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riordanverse-craziness · 3 years

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Books under Rick Riordan Presents

Rick Riordan Presents is a line that publishes books that utilize the mythology of various cultures and countries in its storytelling akin to Rick Riordan's book series.

The purpose of the line is to provide authors of underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, an opportunity for them to tell their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage.

The following lists contains the book series and standalone books of this line. Some of the books haven’t been published yet.

Book Series

Pandava Quintet

Written by Roshani Chokshi, is a five-book series centering around Hindu mythology. It follows Aru Shah, the reincarnated form of the Pandava Arjuna and the birth daughter of the Sleeper, who also serves as the main antagonist of the book. Aru must find the other four Pandavas and defeat the Sleeper, while having many adventures and encountering Hindu deities.

The books in the series are:

Aru Shah and the End of Time

Aru Shah and the Song of Death

Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes

Aru Shah and the City of Gold

Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality

Storm Runner series

The series centers in Aztec and Mayan mythology, and is written by J. C. Cervantes. It follows Zane Obispo, a young boy who walks with a cane because of a debilitating limp. Zane discovers that he is the child of Hurakan, a Mayan god; something that will put him in great danger.

This a trilogy consisting of the books:

The Storm Runner

The Fire Keeper

The Shadow Crosser

Throne of Sand series

The series is a sequel of the Storm Runner series and is written by J. C. Cervantes. It is focused on Ren Santiago, a character introduced in The Fire Keeper. There will be two books in the series, the first will be called The Throne of Sand.

Thousand Worlds series

Is a series is written by Yoon Ha Lee and is a mix of science fiction and Korean mythology. The first book follows Kim Min, a fox spirit on the planet Jinju whose brother, Jun, was a space cadet. When Jun disappears, Min sneaks away to find him leading her in an adventure that could save her entire planet.

The second book will focus in another character, more information hasn’t been released yet.

There are two books on the series so far:

Dragon Pearl

Tiger Honor

Sal & Gabi series

Written by Carlos Hernandez, the series focuses on Cuban mythology. In it, Sal Vidon is a young magician attending Culeco Academy. After his mother died, though, Sal developed the ability to reach into different dimensions, and he and new friend Gabi Real have an adventure that spans multiple universes in order to save Gabi's dying baby brother, Iggy.

The book series is a duology, and consists of the books:

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe

Tristan Strong series

Is a trilogy of novels written by Kwame Mbalia. The is about African-American and West African mythology, and it follows the character Tristan Strong. After the tragic and sudden death of his best friend Eddie, Tristan goes to stay at his grandparent's farm for the Summer. One night, a mysterious doll-like creature steals Eddie's notebook, the only thing Tristan has left of his friend, so Tristan follows the doll into a world of deities and mythological creatures.

The books in the series are:

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Tristan Strong Destroys the World

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching

Paola Santiago series

A series written by Tehlor Kay Mejia. It follows Paola Santiago, a space-obsessed nerd whose friend disappears after walking by a forbidden river. Paola, along with her other friend Dante, must venture there to find her, and meet the Niños de la Luz, a group of children past who have gone missing.

The series is a trilogy and consists of the books:

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares

Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows

The Gifted Clans

Is a trilogy of novels written by Graci Kim. The series follows Riley Oh, a girl that desperately wants to have healing powers like everyone else in her Korean witch family. With the help of her sister, Riley attempts to summon Mago Halmi -- the mother of all goddesses -- but instead her sister is banished to the spirit realm and Riley is given an ultimatum. If she wants to get her magic and save her sister's life, she must find the godrealm's last fallen star.

The books in the trilogy are:

The Last Fallen Star

The Last Fallen Moon

The Last Fallen Realm

Standalone novels

Race to the Sun

Is a novel written by Rebecca Roanhorse. The book follows Nizhoni Begay and her brother Mac, aided by various Navajo gods disguised as relatives, they must stay one step ahead of a shape-shifting monster as they follow in the footsteps of the legendary Hero Twins to save their family.

City of the Plague God

Is a novel written by Sarwat Chadda, inspired by Mesopotamian mythology. The story follows Sikander Aziz, a Muslim boy born and raised in New York City, as he teams up with legendary hero Gilgamesh to defeat the ancient god of plagues before the entire population of Manhattan is wiped out.

