John Scalzi, the bestselling author of "Monsters of Ohio," released this week by Tor, recommends three recent science fiction and fantasy titles. Scalzi reflects on the challenges of being a science fiction writer, noting that busy schedules often hinder time for reading. Despite this, he highlights three books he enjoyed this year.
Read More
He acknowledges that he has previously endorsed all three authors, which may influence his opinions.
"Sublimation" by Isabel J. Kim explores the concept of identity during travel. In this debut novel, individuals split into two separate beings at international borders, leading to intriguing complications. Scalzi believes this remarkable first novel is likely to appear on year-end best lists and in award discussions.
In "A Wall is Also a Road" by Annalee Newitz, the narrative delves into alien intelligences, featuring a slime mold as one of its main characters. Scalzi praises Newitz for effectively capturing the perspectives of unexpected characters, making for an engaging read. He also mentions that the book's cover is among his favorites this year.
Adrian Tchaikovsky's "Green City Wars" presents a unique blend of crime noir and anthropomorphic characters in a futuristic setting. The story features raccoon private investigators, and Scalzi expresses admiration for Tchaikovsky's prolific output and the high quality of his work.