11 new science fiction and fantasy books to check out in early June

Anderson is probably best known for his Dune and Star Wars novels, but with Spine of the Dragon, he kicks off a new epic fantasy series. Kirkus Reviews says it’s a read that sticks the landing for a series, “a final book that stays true to the spirit of the whole, sending readers out of Shaftal on a high note.”The Ragged Blade by Christopher RuzIn the aftermath of a magical war, Richard is a soldier who realizes that he’s been fighting for the wrong side and that the magician he serves has done terrible things. Kirkus Reviews gave the book a starred review, saying that it’s “an audacious epic with more than enough heart to fill its many, many pages.”The Fire Opal Mechanism by Fran WildeFran Wilde’s latest book is a standalone sequel to her 2016 novella, The Jewel and Her Lapidary, about a kingdom protected by the Jewels and Lapidaries, people who are bound to powerful, magical gemstones. Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review, saying that “Crouch effortlessly integrates sophisticated philosophical concepts—such as the relationship of human perceptions of what is real to actual reality—into a complex and engrossing plot.”We could see an adaptation of the book at some point: Netflix, along with Shonda Rhimes and Matt Reeves, is developing the book as a feature film and as a television series. This book is part of a new initiative between Disney’s various publishing arms; it ties in with a comic book series that launched in April, which is called TIE Fighter and follows the adventures of Shadow Wing. Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review, saying that “Hoffmann confidently layers morality and disability rights into a breezily told adventure that bursts with sheer fun.”Velocity Weapon by Megan E.