The Cursed Carnival

A short story anthology, it will consist of 10 short stories written by "Rick Riordan Presents" authors. The stories will be about the respective authors characters.

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olivias-shelf · 3 years

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In the introduction, Rick Riordan compares the anthology to a Multiverse Mansion, and I found that as I read this book, I remembered all the reasons why Rick Riordan Presents books are some of my favorites. Reading them all together gives this sense of familiarity that did feel like you were coming home to this multiverse mansion.

Calamity Juice by Carlos Hernandez

Follow Sal and Gabi as they have to retrieve one of their Culeco classmates who was last seen on a rogue unicorn. I thought it was super cool that there were two instances of Culeco classmates that saw this multiverse and were able to gain personal growth from it. I'm glad to see Gladis get a story and finally get the character arc that I've been hoping for her.

Beware the Grove of True Love by Roshani Chokshi

On an errand for Urvashi, Aru, Mini, and Brynne end up in the Grove of True Love, where they have to fix a past story before they become trapped. I felt all the emotions that Aru was discovering as they made their way through the story. Of course, I loved Aru, Mini, and Brynne's friendship as well as the way that the three of them work together, both in fighting and simpler problem solving.

The Cave of Doom by J.C. Cervantes

Zane and Brooks investigate their island after a reviewer claimed to see a monster. As they investigate, they realize that the threat might be much more different than they can imagine. Zane and Brooks have a great relationship, with plenty of back-and-forth as they investigate the Cave of Doom. We also get a visit from a familiar face and I was pretty surprised at the conclusion that Zane and Brooks come to at the end about the mysterious beings they come to find.

The Initiation by Yoon Ha Lee

Follow Min and Jun as they attempt their first assignment post the events of The Dragon Pearl. But things start to go sideways very quickly, and soon Min and her friends must figure out how to stop a dangerous commandant. I enjoyed reading through the absolute chaos of this story, especially in the contrasting ways that Min's friends from The Dragon Pearl and Min's squad here differ.

The Gum Baby Files by Kwame Mbalia

Oh, I love Gum Baby. Here we find out some of what Gum Baby, Ayanna, and Junior were up to in between the events of the second and third Tristan Strong books. Gum Baby must face a ghost that wants to erase history. As usual, there was an amazing blend of history and mythology, with a heavy dose of Gum Baby's antics. This story also has one of my favorite lines of the entire anthology, delivered to Gum Baby from someone she meets in this story.

The Demon Drum by Rebecca Roanhorse

Nizhoni and her fellow members of the Ancestor Club are going to a powwow. Soon, they begin to notice that things seem to be going poorly and investigate. I loved this look at all of Nizhoni's friends and classmates, not just Davery, and the way that Nizhoni interacts with each of them. The group-problem solving to take out the demon drum was super fun to read, and I loved reading all the descriptions about the powwow.

Bruto and the Freaky Flower by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola's chupacabra puppy, Bruto, is suddenly not doing so well...and Paola has a vision of a freaky flower in the desert that she thinks might save him. Join Pao and Dante in traversing across the dangerous desert in hopes of getting to the flower to save Bruto. I've loved Bruto since Pao first took him in, so I enjoyed this Bruto-centered short story. I certainly didn't see the twist of the flower, but it was super fun to read.

The Loneliest Demon by Sarwat Chadda

Following the events of City of the Plague God, Sik's life is back to normal...mostly. There's this demon that keeps trying to kill him. This one was one of the funnier stories, I enjoyed reading about how Sik had to try to help this demon, and the resulting conclusion to this story was satisfying. I just saw the announcement that there's going to be a sequel to City of the Plague God, and I hope that Rabisu will make an appearance there!

My Night at the Gifted Carnival by Graci Kim

Taking place before the events of The Last Fallen Star, join Riley and Hattie as they take a trip to the Gifted Carnival, an event held by the Gifted Clans that allows for even saram people to experience magic hidden in plain sight. However, when a faceless ghost comes and begins freezing children to try to kidnap them, Riley and Hattie must figure out how to defeat her. I enjoyed reading this one, seeing the various types of magic that we started learning about in The Last Fallen Star get expanded upon more. Riley is still pretty sad that she's saram, but she's got a storm coming. I also loved reading all the descriptions of the festival - I certainly wish I could attend something like that (minus the ghost, of course).

