The science fiction and fantasy books we’re excited for in 2022

polygon.com:

The hope of the new year is the same hope of any science fiction or fantasy novel — please, mighty powers above, get us through this catastrophe in one piece. With the start of “New Normal Year 3,” many of us are looking for an unwritten road map.

Luckily, few heroes conquer evil alone, so it’s totally okay to look to others for inspiration. And yes, I’m talking about books.

2022 promises us pandemic delivery drivers protecting monsters, magical thieves trying to make good while bartending, and powerful women bargaining with ancient magical beings on their own terms. Whether you’re returning to the fantastical worlds you love through highly anticipated sequels (and endings) or discovering something brand new with a fresh take, here are 26 fantasy and science fiction books to watch for in 2022, so far.

Jan. 4, 2022

The Fallen Star, part of Lucasfilm’s High Republic initiative, arrives as a follow-up to 2021’s Star Wars: Light of the Jedi and The Rising Storm. The book is the beginning of the end for Phase 1 of the new batch of storytelling, wrapping up the saga of Jedi and the evil Nihil before the series jumps backward in time. In this title, the High Republic continues to defend against the Nihil marauders and their leader, Marchion Ro. In the threequel, Ro’s planning a bold attack, making use of a terrifying weapon that can wrestle the Force from Jedi.

Jan. 11, 2022

The 16th novel in the magical alternate history Elemental Masters series follows Annie Oakley, sharpshooter and performer, as she tours through Germany with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. When Bill hires a local sharpshooter as a part of the act, Annie learns that she isn’t just a crack shot — she’s a magician. She, her husband Frank, and the German