We have entered a stellar time period for science fiction enthusiasts, that’s for sure. From time-traveling quests to unravel personal tragedies, to cozy space mysteries, and reimagined galactic conspiracies, this month’s releases promise to transport readers across time and space. Let’s dive into the latest offerings that are sure to captivate your imagination.
The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve
In The Memory Collectors, Dete Meserve explores the profound question: What if you could revisit a pivotal moment in your past? Set in Ventura, California, the novel follows four strangers—Elizabeth, Andy, Logan, and Brooke—who embark on a journey with Aeon Expeditions, a company offering time-travel experiences. Each seeks closure or redemption: Elizabeth mourns her son, Andy searches for a lost love, Logan yearns for his former adventurous life, and Brooke seeks relief from guilt.
However, their one-hour trips back in time extend beyond the intended duration, leaving them stranded in their pasts. As their stories intertwine, they uncover a shared traumatic event and realize they weren’t alone during that fateful time. Meserve masterfully blends speculative fiction with emotional depth, crafting a narrative that resonates with fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Paradox Hotel. Get the book here.
The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses by Malka Older
Malka Older returns with the third installment in her acclaimed series, The Investigations of Mossa and Pleiti. In The Potency of Ungovernable Impulses, Pleiti is drawn into a complex case involving a plagiarism accusation against a candidate for a prestigious academic position on Jupiter. As she delves deeper, the situation escalates into a dangerous conspiracy.
Older skillfully weaves a tale that combines elements of cozy mystery with space opera, set against the backdrop of Jovian academia. The narrative also explores the strained relationship between Pleiti and Mossa, adding emotional depth to the intrigue. Fans of the series will appreciate the continued development of these characters and the intricate plotting that has become a hallmark of Older’s work. Get the book here.
Shadows of the Empire: Star Wars Legends by Steve Perry
Steve Perry’s Shadows of the Empire returns in a new edition, offering fans a chance to revisit a pivotal chapter in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the novel introduces Prince Xizor, a formidable adversary who challenges Darth Vader’s position. The story features beloved characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, weaving a narrative that fills the gaps between the films.
This re-release includes a bonus section with insights into the Star Wars Expanded Universe and excerpts from other popular Star Wars novels. It’s a must-read for longtime fans and newcomers eager to explore the rich tapestry of stories beyond the main saga.Get the book here.
Shroud by Adrian Tchaikovsky
In Shroud, Adrian Tchaikovsky presents a gripping tale of survival on a hostile, pitch-black moon. When a catastrophic accident leaves scientists Juna Ceelander and Mai Ste Etienne stranded on Shroud, they must navigate its high-gravity, zero-oxygen environment. As they journey across the moon’s treacherous terrain, they encounter an alien species that begins to understand them as much as they seek to understand it.
Tchaikovsky’s narrative delves into themes of first contact and the human will to survive, all set against a backdrop of cosmic horror. Fans of his previous works, like Children of Time, will find Shroud to be a compelling addition to his oeuvre. Get the book here.
Your Next Sci-Fi Adventure Starts Here
June’s science fiction offerings promise to take readers on journeys through time, across galaxies, and into the depths of human emotion. Whether you’re revisiting the Star Wars universe, unraveling mysteries on Jupiter, or confronting the unknown on a distant moon, these novels offer adventures that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. So, grab your favorite reading spot and prepare for a month of extraordinary tales.
