Subtext Books Science Fiction and Fantasy

The Fifth Season

“The Fifth Season is an amazing, dark, and gripping work that will hook you from the first sentence. I cannot express to you how much this book stunned me. Robin's narration is well paced and engaging. While I wish this was a book for everyone to listen to, it isn't; destruction, trauma, and rage follow the women and girls who tell their stories. This book is about the end of the world, that you actually don't want to stop reading.”

Jessica, Once Upon A Time

The City of Brass

“S.A. Chakraborty introduces a fantasy set in the Middle East that thrusts us into the magical world of Daevabad. The City of Brass follows, in parallel, Nahri, a con artist and naturally gifted healer, and Ali, prince of Daevabad and fiercely trained soldier. Nahri and Ali find themselves learning new lessons on how to survive changing environments and difficult challenges, while trying to figure out the complexities of their lives. I found myself turning page after page, following Nahri's and Ali's story while deciphering the fantastic terminology and the world that is Daevabad. The City of Brass is a wonderfully written, mystical adventure that keeps you guessing about what will happen next.”

Barry Nelipowitz, Literati Bookstore

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

“This gripping, diverse novel, set well after Earth's residents have scattered to Mars, other planets, and itinerant spacecraft, is as scientifically and sociopolitically plausible as any science fiction I've ever read or listened to. The characters, from a variety of alien species along with AI, have wide-ranging journeys that speak to our current reality and to issues of immigration, xenophobia, colonization, economic class, technological advancement, environmentalism, and more. The members of one species are all born female and becomes male later on, of another all use "they" pronouns, and of another are free with their touch and affection and find amusement in human hangups about touch. In the midst of all this complex representation emerges a story that stands alone as cohesive, meaningful, and powerful.”

Emily, A Seat at the Table Books

If you enjoyed Uprooted, then you’ll love The Bear and the Nightingale.

“These two books have a very similar feel! I will often hear that one reminded someone of the other, and both are fantastic worlds with strong female leads.”

Kate, Ballast Book Co.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

2018 Odyssey Honor 
2018 ALSC Notable Children’s Recording
The Washington Post Best Audiobook of 2017
Slate Best Audiobook of 2017
Booklist Editor’s Choice Audio for Youth
AudioFile Best YA Audiobooks of 2017

"Too few things in our world are worth a seventeen year wait: The Book of Dust is one of them." —The... Read more »

Winner of the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award for Best Novella!

Her name is Binti, and she is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the finest institution of higher learning in the galaxy. But to accept the offer will mean giving up her place in her family to travel between the stars among strangers who do... Read more »

The Lost Queen

“The prose, imagery, and clever writing make for a profound and vivid story. Truly, you experience this book more than read it. The history and legends spring to life so forcefully you will feel as if you've become part of the story. I was so enthralled with this story that I read it in two sittings; I just could not get enough of Languoreth's story. She is the type of woman you admire. If you're looking for a book to just get lost in, this is the book for you! ”

Katrina, Anderson's Bookshop

If you enjoyed Everything for Everyone, then you’ll love The City We Became.

“This beautiful whirlwind of a New York City story is made significantly more interesting by the audiobook narrator's pitch-perfect impression of each borough's accent.”

Raquel, Bluestockings Cooperative

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

“I read The Ten Thousand Doors of January with my eyes and my ears... both were literary nirvana experiences. Alix E. Harrow's tale of a young girl who finds a mysterious book that tells of doors that lead to fantastical worlds reminded me of what story telling is all about. I was transported to the early 1900's and the life of January Scaller, a ward of wealthy Mr. Locke. Locke employs January's father to explore for fine artifacts that he collects. As January's father goes missing, she realizes that she has the power to write her own destiny. Is she brave enough to do it? In my opinion this book will appeal to both adult and young adult audiences. It speaks of love across time and place, mystery & intrigue, fantastical adventures, race and class. I am forever a fan of narrator January LaVoy. She made Alix E. Harrow's beautifully crafted story telling come alive! ”

Jessica, Main Street Books Davidson