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General Recommendations

Seattle Picks: Science Fiction

By:

Seattle Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

Staff-created list

A variety of recently published science fiction titles recommended by our librarians. (Updated June 2020)

By:

Seattle Librarians

The Seattle Public Library

1-25 of 34 items

1-25 of 34 items

The City in the Middle of the Night

The City in the Middle of the Night

by Anders, Charlie Jane

Book - 2019

Set on a tidally locked planet with two disparate human cities, Sophie takes the fall for the charismatic Biana, a transgression which casts her into the ...Show more Set on a tidally locked planet with two disparate human cities, Sophie takes the fall for the charismatic Biana, a transgression which casts her into the planet’s cold wasteland. Sophie connects with the native creatures, the Gelet, where she learns revelatory truths about humanity’s past and possible future. Show less

Set on a tidally locked planet with two disparate human cities, Sophie takes the fall for the charismatic Biana, a transgression which casts her into the ...Show more Set on a tidally locked planet with two disparate human cities, Sophie takes the fall for the charismatic Biana, a transgression which casts her into the planet’s cold wasteland. Sophie connects with the native creatures, the Gelet, where she learns revelatory truths about humanity’s past and possible future. Show less

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Ancestral Night

Ancestral Night

by Bear, Elizabeth

Book - 2019

While scavenging in the Milky Way Haimey Dz investigates an ancient alien vessel and picks up a parasite that allows her to see the very structure of the universe, an ability that immediately makes her a target. While scavenging in the Milky Way Haimey Dz investigates an ancient alien vessel and picks up a parasite that allows her to see the very structure of the universe, an ability that immediately makes her a target. Show less

While scavenging in the Milky Way Haimey Dz investigates an ancient alien vessel and picks up a parasite that allows her to see the very structure of the universe, an ability that immediately makes her a target. While scavenging in the Milky Way Haimey Dz investigates an ancient alien vessel and picks up a parasite that allows her to see the very structure of the universe, an ability that immediately makes her a target. Show less

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Gamechanger

Gamechanger

by Beckett, L. X.

Book - 2019

Rubi Whiting grows up with the Bounce-back generation, young people raised after the devastation of the late 21st century. As a public defender and virtua...Show more Rubi Whiting grows up with the Bounce-back generation, young people raised after the devastation of the late 21st century. As a public defender and virtual gamer, Rubi meets Luce, a controversial firebrand and hacker that threatens the status quo she is sworn to protect. Show less

Rubi Whiting grows up with the Bounce-back generation, young people raised after the devastation of the late 21st century. As a public defender and virtua...Show more Rubi Whiting grows up with the Bounce-back generation, young people raised after the devastation of the late 21st century. As a public defender and virtual gamer, Rubi meets Luce, a controversial firebrand and hacker that threatens the status quo she is sworn to protect. Show less

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To Be Taught, If Fortunate

To Be Taught, If Fortunate

by Chambers, Becky

Book - 2019

Four astronauts explore Earth-like planets light-years away. Equipped with physiologies that can adapt to new environments, they find that adapting mentally and emotionally to alien realms is harder than a flip of the switch. Four astronauts explore Earth-like planets light-years away. Equipped with physiologies that can adapt to new environments, they find that adapting mentally and emotionally to alien realms is harder than a flip of the switch. Show less

Four astronauts explore Earth-like planets light-years away. Equipped with physiologies that can adapt to new environments, they find that adapting mentally and emotionally to alien realms is harder than a flip of the switch. Four astronauts explore Earth-like planets light-years away. Equipped with physiologies that can adapt to new environments, they find that adapting mentally and emotionally to alien realms is harder than a flip of the switch. Show less

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Waste Tide

Waste Tide

by Chen, Qiufan

Book - 2019

A young girl from the lowest caste Waste People who process the world’s tech garbage on China’s Silicon Isle is caught up in a deadly power struggle as the island’s residents rebel after exposure to a lethal virus. A young girl from the lowest caste Waste People who process the world’s tech garbage on China’s Silicon Isle is caught up in a deadly power struggle as the island’s residents rebel after exposure to a lethal virus. Show less

