Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2011
Created By: Rachel Bussan and Williamsburg Regional Library
(We own all of these titles)
DB73783
Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Annotation: At the Circus of Dreams magicians Celia and Marco are pitted against each other in an epic magical battle. Their mentors plan for it to have only one survivor, not foreseeing that Celia and Marco will fall in love. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011.
DB73846
Title: 1Q84
Author: Haruki Murakami
Annotation: Tokyo, 1984. Aomame enters a parallel world with two moons. Her friend Tengo ghostwrites a novella about this world that Aomame calls 1Q84 -- where the Q stands for a question mark. Originally published in Japanese in 2009 and 2010. Strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. Commercial audiobook. 2011. Translated from the Japanese by Jay Rubin and Philip Gabriel.
DB73772
Title: Ready Player One
Author: Ernest Cline
Annotation: 2045. Multibillionaire James Halliday dies, leaving his last will and testament online for the world to see. His massively multiplayer online game OASIS has a hidden feature -- an Easter egg -- and the person who finds the egg first wins Halliday's fortune. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2011.
LT10044, BR18758, DB73931
Title: 11/22/63
Author: Stephen King
Annotation: The dying owner of Al's Diner has a shocking request for his friend, English teacher Jake Epping: go back in time through a portal in Al's storeroom and stop JFK's assassination. Strong language, some violence, and some explicit descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011.
DB73556
Title: A Dance with Dragons
Author: George R. R. Martin
Series: Song of Ice and Fire, Book 5
Annotation: The lords of the Seven Kingdoms continue to scheme and fight, leaving the land vulnerable. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen's efforts to rule Meereen peacefully are beset by internal and external threats. Sequel to "A Feast for Crows." Song of Ice and Fire, book 5. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011.
DB73928
Title: The Magician King
Author: Lev Grossman
Series: Magicians, Book 2
Annotation: Quentin becomes bored with his cushy life in Fillory and searches for adventure. But somehow he and his friend Julia end up back on Earth and have to search for a way back to Fillory. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011. Sequel to "The Magicians." Second book in the Magicians series.
DB74173
Title: Embassytown
Author: China Mieville
Annotation: In the future, a few altered human ambassadors speak the alien Ariekei's language, which developed to convey only true concepts. But when a new ambassador threatens the fragile balance between Embassytown's humans and aliens, Avice Benner Cho -- a human colonist -- is torn between competing loyalties. 2011.
DB73792
Title: The Leftovers
Author: Tom Perrotta
Annotation: Millions disappear in a Rapture-like instant -- and not just Christians. Those left behind react in different ways. Laurie Garvey joins the Guilty Remnant, a silent cult; her son follows a prophet; and her daughter and husband -- the town's mayor -- are left to flounder. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011.
DB74897
Title: Among Others
Author: Jo Walton
Annotation: 1979. After a dangerous confrontation with her unstable mother, science-fiction fanatic Mori Phelps injures her leg--and loses her twin sister. Mori's father sends her to boarding school, where she discovers fairies and begins to practice magic. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Nebula Award. 2010.
DB72900
Title: The Wise Man’s Fear
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Series: Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 2
Annotation: Kvothe, innkeeper of the Waystone Inn, continues to tell of his epic adventures, including saving a lord and defeating mercenaries. Meanwhile, he searches for the mysterious Amyr and answers about his parents' death. Sequel to "The Name of the Wind". Kingkiller Chronicle, Day Two. Some violence. 2011.
DB74181
Title: Zone One
Author: Colson Whitehead
Annotation: After a zombie-creating pandemic takes a big bite out of the population, the government tries to reclaim New York City. Civilian Mark Spitz helps clear Lower Manhattan, building by building, removing the undead stragglers. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2011.
DB73735
Title: Reamde
Author: Neal Stephenson
Annotation: After Richard Forthrast creates a hugely popular, massive multiplayer online role-playing game called T'Rain, hackers release a virus called Reamde. The virus encrypts players' files and holds them for ransom, wreaking mayhem in the real world. Some strong language. Bestseller. Commercial audiobook. 2011.
DB74130
Title: The Last Werewolf
Author: Glen Duncan
Annotation: When a hunter decapitates Herr Wolfgang, it leaves Jake Marlowe the last known werewolf. Although depressed, Jake fights to stay alive -- only to have an enemy offer him a strange deal. Explicit descriptions of sex, some strong language, and some violence. 2011.
