12 must-read science fiction and fantasy book releases for a magical July

It’s officially July (Somehow? After a year of time basically not moving at all, 2021 is suddenly flying by!) which means that temperatures are heating up and we’re all looking for activities that don’t require us to move too much. Whether that means staying inside air-conditioned comfort on the sofa with a good book or flipping pages poolside, it’s the perfect time of year for getting lost in a good book.

And like basically every other month of this year, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to new titles. Somehow, we’re still all catching up after the pandemic-driven publishing delays of 2020, which means that exciting debuts, new releases, and highly anticipated sequels are basically landing in our laps every week.

This July brings us a new book from Elizabeth Lim, author of the buzzy “Blood of Stars” duology,” as well as the start of a new series from fantasy queen Jennifer Estep. The conclusion to Sarah Henning’s Kingdoms of Sand and Sky series (and Princess Bridge homage) arrives this month, as well as contemporary romance author Lexi Ryan’s YA fantasy debut, and a horror story from Grady Hendrix (otherwise known as the guy who wrote The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires you all read in your book club last year.

Here are 12 July science fiction and fantasy releases that are worth your time.

From a feminist Arthurian retelling to a fantasy reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty and a gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast retelling, there are tons of exciting stories coming to perk up our summer.

Here are 12 of our picks for must-read science fiction and fantasy titles coming to a book store near you this July.