21 magical science fiction and fantasy books to read in summer 2021
By Lacy Baugher
Summer 2021 release: Girls at the Edge of the World – Laura Brooke Robson
Set in a world on the edge of an apocryphal flood, this heart-stoppingly romantic fantasy debut is perfect for fans of Rachel Hartman, Rae Carson, and Claire Legrand.
Girls at the Edge of the World is set in the kingdom of Kostrov, which is facing the threat of an imminent Biblical-style flood. But with little time to prepare and scarce resources, the royal family has only made a few arks and the majority of the population will likely not be able to save themselves. That includes the court’s Royal Flyers, a group of favored aerial silk performers, who will be left behind when the waters rise.
The story follows two of these performers: Their leader, who is willing to do anything to get her fellow performers (the only family she’s ever known) guaranteed spots on one of those ships – even if that means turning herself into the sort of woman that Prince Nikolai might marry – and the newest member of the troupe, who is secretly trying to assassinate the prince.
You know, just your standard girl meets girl story. Will either of them manage to survive the end of the world? And what will they have to sacrifice in order to do so?
The official synopsis describes the story as follows.
"In a world bound for an epic flood, only a chosen few are guaranteed safe passage into the new world once the waters recede. The Kostrovian royal court will be saved, of course, along with their guards. But the fate of the court’s Royal Flyers, a lauded fleet of aerial silk performers, is less certain. Hell-bent on survival, Principal Flyer, Natasha Koskinen, will do anything to save the Flyers, who are the only family she’s ever known. Even if “anything” means molding herself into the type of girl who could be courted by Prince Nikolai. But unbeknownst to Natasha, her newest recruit, Ella Neves, is driven less by her desire to survive the floods than her thirst for revenge. And Ella’s mission could put everything Natasha has worked for in peril. As the oceans rise, so too does an undeniable spark between the two flyers. With the end of the world looming, and dark secrets about the Kostrovian court coming to light, Ella and Natasha can either give in to despair . . . or find a new reason to live."
Girls at the Edge of the World is available on June 8.