Arden, Katherine.
Del Rey: Ballantine. ISBN 9780765380135. FANTASY
On her father’s remote northern estate in medieval Russia, young Vasilia communes with the many hidden spirits of the house and forest until her stepmother and the new local priest interfere. A gorgeous debut from an author who knows her Russian fairy tales. (LJ 11/15/16)—Megan M. McArdle & Kristi Chadwick
[ 1 of 5 ]
The City of Brass
Chakraborty, S.A.
Harper Voyager. ISBN 9780062678102. FANTASY
Survival in 18th-century Cairo is all Nahri, a young con artist, is planning for, until her tricks turn into real magic when she summons an ancient djinn warrior. Nahri is drawn into a world of djinn tribes, court factions, and a blood lineage she cannot ignore. An exquisite debut imbued with Islamic folklore. (LJ 9/15/17)—Megan M. McArdle & Kristi Chadwick
[ 2 of 5 ]
Down Among the Sticks and Bones
McGuire, Seanan.
Tor.com. ISBN 9780765392039. FANTASY
The follow-up to Every Heart a Doorway reveals how a pair of twins looking to make their own choices became Jack and Jill, unaware of the final cost. An emotional, lyrical fantasy that will grab readers by the heart. (LJ 4/15/17)—Megan M. McArdle & Kristi Chadwick
[ 3 of 5 ]
Autonomous
Newitz, Annalee.
Tor. ISBN 9780765392077. SF
Jack is a space pirate trying to bring down a pharmaceutical company that is creating more harm than health. Paladin is a military AI looking to stop Jack while dealing with questions about identity and freedom. This smartly written debut from the former editor in chief of io9 presents current world issues in a futuristic package. (LJ 7/17)—Megan M. McArdle & Kristi Chadwick
[ 4 of 5 ]
An Unkindness of Ghosts
Solomon, Rivers.
Akashic. ISBN 9781617755880. SF
Life on the generation ship Matilda is difficult for the laborers who work the fields and live on the lower decks. Aster’s brilliant mind grants her opportunities but also brings her to the attention of the ship’s brutal new leader. A beautiful and harrowing debut. (LJ 9/15/17)—Megan M. McArdle & Kristi Chadwick
[ 5 of 5 ]
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2017 BEST BOOKS CONTRIBUTORS
LJ editors are listed by initial at the end of annotations:
Mahnaz Dar (MD), Assistant Managing Editor, LJS
Kate DiGirolomo (KD), SELF-e Community Coordinator
Bette-Lee Fox (BLF), Managing Editor, LJ
Liz French (LF), Senior Editor, LJ Reviews
Barbara Hoffert (BH), Prepub Alert Editor, LJ Reviews