Fans of everything science fiction are in for some great book releases this month, from time travel novels to stories of futuristic adventures in space, there is sure to be something to suit all tastes. The following is a selection of just some of the great books hitting the shelves in August.
August 2011 Science Fiction Releases
Cowboys and Aliens by Joan D. Vinge. With all the hype of the movie coming out this year, the novelization of Cowboys and Aliens will be much welcomed by those who prefer to read a story rather than watch it on the big screen. The story tells of a stranger who has lost his memory who turns up in the desert town of Absolution. The only piece of evidence as to his identity is the shackle on his wrist and the locals aren't entirely friendly to non-locals. If the trailers are anything to go by, this book will be a highly entertaining mix of western and extra-terrestrial. Release date 2nd August.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. This novel is set in the year 2044, with protagonist Wade Watts escaping the grim surroundings of humanity by plugging into OASIS, a virtual world where you can be anything you want to be with ten thousand planets to choose from. A lottery ticket hidden in OASIS is what Wade and the rest of humanity ultimately dream of finding. Release date 16th August.
Agatha H. and the Airship City by Phil and Kaja Foglio. This novel falls more into the steampunk fantasy genre, however it is worth mentioning here as it is set in a world that is reminiscent of the Victorian era but with super science technology. The story follows student lab assistant Agatha Clay who is constantly undermined by her workmates due to her gender, youth and inventions that tend to explode. But nobody knows that Agatha is a Spark, this means she has the talent and skill to become a powerful tyrant in her world. Release date 2nd August.
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore. A book of the successful I am Number Four Lorien Legacies series, here we follow the story of number seven. One, two and three are dead, six remain alive as they try to hide and blend in with humanity, four escaped capture in Ohio. The chase continues in this installment of the teen science fiction series. Release date 23rd August.
The Recollection by Gareth L. Powell. Failed artist Ed Rico, alongside his sister in law Alice, sets out on a mission to find his missing brother. The two put aside their differences to travel through the arches to the future where they experience new and terrifying alien worlds. Release date 30th August.
Vinge, D. Joan. Cowboys and Aliens. Tor, 2011.
Cline, Ernest. Ready Player One. Century, 2011.
Foglio, Phil and Foglio Kaja. Agatha H. and the Airship City. Night Shade Books, 2011.
Lore, Pittacus. The Power of Six. Michael Joseph, 2011.
Powell. L, Gareth. The Recollection. Solaris, 2011.
Lorraine McInerney - Lorraine McInerney is currently working as a freelance writer and editor. She studied Arts for four years and has a BA in English and ...
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