Although there are no blockbuster science fiction releases for May, several remarkable titles stand out. All Versions of Yours is a book I want everyone to read. This month also features two intriguing sci-fi thrillers by Adam Oevani and Burnaby Martin, but it’s Catherine Chidsey’s eerie Guilt that has captivated me enough to consider it my next read—unless I get sidetracked by a narrative of warfare on an alien planet inspired by the true history of Boracheon, Red Sword.

Set in Australia during the late 21st century, this novel (originally released in Australia in 2022 but now gaining broader distribution) tells the tale of Taoi, who lives in a world where most people immerse themselves in a virtual reality called Gaia. Each day, she enters Gaia from her apartment pod to work. The real world is a grim place riddled with relentless heat, devoid of trees and wildlife. This chilling future vision prompts her partner Navin to consider uploading himself to Gaia permanently, seeking an escape as his physical body deteriorates. Taoi, however, is conflicted. This is currently my favorite read—an engaging, thought-provoking sci-fi narrative that lingers in my mind. Watch out, New Scientist Book Club: this might be a selection for us later this year!

I enjoy speculative thrillers, and this one examines the scars left by the Atlantic slave trade. The story kicks off with an unexplainable death – a man found 1600 km from any ocean, while his son appears to have drowned. Detective Ethan Kroll delves into the mystery, uncovering details about Abi Eniola, who claims to be an ordinary Nigerian woman, although her extraordinary skills and high-tech tools suggest otherwise.

On the disputed planet, women are compelled to battle for POWs, revealing a “truly alien landscape” that exposes scientific hatred and the truth about her identity and her fellow captives. Bora Chong draws upon real history to create this narrative, particularly the Korean soldiers who fought for the Qing Dynasty against Russia. It seems like a must-read!

Another riveting sci-fi horror piece comes from former president of the Association of Horror Writers, John Parisano. Set within the lunar cemetery of Eden, this story follows entities in the universe reclaiming the souls of the deceased. A spirit named Roland must fight to protect what he loves as their souls are threatened.

I’m also intrigued by never let me go, which reimagines England in 1979, where triplets Vincent, Lawrence, and William reside in a government-run facility known as the Sycamore scheme. They are monitored by three figures: morning, afternoon, and night mothers, recording their every move and keeping meticulous notes of their dreams and sins. As the government begins shutting down these homes, the children start to realize their lives might differ drastically from what they’ve been led to believe. I can’t wait to uncover the mystery of this tale.

This upcoming novel is being labeled speculative fiction, suggesting it isn’t traditional fantasy or science fiction, but it definitely piques my interest. The story revolves around Lina and her father arriving at a peculiar seaside building with a “time-made” design that symbolizes a clash between past and future. There, they meet an excommunicated 17th-century Jewish scholar and poets from the Tang Dynasty. What brings Lina and her father to this location?

As a reader, I’m often drawn to narratives focusing on mothers trying to protect their children in perilous futures. This one involves a world of extreme heat, forcing people to live nocturnally, with a mysterious sound field that has loomed for two decades. Scientist Hanna, once affiliated with Soundfield, must now safeguard her gifted son, Isaac.

In a grim future filled with raging wildfires, Iris, a hotelier in the German spa town of Badheim, believes the arrival of a young mother and daughter guests poses a significant threat.

I find the pitch for one novel appealing: “Boy Meets Girl Meets AI Therapist.” Adrian begins using Sike, an AI psychotherapy app designed to monitor users’ emotions and behaviors for optimal mental well-being. He becomes entangled with venture capitalist Maquie, keen on the next tech breakthrough, but she refuses to engage with Sike.

Jeff’s ordinary existence is upended when he encounters “a pale woman”; suddenly, he finds himself as a mercenary battling alien insects on the front lines. This intriguing premise is from the publisher of Joe Haldeman’s military sci-fi novel, Eternal War—a title I’m eager to explore, especially given my fascination with alien insects.

The Art and Science of Writing Science Fiction

Dive into the realms of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating stories in this immersive weekend getaway.