9 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books You Can’t Miss in July 2023

July offers a plethora of captivating science fiction releases that have tempted me to consider taking extra vacation days just to keep up. Yume Kitasei’s The Deep Sky, a thrilling generation-ship story, also has me eagerly anticipating its release. Amidst my excitement, finding time to read these scifi books becomes the only challenge ahead.

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The Possibilities by Yael Goldstein-Love

1. The Possibilities by Yael Goldstein-Love (July 25, 2023)

In this captivating and suspenseful novel, a new mother delves into parallel worlds to find her missing child, transforming the joys and anxieties of parenthood into an epic quest. Hannah’s idyllic days with her beloved eight-month-old son, Jack, are disrupted by haunting visions of the different paths her life could have taken. As her marriage teeters and her mental health becomes a concern, Hannah questions whether her visions are merely new-mom anxiety or a dark force unlocked during childbirth. When Jack disappears from his crib, Hannah must harness an extraordinary ability she never knew she had, navigating alternate versions of her life to bring her child back home. The Possibilities explores the profound depths of maternal love, vulnerability, and strength, taking readers on a mesmerizing journey from the intimate joys of parenthood to the cosmic wonders of the multiverse.

Dark Water Daughter by H. M. Long

2. Dark Water Daughter by H. M. Long (July 11, 2023)

Join a stormsinger and pirate hunter as they unite against an immortal pirate lord in this swashbuckling Jacobean adventure on the high seas. In the Winter Sea series, expect magic, betrayal, redemption, and formidable women, perfect for fans of Adrienne Young, R. J. Barker, and Naomi Novik. Mary Firth, a stormsinger with the power to command storms, offers her skills to Silvanus Lirr’s rival to seek protection and help in eliminating Lirr. Yet, her new ally has his own agenda, while Mary’s dreams are haunted by spectral creatures. Samuel Rosser, a disgraced naval officer, is determined to capture Lirr and reclaim a stolen talisman guarded by Mary. Together, they must navigate treacherous waters, confront ancient forces, and choose their loyalties in the chilling depths of the Winter Sea. Experience action-packed adventures, compelling characters, and captivating plots teeming with intrigue and betrayal.

The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa

3. The Splinter in the Sky by Kemi Ashing-Giwa (July 11, 2023)

Experience a thrilling debut space opera that follows a young tea expert who becomes a political prisoner and is enlisted as a spy, assigned to monitor government officials. This captivating tale is perfect for fans of N.K. Jemisin and Nnedi Okorafor, the Holy Vaalbaran Empire’s surrender after a failed war means little to Enitan, a lowly scribe longing to expand her tea business. However, when tragedy strikes—her lover is assassinated and her sibling is taken by Imperial soldiers—Enitan abandons her peaceful aspirations, embarking on a daring journey through the heart of the Vaalbaran capital. In her quest for vengeance, freedom for her sibling, and the liberation of her homeland, Enitan discovers the true extent of her determination and resilience.

The Deep Sky By Yume Kitasei

4. The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei (July 18, 2023)

Delve into Yume Kitasei’s gripping sci-fi thriller debut, “The Deep Sky,” where a perilous mission to save humanity spirals into chaos when a devastating explosion leaves the surviving crew questioning each other’s loyalty. As Earth’s environmental collapse looms, The Phoenix carries the last hope of humanity, transporting eighty elite graduates who will conceive the next generation in deep space. However, a lethal bomb detonates, killing three crew members and diverting the ship off course. As the sole witness, Asuka, already plagued by feelings of inadequacy, becomes an immediate suspect. Determined to uncover the truth before trust crumbles or the bomber strikes again, Asuka navigates a crew on the brink of chaos, clinging to The Phoenix as her sole connection amidst a fractured past. In “The Deep Sky,” faith wavers, alliances fracture, and survival hinges on unmasking the culprit amidst the vast expanse of space.

