Brian

Leckie returns to the world of the Imperial Radch, and does something interesting by having "Provenance" take place in a different corner of the galaxy. The events of the Imperial Radch trilogy are mentioned, but are not important to the events of this book. This is almost a coming of age book--or maybe a finding your place story--with a main character who is quite distinct from the A.I. character of the previous books. I recommend it to fans of Leckie's other books, or just someone who's looking for a solid, non-traditional sci-fi story. -Brian

I re-watched Season 1 of Andor to get ready for Season 2. I was struck again by the phenomenal writing, acting, and production design. This is my favorite Star Wars show, and some of my favorite Star Wars period! -Brian

Ted Chiang is a master of writing short stories--usually Sci-Fi or Fantasy leaning--with an eye towards the scientific and academic. His stories stay with you. He often presents an idea, shows you the various sides of it, and then leaves it with you to come to your own conclusion. My favorite in this collection was "Hell is the absence of God." -Brian

After Ultimate Spider-man, I was excited to dive into "The Ultimates," the Avengers group of Earth-6160. Led by Iron Lad, a teenage Tony Stark, the group is framed for a terrorist attack by The Maker's Council and are on the run. Various members are recruited--including Thor, Sif, and Captain America--as we're shown how different this world is to the Marvel Universe we know. The volume ends tragically, and it makes the wait for the continuation even harder! -Brian

One last favorite of 2024! "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is one of the most fun games I've played in a long time. It really makes you feel like the famed archeologist, and it has a story that's better than the last two Indiana Jones films they've released. -Brian

This was my favorite TV series of last year. It has electric performances and sharp direction throughout. I highly recommend it. -Brian

It only took 38 years for Zelda to star in a game in a series named after her, but it was worth the wait. Echoes of Wisdom focuses more on puzzles than combat making it a breath of fresh air. This was easily my favorite game for the Switch this year. -Brian

Alien and its sequel, Aliens, are some of my favorite movies of all time. Other films in the series that came out after have been very hit or miss. This sequel was BIG in the hit category. Taking place between Alien and Aliens, we're introduced to new characters who are running into the Xenomorphs for the first time. The movie is thick with tension and dread. Multiple cool, memorable sequences and likeable characters make this a great addition to the franchise. I think it's my favorite film of 2024! -Brian

I'm a huge fan of Grossman's "Magicians" trilogy, so I was very excited to dive into his new novel. It did not disappoint at all, and it's easily my favorite book of the year. It reimagines Arthurian legend and gives it great emotional heft. It follows the "leftover" knights after Arthur has fallen and fills in their backstories, while bringing a new knight, Collum, into the fold. I highly recommend to readers who enjoy Arthurian legend and those who know nothing about it all. -Brian

What works so well about Gozilla Minus One is that the creators understand that you have to care about the human characters in monster movies. They pull it off in spades too with an incredibly affecting story about grief, guilt, and found family. Also, the special effects are amazing, and they're even more impressive when you learn that the team that made it was tiny. -Brian

Sabetha--the character teased in the first and second book--finally appears. I repeat--SABETHA!!! And she was more than worth the wait. Now I'm caught up with the series and have to wait like a chump for the next installment (if it ever comes out.) -Brian

This book is incredibly hard to describe--it's fantasy, but grounded, also, paradoxical, wildly dreamlike? It's hard to know what's "true" in the book. At first, characters seem dishonest and manipulative, but maybe there's reality in what they're telling us. It's an amazing book, and I do it disservice in trying to tell you about it. I highly recommend it. -Brian

I'm really enjoying this new iteration of Ultimate Spider-man. Peter as an adult, married with kids, figuring out how to be a superhero? Great stuff! Also, the Green Goblin being his pal is a fantastic twist on their dynamic. Make sure you read "Ultimate Invasion" first for all the set-up. -Brian

Another delightful and delightfully weird new classic from Miyazaki! -Brian

I absolutely love the modern reboot trilogy of Planet of the Apes movies that began with "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." It was one of those rare trilogies where the entries kept getting better. I was intrigued when they announced another sequel. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" takes place generations after the events of the previous three movies, and it's just as good: It features amazing special effects and a heartfelt story. I really hope they make more! -Brian

A prequel to possibly the best Sci-Fi Action movie of all time, "Furiosa" is a bloodthirsty masterpiece in itself, while giving its sequel, "Fury Road," greater depth in the process. -Brian

This is the best book I've read all year. It's often brutal and hard to read, but it's an important piece of fiction that's backed-up by a lot of research. -Brian

This throwback to AC games of old had me hooked again--part history lesson, part sneaking simulator, and 100% good time--I loved Mirage. -Brian

This is an amazing end to the science fiction trilogy that is a new classic. I highly recommend it to all sci-fi readers! -Brian

