Books by Martha Wells
“This is another rich world, but it’s carefully underexplained. The effect is evocatively murky – quite literally sometimes, with dark scenes underwater and one in the ominous underearth. We are following a demon who is embodied in the human world now, but has origins in the underearth; he is pitted against Hierarchs, who use the magic of expositors; witches are present, on the side of the heroes; and the Immortal Blessed are a powerful and morally divided group. Magic is fuelled by pain, inflicted on the self or others. This makes for some chilling scenes.” Read more...
The Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Novels
Sylvia Bishop, Children's Author
“All Systems Red is the story of a murderbot, a robot that has some human physiology, that slips free of their programming and becomes fully independent. And upon doing so, they only want to be left alone: to have the least dramatic and stressful time, and to stay under the radar so that nobody notices them. Which is really, really relatable. I often want to be left alone. I think we’ve all had that experience – wanting to not be bothered and to be able to get on with things. Murderbot has a great sense of humour, a very snarky sense of humour, and it’s just a unique perspective. It’s got such a modern voice to it – I really adored the Murderbot series” Read more...
Travis Baldree, Novelist
Interviews where books by Martha Wells were recommended
Humorous Fantasy Novels, recommended by Travis Baldree
What makes fantasy worlds so ripe for comedy? Hugo nominee Travis Baldree points toward our shared humanity, our love of anti-heros, and the power of back-to-front archetypes. He recommends the five best fantastical adventures to get us laughing – mostly at ourselves.
The Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Novels, as Chosen by Fans: the 2024 Hugo Award, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
Every year, members of the World Science Fiction Society nominate writers for the Hugo Award, then vote for the winner. All speculative fiction is eligible – fantasy as well as sci-fi – and the shortlist is one of the most prestigious for both genres. Here, Sylvia Bishop introduces us to the nominees for the title of the best speculative novel of 2024 – and the page-turning champion.
New Sci-Fi & Fantasy Novels: The 2024 Nebula Awards Shortlist, recommended by Sylvia Bishop
Every year, members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association nominate and vote for the best works of speculative fiction published over the previous year. Here, Sylvia Bishop introduces us to the books shortlisted for the 2024 Nebula Award for the best new novel – and the “astonishing” debut that ultimately triumphed. See all our science fiction, fantasy and best novels of 2024 recommendations