March promises a bounty of new science fiction for enthusiasts. This month’s lineup includes a return to Adrian Tchaikovsky’s captivating universe, featuring a colossal mantis shrimp as a key character. Readers can also anticipate a space-faring reimagining of the classic Moby-Dick. Additionally, a notable forgotten speculative novel from 1936, depicting the sole surviving woman in Britain after a pandemic, is set to reappear.
For those seeking different subgenres, the month also offers a cozy sci-fi mystery, a dose of horror, and an ambitious mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. These diverse themes ensure a rich reading experience for a variety of tastes.
Children of Strife by Adrian Tchaikovsky
The latest installment in Adrian Tchaikovsky’s lauded Children of Time series is arriving this month. Acclaimed by sci-fi reviewer Emily H. Wilson as “brilliant,” the novel centers on a premise established centuries prior: a terraforming endeavor on a distant planet inadvertently created a dangerous entity. The narrative follows scientist Alis and her human-sized mantis shrimp companion, Cato, as they undertake a perilous journey to the planet. Their mission is to investigate the disappearance of their fellow crew members and uncover what transpired.
Hell’s Heart by Alexis Hall
Alexis Hall presents an ambitious undertaking with “Hell’s Heart,” a speculative retelling of Herman Melville’s monumental work, Moby-Dick. In this futuristic adaptation, Earth is no longer habitable, and humanity’s remnants survive under domes on hostile planets. These sanctuaries require constant fueling, a process that depends on “cerebrospinal fluid, harvested at great risk from gargantuan space monsters.” The story follows a protagonist driven by the hunt for “the greatest leviathan of all.”
Woman Alive by Susan Ertz
Originally published in 1936, this speculative novel, “Woman Alive,” paints a picture of Britain in 1985. The setting is a world where a devastating pandemic, caused by a poisonous gas, has left a single woman as the sole survivor. The new edition features an introduction by TV presenter Graham Norton, adding to its appeal as a significant contribution to 20th-century science fiction literature.
Voidverse by Damien Ober
Damien Ober, a writer known for his work on the Netflix series The OA, introduces “Voidverse.” The novel recounts the story of The Sinker, whose childhood home was obliterated by a hovering mechanism called The Construct. She escaped destruction by venturing into the seemingly endless expanse of the void. Decades later, learning that The Construct is approaching again, she resolves to confront and end its oppressive reign. Ober’s depiction of the void is striking, characterized by floating, vertically oriented rocks, some possessing magnetic properties, others radiating an “eternal flame,” and some that “defy physical laws.”
The Library of Traumatic Memory by Neil Jordan
Neil Jordan, director behind “Interview with the Vampire” and “The Company of Wolves,” ventures into science fiction with “The Library of Traumatic Memory.” Set in 2084, the story follows librarian Christian Cartwright, whose daily work involves archiving the world’s most distressing memories. The plot takes a dramatic turn when his lover, Isolde, dies in a vehicle accident. Cartwright secretly resurrects her as a digital consciousness, a decision that uncovers a deeply rooted conspiracy with a long and complex history.
Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher
Described as a fitting read for fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “Mexican Gothic,” “Wolf Worm” by T. Kingfisher promises a potent blend of horror and science fiction. This novel is set in 1899. Scientific illustrator Sonia Wilson accepts an offer to document the extensive insect collection of the reclusive Dr. Halder. However, her work in the North Carolina woods leads her to discover unsettling entomological research focused on parasitic maggots that infest human flesh, revealing a horrifying truth.
Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin
Following the success of her first novel, “Wandering Souls,” which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, Cecile Pin explores science fiction with “Celestial Lights.” The story centers on Ollie, born in 1986 as the Challenger shuttle disaster unfolded. He grows into a distinguished astronaut who embarks on a decade-long mission to Europa. The narrative questions what awaits him upon his return, hinting at unexpected discoveries and challenges.
Ava by Victoria Dillon
“Ava” by Victoria Dillon is presented as a blend of speculative fiction and social commentary. The novel is set in a society where advanced technology has replaced natural gestation with artificial incubation, granting women “true control over their reproduction.” Larkin chooses this method for her second daughter, Ava. As Ava matures, she begins to critically examine the fundamental choice that led to her existence, exploring its implications and her own agency.
Nobody’s Baby by Olivia Waite
This novel, “Nobody’s Baby,” is the second in a series described as “cosy sci-fi mystery,” a concept that immediately captures interest. The story unfolds aboard the interstellar cruise ship HMS Fairweather. Ship’s detective Dorothy Gentleman finds herself investigating a baffling case when a baby appears mysteriously on her nephew’s doorstep. This situation is particularly perplexing given that fertility treatments are reportedly on hold during the ship’s interstellar voyages.
Trace Elements by Jo Walton and Ada Palmer
Concluding the list, “Trace Elements” by Jo Walton and Ada Palmer is not strictly science fiction but offers significant insights for enthusiasts of the genre. This work delves into contemporary science fiction and fantasy writing. Walton and Palmer examine the fundamental nature of these genres, exploring how they are created and how readers engage with them, providing an engaging analysis for fans.