With so many amazing SFF titles coming out in 2022, there’s much to gush about! And thus, the incredibly difficult struggle to narrow them down into one listicle. However, I do enjoy a good challenge, and I am extremely excited to share my top picks with all of you. I hope that these books spark some excitement in your heart, too!
That being said, here are some of the most exciting sci-fi and fantasy books releasing in 2022.
Adult SFF
How High We Go in the Dark
When archaeologists discover the preserved remains of a girl who died of an ancient virus, a global plague is unleashed.
Set in a post-apocalyptic future but written as literary fiction, How High We Go in the Dark promises to be a thoughtful exploration of the human spirit, especially in the face of catastrophic events.
Release date: January 18, 2022
Light Years from Home
Personally, I think the official hook for Light Years From Home is effectively enticing as it is: "Every family has issues. Most can’t blame them on extraterrestrials."
Mike Chen has shown a knack for adding a relatable, contemporary touch to the otherworldly and futuristic. Grounded in family and relationships, his upcoming novel sounds perfect for fans of quiet, introspective science fiction.
Release date: January 25, 2022
The City of Dusk
When the gods abandon the City of Dusk, four gifted heirs from the noble houses must form a tenuous alliance to prevent their kingdom from falling apart.
From steampunk to reimagined classics, Tara Sim has penned several page-turners in the YA fantasy genre. Her first foray into adult epic fantasy is bound to be just that: totally epic.
Release date: March 22, 2022
Wrath Goddess Sing
In this gloriously refreshing take on the classic Iliad, a young trans Achilles is recruited and trained to defeat the omnipotent Helen and her league of Olympian enablers before the world is drowned in human sacrifices.
Bold, bloody, and ambitious, Wrath Goddess Sing promises a sweeping literary fantasy that will keep readers enthralled and on the edge of their seats.
Release date: June 7, 2022
The Final Strife
Drawing inspiration from African and Arabian cultures, The Final Strife is set in a cutthroat fantasy world where a cruel Empire divides its people into castes constrained by blood.
Told in the perspectives of three different yet similarly ambitious women, this high fantasy debut is one to look out for! Also, I’ve heard that there’s a clever subversion of the chosen one trope.
Release date: June 21, 2022
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance
Steeped in court politics, A Strange and Stubborn Endurance follows a closeted nobleman arranged to marry a foreign princess. However, when his sexuality is revealed, he is offered the option to marry her brother, the prince, instead.
A queer love story involving a political arranged marriage and undeniable sexual tension? Avid readers of fantasy romance are bound to salivate in excitement. (It’s me. I’m salivating.)
Release date: July 26, 2022
Young Adult SFF
The Kindred
Accused of murdering the entire royal family, Felix and his Kindred flee the chaos with a stolen spacecraft and crash on Earth, where their soulmate-like bond is truly tested.
Part romance and part adventure, The Kindred promises a delightfully queer-normative intergalactic romp full of fun, thrills, and feels. A must-have for readers who enjoy the soulmate trope!
Release date: January 4, 2022
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Based on the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, this YA fantasy debut offers a story of magic, immortality, and love. It follows a young girl who is determined to save her mother from the clutches of an angry god.
To me, this sounds like a delightful blend of Mulan and Over the Moon—and I am absolutely here for this romantic fantasy.
Release date: January 11, 2022
The Lost Dreamer
Borrowing inspiration from ancient Mesoamerica, The Lost Dreamer revolves around the lives of two teen girls with the rare gift of seeing beyond reality. When a corrupt king decides to eradicate seers from existence, they must fight for truth and survival.
This upcoming release sounds perfect for readers who love rich worldbuilding and want to see patriarchal systems burn down.
Release date: March 1, 2022
Lakelore
Steeped in magical realism, Lakelore follows two non-binary teens who are pulled into an ethereal world hidden underneath a local lake. To protect the lake’s mystery and their own secrets, they must learn to believe each other again.
Written in McLemore’s signature lyrical prose, this book is set to be a gripping, magical experience.
RELATED: Unmissable Books by Trans and Non-Binary Sci-Fi and Fantasy Authors
Release date: March 8, 2022
The Circus Infinite
Desperate to escape an institution that preys on people with superhuman abilities, Jes starts a new life on Persephone-9, the so-called pleasure moon, until he catches the attention of a ruthless crime boss.
Following an asexual hero trying to find his place in the vast galaxy, The Circus Infinite offers a fun space romp with nonstop partying and part-time crime-fighting. For fans of the found family trope, this book needs to be on your radar.
Release date: March 8, 2022
Dauntless
When young Seri encounters a stranger who can communicate with the vicious beasts she’s sworn to hunt down, she finds herself questioning everything that she’s been taught.
On top of its intriguing premise, Dauntless is a Filipino-inspired fantasy adventure with a sapphic romance. I am eager to have this pretty cover in my hands!
Release date: July 19, 2022