My Life as a Child Outlaw by Rick Riordan

I found this to be the saddest of the stories in this collection. Follow Demne through the course of his two years as a Child Outlaw, constantly running for his life due to a father he has never met. This was a fun introduction to Celtic mythology, which I had never learned before. I found myself really feeling for Demne as he continually tried and failed to find a place to settle and belong.

One of the fun things that I loved were a few references I caught as I was reading these stories of the other heroes in this anthology. It felt very much like the Easter Eggs that you might see if you were watching an MCU movie, which made catching them super fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading these and can't wait to see what comes next!

Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide, Rick Riordan Presents, and NetGalley for the ARC.

#the cursed carnival #rick riordan presents #arcs #five star review #anthology #middle grade #mythology

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scribe-of-maat · 4 years

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Rick Riordan Presents Thoughts

Been working my way through these for a while now. Will continue to do so. Here’re some unasked-for thoughts. Presented in the order I read them:

Dragon Pearl - My least favorite part of this book is that the setting makes it incompatible with the Riordanverse T__T. Loved Min and her using her wits to be a trickster hero and get to where she was going to go, but I was mainly a sucker for her gumiho powers. I felt like there was still room for more with Nari, but alas seems to be one-and-done.

The Storm Runner - My first Haven’t Finished of the list. There was just something unengaging about this. I’ve tried it twice and failed. Burn me at the stake, but I couldn’t connect with Zane or his love of dogs or his and Brooks’ clonky romance. I actually haven’t even gotten to where we find out who his dad is. The way it’s written has me fighting the prose, and every time I win we get more clonky text to grind through.

Race to the Sun - My second (and so far last) Haven’t Finished of the list. The author definitely has Gen Z-speak down, but it feels fanfictionier than the others. I wish we’d spent more time at ICCS. I wish we could be getting more tidbits about other First Nations, though I’m fine with the Navajo focus. Things are happening quickly but it feels like Rebecca Roanhorse is breezing through Navajo Mythology rather than trying to build something.

Aru Shah and the End of Time - The absolute STANDOUT of the offerings so far. Heart, soul, mind, body, if you were looking for something as memorable as PJO from these, this’ll give it to you. I want to BE a Pandava, which is the ultimate feeling I enjoy most from these. A fully-fleshed out world of young heroes being trained, found sisterhood, a genderbend of the Mahabarata. Roshani Chokshi has a very obvious passion for this project. It shows, and I’m hooked.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky - The most disappointing one on this list. I did not want to go to Alke or be an Anansesem. I realize this book is written for younger audiences, but Kwame Mbalia has written the main character so that Black men born anytime from the 90s back can see themselves in him, but it’s wholly divorced from the voice younger kids have. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t a fan of Ayanna and Thandie not having arcs and Tristan’s feeling inadequately resolved. I DID like the penultimate villain, but man.

Aru Shah and the Song of Death - Again, beautiful.

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe - Pleasantly surprised! In my adult like so far I’ve been around Spanish-speakers more often and the Spanglish feels true-to-life. Culeco is a school I’d have loved to go to, even if the only supernatural thing about it is Sal (and Gabi). But not only is Sal an amazing MC, but he and Gabi play off each other so well, and even though it’s not mythology focused in the slightest it gives that same feeling of a brujo and a bruja against the world.

#dragon pearl #tristan strong #aru shah #salvador vidon #gabirelle real #gabrielle real #nizhoni begay #rick riordan presents #riordanverse #the storm runner #tristan strong punches a hole in the sky #race to the sun #aru shah and the end of time #sal and gabi break the universe #pjo