What would you do if you knew the world was ending? That question is answered from multiple viewpoints in Alderman's fantastic near-future novel. It's a surprisingly hopeful novel, and one that I recommend to just about everyone. -Brian

So, I've seen numerous people online say that this book is superior to "The Lies of Locke Lamora" in every way. I don't think I agree, but this is an extremely satisfying sequel. The midway switch up was fantastic as well--another con-caper? How about full-blown pirate adventure! A very fun and clever book. -Brian

I'm officially at the halfway point of this fan favorite series. It still entertains, and I'm always impressed by the scope of the story. If I had to criticize one thing--it's odd how one dude, James Holden, is at the center of so many important things to happen to humanity. Maybe it gets addressed later in the series? Also, the authors love the phrases "a darker darkness" and "companionable silence." -Brian

After Ultimate Invasion got me excited about comics again, I picked up Volume One of "Batman/Superman, World's Finest." Mark Waid is one of my favorite comic book writers, and, in this title, he creates a Silver-Age world with a modern sensibility. It's just fun. Dan Mora does an amazing job with the art. This is a title that I can easily recommend to any comic book fan. -Brian

Before reading this, I'd been on a break from reading comic books for roughly a year and a half. It was for no real reason other than there not being anything that caught my interest. Ultimate Invasion definitely caught my interest. Short version--an alternative version of Reed Richards--Mister Fantastic--calling himself "The Maker" escapes from the regular Marvel Universe into a different one and stops a wide variety of superheroes from gaining their powers. He then controls that world--with the help of other super powered folk--until the past and future catch up with him. This volume is wild--incredible world building and art--and it got me very excited for this new Ultimate Universe. -Brian

I really enjoy playing chess with my son, but, honestly, I only know the basics. I picked up this book to help me improve and expand my understanding of the game. The book has a nice, attractive design and everything is laid out and easy to understand. -Brian

So, after watching this movie for the third time the other night, I decided that I should do a "Staff Picks" entry for it. Is it the best TMNT movie ever? Easily, and I grew up absolutely loving the 90s live-action versions. This movie has humor and heart in spades. The animation style is rough, chaotic, and perfect for the material. For me, this ranks up with the best of animated movies. -Brian

Join us for ICPL's Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club! We will meet via Zoom to discuss "Every Heart a Doorway" by Seanan McGuire. Feel free to join us, whether or not you've finished the book! Register here to reserve your spot for the discussion. Our video chat will take place via Zoom, and you’ll receive an email with login details before the meeting: https://www.icpl.org/events/53543/sci-fifantasy-book-club-every-heart-doorway-seanan-mcguire -Brian

Here's another book that has been on my TBR pile for literal years, and there's a good reason for that: It's amazing, but it's also a part of painful trinity of fantasy authors who haven't (and may never) deliver the rest of their series (the other members of this group are Patrick Rothfuss and George R. R. Martin.) Scott Lynch's "The Lies of Locke Lamora" begins his Gentleman Bastard series. Think of it as Ocean's 11 set in a fantasy world. If that sounds interesting, then you'll love this. Just know what you're getting yourself into--a story that may never have an ending! -Brian

Murderbot is back and it feels so good! Wells never disappoints, and any time with my favorite, anti-social Security Unit is happy time for me. -Brian

I'm continually impressed by the authors' ability to draw me in with new characters to this sprawling tale. It makes sense that this is a standout, fan favorite series! -Brian

I was very excited when I saw the first trailer for this, but the fair to middling reviews tempered my enthusiasm. I think I went in with just the right expectations, because I thoroughly enjoyed "The Creator." It is gorgeously designed and executed Sci-Fi film with fantastic performances throughout. I definitely recommend it if Sci-Fi is your jam. -Brian

I am a sucker for Sci-Fi action movies of the 80s including Predator. Prey is the perfect example of how to do a prequel--it's an awesome movie with inventive action and visuals that stands on its own, but also has cool callbacks and references to the original films. -Brian

This is an incredibly intelligent slow burn, Sci-Fi thriller with interesting and complicated characters. It's going to stick with me for a long time, and I'm definitely going to read everything that Nayler writes in the future. -Brian

Breq's story continues as she tries to make up for her sins the only way she knows how. The book also explores the destruction and assimilation of cultures during the creation of empires, and the personhood of AI. I'll say this again--I can't believe that I slept on these books for so long. If you are a Sci-Fi fan, this is a must read. -Brian

Join is for our Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club discussion of this book on Thursday, September 14: https://www.icpl.org/events/49631/sci-fifantasy-book-club-scourge-between-stars-ness-brown -Brian

Goodness, do I love Thrawn! Just give me more Thrawn books, okay? I swear, if they mess him up in his live action debut in Ahsoka, I am going to be one sad panda! -Brian