Exciting news for sci-fi lovers! This month, I’m heading on vacation and thrilled to pack a diverse selection of fascinating new sci-fi reads. I’m particularly eager to dive into Sheila Armstrong’s intriguing stories about mysterious ancient objects found in swamps. Additionally, I’m excited for a new release from one of my favorite authors, Paul Tremblay, despite its disturbing premise. Don’t miss our review of the first new Red Dwarf novel in 30 years! Fun awaits under the sun!

Looking for an ideal summer read? Check out Retirement Allowance, a thrilling narrative set in a near-future world where mental suffering can be outsourced through the biotech company Eudaimonia. While it seems blissful to offload negative emotions, the catch lies with the ‘carrier’—the unfortunate woman who bears the emotional burden. As Viv begins her job at Eudaimonia, she uncovers a darker secret.

I’m particularly excited about Paul Tremblay’s latest work. I fell in love with his writing after reading My Head is Full of Ghosts, reminiscent of Shirley Jackson. This time, he’s delving into AI horror, featuring Julia, a former pro gamer who is tasked with transporting a man in a vegetative state. But this man carries an embedded AI mind, trapped in a surreal, ever-changing hellscape. The title cleverly riffs on Philip K. Dick’s work.

Earth 7 – Written by Deb Olin Unferth

The publisher describes this film as set at “the end of the world as we know it,” following two women who fall in love—one raised in a deep-sea research pod, and the other a bartender at a luxury resort (potentially a robot). Together, they strive to save the remnants of Earth.

Feeling that something is missing from her seemingly perfect life, Eris travels to the vibrant world of Happy. Nala, her chaperone, must ensure Eris finds joy during her journey, but when activists obstruct their path, they embark on a shared adventure.

One book I keep on my bedside table is about a dog discovering strange antlers in a restored bog, revealing that the peat was once the site of an extinct ancient Irish moose. This story uncovers recurring archaeological discoveries, including a prehistoric settlement and the remains of a woman from 2,000 years ago, showing the swamp’s eerie influence on lives.

Azad is on the run, pursued by the Vitruvian Authority after unveiling the hidden truths of his home planet. To ignite a rebellion, he must collaborate with space pirates who have their own ulterior motives, compelling them to confront their past.

Red Dwarf: Titan – Written by Rob Grant and Andrew Marshall

This first new Red Dwarf novel in 30 years is a prequel penned by co-creator Rob Grant alongside sitcom creator Andrew Marshall. Set aboard the mining ship Red Dwarf orbiting Saturn’s moon Titan, the crew—including Lister and Rimmer—plans their final landing, only to have their plans disrupted by an enigmatic message from the future.

Thorns – Written by Gregory Bastianelli

This gripping blend of science fiction and horror revolves around Monica Cucinotta, a doctor fighting a lethal virus that causes spikes in victims’ bodies. Infected, she must leave the hospital and navigate a devastated world to reach her loved ones.

Although it’s spine-chilling, it also echoes The Handmaid’s Tale. Set in a Britain dominated by the Hope Party, where new laws lead to radical societal changes emphasizing rewilding and children’s rights. With fertility closely monitored and contraception banned, Kate is too frightened to protest until her daughter unexpectedly becomes pregnant, forcing her into action.

This cozy sci-fi narrative follows Torian as she acquires an antique, moss-covered spacecraft. When she attempts to escape her overbearing captain, Amelia, she discovers that the moss is actually Moss, the ship’s sentient organic computer.

Though it sounds whimsical, it’s captivating. The story centers on Hal, a game developer who’s spent years crafting “the most anticipated video game,” enabling players to immerse themselves in ultimate virtual reality. When a final off-the-record test involves his family, he finds himself incapable of leaving the game, prompting him to enter it to save them and restore their reality.

Air – Written by Christian Kracht, translated by Daniel Bowles

Kracht, a previous International Booker Prize nominee, offers a narrative likened to Ursula K. Le Guin and Jorge Luis Borges. It follows designer Paul in a Norwegian server farm until a blackout causes him to vanish. Meanwhile, in another time and setting, a man awakens in a forest, aided by a young girl towards an icy settlement. This captivating premise is sure to intrigue readers!

Enthusiasm – Written by Meg Smitherman

A Gothic sci-fi novella where the interplanetary transport craft Midonia is assigned to ferry Sister Irena to a planet revering a deity named Anguish. However, when a solar flare leaves them stranded, strange voices invade her mind during the night.

This story envelops both romance and science fiction as Lever, a junior supply officer, is called upon for peace negotiations due to his former relationship with an imperial baroness. It turns out his ex-lover, Astrid, is the Demon Emperor, yet their lingering emotions complicate matters.

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