10 must-read SFF book releases to help you escape from reality this May

Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson. Image Courtesy Penguin Random House
Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson. Image Courtesy Penguin Random House
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Forged in Fire and Stars book cover
Forged in Fire and Stars by Andrea Robertson. Image Courtesy Penguin Random House

Need some help deciding what to read this month? We run down 10 of the best new science fiction and fantasy book releases hitting shelves this May – just when we need them most.

As we enter another month of social distancing and potential lockdowns around the world, one thing has become increasingly clear: It’s time for a good book.

Because, let’s be real: We’re all looking for a little escape these days. The news is horrible, and we don’t know what’s next. If there were every a time to dive into a solid fantasy or science fiction story – the kind with wildly intricate world-building or magic or clearly defined hierarchal structures that a plucky young girl is willing to risk it all to overthrow. (It’s not just me, right?)

This May, there are several new SFF offerings hitting book sellers everywhere that fit the bill.

Unfortunately, however, there aren’t as many as we’d originally expected. The coronavirus pandemic has hit the publishing industry hard, canceling book tours, scrapping conventions and pushing release dates further down the calendar in the hopes that things may get back closer to normal in a few months.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of things worth your reading time – and dollar – this month. Including, of course, one of the most anticipated novels of the year: Suzanne Collins’ long-awaited Hunger Games prequel. It’s on our must-read list, along with a new book rom megapopular author Kiera Cass, the continuation of the Aurora Rising series, and several tantalizing new debuts.

Here are our picks for the most exciting new science fiction and fantasy releases hitting shelves this May. Enjoy – and make sure you let us know what you’re reading!