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pulidovega · 4 years

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CREDO DEL CULEADOR

Creo que toda mujer es una puta Creo que toda puta debe tener una verga a la que adore Creo que Dios creó a todas las putas para ser gozadas por el ano Creo que la experiencia más sublime es la de sentir mi verga fuertemente triturada por el reto de una dama Creo que a todas las mujeres les gusta que le empujen la cagada Creo que unas nalgas gordas y paradas de mujer son el espectáculo más hermoso del planeta Creo que el entremés más exquisito es dedear el recto de las putas Creo que nací para derramar la leche de mi verga exclusivamente culeando Creo que la perversión más excitante es romperle a las putas el tubo con que cagan con una verga larga y bien hinchada Que para una verga sádica no hay placer más grande que el de rajarle el recto a una damita Que el ano femenino es el manjar más gustado por los dioses Que es sagrado derecho de mi verga culearme a todas las mujeres Que no hay mujer inteligente a la que no le guste ser parchada por el ano Que las mujeres que se sienten más amadas son las que reciben a su macho a culeadas Que es sublime espectáculo ver a una mujer cagando Que la luna existe porque el sol se culeo a la tierra Que al culear los orgasmos más sabrosos se sienten cuando la puta se revuelca de dolor Que nunca el culo de una dama se puede confundir con el de un hombre (si me demuestras lo contrario te daré tu premio) Que la parte más sabrosa de mi puta es el agujero con que caga Que culear a una mujer a través de pantimedias es el goce inigualable Que mujeres realmente enamoradas solamente son las que se dejan chiquitear Que con un buen culo bien vale la pena embarrarse el pito con la mierda de la dama Que solo valen la pena las putas a las que les gusta por el ano Que el ano femenino es la creación más exquisita Que ninguna mujer tiene buenas piernas si al mismo tiempo no es perfecta del culeco Que la vida perfecta consiste en chingarse cada día a una puta distinta por el chico Que si una mujer quiere ser una de mis marranas debe demostrarme que sabría sacarme ricamente la leche con el ano Que el único vicio que Dios comprende es el de querer meter el pito en los calientes rectos de las damas Que a ningún hombre le importa ir a la cárcel si ha disfrutado de la violación de un ano Que la palabra mujer es sinónimo de perra Que hubiera culeado a Sofía Loren hasta matarla Que todo amor a una mujer es amor a su chiquito Que una mujer que no se deja culear no vale la pena Que el único crimen posible de una mujer es tener nalgas aguadas Que toda mujer puede ser redimida si se deja culear Que si una mujer está buenísima del culo vale la pena culearla por las buenas o por las malas Que una mujer es más digna de amor mientras más puta es de la cola

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aion-rsa · 4 years

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Holiday Gift Guide 2020: Books for Geeks

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The holiday season is probably going to look very different this year, but there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the sacred ritual of gift-giving. While we might not be able to gather in the same way for the 2020 holiday season, we can still let the people in our lives know how much they mean to us with the perfect gift (and maybe get ourselves something nice while we’re at it—we deserve it).

We here at Den of Geek believe there is no better gift than a good book and, with nerd culture still very much mainstream culture, there is no shortage of geeky books to get the nerd in your life. From Star Wars and Star Trek to Outlander and Wheel of Time to those speculative fiction books that broke into the zeitgeist this year without a franchise to support them, here’s a list of books we recommend for every kind of geek…

Editor’s note: Den of Geek may receive a small commission from items purchased through the links in this story.

The Eye of the World 30th Anniversary Edition by Robert Jordan

For the “Wheel of Time” fan in your life.

We’re all excited about the forthcoming Amazon Prime adaptation of the Wheel of Time series, especially long-time fans of Jordan’s fantasy epic. It’s been 30 years since the series launched, and this special 30th Anniversary Edition of the first book in the series, The Eye of the World, helps capture all the magic of reading the book for the first time. This edition features a new introduction by Brandon Sanderson, a hardcover stamp of the snake-wheel symbol so important to the series, redesigned jacket art, and a ribbon bookmark. Whether you want to give this to a longtime fan or whether you’re hoping to hook an epic fantasy reader on the series, the high production value on this special edition makes for a great gift.

Buy The Eye of the World 30th Anniversary Edition by Robert Jordan

The Wintertime Paradox: Festive Stories from the World of Doctor Who by Dave Rudden

For the Doctor Who fan in your life.

This spin on Doctor Who features twelve stories in the “Whoverse” all set on or around Christmas. While the holiday doesn’t play an important feature in many of the stories, visions of the Doctor’s Christmas Past, Present, and Future are sure to entertain. Though most likely to appeal to fans of the series, this is also a collection marketed toward children, which makes it possible to share your love of the series with a young person in your life.

Buy The Wintertime Paradox: Festive Stories from the World of Doctor Who by Dave Rudden

Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons and Dragons Cookbook

For the gamer in your life.

