Cassandra Clare, The Mortal Instruments, Book One: City of Bones (Simon & Schuster/McElderry Apr 2007)

A young woman witnesses an impossible murder and becomes involved in a supernatural war in this smart young-adult urban dark fantasy, the first volume in the Mortal Instruments trilogy. The first professionally published novel from a well-known fan-fic writer (as Cassandra Claire).

Peter Crowther, The Spaces Between the Lines (Subterranean Press Mar 2007)

Award-winning author/editor Crowther presents 12 of his own weird stories from the last 12 years, discussing the inspiration for each in his afterword.

Carol Emshwiller, The Secret City (Tachyon Publications Mar 2007)

Alien tourists stranded on Earth have built their own hidden city, but their Earth-born children are becoming assimilated into the human world. An evocative novel of the search for belonging -- on any world.

Diana Wynne Jones, The Game (Firebird Mar 2007)

The younger members of a family play a forbidden game that takes them in and out of worlds of myth in this striking young-adult fantasy novella published in honor of Firebird’s fifth anniversary.

Ellen Klages, Portable Childhoods (Tachyon Publications Apr 2007)

The first collection from one of SF’s more colorful characters, this features 16 stories, three new. ‘‘Klages isn’t really an SF writer at all, but she writes about things SF readers like to read about -- such as bright kids and misappropriated childhoods ....and she does it brilliantly.’’ [Gary K. Wolfe]

Justine Larbalestier, Magic's Child (Penguin/Razorbill Mar 2007)

The final book in the trilogy begun in Magic or Madness brings the series to a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion. Reason faces horrible choices: she’s 15, pregnant, has more of her family’s deadly magic than ever -- and her power-hungry grandfather has kidnapped her mad mother.

Luis Ortiz, Emshwiller: Infinity X Two (Nonstop Press Apr 2007)

Over 250 illustrations in b&w and color take center stage in this fascinating in-depth biographical art book looking at the life and art of Ed Emshwiller, from SF illustration to experimental film, as well as the development of Carol Emshwiller as writer.

Richard Parks, Worshipping Small Gods (Wildside Press/Prime Books Jan 2007)

Unrepentant storyteller Parks follows his stories where they lead, from zen humor to fairy tale fantasy to horror, in this collection of 14 stories, three new.

Mike Resnick, ed., Alien Crimes (SFBC Apr 2007)

This anthology features six all-new novellas of SF mystery -- specifically not in hard-boiled style -- by noted authors Pat Cadigan, Mike Resnick, Harry Turtledove, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Gregory Benford, and Walter Jon Williams.

Mike Resnick, ed., Nebula Awards Showcase 2007 (Roc Mar 2007)

Resnick takes the helm for the 41st volume in the anthology series presenting the 2006 Nebula winners, a selection of nominated works, essays on the art and business of writing, and two Rhysling Award-winning poems.

Adam Roberts, Gradisil (Pyr Mar 2007)

New technology makes Earth orbit the new frontier, and eventually a new nation, in this multi-generational SF novel of space development and politics. First published in the UK by Gollancz in 2006. ‘‘This is Roberts’s best novel to date, and quite conceivably a harbinger of greatness.’’ [Nick Gevers]

Justina Robson, Keeping It Real (Pyr Mar 2007)

The first book of the Quantum Gravity series introduces Lila Black, cyborg secret agent, assigned to protect an elf rock star. Originally published in the UK by Gollancz.

Jonathan Strahan, ed., The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year: Volume One (Night Shade Books Mar 2007)

Veteran year’s best editor Strahan weighs in with his choices for 2006 in this first volume to come from Night Shade Books. The 24 stories are balanced between SF and fantasy, with some horror and young-adult spicing the mix from authors including Neil Gaiman, Cory Doctorow, Elizabeth Hand, and Gene Wolfe. ‘‘There isn’t a real disappointment in the bunch, and Strahan’s implied mapping of the state of the field seems astute and convincing.’’ [Gary K. Wolfe]

Tad Williams, Shadowplay (DAW Mar 2007)

The second volume of the epic fantasy trilogy Shadowmarch continues to weave a complex but involving web, with far-flung storylines following a huge cast as war, magic, and ancient gods threaten Shadowmarch while its displaced rulers struggle on their own, Prince Barrick lost in fairy lands while Princess Briony travels in disguise in search of allies.