Book List

Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2019

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

EARLY RISER

by Jasper Fforde

Whip-smart, tremendous fun, and an utter delight from start to finish. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

A BOY AND HIS DOG AT THE END OF THE WORLD

by C.A. Fletcher

This un-put-down-able story has everything—a well-imagined post-apocalyptic world, great characters, incredible suspense,... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

FICTION

BLACK LEOPARD, RED WOLF

by Marlon James

If this first volume is any indication, James’ trilogy could become one of the most talked-about and influential adventure... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

STEEL CROW SAGA

by Paul Krueger

As tasty as the mushroom adobo that appears in the book both as food and metaphor. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

THE RUIN OF KINGS

by Jenn Lyons

Epic fantasy fans looking for a virtually un-put-down-able read should look no further. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

MIDDLEGAME

by Seanan McGuire

Satisfying on all levels of the reading experience: thrilling, emotionally resonant, and cerebral. Escape to Witch Mountain... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

FALL; OR, DODGE IN HELL

by Neal Stephenson

An audacious epic with more than enough heart to fill its many, many pages. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

THE IRON DRAGON'S MOTHER

by Michael Swanwick

Discworld meets Faust. They do not like each other. Philip Pullman picks up the pieces. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

THE LESSON

by Cadwell Turnbull

A persuasively—almost musically—worded meditation on colonialism and whether it’s really possible to return home again. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

WANDERERS

by Chuck Wendig

Wendig is clearly wrestling with some of the demons of our time, resulting in a story that is ambitious, bold, and worthy of... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 287 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children's, and YA books; also in this issue: the 100 best Indie books of the year; interviews with some of our favorite Indie authors; and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview