Staff Review: Compass Rose

Title/Author: Compass Rose - Anna Burke

Genre(s): Sci-fi, Dystopian, Climate Disaster, LGBTQ+

There was a movie in the 90’s called Waterworld. It was widely panned for being a ridiculous premise (as well as being the most expensive movie ever made at the time), however it wasn’t actually the premise, it was the execution. If you take such an idea—a far future dystopia where our climate issues just keep getting worse that the ice caps melt, and humanity is forced to abandon dry land as it’s too toxic to remain and live our their lives on boats and floating islands—and write it with more plausible science and an eye for character, you will get Compass Rose! This is an incredible book full of incredibly nuanced characters where no one is ever 100% good, or 100% bad. Future pirates, exciting adventure, drama to keep you on the edge of your seat...what’s not to love?! The first part of a (as of right now) trilogy, followed by Sea Wolf.

Reviewed by: Alex

Staff review: On a Sunbeam

Title/Author: On a Sunbeam - Tillie Walden

Genre(s): Graphic Novels, Sci-Fi, LGBTQ+

On a Sunbeam presents a wonderful visit to an enchanting universe. Walden draws the reader in with the novel's dream-like visuals and then keeps them with its compelling cast of characters. A must-read for sci-fi and coming-of-age fans alike.

Reviewed by:

Staff Review: Once & Future

Title/Author: Once & Future - Cori McCarthy & A.R. Capetta

Genre(s): YA, Sci-fi, LGBTQ+

The story of King Arthur takes on a new twist in this imaginative story where we meet the 42nd reincarnation of the fabled king, & the first that is a girl, Ari Helix. At once classic and also totally original and wonderfully intersectional, this book does what the best of sci-fi always does: gives us ideas of fantastical possible futures while also mirroring our world’s issues today.

Reviewed by: Alex

Staff Review: Lord of Light

Title/Author: Lord of Light - Roger Zelazny

Genre(s): Sci-fi, Buddhist Philosophy

Zelazny was like the Beatles of sci-fi. Fusing fantasy storytelling with sci-fi elements, Lord of Light plays with the trope of rebellion and buddhist philosophy.

Reviewed by: Ben