DB74083
Title: Leviathan Wakes
Author: James S. A. Corey
Series: Expanse, Book 1
Annotation: When Jim Holden and the crew of his ice miner stumble upon the derelict ship Scopuli, they uncover a dangerous secret. Meanwhile, Detective Miller's search for a missing girl leads him to the same ship and interplanetary civil war threatens. Violence and some strong language. 2011. First book in the Expanse series.
DB74340
Title: Robopocalypse
Author: Daniel H. Wilson
Annotation: In the near future, artificial intelligence leaps ahead of humans' abilities and can no longer be contained. When a computer program escapes from the lab and initiates random attacks, most people remain unaware until too late -- robots have already taken over the world. Violence and strong language. 2011.
DB72629
Title: A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Series: All Souls Trilogy, Book 1
Annotation: After scholar and witch Diana Bishop requests an alchemical manuscript from the depths of Oxford's Bodleian Library, she finds the magical power within the leather cover disturbing and hastily sends it back. But the book's reemergence causes a chain reaction through the paranormal community. Descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011. First book in the All Souls Trilogy.
DB74472
Title: The Heroes
Author: Joe Abercrombie
Annotation: Black Dow, ruler of the North, clashes with the Union Empire, which is desperate for any decisive battle. Their forces fight for three bloody days over an insignificant hill, while old warrior Curnden Craw struggles to do what is right. Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex. 2011.
DB74257
Title: Deathless
Author: Catherynne M. Valente
Annotation: Marya Morevna comes of age as the Communists take over Russia. Marya discovers a hidden world in her home -- one that leads her to her future husband, Koschei the Deathless, the Tsar of Light. Some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2011.
DB74264
Title: The Kingdom of Gods
Author: N. K. Jemisin
Series: Inheritance Trilogy, Book 3
Annotation: Godling Sieh befriends twins Shahar and Dekarta, the newest generation of Arameri. Sieh is made mortal and faces death. Meanwhile, Shahar must choose between loyalty and love. Some violence and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2011. Sequel to "The Broken Kingdoms." Third book in the Inheiritance Trilogy.
DB72713
Title: Shadowfever
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Series: Chronicles of Mac O'Connor, Book 5
Annotation: While a battle ensues between humans and fae, Mac O'Connor loses control over the magical book Sinsar Dubh. Doubts fill Mac, and she wonders whom she can still trust. Explicit descriptions of sex, some strong language, and some violence. Bestseller. 2011. Fifth book in the Chronicles of Mac O'Connor. Sequel to "Dreamfever."
DB74198
Title: Snuff
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld, Book 34
Annotation: Sir Samuel Vimes, commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, takes a forced vacation. While in the country Sam and his butler Willikins investigate a goblin girl's death -- though the law does not consider the murder of goblins a crime. Some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2011.
DB73927
Title: Zoo City
Author: Lauren Beukes
Annotation: Johannesburg. Zinzi is a zoo -- a person who, having killed someone, is bound to a magical companion animal. Her trade is finding lost objects using the power of her sloth, but desperation drives her to take a dangerous missing-persons case. Strong language and descriptions of sex. Arthur C. Clarke Award. 2010.
DB74098
Title: Hounded
Author: Kevin Hearne
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1
Annotation: Centuries-old druid Atticus O'Sullivan, who is frequently mistaken for a college student, leads a content life in Arizona. But his peace is shattered when an ancient enemy decides to take on Atticus, the local pack of werewolves, and the ruling Irish gods. Violence and strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2011. First book in the Iron Druid Chronicles. Followed by "Hexed."
DB74534
Title: All Men of Genius
Author: Lev A. C. Rosen
Annotation: In a steampunk version of Victorian England, Violet Adams disguises herself as her twin brother Ashton to attend Illyria College, a male-only institution. But keeping her gender a secret proves difficult, especially after Violet finds herself attracted to a young duke. Some strong language. 2011.
DB74399
Title: Fuzzy Nation
Author: John Scalzi
Annotation: In this reimagining of H. Beam Piper's 1962 novel "Little Fuzzy", Jack Holloway makes two finds on the planet Zara XXIII: a source of valuable sunstone and a species of possibly sentient fuzzy creatures whose existence could derail mining efforts. Some violence and some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2011.
DB73557
Title: Ghost Story
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: Dresden Files, Book 13
Annotation: Harry Dresden is caught between life and death and must find his assailant to save his friends -- even if he has to do it as a ghost. Violence and some strong language. Bestseller. Thirteenth book in the Dresden Files. Sequel to "Changes." 2011.
