News in sci-fi this week: 6 New books, a science fiction convention and a brand-new series in the latest in Sci-Fi news
Alien invaders, strange pirates and Dragon Con. These are some of the most exciting things happening in sci-fi this week: 27 August–2 September 2023. From new books from Karen Lord to Derek Künsken and Tao Wong to new series and a super-special convention in Georgia.
Sci-Fi News: 8 Things Happening in Sci-Fi this Week
Sci-Fi Tuesday 29 August
The Blue, Beautiful World
Karen Lord, 29 August 2023
As the world undergoes profound changes due to climate crisis, humanity becomes the focus of alien civilizations observing Earth. Visionaries like Peter Hendrix, Charyssa, and Kanoa strive to prepare mankind for first contact. Among them is Owen, a pop megastar with an extraordinary ability to connect with people. But as his power becomes uncontrollable, the question arises: Will Owen’s unique gift lead to liberation or result in a terrifying dictatorship? We find out in Karen Lord’s The Blue, Beautiful World.

Genres Science Fiction, Space Opera
Author Karen Lord Home Barbados, West Indies
Publisher Del Rey Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
Guardian Of Torment
Michelle Manus, 29 August 2023
This book concludes the Nyx Fortuna four-part series. After dismantling the magic blocking her memories, Nyx finds her mind fractured, slipping through different points in her past. Just as she uncovers a lead on the Kumir assassins, her unstable mental state hinders her from joining her friends on a crucial mission. When a memory malfunction and portal magic mishap occur, Nyx is trapped in an alien metropolis, fighting for survival with her erratic memory as her only guide in Michelle Manus’s Guardian of Torment.

Genres Fantasy, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy
Author Michelle Manus Home Tempe, Arizona, US
Publisher Variant Publications Buy it e-Book
The House Of Saints
Derek Künsken, 29 August 2023
Book 2 in Derek Künsken’s Venus Ascendant series. The House of Saints sees George-Étienne and his children forming The House of Styx to protect the mysterious artefact they’d found on Venus. Protect it from every power-hungry bank, government and organisation on old Earth, as much as from the murderous planet itself in Derek Künsken’s The House of Saints.

Genres Science Fiction, Space Opera
Author Derek Künsken Home Québec, Canada
Publisher Solaris | Buy it
Sci-Fi Thursday 31 August
The Landing
Mary Gentle, 31 August 2023
Aeris Warren-Finch, NASA’s Acting Director, finds herself stranded within an alien dome after multiple unidentified objects change trajectory and land across the planet. With the company of her great-grandmother, an imam, the President, and a bodyguard, they embark on a search for safety and a way back home. As they navigate unfamiliar landscapes, they face dwindling resources and the challenge of determining the correct path amidst the strange and ever-changing geographies in Mary Gentle’s The Landing.

Genres Science Fiction, Fantasy
Author Mary Gentle Home Barbados, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Publisher Gollancz Buy it e-Book
One Piece (Live-Action)
Netflix, 31 August 2023
One of the longest-running animations ever makes the voyage into live-action. Set in a world of fantasy and high-seas excitement, the series centres around bands of pirates hunting for the legendary treasure of the Pirate King. The young Monkey D. Luffy, a strange boy with the power of stretching limbs, sets off for this quest with an unlikely ship crew. Based on both the long-running manga and anime series, this pirate adventure stars Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, and Emily Rudd, bring to life the legend of One Piece.
Watch: One Piece Trailer
Genres Action, Adventure, Comedy
Streaming Netflix | Watch it
Dragon Con
Atlanta, Georgia, US, 31 August–4 September 2023
Meet the many geek icons like Phil LaMarr (Samurai Jack, Futurama), Maurice LaMarche (Pinky & The Brain), Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings), Adam Savage (Mythbusters), George Takei (Star Trek), Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who), Garrett Wang (Star Trek: Voyager), and so many other talented people. Enjoy the abundance of insightful panels as well as the allure of the art gallery. Browse the best geeky finds in the dealer’s room and take part in the joyous parade of cosplayers. For those who enjoy big cons with plenty of people to meet and so much to do, you won’t want to miss Dragon Con.
Watch: Dragon Con Experience
Dates 31 August–4 September 2023 Location Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Georgia, US Prices $175–$4500 | Get tickets
Sci-Fi Friday 1 September
Wolf In The Void
Tom Elliot, 1 September 2023
Book five in the six-part series; The Grande Game. Michael, once a lone player in the shadows of the Game, has now stepped into the forefront, setting himself on a collision course with the formidable Powers. But adversaries abound, some confronting him openly, others lurking in the wings. As House Wolf’s destiny hangs in the balance, Michael navigates a treacherous dance between power and secrecy, aiming to evade the Powers’ wrath while protecting his aspirations in Wolf in the Void.

Genres Fantasy, LitRPG, Werewolf
Author Tom Elliot
Publisher Blooming Bull Buy it e-Book
The Third Cut
Tao Wong, 1 September 2023
The Third Cut is the ninth instalment in the xianxia cultivation series, A Thousand Li. Wu Ying embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the source of corruption emanating from the southern kingdom of Nanyue. Within this corruption, spirit stones have been tainted with twisted daos, threatening to engulf the world. Guided by the wind of heaven, Wu Ying journeys through the enigmatic kingdom, facing formidable daos and grave dangers. With the support of both familiar and newfound companions, he strives to halt the corruption’s advance before it becomes irreversible in The Third Cut.

Genres Fantasy, LitRPG, Asian Myth & Legend
Author Tao Wong Home Toronto, Canada
Publisher Starlit Publishing Buy it e-Book | Print | Audio
About #ScifiThisWeek
Every week, we compile a list of the best in sci-fi news through the latest new releases in books, movies and events, plus awesome LARP games and events along with the coolest sci-fi conventions happening around the world in sci-fi this week. Find your weekly list by searching #ScifiThisWeek by #scifixfantasy.
Note: I try my best to get every bit of info I can on these news pieces on sci-fi this week, and will keep updating this page all the time. If you know of a book, author, show, channel or event that should be on this list, let me know at elvorne@scifixfantasy.com and I’ll make it happen.
About ScifiXFantasy
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There’s a bit to explore already, and more coming soon. Enjoy!
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The droids you’re looking for? Meet William Shatner, Hayden Christensen, Michael J Fox, Andy Serkis, the Guardians of the Galaxy and so many more at these sci-fi conventions in August.
