In the latest roundup of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, readers are treated to a diverse array of compelling narratives that push the boundaries of imagination. From supernatural horrors to alternative histories, these new releases offer gripping tales that captivate and unsettle in equal measure.
Nowhere Burning by Catriona Ward
Catriona Ward, a virtuoso of horror and crime, delivers a masterful blend of supernatural, psychological, and human terrors in Nowhere Burning. Set in a remote American mountain valley, the story begins with the burning of Nowhere House, which unveils the horrific crimes committed by Hollywood star Leaf Winham against young men. In the aftermath, runaway children transform the valley into a fortified sanctuary, surviving on foraged food and occasional raids on nearby towns.
Riley, a young girl haunted by rumours, finds her life changed when a mysterious green-clad figure appears outside her window, offering directions to Nowhere. Seeing this as a chance to escape her sadistic guardian and save her little brother, Riley embarks on a perilous journey. Her story intertwines with others drawn to the valley, including Marc, a determined journalist; Adam, the sole survivor of Leaf's abuses; and the pioneers who first settled the area. This dark, twisty tale is grimly compelling, weaving elements from Peter Pan to historical serial abusers into a narrative that keeps readers on edge.
Pagans by James Alistair Henry
James Alistair Henry's debut, Pagans, presents an entertaining alternative history where the Norman conquest never occurred, leaving Britain divided along religious and cultural lines. Saxons dominate most of England under the High King, Scotland is allied with the Nordic Economic Union behind a wall, and Celts face second-class status. As a London summit approaches to discuss British unity, a Celtic negotiator is found murdered, nailed to a tree in Epping Forest.
Detective Captain Aedith Mercia of the London police joins forces with Drustan from the Dumnonian tribal police to investigate what appears to be a religiously motivated serial killer. Their probe uncovers evidence of a larger political conspiracy, blending clever world-building with engaging characters and an exciting plot. The novel ends with a promise of more adventures to come, making it a standout read in the fantasy genre.
Pedro the Vast by Simón López Trujillo
Translated by Robin Myers, Pedro the Vast is a short, intense speculative fiction novel by award-winning Chilean author Simón López Trujillo. It explores an ominous shift in human life following ecological destruction, as four forestry workers contract a fungal infection that alters their brains. The sole survivor awakens from a coma speaking with a new voice, claiming to be part of a greater whole rather than an individual, and is hailed as a prophet by a religious cult.
Told through alternating viewpoints that shift between conscious and unconscious experiences, the narrative moves from the struggles of an impoverished rural family to a scientist studying fungal life. This unsettling, hallucinogenic tale lingers in the mind, offering a profound commentary on identity and connection in a damaged world.
Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman
In Operation Bounce House, Matt Dinniman crafts an entertaining story set on the colony planet of New Sonora, originally settled by convicts and political dissidents. Their descendants are hard-working farmers anticipating a new era with the opening of a Transfer Gate for instant travel to Earth. However, young Oliver Lewis discovers an eviction order targeting the planet, with plans to eliminate any remaining "terrorists."
War machines arrive without soldiers, as the government has outsourced clearance to a video game company, allowing excited young gamers on Earth to control the killing machines. The farmers, now designated as targets, must reprogramme their agricultural drones for defence and convince Earth's populace of their humanity. This novel skewers uncomfortable modern realities, imagining a war where soldiers pay to fight, delivering a thought-provoking and engaging narrative.
A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing by Alice Evelyn Yang
Alice Evelyn Yang's debut novel, A Beast Slinks Towards Beijing, uses magical realism to delve into the darker strands of 20th-century Chinese history and generational trauma. Qianze has had no contact with her father since he abandoned the family on her 14th birthday. When he reappears 11 years later, babbling about a prophecy, she feels compelled to care for him as a "good Chinese daughter."
He eventually reveals their family's hidden history, recalling his shameful experiences during Mao's Cultural Revolution and channelling memories from his parents before his birth. Beautifully written, the novel seamlessly blends supernatural elements with everyday life, creating a powerful multitonal tale of cruelty, pain, love, and survival that resonates deeply with readers.