A young girl from the lowest caste Waste People who process the world’s tech garbage on China’s Silicon Isle is caught up in a deadly power struggle as the island’s residents rebel after exposure to a lethal virus. A young girl from the lowest caste Waste People who process the world’s tech garbage on China’s Silicon Isle is caught up in a deadly power struggle as the island’s residents rebel after exposure to a lethal virus. Show less

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Exhalation

Exhalation

by Chiang, Ted

Book - 2019

Each story breaths life and dimensionality into the themes of time travel, memory, technology, sentience, and free will. Find out why Chiang is considered one of the best living short fiction writers in the genre. Each story breaths life and dimensionality into the themes of time travel, memory, technology, sentience, and free will. Find out why Chiang is considered one of the best living short fiction writers in the genre. Show less

Each story breaths life and dimensionality into the themes of time travel, memory, technology, sentience, and free will. Find out why Chiang is considered one of the best living short fiction writers in the genre. Each story breaths life and dimensionality into the themes of time travel, memory, technology, sentience, and free will. Find out why Chiang is considered one of the best living short fiction writers in the genre. Show less

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Finna

Finna

by Cipri, Nino

Book - 2020

What if a wormhole opens at the Ikea-esque department store where you work, and you are sent to investigate a lost customer with your non-binary ex? Ava a...Show more What if a wormhole opens at the Ikea-esque department store where you work, and you are sent to investigate a lost customer with your non-binary ex? Ava and Jules discover the multi-verse on an hourly wage in this delightful story exploring queer love, friendship, and capitalism. Show less

What if a wormhole opens at the Ikea-esque department store where you work, and you are sent to investigate a lost customer with your non-binary ex? Ava a...Show more What if a wormhole opens at the Ikea-esque department store where you work, and you are sent to investigate a lost customer with your non-binary ex? Ava and Jules discover the multi-verse on an hourly wage in this delightful story exploring queer love, friendship, and capitalism. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 9 on 6 copies

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Recursion

Recursion

A Novel

by Crouch, Blake

Book - 2019

Neuroscientist Helena Smith creates a “memory chair” to help Alzheimer’s patients, yet her tech does more than surface lost memories--it also creates fals...Show more Neuroscientist Helena Smith creates a “memory chair” to help Alzheimer’s patients, yet her tech does more than surface lost memories--it also creates false memories. This techno thriller accelerates the stakes for those who would use altruistic tech for evil deeds. Show less

Neuroscientist Helena Smith creates a “memory chair” to help Alzheimer’s patients, yet her tech does more than surface lost memories--it also creates fals...Show more Neuroscientist Helena Smith creates a “memory chair” to help Alzheimer’s patients, yet her tech does more than surface lost memories--it also creates false memories. This techno thriller accelerates the stakes for those who would use altruistic tech for evil deeds. Show less

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Radicalized

Radicalized

by Doctorow, Cory

Book - 2019

Four novellas from technology activist and writer Doctorow explore questions about technology ownership, the heartlessness of a corrupt health care system...Show more Four novellas from technology activist and writer Doctorow explore questions about technology ownership, the heartlessness of a corrupt health care system and distributed communities, survivalists during a social collapse, and the easily warped nature of heroism. Show less

Four novellas from technology activist and writer Doctorow explore questions about technology ownership, the heartlessness of a corrupt health care system...Show more Four novellas from technology activist and writer Doctorow explore questions about technology ownership, the heartlessness of a corrupt health care system and distributed communities, survivalists during a social collapse, and the easily warped nature of heroism. Show less

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This Is How You Lose the Time War

This Is How You Lose the Time War

by El-Mohtar, Amal

Book - 2019

An epistolary trip through dimensions, in which two entities known to one another only as Red and Blue leave beautiful and cryptic notes for each other in the aftermath of epic battles. An epistolary trip through dimensions, in which two entities known to one another only as Red and Blue leave beautiful and cryptic notes for each other in the aftermath of epic battles. Show less

