AN IMPOSSIBLY OLD ALIEN artifact discovered on a hardscrabble mining planet threatened by space bandits. Intriguing far-future science fiction, a bit rough around the edges. SOLID B

THE MINES OF SIRRIA-FIVE
Austin Macauley
2020

A FIELD-HOCKEY TEAM’S SECRET pact changes all of their lives. Witty, extravagant, warm-hearted book about growing up in late-1980s Massachusetts is an incandescent read. A MINUS

WE RIDE UPON STICKS
Pantheon
2020

A KURDISH WOMAN’S JOURNEY through ethnic and gender oppression to becoming an advocate for her people. Thoughtful novel portrays a complex historical and political crisis through memorable characters. B PLUS

DAUGHTERS OF SMOKE AND FIRE
The Overlook Press
2020

A DYING TOWN MESMERIZED by a preacher, a young girl looking for her mother, a house that’s a haven from the desert: lovely, dreamlike story both parable and brilliantly unique. B PLUS

GODSHOT
Catapult
2020

GRAPPLING WITH A PAST shaped by both privilege and deep loss, a writer reinvents herself in her home state of California. Poignant, insightful memoir. B PLUS

STRAY
Knopf
2020

A TROPHY WIFE’S REVENGE goes in some unexpected directions. Sleek Swedish high-society thriller is a polished page-turner. Perfect beach book. B PLUS

THE GOLDEN CAGE
Knopf
2020

A ROGUE TIME MACHINE fractures the universe into infinite dimensions, and only a circus strongwoman and a D&D-loving baker can set it right. Witty, smart, lots of action! B PLUS

SO YOU HAD TO BUILD A TIME MACHINE
CamCat Books
2020

TAUT ICELANDIC THRILLER focuses on a new government minister caught in a complex web of corruption and intrigue. A wild rollercoaster, yet deeply nuanced. B PLUS

BETRAYAL
Simon & Schuster
2020

FOUR GENERATIONS OF CHEROKEE women make their way through lives of hardship and struggle, leavened with a love for each other and their land. A MINUS

CROOKED HALLELUJAH
Grove Press
2020

MARS STATION ATTACKED by a mysterious, deadly parasite, and the closest Orbital Corps crew is sent in unaware of the terrifying battle they face. Sharp alt-future space thriller with lots of action! B PLUS

HELL ON MARS (REALITY BLEED BOOK 1)
Winter Gate Publishing
2020