New Orleans is known for its mystical ways.  Several authors have made it the stomping grounds for their novels.  A new writer has established her urban fantasy in The Crescent City with the first novel in a planned series taking place just as hurricane Katrina hits.  Suzanne Johnson's Royal Street introduces us to a Green Congress mage who goes by DJ.  When the hurricane hits, more than physical structures are broken down -- things are getting loose in the magical world, too.  With her mentor missing, DJ is faced with a new partner and keeping baddies from getting past the barrie

Last year, HBO premiered Game of Thrones, a new television series based on George R. R. Martin’s high fantasy series A Song of Fire and Ice. After a slow start, the show swept the fantasy world, garnering praise from critics and fans alike. This Sunday, Game of Thrones returns with its highly anticipated second season. I, for one, have been counting down for months, excited to see where the series leads. (I know, I know. If I had read the novels in the break between seasons, I wouldn’t be so anxious about what’s in store for the characters I love and loathe.

Whether you’re already an avid Sci-Fi/Fantasy reader or you’re new to the genres, you might consider looking for one of these books that have just come out or are new to our shelves.  What do you recommend?
 

New Science Fiction & Fantasy Reads for Teens

Tor has announced the release date for the final novel in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.  A Memory of Light will release on January 8, 2013.   The series has been completed by acclaimed writer Brandon Sanderson.  Read more at the Tor.com website.

The Tayshas Reading List for 2012 was recently released and there are some great titles this year! The TAYSHAS Reading List promotes recreational reading for teens in 9^th – 12^th grades. Check out some of these great fantasy, horror, and science fiction reads or the entire 2012 Reading List! 

 Anne McCaffrey passed away at the age of 85 on November 21, 2011.  Read her biography here.  I had the honor of meeting her briefly several years ago.  She was a grand dame of Science Fiction and a gutsy lady.  Many of her books are carried by HCPL for any who would like to visit (or revisit) PERN or many of her other wonderful stories. 

Fans of The Mistborn Trilogy, Wheel of Time series, the Stormlight Archive series (book one The Way of Kings), don't miss your chance to meet author Brandon Sanderson who will be at Murder By The Book on November 15 for book signings.  And don't miss out on his latest book set in the Mistborn world three hundred years after the trilogy events, The Alloy of Law.

On September 8, 1966, the first episode of Star Trek aired on NBC.  It ran for three seasons, but from boldly going where no television had gone before, came a franchise that has endured decades.  It also has a healthy collection of books that further explore the lives of the characters from all Star Trek series.  If you're looking for a new adventure, trek on over to the library and pick up a few Star Trek titles.