An epistolary trip through dimensions, in which two entities known to one another only as Red and Blue leave beautiful and cryptic notes for each other in the aftermath of epic battles. An epistolary trip through dimensions, in which two entities known to one another only as Red and Blue leave beautiful and cryptic notes for each other in the aftermath of epic battles. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 44 on 17 copies

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Future Home of the Living God

Future Home of the Living God

A Novel

by Erdrich, Louise

Book - 2017

In a future American police state in which evolution starts moving in reverse, adopted Ceder Hawk Songmaker hides from authorities to protect her unborn child as she seeks her birth family for answers. In a future American police state in which evolution starts moving in reverse, adopted Ceder Hawk Songmaker hides from authorities to protect her unborn child as she seeks her birth family for answers. Show less

In a future American police state in which evolution starts moving in reverse, adopted Ceder Hawk Songmaker hides from authorities to protect her unborn child as she seeks her birth family for answers. In a future American police state in which evolution starts moving in reverse, adopted Ceder Hawk Songmaker hides from authorities to protect her unborn child as she seeks her birth family for answers. Show less

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The Stars Are Legion

The Stars Are Legion

by Hurley, Kameron

Book - 2017

Zan wakes surrounded by people claiming to be her family, but her memory has been erased. Apparently Zan alone can pilot the world-ship that will deliver their people to safety, but should she trust them? Zan wakes surrounded by people claiming to be her family, but her memory has been erased. Apparently Zan alone can pilot the world-ship that will deliver their people to safety, but should she trust them? Show less

Zan wakes surrounded by people claiming to be her family, but her memory has been erased. Apparently Zan alone can pilot the world-ship that will deliver their people to safety, but should she trust them? Zan wakes surrounded by people claiming to be her family, but her memory has been erased. Apparently Zan alone can pilot the world-ship that will deliver their people to safety, but should she trust them? Show less

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Qualityland

Qualityland

by Kling, Marc-Uwe

Book - 2020

In a country where TheShop has already delivered the products you want before you can order them, a machine scrapper named Peter Jobless and his imperfect robots try to return an unwanted item in this scathing satirical look at capitalism. In a country where TheShop has already delivered the products you want before you can order them, a machine scrapper named Peter Jobless and his imperfect robots try to return an unwanted item in this scathing satirical look at capitalism. Show less

In a country where TheShop has already delivered the products you want before you can order them, a machine scrapper named Peter Jobless and his imperfect robots try to return an unwanted item in this scathing satirical look at capitalism. In a country where TheShop has already delivered the products you want before you can order them, a machine scrapper named Peter Jobless and his imperfect robots try to return an unwanted item in this scathing satirical look at capitalism. Show less

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Sea Change

Sea Change

by Kress, Nancy

eBook - 2020

Ten years after the worldwide agricultural and economic collapse Operative Renata Black, part of the underground scientist group called the Org, must find...Show more Ten years after the worldwide agricultural and economic collapse Operative Renata Black, part of the underground scientist group called the Org, must find a traitor in their midst to prevent the world from further destruction. Answers may lie in the Quinault Nation with clients from Renata’s former life as a lawyer. Show less

Ten years after the worldwide agricultural and economic collapse Operative Renata Black, part of the underground scientist group called the Org, must find...Show more Ten years after the worldwide agricultural and economic collapse Operative Renata Black, part of the underground scientist group called the Org, must find a traitor in their midst to prevent the world from further destruction. Answers may lie in the Quinault Nation with clients from Renata’s former life as a lawyer. Show less

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The Resisters

The Resisters

A Novel

by Jen, Gish

Book - 2020

Humanity is divided by the employed, the Netted, and the unemployed, or Surplus, in this prescient story about a Surplus girl born with innate physical ta...Show more Humanity is divided by the employed, the Netted, and the unemployed, or Surplus, in this prescient story about a Surplus girl born with innate physical talents that the state would like to wield. How does a parent defy the rigidly safeguarded and racist AutoAmerica? Show less

Humanity is divided by the employed, the Netted, and the unemployed, or Surplus, in this prescient story about a Surplus girl born with innate physical ta...Show more Humanity is divided by the employed, the Netted, and the unemployed, or Surplus, in this prescient story about a Surplus girl born with innate physical talents that the state would like to wield. How does a parent defy the rigidly safeguarded and racist AutoAmerica? Show less

