Noteworthy science fiction and fantasy books of 2020
Science fiction and fantasy are two literary genres that stir emotions of excitement and enthusiasm among their readers. The genres act as a passage through which one could enter the technologically advanced future world, unknown and magical lands, alternate universes with alien life, etc. All in all, science fiction and fantasy books never fail to intrigue and impress readers.
The year 2020 has been quite an eventful one. The world struggling to cope up with a pandemic, many celebrities bidding us adieu and leaving for heavenly abode, and millions of people losing their livelihoods—the year has been “eventful” in its own way. Also, in such difficult times when people were locked inside their homes, books, including science fiction and fantasy ones, proved to be great companion and relief for them. Here is a look at some noteworthy science fiction and fantasy books of 2020.
‘The Ministry for the Future’ by Kim Stanley Robinson
The book uses fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. Its setting is not a deserted, post-apocalyptic world. Rather, it is a future that is almost upon us, in which we might just overcome the extraordinary challenges we face.
Pic credit: Orbit
‘Mordew’ by Alex Pheby
In the book, God lies defeated, his corpse hidden in the burial ground beneath Mordew. The plot revolves around a young boy called Nathan Treeves, who lives with his parents. His mother sells him to the mysterious Master of Mordew, who derives his power from feeding on the corpse of God.
Pic credit: Galley Beggar Press
‘The New Wilderness’ by Diane Cook
The prompt of the book best gives a glimpse into the plot: “Somewhere between a science experiment and a refugee, Bea and Agnes slowly learn how to live in an unpredictable, often dangerous land. But as Agnes embraces this radically free new existence, Bea realizes that her bond with her daughter will be tested in ways she could never have foreseen.
Pic credit: Oneworld
‘King of the Rising’ by Kacen Callender
It is the follow-up to the writer's award-winning 'Queen of the Conquered' series. The books in the series revolve around a Caribbean-inspired fantasy world that portrays colonialism, resilience and defiance.
Pic credit: Orbit US
'The Dark Archive' by Genevieve Cogman
The seventh book in the 'Invisible Library' series, the novel is about Irene, a Librarian Spy. Its prompt reads so: "So Irene’s hoping for a relaxing weekend. However, her jaunt to Guernsey proves no such thing. Instead of retrieving a rare book, she’s almost assassinated, Kai is poisoned and Vale barely escapes with his life. Irene knows she must stop the plot before the treaty fails. Can Irene really seize victory from chaos?"
Pic credit: Pan
'The Vanished Birds' by Simon Jimenez
The book follows Nia, a ship captain who travels from planet to planet, never to settle down. One day, Nia becomes the guardian of a mute boy who, it is believed, can travel the stars in the blink of an eye. At its heart, it is a story about love and regret.
Pic credit: Del Rey
The Memory of Souls by Jenn Lyons
It is the third novel in the 'A Chorus of Dragons' series. It opens with the city of Atrine in ruins. As per the book's prompt, "And now Relos Var has revealed his plan to free the monstrous god, Vol Karoth, the end of the world is closer than ever. To buy time for humanity, Kihrin and his friends need to convince a king to perform an ancient ritual. But this may come at too high a price for the King of the Vane, as the ritual would strip his people of their immortality."
Pic credit: Tor
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