While cooking these recipes isn’t as simple as casting the titular spell, it does contain eighty recipes for fantasy inspired feasts. In addition to the recipes—some of which may be a little challenging for beginners, as they start from scratch rather than premade ingredients—the foods come with lore about the foods from the familiar Dungeons and Dragons cultures. Included are recipes for Feywild Eggs, “Orc” Bacon, Dwarven Mulled Wine, and Halfling Heartland’s Rose Apple and Blackberry Pie. Making some of these for game night might be a challenge, but Halfling-style Melted Cheeses with Chunky Tomato Broth sounds so good, your giftee won’t even mind if some spills on their character sheet.

Buy Heroes’ Feast: The Official Dungeons and Dragons Cookbook

Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi

For the anti-war, YA fan in your life.

It’s been a big year for Onyebuchi, with this second book in his “War Girls” series and his first adult novel, Riot Baby, hitting the shelves. Onyebuchi’s Afrofuturist YA features nineteen year old Ify as a respected medical officer on the Space Colonies, and Uzo, a synth who’s working to preserve the memories and history of wartorn Nigeria. When a virus hits the Space Colonies, Ify must return to Nigeria for answers—even though she’d pledged to leave her homeland behind. For readers who love strong Black girls leading the action in a space-bound future, this is a fantastic pick.

Buy Rebel Sisters by Tochi Onyebuchi

To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

For the Eragon and space opera fan.

Fantasy readers remember Christopher Paolini from “The Inheritance Cycle,” published for YA readers, which were filled with dragons and magic. But Paolini’s first adult novel heads into space, introducing the Fractalverse setting, and focusing on a xenobiologist whose encounter with an ancient, alien artifact sends her across the galaxy, where the fate of humanity rests on her shoulders. This is a great choice for fans who grew up on Paolini’s YA novels, or for readers who like doorstopper sci fi.

Buy To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini

The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

For fans of The Strain.

The Strain had four seasons on FX, and the horror drama procedural won fans and awards. The show was based on a trilogy of novels from master of horror Guillermo del Toro and literary heavyweight Chuck Hogan, who have now reunited on a fresh series. The Hollow Ones follows a young FBI agent who discovers an otherworldly evil when it takes over her partner—and forces her to kill him in self defense. For fans who love their procedurals with a heavy dose of horror, this is sure to keep their spines tingling.

Buy The Hollow Ones by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian by Phil Szostak

For fans of Baby Yoda.

The Mandalorian has clearly been a breakout show for Disney+, putting new life into the Star Wars universe, and featuring everyone’s favorite new character, The Child (aka Baby Yoda). The end of each episode features concept art designed for the show, and for viewers who love seeing where the ideas germinated, The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian is a fantastic way to dig into the details of the first season.

Buy The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian by Phil Szostak

Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

For queer paranormal romance lovers.

Yadriel is determined to prove himself as a brujo—even though his family hasn’t accepted him as a boy. But when he raises the wrong spirit while trying to solve the mystery of his cousin’s death, everything gets more complicated. In our review, we praised the book for its groundbreaking depiction of trans identity in Latinx culture and called it “a riveting, romantic read filled with paranormal wonder.” Fans who loved the queer romance reveal in She-Ra won’t be able to stop turning pages.

Buy Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas

Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

For the lover of science fiction sleuths.

This latest in de Bodard’s Xuya universe features an unlikely pair of detectives teaming up to solve a murder. Vân is a poor scholar hiding her possession of an illegal implant. Sunless Woods is a mindship who is also a thief and master of disguise. The pair have to work together to solve a murder—and unravel their own secrets. For readers who enjoyed de Bodard’s previous The Tea Master and the Detective or enjoy a good detective tale in space, this is a sure hit.

Buy Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard

Super Mario: Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

For the NES nostalgic.

It’s the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros! This is the first Super Mario manga ever available in English, and for classic NES fans nostalgic for the good old days of their vintage system, the zany adventures contained in this volume hit all the right notes.

Buy Super Mario: Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

Sal and Gabi Break / Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

For the young reader in your life.

