment to delve into a book that will give you goosebumps. The latest offering from horror writer Andy Marino is titled “The Swarm“. This gripping tale revolves around an apocalyptic battle for survival as humanity faces the onslaught of a cicada invasion, with fatalities mounting and the future of mankind hanging precariously in the balance.
In the course of Detective Vicky Patterson’s probe into an unusual homicide, an unexpected incident occurs: her daughter is assaulted by a group of insects that seem to have broken their usual 17-year cycle. Simultaneously, a couple of investigators, Will and Alicia, who don’t see eye to eye, follow a mysterious cult suspected of kidnapping a girl. This investigation inadvertently leads them to being cornered inside a hotel by a horde of cicadas.
In the expanding onslaught of cicadas, these diverse investigators and remaining survivors must unite to unravel the mystery behind the devastation they witness, and discover a means to navigate through it. The Swarm echoes the kind of narrative I’d anticipate from a Michael Crichton novel, suggesting an engrossing tale that blends intrigue with excitement.
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REVENANT-X by David Wellington (Red Space #2) — November 5
As a devoted reader, I can’t help but share my excitement about upcoming horrors in our literary landscape. One such chilling tale is “Revenant-X” by David Wellington, set to hit shelves in November. This thrilling sequel continues the storyline initiated by his 2023 novel, “Paradise-1.” In the initial book, we joined Firewatch inspector Alexandra Petrova and her team as they ventured towards humanity’s pioneering deep space colony. All communications with the settlers there had mysteriously ceased, leaving us on the edge of our seats, eager to uncover the truth.
In the initial book, Alexandra Petrova and her companions didn’t manage to reach their intended location due to an unexpected detour involving a stranded fleet of ships from the colony that concealed chilling alien mysteries. Now that they have weathered this predicament, Alexandra Petrova and her allies can proceed towards their original goal, the Paradise-1 colony. What new terrors might they encounter there?
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SHADOW LAB edited by Brendan Deneen — November 5
Moving forward with science fiction, our upcoming book is a compilation of various short stories from different authors, all contributing unique narratives about supernatural occurrences. Titled “Shadow Lab“, this collection is edited by Brendan Deneen, author of “The Ninth Circle”. Among the seven captivating tales, you’ll find an exclusive piece from Nicholas Sansbury Smith within the universe of his “Hell Divers” series. Here, a man and his faithful canine companion face horrifying creatures in a post-apocalyptic world to reach their heavenly home.
“Smith’s tale isn’t unique in its captivating start; similar intrigue can be found in ‘In Clouds’ by Brian Francis Slattery and ‘In Her Eyes’ by Rebecca Webb.
Here are a few tales from the “Shadow Lab” collection. To discover more about the remaining stories, be sure to explore this intriguing science fiction anthology upon its release on November 5th.
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THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES by Julie Leong — November 5
Hard to believe, but we’re only in the first week of book releases for November! As I mentioned earlier, there are numerous books arriving this month. Moving on, we depart from the intense sci-fi genre and return to heartwarming tales with “The Teller of Small Fortunes,” a delightful debut cozy fantasy novel penned by Julie Leong. This book seems utterly enchanting and engaging.
Tao is a migratory fortune-teller who journeys from one village to another, her loyal mule being her only companion. She specializes in offering modest predictions, such as forecasting the weather or identifying which bartender’s love interest a barmaid will share a kiss with. By adhering to these smaller prophecies, Tao avoids complications, as she is well-aware that significant predictions can lead to serious repercussions.
In a turn of events, Tao is approached by an ex-criminal and a hired gun to locate a lost child. Along the journey, she encounters a baker with a zest for adventure and a mystical feline companion. As Tao journeys with this newly formed family, she learns to lower her defenses and contemplates whether these blossoming connections can endure in her heart. If you’re searching for a fantasy read reminiscent of “Legend & Lattes” that will envelop you in warmth this coming November, be sure to check out “The Teller of Small Fortunes” on your To-Be-Read list.