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A People's Future of the United States

A People's Future of the United States

Speculative Fiction From 25 Extraordinary Writers

Book - 2019

These 25 speculative “badass” stories present cautionary tales and envision more just futures. Edited by Vctor LaValle and John Joseph Adams, this collect...Show more These 25 speculative “badass” stories present cautionary tales and envision more just futures. Edited by Vctor LaValle and John Joseph Adams, this collection shines with such luminary and prescient voices as N. K Jemisin, Tananarive Due, Seanan McGuire, Hugh Howey, and Jamie Ford. Show less

These 25 speculative “badass” stories present cautionary tales and envision more just futures. Edited by Vctor LaValle and John Joseph Adams, this collect...Show more These 25 speculative “badass” stories present cautionary tales and envision more just futures. Edited by Vctor LaValle and John Joseph Adams, this collection shines with such luminary and prescient voices as N. K Jemisin, Tananarive Due, Seanan McGuire, Hugh Howey, and Jamie Ford. Show less

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The Hidden Girl and Other Stories

The Hidden Girl and Other Stories

by Liu, Ken

Book - 2020

Hugo Award-winning author and translator Liu returns with a short story collection showcasing his skills in science fiction and fantasy tales that ask thought-provoking questions. Hugo Award-winning author and translator Liu returns with a short story collection showcasing his skills in science fiction and fantasy tales that ask thought-provoking questions. Show less

Hugo Award-winning author and translator Liu returns with a short story collection showcasing his skills in science fiction and fantasy tales that ask thought-provoking questions. Hugo Award-winning author and translator Liu returns with a short story collection showcasing his skills in science fiction and fantasy tales that ask thought-provoking questions. Show less

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A Memory Called Empire

A Memory Called Empire

by Martine, Arkady

Book - 2019

Mahit Dzmare arrives to occupy an ambassador role in the Teixcalaanli Empire after the predecessor was murdered. Mahit must learn the challenging, complex customs of another planet while searching for the truth about the former ambassador’s death. Mahit Dzmare arrives to occupy an ambassador role in the Teixcalaanli Empire after the predecessor was murdered. Mahit must learn the challenging, complex customs of another planet while searching for the truth about the former ambassador’s death. Show less

Mahit Dzmare arrives to occupy an ambassador role in the Teixcalaanli Empire after the predecessor was murdered. Mahit must learn the challenging, complex customs of another planet while searching for the truth about the former ambassador’s death. Mahit Dzmare arrives to occupy an ambassador role in the Teixcalaanli Empire after the predecessor was murdered. Mahit must learn the challenging, complex customs of another planet while searching for the truth about the former ambassador’s death. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 35 on 11 copies

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The Psychology of Time Travel

The Psychology of Time Travel

A Novel

by Mascarenhas, Kate

Book - 2019

In 1967 four female scientists invent time travel, but when one of the original creators experiences a psychotic break she is cast out, altering the ethic...Show more In 1967 four female scientists invent time travel, but when one of the original creators experiences a psychotic break she is cast out, altering the ethical approach to the very work itself going forward. A character-driven novel about time, memory, mental health, and power. Show less

In 1967 four female scientists invent time travel, but when one of the original creators experiences a psychotic break she is cast out, altering the ethic...Show more In 1967 four female scientists invent time travel, but when one of the original creators experiences a psychotic break she is cast out, altering the ethical approach to the very work itself going forward. A character-driven novel about time, memory, mental health, and power. Show less

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Gideon the Ninth

Gideon the Ninth

by Muir, Tamsyn

Book - 2019

Lesbian necromancers in space--hell, yes! This snarky, action-packed debut introduces swordswoman and insult-slinger Gideon who must guard her lifelong frenemy, Harrow, on a dangerous quest. Lesbian necromancers in space--hell, yes! This snarky, action-packed debut introduces swordswoman and insult-slinger Gideon who must guard her lifelong frenemy, Harrow, on a dangerous quest. Show less

