As summer slips into fall, there’s no better time to curl up with some mind-bending science fiction. This month, we’re diving into three new releases that are sure to transport you to the farthest reaches of space, challenge your perception of reality, and maybe even make you laugh along the way. From eerie deep-space encounters to interspecies diplomacy on Earth, and a space station that’s one donut away from a full-blown shapeshifter showdown, these books promise to deliver all the thrills and chills you could ask for—minus the frostbite. Let’s get into the latest and greatest science fiction titles.
Thrum by Meg Smitherman: An Echo in the Void
In Thrum, Meg Smitherman crafts a haunting tale of isolation and mystery set against the backdrop of deep space. Ami awakens from stasis to find herself completely alone on the edges of the universe, the last surviving member of her crew. The silence is oppressive, broken only by a mysterious, resonating hum that seems to emanate from the very walls of her ship. Her only connection to the outside world is a distress beacon she never expected to be answered—until it is. Enter Dorian, a being who offers Ami assistance but whose intentions are as murky as the endless corridors of his ship.
As Ami struggles to discern friend from foe, Smitherman builds tension, with the hum becoming almost a character, a whispering presence that pulls Ami deeper into the enigma. For fans of psychological thrillers and hard sci-fi alike, “Thrum” promises a journey into the unknown that will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s just in your head.
Good Boys: The Lost Tribe by Jeremy Robinson: Loyalty Tested in an Alien War
Jeremy Robinson is back with Good Boys: The Lost Tribe, a novel that combines pulse-pounding action with an intergalactic mystery. Set in the picturesque yet suddenly perilous Franconia Notch, Micah Taylor, a former Army Ranger, and his faithful dog, Grover, are thrust into an extraterrestrial conflict that could determine the fate of humanity. What starts as a seemingly normal day quickly spirals into chaos as alien species with ancient connections to Earth reveal themselves, dragging Micah, his friend Jess, and the entire planet into a cosmic war.
Robinson excels at blending the mundane with the extraordinary, and “Good Boys” is no exception. The dynamic between Micah and Grover adds a layer of heart to a story filled with conspiracies, hidden alien tribes, and a shadowy government agency with its own agenda. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, “Good Boys” is more than just an alien invasion story—it’s a testament to loyalty, love, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Frozen Heck: A Not-Remotely-Scary Sci-Fi Horror Novel by Si Clarke: Space Shivers with a Side of Laughter
If you prefer your sci-fi with a dash of humor, then “Frozen Heck” by Si Clarke is your ticket to a good time in the cosmos. The fourth book in the Starship Teapot series, this novel offers a quirky take on the classic horror trope of “The Thing” but with a decidedly lighter touch. When a warp engine mishap sends Lem and her crew to the edge of the galaxy, they find themselves stranded on a space station staffed by quirky robots and loaded with delectable snacks. But the fun is short-lived when a bounty hunter arrives, hot on the trail of a dangerous shapeshifter.
Clarke masterfully balances tension with humor, crafting a story that’s as much about the absurdities of space travel as it is about the dangers lurking in the dark. As Lem and her crew try to figure out who among them might not be who they seem, readers are treated to a blend of suspense, wit, and interstellar shenanigans. If you’re in the mood for a story that will make you chuckle as much as it makes you think, Frozen Heck is the perfect pick.
Wrapping Up: What Will You Explore Next?
This month’s sci-fi releases offer something for everyone, whether you’re into eerie psychological space thrillers, heartwarming yet high-stakes alien adventures, or laugh-out-loud cosmic misadventures. Each of these books brings a unique flavor to the genre, reminding us why science fiction continues to captivate and inspire readers. Find a favorite beverage, find a comfy spot, and prepare to get lost in the boundless possibilities of the universe. Whether it’s the eerie hum of an alien ship, the loyalty of a ‘good boy’ in a cosmic war, or the hilarious antics of a shapeshifting showdown, there’s a new world waiting for you to explore. Happy reading.