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THE LOTUS EMPIRE by Tasha Suri (The Burning Kingdoms #3) — November 12
Finally, as we step into the second week of November, I can’t help but kick off the discussions with one of the most captivating fantasy releases this month. “_The Lotus Empire_,” the concluding chapter in Tasha Suri’s “_The Burning Kingdoms_” trilogy, is a must-read for any fan of epic fantasy. If you’ve been engrossed by the first two books, I don’t need to convince you about the sheer brilliance of this series…but if you haven’t dived into these pages yet and crave the thrill of an unforgettable fantasy journey, this is a series you absolutely can’t afford to miss!
The Burning Kingdoms refers to an enchanting Indian-inspired sapphic fantasy epic, revolving around a priestess and a princess who find themselves inexorably bound together amidst insurmountable obstacles. This captivating tale is filled with nature-imbued magic, interwoven intricately with a touch of grisly body horror, elaborate power struggles among nations and an oppressive empire, and a love story that deepens and becomes increasingly emotional as the narrative unfolds.
If you’re a newcomer to the series, a great place to begin is with “The Jasmine Throne” and “The Oleander Sword”. However, if you’re eagerly anticipating “The Lotus Empire”, it’s likely that you’ve read the earlier books and are eager to learn about what happens next for Priya and Malini. Well, wait no more! We finally get to find out!
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THE RELENTLESS LEGION by J. S. Dewes (The Divide #3) — November 12
This month, another trilogy is set to release its third part – “The Divide”, a space opera penned by J.S. Dewes. Reminiscent of “The Expanse”, the first two books, “The Last Watch” and “The Exile”, have been likened to it. The Sentinels, the central group in this series, exhibit traits similar to the Night’s Watch from “A Song of Ice and Fire”. They stand guard at the boundary of civilization, referred to as the Divide, protecting humanity.
In “The Relentless Legion”, a terrifying menace is set free and it falls on the Sentinels to prevent a catastrophic “genetic remedy” that could lead to massive destruction. Guided by a veteran leader named Adequin Rake and an outcast prince called Cavalon Mercer, they must gather as many allies as possible before time runs out, to halt the threat before it inflicts permanent damage.
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BREATH OF OBLIVION by Maurice Broaddus (Astra Black #2) — November 12
Breath of Oblivion, the second installment in the Astra Black trilogy by Maurice Broaddus, is a captivating space opera. It chronicles the journey of the Muungano Empire, an expansive alliance of city-states stretching from Earth to Titan, one of Saturn’s moons. The series presents a diverse array of characters offering multiple viewpoints on the empire’s expansion and the obstacles it encounters throughout its voyage. Astra Black has been likened to The Expanse in terms of narrative structure, while also drawing inspiration from the futuristic setting of Black Panther. Indeed, this sounds exciting!
This series stands out due to its extensive cast, giving it a vast and immersive feel; the blurb hints at six characters inhabiting diverse settings that range from Mars, a hijacked extraterrestrial vessel, slums of Indianapolis, and the Dreaming City, often referred to as the “lunar heart” of the Muungano Empire. In Astra Black, readers can expect an intricate narrative with countless details, making it easy for us to get engrossed, much to our delight.
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OVERCAPTAIN by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. (Saga of Recluse #24) — November 12
Discussing intricately crafted fictional realms, November introduces a fresh installment of the “Saga of Recluse” series, penned by seasoned fantasy author L.E. Modesitt, Jr. With roots stretching back over three decades, this prolific writer has been consistently adding books to this extensive series, and the latest addition, titled “Overcaptain“, is the 24th novel in the Recluse saga.
If you haven’t delved into the Saga of Recluse series before, it might initially seem challenging due to its unique structure. Unlike most series, where books follow in sequential order, each installment in this series by Modesitt, Jr., offers a glimpse into the rich history and diverse factions of his world. This allows you to jump in at various points. Consequently, the mood of the books can differ quite a bit; some stories find newcomers stranded on Recluse, others echo traditional sword-and-sorcery themes, and so forth. “Overcaptain” is a direct continuation of the 2023 novel “From the Forest”, which marked the beginning of a fresh storyline centered around Alayiakal, a soldier climbing the ranks with a hidden magical power.
