By Mrs. McHugh

HHS Librarian

Science fiction and fantasy are often grouped together in libraries, but they can feature a wide range of stories. From knights fighting dragons, to stories of magic, to real science taken a step too far, sci fi/fantasy books bring new worlds to life. Here are quick reviews of a few new titles in the HHS library:

Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi – Inspired by the Godzilla and Jurassic Park movies, this is a story about a delivery man down on his luck who is offered a job caring for animals. But he soon finds out that the animals are not of this world. The nuclear-powered, dinosaur-like creatures roam a human-free world in another dimension. If they find a way to Earth, millions could die. Unfortunately, some people are willing to make that sacrifice for the profit they could make. Recommended for readers fascinated by the science behind the “monsters.”

Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey – In a new take on Sleeping Beauty, Miriam has no interest in ruling the kingdom, but is determined to protect her younger sister Aurora. When she discovers she has magical powers, Miriam begins training to control them. But all the powers in the world may not be enough to save the people she loves when dark forces approach.

Survive the Dome by Kosoko Jackson – This dystopian novel tackles real-world issues of violence and abuse of power. When a Black man is murdered by Baltimore police and protests erupt, the city enacts a new safety protocol, enclosing the area in a dome that no one can enter or escape. Jamal finds himself trapped, but with the help of two friends, he’s determined to break free of the dome and expose the corruption behind it.

Cruel Prince by Holly Black – In this first of a four-book series, Jude is a human who was kidnapped by fairies after her parents died, and she is desperate to fit in. But Prince Cardan hates humans, and Jude’s efforts to defy him bring consequences upon herself and the kingdom.

A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher – Instead of focusing on how society falls apart, this dystopian novel explores what the world is like for the survivors decades after. The story is told by Griz, a teen whose family is immune to the condition that caused the human race to lose the ability to reproduce and die out. When a trader comes to their remote island home and steals one of the family dogs, Griz jumps in his boat and gives chase. The pursuit takes him and his remaining dog to the mainland, where he tries to reconcile what he’s read in old books with the ruins he sees. Recounting the story in a journal at the lowest point in his life, Griz draws us in with his tales of danger and wonder; we want to know how he got into trouble, if he’ll find a way out, and whether he will ever find his dog. When Griz finally catches up with the trader, the story enters more familiar dystopian territory, exploring issues of morality and individual freedoms with a few unexpected reveals.