In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight works of science fiction, romance, and fantasy, as well as a comic thriller and some historical fiction.

★ A Printer’s Choice by W.L. Patenaude

Synopsis: Patenaude’s masterly debut novel tells a gripping story of the near future.

PW’s Takeaway: Patenaude’s take on the possibilities of technology is inventive and in line with contemporary science, and his work truly shines as a nuanced, character-driven drama.

Comparable Title: Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow

Sample Line: “As word spread, the work of rebuilding the city slowed, and bets were made that the rumors were true—that there really had been a murder in the orbits.”

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While Gods Sleep by L.D. Colter

Synopsis: Colter peppers the vivid first book of her Perilous Gods series with formidable deities, intimidating monsters, and vibrant variations of myths inspired by classical Greek tales.

PW’s Takeaway: Fans of Greek myths and celestial fantasy will eagerly await more adventures in this polished world.

Comparable Titles: Jordanna Max Brodsky’s Olympus Bound trilogy

Sample Line: “With his opponent watching from the other side of the table, Ty rattled the cup and tossed the five small goat pasterns across the green felt.”

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Terminal 19 by L.R. Olson

Synopsis: The last thing terminally ill Hope Reynolds wants is to start a relationship—but then she meets wealthy and attractive Christian Lund.

PW’s Takeaway: Readers will enjoy this tender romance with plenty of international flavor.

Comparable Title: Jojo Moyes’s Me Before You

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Bay State Skye by Janice S.C. Petrie

Synopsis: Petrie’s novel is based on the real story of a ship found floating empty, its crew lost to the sea.

PW’s Takeaway: Readers will find themselves caught up in the stormy excitement and mystery.

Comparable Title: Valerie Martin’s The Ghost of the Mary Celeste

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Mad Librarian by Michael Guillebeau

Synopsis: Guillebeau blends humor and mystery perfectly in this comic thriller.

PW’s Takeaway: Guillebeau keeps things light with frequent laugh-out-loud lines.

Comparable Titles: Jo Dereske’s Miss Zukas Mysteries

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