To explore the latest series of Recluse books, begin with “From the Forest” and wait for the upcoming “Overcaptain”, expected in late November. If you’d like to read from the start, “The Magic of Recluse” is the perfect choice for you.
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WITCH QUEEN OF REDWINTER by Ed McDonald (The Redwinter Chronicles #3) — November 12
This month, another beloved fantasy series is set to continue with Ed McDonald’s Redwinter Chronicles. The tale kicks off with “Daughter of Redwinter“, centering around Raine, an extraordinary woman who can communicate with the deceased. She finds herself within the ranks of a secretive warrior magician cult – the Draoihn – headquartered at the fortress-monastery of Redwinter, which operates independently from kings and nations. Since then, Raine has traversed many miles and forged new alliances while uncovering hidden truths. However, she now faces a more enigmatic and perilous adversary than ever before.
In the third installment of the series, we find Raine and her two trusted companions ensnared within a mystical wasteland, left vulnerable while dark forces manipulate the Draoihn in their temporary absence. The key to their liberation lies in locating the enigmatic and frustratingly elusive Queen of Feathers. However, will they manage to find her and successfully navigate this otherworldly plane before the ambitious Ovitus LacNaithe exploits the Draoihn for their malicious purposes?
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SERVANT OF EARTH by Sarah Hawley (The Shards of Magic #1) — November 12
Moving on to books about mysterious and evasive magical creatures, our next selection is perfect for those captivated by the fae. The initial book in Sarah Hawley’s The Shards of Magic series is titled Servant of Earth. In this novel, we meet Kenna, a young woman who finds herself abducted from her village and ensnared within the subterranean fae court of Mistei. There, she assists her mistress in overcoming six perilous trials, each tailored to a particular aspect of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If they prevail, the mistress will ascend as the new sovereign of the fae Earth House. Failure would prove fatal for both Kenna and her servant.
Yet, is service really the road to liberation? As Kenna navigates these challenges, she becomes entangled in a plot to dethrone the fairy king and develops feelings for the head of the rebellion. She must choose whether to gamble everything for a shot at joy and toppling an oppressive government, all while battling to stay alive. Add in a living blade, creatures of nightmare, and abundant sorcery, and Servant of Earth is a delightful read for those who enjoy delving into the world of the fae.
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THE SHIVER TREE by Holly Searcy — November 12
Moving on to our next selection, it’s another fantasy tale that aligns perfectly with our previous topic – this time featuring druids instead of faeries. The book is titled “The Shiver Tree” by Holly Searcy, and it takes place in the magical realm of Amarra. For ages, the Druid Orders – Jade, Ice, Spirit, Sky, and Sun – have maintained a harmonious balance within this world. However, as we delve into “The Shiver Tree“, you’ll find that this harmony has been disrupted by political disputes among the druid clans, leading to their separation. This disharmony has had devastating consequences for Amarra, with grotesque creatures and depletion of natural resources running rampant.
Kiana Paletine, daughter of the High Druid, strongly feels that the only method to rescue her homeland is by putting aside ongoing political conflicts. However, as one could guess, people are reluctant to relinquish grudges they’ve harbored for such a prolonged period. Along with her estranged sibling, Kiana embarks on a journey guided by a sequence of visions in pursuit of the Shiver Seed, an object of great power coveted by the enigmatic Deep Ones to serve their wicked objectives. Yet, if found by the druids, it could restore Amarra before it self-destructs. Her adventure leads her to search for the ancient Ice Druids who might possess the secret to locating the Shiver Seed and saving Amarra from imminent collapse.
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THE LAST HOUR BETWEEN WORLDS by Melissa Caruso (The Echo Archives #1) — November 19
This month, author Melissa Caruso is starting a fresh series titled “The Echo Archives” with the first book called “The Last Hour Between Worlds“. While she’s famous for her “Rook and Ruin” books, this new release seems to be quite entertaining.
The Last Hour Across Realms
To ensure success and triumph in their mission, Kembral must join forces with her formidable adversary, the legendary cat burglar Rika Nonesuch. As suggested by the Goodreads summary, this alliance will spark feelings of deep affection between the two characters, as they work through their disagreements. From the book’s description alone, it appears that this tale is filled with humor and warmth, all while escalating peril and taking an unexpectedly bizarre turn.
