16 blockbuster September science fiction and fantasy releases to kick off Fall
By Lacy Baugher
September 2021 release: Steelstriker – Marie Lu
The highly anticipated conclusion to Marie Lu’s Skyhunter duology, Steelstriker picks up about six months after the conclusion of the first novel. Unlike its predecessor, the story is told from two points of view, adding in Red’s voice and exploring more of his background as the two fight to find a way back to one another and toward a better future.
With Mara fallen, her friends scattered, her mother held captive, and Talin now forced to serve as the Premier’s Skyhunter to keep her safe, things are looking pretty grim. But when she learns of a growing rebellion against the Federation, she’ll risk everything to help them, even as Red struggles to find his way back to her.
A story of the horrors of violence and war set alongside the scope of humanity’s boundless ability to help and heal each other, Steelstriker promises a nonstop, action-packed conclusion.
The official synopsis describes the story as follows.
"As a Striker, Talin was taught loyalty is life. Loyalty to the Shield who watches your back, to the Strikers who risk their lives on the battlefield, and most of all, to Mara, which was once the last nation free from the Karensa Federation’s tyranny. But Mara has fallen. And its destruction has unleashed Talin’s worst nightmare. With her friends scattered by combat and her mother held captive by the Premier, Talin is forced to betray her fellow Strikers and her adopted homeland. She has no choice but to become the Federation’s most deadly war machine as their newest Skyhunter. Red is no stranger to the cruelty of the Federation or the torture within its Skyhunter labs, but he knows this isn’t the end for Mara – or Talin. The link between them may be weak, but it could be Talin and Red’s only hope to salvage their past and safeguard their future."
Steelstriker is available on September 28.