7 of the Best New and Forthcoming Fantasy and Science Fiction Books by Women Writers
In honour of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing some of the best new and forthcoming fantasy and science fiction books of 2021 by women writers. From tales of crumbling empires to depictions of dystopian futures, this diverse and genre-defining selection of fiction represents both the most anticipated and the most well-received titles of the year.
THE UNBROKEN by C. L. Clark
When Touraine, a soldier trained to fight for the good of the empire, returns to her homeland to put an end to a rebellion, she collides with Luca, a dethroned princess, as their lives become irrevocably intertwined. In this epic fantasy tale of queerness, colonialism, and military rebellion, C. L. Clark’s debut novel establishes the author as a true force to be reckoned with and a pioneer of the genre.
The Unbroken will be published by Orbit Books on March 23rd.
THE GILDED ONES by Namina Forna
In an ancient kingdom, ruled by patriarchal leaders and in which women’s purity must be evidenced by blood, Deka awaits the ceremony that will determine her fate. But when she is revealed to be impure, she leaves behind all that she knows to go into battle with an army of near-immortal women. A unique, West African-inspired New York Times bestselling debut.
The Gilded Ones is available now from Delacorte Press.
WINTER’S ORBIT by Everina Maxwell
Set against the backdrop of impending interplanetary war, Winter’s Orbit follows Jainan, the widower of Prince Taam, who must navigate a new and politically volatile world after murder sparks a perilous chain of events. Queer romance and space fiction collide in this astonishing debut novel from Everina Maxwell.
Winter’s Orbit is available now from Tor Books.
FOR THE WOLF by Hannah Whitten
In this atmospheric reimagining of folklore and fable, Red — a young woman who is the only Second Daughter born in centuries — must offer herself up to the Wolf of the Wood in order to save her kingdom. But when she discovers the legend’s falsehoods and doesn’t find what she expects, she must prepare for new dangers to emerge.
For the Wolf will be published by Orbit Books on June 15th.
WE ARE SATELLITES by Sarah Pinsker
In a dystopian future, where technology has advanced and performance-enhancing brain implants are the latest fad, those resistant to the device deal with the isolation it brings. But among this minority, divisions are sown in communities, societies, and between families and loved ones. From the Nebula award-winning author of A Song for a New Day comes this new meditation of fear, conformity, and humanity.
We Are Satellites will be published by Berkley Books on May 11th.
REMOTE CONTROL by Nnedi Okorafor
Nebula and Hugo award-winning author Nnedi Okorafor’s novella, Remote Control, follows a young girl, Sankofa, who possesses the power of death and who must leave behind her village and travel in search of a stolen object. With her fox companion, and propelled by her desire to seek out what is lost, Sankofa must learn to understand power beyond her control.
Remote Control is available now from Tordotcom.
SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN by Shelley Parker-Chan
In Parker-Chan’s debut novel, a bold reimagining of the rise of the Ming Dynasty, a young girl defies her own fate following the death of her brother, who was heralded for future greatness. Entering a monastery under the guise of his identity, she learns to do whatever it takes to redefine her own destiny.
She Who Became the Sun will be published by Tor Books on July 22nd.