The Sal and Gabi duology (Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe) are ostensibly about a boy who can reach through the multiverse and bring things through to his part of reality—but they’re also about friendship, finding common ground, being your best self, and sentient AI. Most middle grade books depict middle school as an evil horrible place, as much an antagonist as the book’s real villain. The Sal and Gabi books do away with all of that. Not only is Culeco Academy the coolest middle school ever, the series manages to ramp up all the tension and drama needed without having an actual villain. (Even the people who seem villainous at first turn out to be different from expected.) These are a delight for adult readers who love middle grade fiction, but they’re even more important for middle schoolers, who deserve to see kids their age saving the multiverse in communities full of hope and love.

Buy Sal and Gabi Break / Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez

Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series by Kate Atherley

For the crafter in your life.

For fans of either Diana Gabaldon’s time-travel romance novel series or the hit Starz adaptation, this collection of patterns inspired by the show will transport your crafting friend into the Scottish Highlands. Featured among the projects are clothing, accessories, and decorations for the home.

Buy Outlander Knitting: The Official Book of 20 Knits Inspired by the Hit Series by Kate Atherley

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

For horror fans.

Compared favorably to horror-master Stephen King’s It, this classic revenge horror seamlessly combines elements of social commentary and drama. The story follows for American Indian men who, as childhood friends, experienced a disturbing event together. Now, the past has come back with a vengeance, and there’s no avoiding the violence they tried to leave behind. Jones is making his mark in the world of horror, and this is a not-to-be-missed thriller.

Buy The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones

Teen Titans: Raven and Beast Boy box set by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

For DC fans.

Garcia and Picolo’s Raven and Beast Boy origin stories reinvent the characters for an audience who may have already met them in kid-friendly Teen Titans Go! or adult-aimed Titans. While the comic versions presented here draw on those previous incarnations, the stories are self-contained, giving readers both familiar and new to the DC series a chance to experience them for the first time. This hardcover box set gives the books an extra gift-worthy feeling.

Buy Teen Titans: Raven and Beast Boy box set by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Thorn by Intisar Khanani

For the friend who needs a fresh fairy tale.

In this retelling of “The Goose Girl,�� reluctant Princess Alyrra is happy to have escaped royal life. But when she learns of a plot against the prince, she must decide whether to reclaim the heritage she wanted to leave behind, or let the kingdom fall. This beautiful hardcover edition also features an additional short story set in the same world.

Buy Thorn by Intisar Khanani

Dinosaurs: The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing about Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim

For Jurassic World and other dinosaur fans.

While the 2020 entry into the Jurassic World franchise, Camp Cretaceous, was geared toward younger viewers, plenty of adults never grow out of their love of dinosaurs. And why should they? These prehistoric terrors continue to be amazing—and modern scientists continue to make new discoveries on an almost weekly basis. This huge guide to dinosaur species offers references for more than 300 species full of colorful illustrations that show these titans in all their (feathery!) glory.

Buy Dinosaurs—The Grand Tour, Second Edition: Everything Worth Knowing about Dinosaurs from Aardonyx to Zuniceratops by Keiron Pim

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

For the SFF connoisseur.

This series starter is set in a contemporary New York—but the city is coming to life. But a city killer is trying to stop New York from evolving, and the city’s mortal avatars are the target of its plans. It’s not uncommon to hear people considering N. K. Jemisin the best modern writer of speculative fiction, bar none, so picking up The City We Became, her most recent novel, is a no brainer if you’re buying for someone who likes smart, quality SFF.

Buy The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas

For the mecha enthusiast.

This triumphant conclusion to Tieryas’s United States of Japan trilogy, which can be read as a stand-alone, takes place in an alternate reality where Japan and Germany won World War II and divided the United States between them. An assassin known as Bloody Mary is determined to eliminate corruption from within the United States of Japan, regardless of the cost. It’s up to a secret police agent and a star mecha pilot to stop her, but determining enemies from friends is almost impossible. Tieryas balances the super cool world of mecha battles and spy action with searing social commentary and ethical questions, making this a challenging but imminently worthwhile read for fans of Pacific Rim.

Buy Cyber Shogun Revolution by Peter Tieryas

Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard by Chip Carter

For the Star Trek fan in your life.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard has always been quotably wise. In this collection, Chip Carter pulls together some of the greatest lines, featuring Picard’s thoughts on leadership, justice, and space exploration. The quotes are accompanied by photography from iconic scenes of The Next Generation, making this a perfect gift for the Star Trek fan who already has everything.

