Once again, there’s no shortage of new releases this month. With many of us ordering more Christmas gifts online this year, books (especially signed copies :-)) are a great option. Read on for some potential ideas for the sci-fi, or science, fan in your life. Or treat yourself!
Hyperia Jones and the Olive Branch Caper by David M. Kelly
Apologies for the shameless plug, but… The first in a brand new, sci-fi humor series from me, centered around Hyperia Jones: glamorous pro-rassler by day, unscrupulous master thief by night. Read it and find out what all the Hype is about 🙂
Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett
If you’ve ever pondered why we have brains and where they came from–or even if you haven’t–this should be a fascinating read. The latest neuroscience research presented in 7.5 entertaining and accessible essays.
The Rush’s Edge by Ginger Smith
Garnering comparisons with The Expanse in early reviews, this melds plenty of sci-fi, military action with AI, compelling characters and a dose of romance. An intriguingly different cover, and an author to watch.
The Light-Ages: The Surprising Story of Medieval Science by Seb Falk
I love science history and am always intrigued by just how long many inventions and ideas have been around. It turns out the Dark Ages, despite what we usually think, was host to a vibrant scientific culture, including innovative methods of navigating by the stars and telling the time. I’d be happy if Santa brought me this one.
Escape Pod: The Science Fiction Anthology
Edited by Mur Lafferty and S.B. Divya
Fresh off last month’s new release, Cory Doctorow is back in this anthology, along with some other big names in SF including N.K. Jemisin, John Scalzi, and Mary Robinette Kowal. A great choice for fans of short SF.
Black Hole Survival Guide by Janna Levin
If you thought black holes were boring or incomprehensible, this book might change your mind. Levin takes us on a wild journey as she imagines what an encounter with a black hole might look like. Astrophysics made understandable–and fun!
The Saint of Salvation by Peter F. Hamilton
British author Hamilton continues to be a favorite of hard SF fans. This, the third book in his Salvation Sequence, is set in the 23rd century. The science is melded with plenty of action and epic battles as humanity battles a ruthless, religious alien enemy.
Fossil Men: The Quest for the Oldest Skeleton and the Origins of Humankind by Kermit Pattison
Tim White has been called the “Steve Jobs of paleoanthropology.” This is the story of how, in 1994, he and his team discovered “Ardi,” a 4.4 million-year-old skeleton. Read it for the science–the discovery upended many of our theories on human evolution–but also the obsessive personalities and professional rivalries.
That’s all for now. Will any of these make it to your gift–or wish–list? Let me know in the comments.
Need to catch up?
New reads for October
New reads for September
