Summer is the perfect season to step through a portal, board a starship, strike a dangerous bargain, or fall headfirst into a world where magic and wonder feel just a page away. This year’s fantasy and science fiction offerings deliver exactly that kind of escape, ranging from laugh-out-loud corporate fantasy and sweeping space opera to gothic romantasy and imaginative portal adventures. Whether you’re looking for witty humor, epic worldbuilding, unforgettable characters, or stories that blur the line between reality and myth, these six books offer plenty of reasons to clear space on your summer TBR. Best of all, several arrive in gorgeous collectible editions that fantasy fans won’t want to miss.
Startup Hell by Caitlin Rozakis, Titan Books, $ 19.99, 432 pages

Caitlin Rozakis proves once again that she has a gift for finding absurd humour in everyday frustrations and then turning them into wildly entertaining fantasy. Startup Hell takes the nightmare of corporate culture and transforms it into a literal infernal bureaucracy filled with demons, impossible quotas, and soul-crushing office politics. Morgan Blackwater is an instantly relatable heroine, especially for anyone who’s ever felt overshadowed by high-achieving family members or trapped in a job they never quite intended to have. The chemistry between Morgan and the unexpectedly charming demon Luke adds a delightful romantic spark, while Rozakis’s sharp wit keeps every chapter moving. Clever, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt, this is contemporary fantasy at its most fun.

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The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley, Ace, $ 20.00, 400 pages

If you’re searching for a romantasy that truly earns its slow-burn tension, The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy delivers. Brigitte Knightley pairs a deadly assassin with a healer from a rival faction and lets the sparks fly as they investigate a mysterious illness threatening their world. The push-and-pull between Osric and Aurienne is wonderfully entertaining, balancing sharp banter with genuine emotional depth. Readers who love enemies-to-lovers stories will find plenty to savor here. This newly released deluxe paperback edition is especially eye-catching, featuring beautifully stenciled edges and interior artwork that make it a standout addition to any fantasy shelf.

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All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan, Orbit, $ 19.99, 480 pages

Sarah Rees Brennan continues her acclaimed Time of Iron series with a sequel that somehow manages to raise the stakes while deepening its characters. All Hail Chaos brilliantly plays with fantasy tropes through the perspective of Rae, a reader trapped inside the fictional world she once adored. Brennan’s signature wit shines throughout, but beneath the humor lies an emotionally rich story about loyalty, identity, and the dangers of romanticizing power. The political intrigue, undead armies, fake engagements, and impossible choices all come together in a narrative that feels both epic and deeply personal. Fans of portal fantasy and self-aware storytelling will find this installment impossible to put down.

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Radiant Star by Ann Leckie, Orbit, $ 30.00, 368 pages

Few science fiction authors build worlds with the intelligence and precision of Ann Leckie, and Radiant Star is another impressive addition to the beloved Imperial Radch universe. While it stands on its own, longtime fans will appreciate how seamlessly it expands the setting’s political and cultural complexities. Rather than focusing solely on galactic conflict, Leckie turns her attention toward religion, social hierarchy, and ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Multiple storylines intersect beautifully, creating a narrative rich with nuance and humanity. Thoughtful, ambitious, and endlessly fascinating, Radiant Star showcases exactly why Leckie remains one of modern science fiction’s most celebrated voices.

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The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig, Orbit, $ 19.99, 416 pages

Rachel Gillig follows her bestselling success with another atmospheric fantasy that feels destined to become a favorite among romantasy readers. The Knight and the Moth combines gothic imagery, divine mysteries, and irresistible romantic tension into a story that is both haunting and enchanting. Sybil’s role as a prophetess gives the novel an intriguing emotional core, while the mysterious knight Rodrick provides plenty of sparks and conflict. Gillig’s worldbuilding is immersive without becoming overwhelming, allowing readers to lose themselves in windswept moors, ancient gods, and dangerous secrets. This stunning first-print edition also features exclusive stenciled edges, making it as beautiful on the outside as it is within.

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The Cafe of Infinite Doors by Zara Marielle, Union Square & Co., $ 18.99, 352 pages

There is a warmth and wonder to The Cafe of Infinite Doors that makes it feel like the literary equivalent of finding shelter during a storm. Zara Marielle blends portal fantasy, mythology, and personal healing into a story that is both magical and deeply emotional. Marceline’s journey from isolation toward self-discovery gives the novel its heart, while the mysterious café itself serves as a wonderfully imaginative setting filled with possibility. The dual timeline, stretching from ancient myth to modern-day San Francisco, adds richness and depth to the narrative. Readers who enjoy found-family stories, cozy fantasy elements, and emotional character growth will find plenty to love in this enchanting debut.

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Copyright ©️ LOS ANGELES BOOK REVIEW

CONTACT US

Publishers and self-published authors: Please read our Submissions page for more information about general submissions and our Sponsored Book Review Program. Email [email protected] Mailing Address City Book Review 3201 Norris Ave Sacramento, CA 95821
Copyright ©️ LOS ANGELES BOOK REVIEW