Buy Star Trek: The Wisdom of Picard by Chip Carter

Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

For fans of Arrival and Stranger Things.

This first contact story from Hugo-nominated video-essayist Ellis is set in an alternate 2007. In the world of the novel, Cora’s father has blown the whistle on the first contact cover up. Cora herself wants nothing to do with aliens, but when one of the aliens decides Cora is the only human he’ll talk to, she’s stuck in the middle of everything. For lovers of aliens and conspiracy theories, this is one to pick up.

Buy Axiom’s End by Lindsay Ellis

Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

For lovers of YA court intrigue.

In this sequel to Daud’s Mirage, Amani, who has been forced to serve as the body double for Princess Maram, is on her last chance. The princess discovered Amani’s connection to the rebellion, and now Maram is suspicious of anything Amani does. Yet Amani is dedicated to the cause of seeing her people free, which means she has to make a choice: continue to work from within the palace and risk her life, or flee and risk her people. For a female-centered plot that deals with consequences of colonialism, this series conclusion and its predecessor are a sure hit.

Buy Court of Lions by Somaiya Daud

Star Wars From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

For the Star Wars fan.

Called “one of the best Star Wars books released this year” in our Den of Geek review, this anthology is packed with stories from authors both well-known and unfamiliar, whose works delve into the lives of central and side characters from The Empire Strikes Back. While some explore relationships between key characters (Luke, Leia, Obi-wan), others tackle the points of view of previously unnamed creatures (Sy-O, the space slug that swallows the Millenium Falcon). The stories are sometimes delightfully weird, other times grim or tender, and all a good gift choice for the Star Wars fan whose favorite film is still Empire.

Buy Star Wars From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

Remina by Junji Ito

For the manga fan.

This science fiction horror story centers on Dr. Oguro, who discovers a planet that has emerged from a wormhole and names it after his daughter, Remina. But as the girl Remina rises to fame, the planet shifts its course, threatening all life on Earth. Could Remina herself be the cause? This chilling story is a classic from Eisner-winner Junji Ito newly released for an English-reading audience.

Buy Remina by Junji Ito

Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

For the martial arts enthusiast.

For friends who like a little more grounded, real-world take, this exploration of Bruce Lee’s philosophies, written by his daughter, offer insight into the legendary martial artist. Although this title offers no martial arts tips, it is full of philosophy, untold stories, and inspirational takes from the cultural icon.

Buy Be Water, My Friend: The Teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

For the lover of gothic horror.

When her cousin begs her to come rescue her from a mysterious doom, Noemí heads to a house in the Mexican countryside. As she looks into the secrets of both the house and her newly-wed cousin’s husband, Noemí finds that there’s more danger—real and supernatural—than she ever imagined. Set in the 1950s, this supernatural horror blends elements of Rebecca and science fiction for a chilling novel perfect for lovers of classic gothics.

Buy Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics That Built a Universe

For the Marvel fan.

In a collection that spans the entire history of Marvel comics, characters like the Human Torch, Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy show their historical origins. If you have a fan who’s waiting impatiently for the next MCU offering, this collection of some of Marvel’s defining comics from the company’s history may be just what they need to tide them over.

Buy Marvel Greatest Comics: 100 Comics that Built a Universe

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

For lovers of mythology and fairy tales.

Billed as Neil Gaiman’s Stardust meets Hindi mythology, this debut novel centers on the daughter of a star and a mortal. Sheetal tries to be normal, but when her starfire accidentally hurts her mortal father, she must travel to the celestial court in order to save him. The combination of court intrigue, mythology, and a fairy-tale like tone is perfect for YA lovers.

Buy Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar

Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

For the romantic who needs a great stocking stuffer.

Although better known for the popular Kate Daniels series, the Ilona Andrews team (husband and wife Ilona and Gordon) has knocked it out of the park with the most recent installment in their “Hidden Legacy” series. There are now five novels and a novella in the series, with Emerald Blaze as the second book of a second arc, but while the book is most likely to resonate with readers already introduced to the character, it’s also a stand-alone magic-spy-action-adventure-romance. Despite that blend of genres, Team Andrews melds it all together in a world with both super cool magic and an alternate-reality Instagram, featuring characters you want to hang out with regardless of the stakes. The mass-market size also makes it perfect to slip into a stocking!

Buy Emerald Blaze by Ilona Andrews

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