Unraveller by Frances Hardinge. A cunningly told story about a strange land, with wild and weird magic, and organic responses to the dangerous and threatening magic. Kellen can unravel curses, while those who curse are feared and often wind up imprisoned for their own good. Friendship and balance wind up being critical – but not as straightforwardly as a “book for young adults” would lead you to expect.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. This was a reread, but it’d been long enough that many elements were familiar – but I only really anticipated the broad strokes of each of the three main POV stories. Kaladin’s story forms the backbone, but Shallan and Brightlord Dalinar Kholin have great stories in very different social strata. The minor characters around each (Dalinar’s sons, Shallan and Jasnah, and the members of each of Kaladin’s bands) are all brightly sketched and wonderfully revealed.
Breach of Containment by Elizabeth Bonesteel. The third book in the series; the stakes continue to spiral ever higher. Some new characters advance into focus, and the status quo continues to erode. Elena crosses back from PSI and gets sucked into a deep plot. Greg’s ship and crew change as they’re asked to do more and more, while the universe drifts out of control.
Alone with You in the Ether by Olive Blake. A compelling story of developing friendship, that drifts and grows into romance. A thorough look into two very charming and beyond quirky leads, delving into how people tick, solving abstract problems, math, and art. Fascinating and different.
A City on Mars by Kelly & Zach Weinersmith. This is non-fiction, but with humor and a light touch. It investigates the idea of space settlements, with wide detours into related elements – like antarctic bases, the laws of the deep sea, and the treaties covering outer space. They have a firm viewpoint (mostly that current enthusiasts skip over a lot of missing knowledge and legal constraints), but present all sides without stacking the deck obnoxiously.
Wild Oats & Fireweed by Ursula LeGuin
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
Serpent Bride by Sara Douglas
Twisted Citadel by Sara Douglas