Love is in the air—or the airless expanses of space—for fans of romantic science fiction. New books explore a cosmos of questions regarding matters of the heart.
Capture the Sun
Jessie Mihalik. Voyager, June
The conclusion to Mihalik’s Starlight’s Shadows series is a “fast-paced action with palpable tension,” per PW’s review. It follows artifact thief Lexi, who runs into trouble with her latest assignment on the planet Valovia and is saved by her old flame and ex-crewmate, Nilo. Disturbing news about their former crew sends them on a precarious rescue mission.
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The Moon Represents My Heart
Pim Wangtechawat. Blackstone, June
Wangtechawat’s debut follows the time-traveling Wang family. After twins Eva and Tom’s parents travel to the past and fail to return, the pair grow up fending for themselves. Tommy tries to uncover the truth of their parents’ disappearance by traveling back in time, where he meets his love, Peggy, in 1927 London. Captivated, he continues returning to her, even as he feels his grip on time slipping.
Preset
Sarina Dahlan. Blackstone, May
In Dahlan’s prequel to 2021’s Reset, the Last War has ravaged Earth, and the survivors establish the Four Cities. With no government in place, the people look to data company CEO Eli for leadership. When his scientist wife Eleanor travels to the last city that hasn’t fully yielded to Eli’s control, she discovers how far he will go to “protect” their collective survival.
The Road to Roswell
Connie Willis. Del Rey, June
While attending her best friend’s UFO-themed wedding in Roswell, N.Mex., no-nonsense Francie is abducted by Indy, an alien who needs assistance in navigating the city. Francie becomes his hostage chauffeur, and they pick up a wild cast of characters, including a charming con man. PW’s starred review called it “an absolute blast with abundant humor.”
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Star Bringer
Tracy Wolff and Nina Croft. Red Tower, July
An assault on a space vessel leaves seven survivors, who are pursued by their assailants, the royal family, and the church. The makeshift crew includes the Empress’s daughter, who secretly saw something she wasn’t supposed to just before a shipmate rescued her from the attack. —V.N.
