21 magical science fiction and fantasy books to read in summer 2021

Summer 2021 release: Forestborn – Elayne Audrey Becker

Described as a lush, sophisticated quest story perfect for fans of The Hazel Wood and Wicked Saints, Elayne Audrey Becker’s Forestborn is the story of a young, orphaned shapeshifter who, in a world that fears magic, must risk everything in the hopes of saving her only friend and the entire kingdom.

In a world where magic takes no sides, Rora must set off on an epic quest to face her past with her brother and the obstinate, older prince who insists on coming along. Her best friend Finley is deathly ill from a magical illness afflicting her kingdom and only stardust, the rarest of elements, can heal him. Unfortunately, it’s only found in the dark wood where Rora grew up – and to which she’s promised never to return.

The official synopsis describes the story in more detail.

"Rora is a shifter, as magical as all those born in the wilderness–and as feared. She uses her abilities to spy for the king, traveling under different guises and listening for signs of trouble. When a magical illness surfaces across the kingdom, Rora uncovers a devastating truth: Finley, the young prince and her best friend, has caught it, too. His only hope is stardust, the rarest of magical elements, found deep in the wilderness where Rora grew up–and to which she swore never to return. But for her only friend, Rora will face her past and brave the dark, magical wood, journeying with her brother and the obstinate, older prince who insists on coming. Together, they must survive sentient forests and creatures unknown, battling an ever-changing landscape while escaping human pursuers who want them dead. With illness gripping the kingdom and war on the horizon, Finley’s is not the only life that hangs in the balance."

Forestborn is available on August 31.

What are you planning to add to your must-read list this summer? Let us know in the comments.