The Magicians
by Lev Grossman
Virtual Realities and Magical Realms:
Where SFF Literature is Headed in the Coming Years
Welcome to my latest exploration of exciting new SFF releases and the trends behind them. Through this exploration of anticipated science fiction and fantasy (SFF) releases, we can uncover emerging genre trends and embark on debut voyages.
I’ve recently stepped into the next phase of my writing career and I’m here to share my debut novel Drayton’s Discoveries. Check it out with the Kindle Unlimited subscription or you can purchase the e-book for $3.99. I’m working on my paperback version this month. I’ll let you know. Until then I wanted to discuss a few of the latest literary visionaries I’ve found. Strap in and set your compass. Some great novels are coming out and the trends are interesting.
The Magicians
Here are just a few novels and the trending that they are moving forward with:
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros is once again a school system trend where the reader enters the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders. The trend of authors utilizing a school setting continues from the super success of J.K. Rowling foundations. What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander? In this case, what works for one author can also work for another. And the idiom is right. I really enjoyed Fourth Wing and immediately bought Iron Flame, the 2nd book of the proposed quintet. This series is full of action, magic, war, intrigue, strategy, and less I forget, DRAGONS. Can’t wait for its next novel. Trending the SFF school theme we have the Harry Potter series, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, and The Magicians by Lev Grossman.
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House) by Charlie N. Holmberg book 1, takes the reader into a haunted house and reflects on how to make the haunting an ally. This year’s offering is book 3 of the series Boy of Chaotic Making (Whimbrel House) which takes us back into the haunting. The Whimbrel House series is not as much my cup of tea as I’m more about heroes and adventure, but the series has three books already and the house is still haunted. And the haunting is very lively. This trends toward the horror avenue in speculative fiction and is reminiscent of The Grip of It by Jac Jemc or even The Shining by Steven King.
The Book of Doors: A Novel by Gareth Brown is full of portals taking the reader from place to place. Gareth Brown has drawn up an intriguing novel to enchant the reader, giving them glimpses into portals of mystery and more. This is an exciting trend in novels such as The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, or the well-loved Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
Again and Again, by Jonathan Evison takes the reader into Geno’s 1000 years of the life of a love story you won’t forget. The trend of time travel is always prevalent in the SFF genre. Novels such as The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger or The Time Machine by H.G. Wells became instant classics for this sub-genre trend. We are waiting for the next big TT author, and I think Jonathan Evison has jumped forward to offer his novel into the challenge.
The Time Traveler's Wife
By Audrey Niffenegger
My work, Drayton’s Discoveries, falls under the Space Opera sub-genre which offers a new galactic world-building and escapism to a newly discovered planet. Check it out on KU and please do write a review—lots of alien species.
Here is a short sample of the unique species of Orns.
“Herman nodded to his wife and to Goran, who was practically fanning his scales to cool his heated underskin. “Yes, perhaps we can ask the Khadia if her ship can take a run there and, on the way, backswing by Serataria in the Marentis galaxy to pick up a friend. We need a financial wizard, and thankfully, I’ve received notice we are now proud partner of Pinnacle Financial Services.”
Sam snorted at the name and covered his mustache with his hand. “We’re going into business with Reggie. Isn’t that a bit of a conflict? Remember who his father is?”
Herman smiled and shrugged at his oldest friend. Everyone around them wore slightly puzzled expressions.
“Ringgold is an old NASA buddy of mine,” Herman hesitated, before going on. “He is of the Orn species,” looks around the table rose with interest. Everyone knew the Orn were a species known for their single large eye gracing their smooth face, a giant’s physique, and an insatiable mathematic ability. “While he owns and operates a highly successful business in its own right, he also just happens to be the third son of Feron Dossen, the Orn Prelate from Eagan.” The group’s puzzlement persisted. Herman gave a small grin and blinked innocently, trying to keep a modicum of seriousness in his expression. “Ringold Pinnacle Dossen is the son of the Prelate who just happens to be one of the three governing individuals of corporate ISC.”
Ah, the intrigue of politics…and money. Perhaps this snippet, showing you my writing skills, will interest you in reading my first novel. Please enjoy.
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JL Nich, Science Fiction Fantasy Author