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RED SONJA: CONSUMED by Gail Simone — November 19
Have you ever heard about Red Sonja, the iconic barbarian heroine characterized by fiery red hair? Initially created as a Ukrainian mercenary by author Robert E. Howard, Marvel Comics redefined her in the 1970s as a contrast to Howard’s renowned figure Conan the Barbarian. Since then, Red Sonja has been present across comics, novels, and even a movie from 1985. In 2013, comic writer Gail Simone reintroduced Red Sonja in a series of stories that delved into her background, revealing to readers how she transformed into the formidable, lethal figure fans had known for years.
This month offers an exciting development for Red Sonja enthusiasts: Simone is back writing about the character with a new novel titled “Red Sonja: Consumed“. In this story, the fiery sword-wielding she-devil, Red Sonja, finds herself compelled to return to her homeland due to unsettling dreams and whispers of sinister creatures slaying villagers. Despite facing no fear, Red Sonja harbors apprehension towards her own tormented past.
Getting a novelization for a popular character can be exciting on premise, but Red Sonja: Consumed feels like an extra big deal because of Simone’s involvement. It’s rare to see a comic author return to a character they reinvigorated and then tackle them from a different angle in novel form. Simone has shown us different sides of Red Sonja before and has proven she can do it well; what new aspects of this iconic character will be revealed in Red Sonja: Consumed?
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THE FATE OF SILENT GODS by Scott Drakeford (Age of Ire #2) — November 19
In November, we can look forward to the second installment of Scott Drakeford’s “Age of Ire” series titled “The Fate of Silent Gods“. The first book, “Rise of the Mages“, set the stage by introducing characters like the ambitious Emrael Ire and his brother Ban. They enrolled in a distinguished school at the Citadel to master magical Crafting and military strategy. After Ban’s abduction, Emrael forms uneasy alliances and delves into forbidden magic, all with the aim of rescuing his brother from a cult devoted to the Fallen God of Glory.
It appears that Emrael has emerged victorious from his battle…or perhaps not? In “The Fate of Silent Gods”, we delve deeper into the life of Emrael Ire, as he grapples with the repercussions of his past actions and how they’ve shaped him – be it for good or ill. This enigmatic deity and his followers aren’t ready to let go of Emrael just yet, and their ongoing conflict promises to take a significant toll on him.
As a fellow movie enthusiast, let me tell you that Drakeford has made quite an impression for being one of the co-hosts on the “Publishing Rodeo” podcast. However, if you haven’t ventured into his sword-and-sorcery fantasy novels yet, now is the ideal moment to delve into them.
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WHEEL OF THE INFINITE: UPDATED AND REVISED EDITION by Martha Wells — November 19
To wrap up this month, we revisit an older story from a celebrated author. Martha Wells, who currently shines for her acclaimed Murderbot series and the fantasy novel Witch King from last year, is well-known. However, it’s important to note that she’s been writing professionally since the early 90s, and there are many tales of hers that came before her success with Murderbot—some of which have been hard to find due to their inconsistent availability as they’ve cycled in and out of print.
As a devoted fan of H.G. Wells, I couldn’t be happier about Tor Books re-releasing many of his earlier novels. They’ve given them fresh, eye-catching cover designs that make them a perfect fit next to my newer acquisitions on the shelf or e-reader. This month, it’s ‘Wheel of the Infinite’, an updated and polished version of a fantasy novel he originally published in 2000, that’s hitting the shelves once more.
“Wheel of the Infinite”, the central Wheel symbolizes the world’s equilibrium. Each year, it requires reweaving for peace to prevail, and every century, the entire structure of the world must be reconstructed anew. However, a persistent “black storm” arises daily on the Wheel, despite the efforts of its guardians to rectify it. The ex-murderer Maskelle is summoned back, accompanied by the enigmatic swordsman Rian. If they cannot uncover the root cause of this imbalance, the world as they recognize it might cease to exist.
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2024-11-02 19:44