Lesbian necromancers in space--hell, yes! This snarky, action-packed debut introduces swordswoman and insult-slinger Gideon who must guard her lifelong frenemy, Harrow, on a dangerous quest. Lesbian necromancers in space--hell, yes! This snarky, action-packed debut introduces swordswoman and insult-slinger Gideon who must guard her lifelong frenemy, Harrow, on a dangerous quest. Show less

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The Future of Another Timeline

The Future of Another Timeline

by Newitz, Annalee

Book - 2019

A fiercely feminist queer punk rock time travel novel that follows Tess, a time traveling geologist, and her cohort of time travelers who are orchestratin...Show more A fiercely feminist queer punk rock time travel novel that follows Tess, a time traveling geologist, and her cohort of time travelers who are orchestrating a fine-tuned fight against a group of men hell-bent on stopping women’s rights from ever advancing. Show less

A fiercely feminist queer punk rock time travel novel that follows Tess, a time traveling geologist, and her cohort of time travelers who are orchestratin...Show more A fiercely feminist queer punk rock time travel novel that follows Tess, a time traveling geologist, and her cohort of time travelers who are orchestrating a fine-tuned fight against a group of men hell-bent on stopping women’s rights from ever advancing. Show less

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The Memory Police

The Memory Police

A Novel

by Ogawa, Yōko

Book - 2019

On an island where things continue to disappear from existence after being marked for forgetting by the Memory Police, a young novelist discovers her editor retains all his memories and hides him in her house, putting them both in grave danger. On an island where things continue to disappear from existence after being marked for forgetting by the Memory Police, a young novelist discovers her editor retains all his memories and hides him in her house, putting them both in grave danger. Show less

On an island where things continue to disappear from existence after being marked for forgetting by the Memory Police, a young novelist discovers her editor retains all his memories and hides him in her house, putting them both in grave danger. On an island where things continue to disappear from existence after being marked for forgetting by the Memory Police, a young novelist discovers her editor retains all his memories and hides him in her house, putting them both in grave danger. Show less

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Riot Baby

Riot Baby

by Onyebuchi, Tochi

Book - 2020

Siblings Ella and Kev grow up black and poor in a racially divided America, both born with powers they must hide. While Kev lands in prison, Ella’s power grows and gathers in ways she may not be able to control. Siblings Ella and Kev grow up black and poor in a racially divided America, both born with powers they must hide. While Kev lands in prison, Ella’s power grows and gathers in ways she may not be able to control. Show less

Siblings Ella and Kev grow up black and poor in a racially divided America, both born with powers they must hide. While Kev lands in prison, Ella’s power grows and gathers in ways she may not be able to control. Siblings Ella and Kev grow up black and poor in a racially divided America, both born with powers they must hide. While Kev lands in prison, Ella’s power grows and gathers in ways she may not be able to control. Show less

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A Song for A New Day

A Song for A New Day

by Pinsker, Sarah

Book - 2019

When gatherings are banned in the wake of terrorist acts, a musician reconsiders a career in holo performances or whether to join the underground movement making music live and exciting again. When gatherings are banned in the wake of terrorist acts, a musician reconsiders a career in holo performances or whether to join the underground movement making music live and exciting again. Show less

When gatherings are banned in the wake of terrorist acts, a musician reconsiders a career in holo performances or whether to join the underground movement making music live and exciting again. When gatherings are banned in the wake of terrorist acts, a musician reconsiders a career in holo performances or whether to join the underground movement making music live and exciting again. Show less

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The Seep

The Seep

by Porter, Chana

eBook - 2020

When aliens arrive offering life and even shape-altering alternatives to humankind, 50-year-old trans woman Trina remains skeptical of the symbiotic Seep. When aliens arrive offering life and even shape-altering alternatives to humankind, 50-year-old trans woman Trina remains skeptical of the symbiotic Seep. Show less

When aliens arrive offering life and even shape-altering alternatives to humankind, 50-year-old trans woman Trina remains skeptical of the symbiotic Seep. When aliens arrive offering life and even shape-altering alternatives to humankind, 50-year-old trans woman Trina remains skeptical of the symbiotic Seep. Show less

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