DB73642
Title: The Crippled God
Author: Steven Erikson
Series: Malazan Book of the Fallen, Book 10
Annotation: The Forkrul Assail seeks to annihilate humanity. Meanwhile, a mass of refugees stands on the First Shore of the realm of Kurald Galain and three Elder Gods work to free a powerful dragon. Sequel to "Dust of Dreams." Tenth Malazan Book of the Fallen. Violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2011.
DB74240
Title: The Map of Time
Author: Felix J. Palma
Annotation: Victorian London. Andrew Harrington decides to take his life rather than deal with his bleak existence after the loss of his love Marie -- Jack the Ripper's final victim. But when a turn of events gives Andrew the means to travel through time, he tries to save her. Translated from the Spanish by Nick Caistor. 2008.
DB73115
Title: 2030: The Real Story Of What Happens To America
Author: Albert Brooks
Annotation: 2030. After a cure for cancer is found, senior citizens retain most of America's remaining resources, provoking attacks by youthful "resentment gangs." Meanwhile, Matthew Bernstein, the first Jewish U.S. president, needs money to rebuild after L.A.'s earthquake. But the Chinese demand territory in exchange for loans. Some strong language. 2011.
DB75178
Title: Naamah’s Blessing
Author: Jacqueline Carey
Series: Naamah Trilogy, Book 3
Annotation: Moirin and Bao, reunited and married at the end of Naamah's Curse (DB 75091), return to Terre d'Ange to find it in chaos. The heir to the throne is lost in Terra Nova, and Moirin and Bao join the expedition to rescue him. Violence and explicit descriptions of sex. 2011.
DB74786
Title: The Weird: A Compendium Of Strange And Dark Stories
Author: Ann VanderMeer
Annotation: Anthology of 110 tales by H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and others. In Jackson's The Summer People a couple grow increasingly isolated after deciding to stay in their New England vacation cottage past Labor Day. Some violence and some strong language. 2011.
DB74012
Title: Midnight Riot
Author: Ben Aaronovitch
Series: Peter Grant, Book 1
Annotation: After interviewing an unlikely witness -- a ghost -- at a crime scene, probationary constable Peter Grant is reassigned to Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale. Nightingale, who is unpopular within London's Metropolitan Police because he deals with the supernatural and practices magic, takes Grant on as his apprentice. Violence and strong language. Also published as "Rivers of London." First book about Peter Grant, Police Constable and apprentice wizard. Followed by "Moon Over Soho." 2011.
DB74302
Title: The Night Eternal
Author: Guillermo Del Toro
Series: Strain Trilogy, Book 3
Annotation: Two years after the vampire takeover, humans live in continual darkness under the rule of the Master, who breeds and slaughters them for food. Eph works with the ragtag resistance, but his sole motivation remains saving his son Zack. Violence and strong language. 2011. Sequel to "The Fall." Third book in the Strain Trilogy.
DB73979
Title: One of Our Thursdays Is Missing
Author: Jasper Fforde
Series: Thursday Next, Book 6
Annotation: When literary detective Thursday Next goes missing, BookWorld's Council of Genres sends for her doppelganger, the written Thursday Next. Her mission: Take the real Thursday's place in negotiations to settle a border dispute between Racy Novel and Women's Fiction. 2011. Sequel to "First Among Sequels." Sixth Thursday Next novel.
DB75135
Title: The Rift Walker
Author: Clay Griffith
Series: Vampire Empire, Book 2
Annotation: Three months after The Greyfriar (DB 72490), Adele is back in Alexandria trying to avoid marriage to Senator Clark. But when vampire lord Gareth uncovers another plot against Adele, he races to rescue her. Adele must learn to master her powers while on the run with him. Violence. 2011.
LT9804, DB72871
Title: What the Night Knows
Author: Dean Koontz
Annotation: Off-duty homicide detective John Calvino feels compelled to investigate the case of fourteen-year-old Billy Lucas, who brutally murdered his entire family. The murders mirror those of a serial-killing psychopath who slaughtered John's parents and sisters twenty years ago, before fourteen-year-old John shot him dead. Violence and strong language. 2010.
DB74668
Title: Alien in the Family
Author: Gini Koch
Series: Alien Collective, Book 3
Annotation: Kitty Katt is preparing -- though it looks more like procrastinating -- for her upcoming wedding to alien Jeff Martini when emissaries from other planets arrive for the nuptials. But which of them are truly friends? Sequel to "Alien Tango." Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. 2011. Third book in the Alien Collective series.