These four out-of-this-world science fiction and fantasy novels are perfect for book clubs.

Kacen Callender's Queen of the Conquered tells the story of Sigourney Rose, whose family was killed when her native islands—and many of their inhabitants —were colonized by the Fjern. As the king of the islands prepares to select a successor, Sigourney focuses on avenging her family. Using her psychic gifts, she fights to survive in an atmosphere of suspicion and political intrigue. The first volume in the Islands of Blood and Storm duology, Callender's novel is a fast-paced, epic tale that examines political oppression and the nature of power. 

In Unconquerable Sun, Kate Elliott introduces readers to Princess Sun, daughter of the daunting queen-marshal Eirene and next in line to lead the Republic of Chaonia. As she comes into her own as a leader, Sun is targeted by foes who want her out of the way. Inspired by the life of Alexander the Great, Elliott spins a suspenseful, imaginative sci-fi story with an unforgettable heroine at its center. With themes of gender, identity and loyalty woven throughout, this first installment of the Sun Chronicles has much to offer reading groups.

Inspired by a song from the rap group clipping., Rivers Solomon's The Deep focuses on Yetu and her people, the wajinru, who are descended from pregnant African women who were cast overboard by slave traders while at sea. The wajinru live beneath the sea, and Yetu serves as their memory-keeper, recalling a tragic past that her sacrifice allows the rest of her people to forget. When the memories overwhelm Yetu, she heads to the surface—a decision that has fateful repercussions. Solomon explores individual agency and collective trauma in this beautifully rendered fantasy. 

In Arkady Martine's A Memory Called Empire, Mahit Dzmare, ambassador to the Teixcalaanli Empire, finds herself embroiled in a political plot after her predecessor dies. As she sets out to learn the truth behind the previous ambassador's death, Mahit grapples with the customs of the Empire and faces a mystery that could bring about the complete destruction of her home space station. The first book in the Teixcalaan series, Martine's novel immerses readers in a fantastical world of conspiracy and intergalactic exploits. Cultural differences and the importance of home provide a rich thematic underpinning, making this an excellent pick for book clubs.

Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives at the City, center of the multisystem Teixcalaanli Empire, rushed, because her predecessor has been out of contact. Those in Mahit's position are set up with imago machines: tiny chips imbedded in their nervous systems that contain the memories and responses of the previous incumbents. However, Mahit's imago of the former ambassador is more than a decade old, and what's worse, the ambassador is now dead and her connection to even that outdated version disappears. Now floundering in an alien culture with only her studies and an assigned assistant to guide her, Mahit must discover the truth behind her colleague's death and the secrets of the last years of his life, as well as attempt to save her independent station from being absorbed by the Teixcalaan. VERDICT Politics and personalities blend with an immersive setting and beautiful prose in a debut that weaves threads of identity, assimilation, technology, and culture to offer an exceedingly well-done sf political thriller.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Debut novelist Martine sets a careful course in this gorgeously crafted diplomatic space opera that strands its protagonist amid imperial politics and murder. Mahit Dzmare, summoned from tiny Lsel Station to replace the previous ambassador to the Teixcalaanli Empire, Yskandr, must negotiate both for Yskandr's corpse and for the safety of her home world, an object of Imperial annexation. Her fluency in Teixcalaanli language and culture ("for a barbarian") helps her decode the messages hidden in their poetry, even as it inclines her to the same starry-eyed admiration and involvement with the Imperial court that overcame her predecessor. Her secret implant of Yskandr's memories should be aiding her, but it is 15 years out of date and, apparently, sabotaged. Mahit instead relies on her need to establish an identity of her own while juggling an aging Emperor's desire for technological immortality and a threatened military uprising to his rule. The Teixcalaanli culture comes so fully to life that the glossary in the back of the book is unnecessary. Martine allows the backstory to unroll slowly, much as Mahit struggles with her intermittent memories, walking delicately upon the tightrope of intrigue and partisan battles in the streets to safely bring the tale to a poignantly true conclusion. Readers will eagerly await the planned sequels to this impressive debut. Agent: DongWon Song, Howard Morhaim Literary. (Mar.)

The Lsel Ambassador, Mahit Dzmare, arrives for her first assignment to Teixcalaan, only to discover that her predecessor is dead and the technology used on Lsel that could allow her to communicate with him is not working. It doesn't take her long to figure out that sabotage and murder are likely involved. With the help of her Teixcalaan Guide, Three Seagrass; some newfound allies; and her own abilities, Mahit navigates a political minefield. Revolution from within the Empire begins even as a new threat looms over her home of Lsel. Mahit must protect her home at all costs, in this complex world in which poetry is the language of history, culture, and communication. This is a complicated and dense space opera that may take teens some time to get into. But mature lovers of science fiction who are ready to make the jump from Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, or Andre Norton have much to enjoy here. VERDICT For avid sci-fi fans.—Connie Williams, Petaluma Public Library, CA