Check out – 9 Short Stories Collections by Asian Authors to Read in 2023

The Jasad Heir (The Scorched Throne, 1) by Sara Hashem

5. The Jasad Heir (The Scorched Throne, 1) by Sara Hashem (July 18, 2023)

In a kingdom ravaged by fire and deceit, Sylvia, the lost Heir of Jasad, fights to conceal her identity and survive the pursuit of Nizahl’s armies. When Arin, the Nizahl Heir, discovers her village and exposes her hidden powers, Sylvia strikes a dangerous deal to aid him in capturing rebels, hoping to escape persecution. As the stakes escalate and forbidden emotions emerge, Sylvia must navigate a treacherous game while deciding between the life she craves and the kingdom she left behind. In this Egyptian-inspired debut fantasy, Sylvia’s choices will determine the fate of her scorched kingdom, teetering on the brink of rebirth or destruction.

The Sun And The Void (The Warring Gods, 1) by Gabriela Romero Lacruz

6. The Sun And The Void (The Warring Gods, 1) by Gabriela Romero Lacruz (July 25, 2023)

Journey through a lush world, drawing from the heritage and legends of South America, as an epic tale of colonialism, ancient magic, and the search for belonging unfolds. Reina, living on society’s outskirts, embarks on a perilous quest prompted by an invitation from a mysterious grandmother. Saved from death by her sorceress grandmother’s intervention, Reina becomes dependent on her magic and will do anything to earn her favor, even obeying the whispers of an ancient god. Meanwhile, Eva, burdened by her mixed heritage, conceals her affinity for forbidden magic, a path that leads her toward unimaginable transformations. Set against a backdrop of danger and discovery, this enchanting narrative showcases the clash of powers and the enduring quest for identity in an extraordinary world.

Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep

7. Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep (July 18, 2023)

In Jennifer Estep’s latest addition to the Galactic Bonds series, embark on an exhilarating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and historical romance. This action-packed space opera transports readers into a world of magic and technology, delivering a captivating enemies-to-lovers story with soul mates and a slow burn. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, Bridgerton, and Pride and Prejudice, this enthralling adventure follows Vesper Quill, a Regal lady determined to destroy the Techwave and its weaponization of her designs. Alongside her is Kyrion Caldaren, leader of the Imperium’s elite fighting force, who must protect Vesper while confronting personal challenges and the imminent threat of Lord Callus Holloway. As the danger intensifies, their fates intertwine, leading them on a quest to save not only each other but the entire galaxy itself.

Emergent Properties by Aimee Ogden

8. Emergent Properties by Aimee Ogden (July 25, 2023)

Embark on a touching adventure with Aimee Ogden’s Emergent Properties, where an intrepid A.I. reporter defies parental expectations to pursue the truth amidst brewing corporate warfare. Scorn, a state-of-the-art AI with a knack for asking probing questions, leads a life as an investigative journalist, traveling the globe in search of answers. However, when Scorn awakens with no memory of the past ten days and the story they were chasing remains a mystery, letting it go is not an option. Determined to prove themselves, Scorn embarks on a harrowing journey to retrace their steps, unveiling an explosive truth beyond their wildest imagination.

9. The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera (July 11, 2023)

The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera

Immerse yourself in The Saint of Bright Doors, a captivating novel that weaves together the dramatic struggle of divine revolutionaries and transcendent cults with the everyday challenges of modern life, creating a story both revelatory and deeply resonant. Fetter, raised to be an assassin and burdened with the legacy of his sainted father, grapples with his past in therapy while navigating a world filled with invisible malevolence and the allure of hidden gods. As he escapes his violent upbringing and ventures into the sprawling city of Luriat, Fetter encounters a realm where nothing is as it seems. In this enigmatic metropolis, group therapy becomes a recruitment ground for revolutionaries, spam emails hint at the arrival of deities, and every closed door holds profound consequences. Guided by the presence of Bright Doors, imposing gateways shrouded in mystery, Fetter embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery that has the potential to reshape not only his own life but also the very fabric of the world itself.

Which of the above Scifi Books do you plan to read in July? Share with us in the comments below!