Jennifer Jackson – Literary Agent

Queen Demon by Martha Wells is one of Amazon’s Editors’ Picks: Best Science Fiction & Fantasy books of October!

Queen Demon by Martha Wells

“The second book in The Rising World series (a sequel to Witch King) continues to recount the trials and tribulations of Witch King Kai in dual timelines. In the past timeline, Kai’s breaking of the death-magic-corrupted Hierarchs brings forth a world-spanning rebellion that is hurtling toward a precipice of disaster, while in the present timeline, Kai and his found family travel to the ends of their world to prevent a second rise of tyranny. The past timeline shows heartbreak and triumph going hand in hand, while in the present, catastrophe and despair run headlong toward a likely shattered future—no matter who wins or what is lost. Witch King Kai and his heart-sister Queen Demon Ziede try to outrace potential disaster twice over. In the past, they saved the world; in the present, they do their best to keep their old enemies from rising again to tear their work apart.

VERDICT This epic fantasy adventure of found family, lost love, and promises kept, even after death, is a quest for long-buried truths that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish with its high-stakes adventures.” — Library Journal

The Folded Sky by Elizabeth Bear

“Holy shit, what a book.

I’ve been waiting with unalloyed anticipation for Elizabeth Bear’s next White Space novel since 2020’s Machine. That novel is The Folded Sky. Part thriller, part murder mystery, and part Big Ideas Space Opera Adventure, it’s entirely worth the wait….The Folded Sky is a novel I love and admire in about equal proportion. Once I started reading it, I found it the next best thing to impossible to put down. I’m so happy that it exists. I really hope that Bear writes more.” — Reactor [full review here]

The Japanese edition of System Collapse by Martha Wells (translated by Naoya Nakahara) has won a Seiun Award in the Best Translated Long Story category!

Apple TV+ has announced that Murderbot has been renewed for a second season!

“Today, Apple TV+ announced a season two renewal for its widely acclaimed comedic thriller “Murderbot,” created and showrun by Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz and starring Emmy Award winner Alexander Skarsgård, who also serves as executive producer.

“We’re so grateful for the response that ‘Murderbot’ has received, and delighted that we’re getting to go back to Martha Wells’ world to work with Alexander, Apple, CBS Studios and the rest of the team,” said creators and executive producers Chris and Paul Weitz.

“Chris, Paul, Alexander and the entire ‘Murderbot’ team have delivered a brilliantly original, addictive, witty and vibrant adaptation that has captured the imagination of audiences everywhere,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+. “We can’t wait to unveil what’s next for Murderbot and, of course, ‘Sanctuary Moon’ in season two.”

Since its global debut, “Murderbot” quickly gained a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been celebrated by critics as “the best new comedy of 2025,” “captivating,” “diabolically funny” and one of “the buzziest shows on Apple TV+,” with Skarsgård receiving praise for his “absolutely killer” performance.”