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In Joseph Eckhart’s novel, a father mysteriously travels back in time. Traveler
Mikhail Rudenko / Alamy
As Britain experiences a historic May heatwave, it’s clear why many science fiction writers envision bleak, overheated futures where characters struggle to survive. I’m curious about what sci-fi icon M. John Harrison will offer in his next dystopian narrative. For those who prefer lighter tales, there’s a time travel adventure titled Traveler by Joseph Eckert to dive into this month. Next, we’ll explore Isabel J. Kim’s thought-provoking works on immigration, including her upcoming release Sublimation. Also featuring, Adrian Tchaikovsky’s delightful stories such as Green City Wars for a moment of relaxation.
<p>M. John Harrison's latest novel is a personal journey. Set in a near-future plagued by an unknown 'crisis,' the story introduces Philip, a collector of bizarre objects washed ashore, who encounters ever-evolving sea creatures, capturing the essence of environmental change.</p>
<p>Over the weekend, I began reading Joseph Eckert's <em>Traveler</em> and found its compelling narrative captivating. Centered on the profound bond between a father and son, the plot chronicles Scott Trader, who unexpectedly "slips" through time on his commute. One moment he’s in his car; the next, he’s lost on the road without it. This phenomenon starts every morning, doubling in duration, leaving Scott racing to maintain a connection with his son Lyle, who simply wishes to reunite with his father.</p>
<p>Isabel J. Kim's stories piqued my interest with their unique premise of emigration—where leaving home means leaving a part of yourself behind. Her protagonist, Soyeon Rose Kang, returns to Korea after her grandfather's death, facing the ghosts of her past.</p>
<p>Adrian Tchaikovsky's new book, <em>Children of Conflict</em>, offers a fun glimpse into a solar-powered utopia maintained by genetically enhanced animals. The story follows Scotch, a freelance raccoon investigator on a mission to uncover an escaped rat scientist while adhering to the rules set by the city's mechanical residents.</p>
<p>Another intriguing narrative weaves a post-apocalyptic tale with romance in a dystopian version of Canada’s Pacific Northwest. Kayla makes an urgent decision to marry ambitious politician Sid to secure medical care for her ailing sister, leading to unexpected emotions in their arranged union.</p>
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<img class="Image" alt="New Scientist – Science news and in-depth articles by expert journalists on developments in health, technology, and the environment." width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161357/sei299037662.jpg?width=2006 2006w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2528170" data-caption="Salt Spring Island – an apocalyptic setting for Emily Paxman's novel." data-credit="rgbstudio / Alamy"/>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Salt Spring Island – Emily Paxman’s post-apocalyptic landscape</p>
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">rgbstudio / Alamy</p>
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<p>In an imaginative twist, Philip K. Dick Award-winning author Meg Ellison explores a future where billionaires create clones of America's Founding Fathers, hoping to revive the nation’s lost glory. However, "Ben," perhaps Franklin, finds a smartphone on a secluded island, prompting him and his peers to question their controlled existence.</p>
<p>Amidst a crumbling future, South Korean youth escape grim realities through virtual reality. Spoo, a high school outcast, aspires to connect with K-Pop sensation Yi Chae, who is filming nearby.</p>
<p>Young-ah, a disenchanted teacher, steps out of societal norms after completing an emotional regulation program, embracing her newfound voice with passion.</p>
<p>In a feminist commune facing mysterious calamities, Mila must navigate the challenges of motherhood while upholding the community's ideals as strange events unfold.</p>
<h2><em><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Valet/J-P-Lacrampe/9781668216439">Valet</a></em> by JP LaCramp</h2>
<p>In this quirky narrative, Rhino the helper robot is less than thrilled with his assignment to aid Grayson, who’s in a slump. Upon discovering a plot to sell his family's company to a tech giant, Grayson concocts his own plan for a takeover, promising a humorous homage to Wodehouse's beloved characters.</p>
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<img class="Image" alt="New Scientist – Uncover groundbreaking science, technology, and health news." width="1350" height="900" src="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg" srcset="https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=300 300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=400 400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=500 500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=600 600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=700 700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=800 800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=837 837w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=900 900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1003 1003w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1100 1100w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1200 1200w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1300 1300w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1400 1400w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1500 1500w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1600 1600w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1674 1674w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1700 1700w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1800 1800w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=1900 1900w, https://images.newscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/27161510/sei299040596.jpg?width=2006 2006w" sizes="(min-width: 1288px) 837px, (min-width: 1024px) calc(57.5vw + 55px), (min-width: 415px) calc(100vw - 40px), calc(70vw + 74px)" loading="lazy" data-image-context="Article" data-image-id="2528172" data-caption="Stuck on a moon base, Mitch experiences unexpected twists in The Disco at the End of the World." data-credit="Peepo/Getty Images"/>
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<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Mitch is confined to a moon base in <em>The Disco at the End of the World</em></p>
<p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Peepo/Getty Images</p>
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<p>In 1977, after World War II, the U.S. launched its ambitious space program. Joining the U.S. Space Guard to connect with his estranged girlfriend Flynn, Mitch finds himself trapped on a desolate moon base, only to return home with a duty to accept an important emissary from an alien civilization.</p>
<p>This story also serves as a sequel to Hamilton's <em>EXODUS: Archimedes' Engine</em>, exploring a dystopian future where humanity has been reduced to se servitude under the Celestials. Will Finn and his friends escape this fate?</p>
<h2><em><a href="https://bancroftpress.com/defrosted-a-medical-political-thriller/">Unzipped</a></em> by Christina Leport</h2>
<p>In this thought-provoking medical thriller, Peter and Monica awaken from cryopreservation in a dystopian future where a devastating weapon, the "Might Gun," poses a global threat.</p>
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