Staff Pick
The only thing wrong with this spectacular debut is that it isn’t long enough. In Semiosis, a group of humans land on a new planet lush with sentient plant life. Burke’s descriptions of the people and plants are so detailed and fascinating that you don’t want to let them go — but you have to, because the book races through several generations of settlers, exploring how they learn to communicate and coexist with the hostile plants. The world building is extraordinary; Burke’s an author to watch. Recommended By Matt K. , Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Human survival hinges on an bizarre alliance in Semiosis, a character driven science fiction novel of first contact by debut author Sue Burke.
New York Public Library Best of 2018
Thrillist Best Books of 2018
Chicago Review of Books 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2018
SyFy Wire 9 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Novels to Read in February
The Verge 18 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books to Read in February
Unbound Worlds Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of February 2018
Kirkus Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books to Read in February
The Verge Holiday Gift List recommendation
Colonists from Earth wanted the perfect home, but they’ll have to survive on the one they found. They don’t realize another life form watches... and waits...
Only mutual communication can forge an alliance with the planet's sentient species and prove that humans are more than tools.
Review
“This is up there with Ursula K. Le Guin: science fiction at its most fascinating and most humane.“ Thrillist
Review
“A magnetic meditation on biochemistry and humanity.” Locus Online
Review
“Impressive debut novel...lush... beautiful.” Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
“This first-contact tale is extraordinary.” Library Journal (Starred Review)
Synopsis
Human survival hinges on an bizarre alliance in Semiosis, a character driven science fiction novel of first contact by debut author Sue Burke.
2019 Campbell Memorial Award Finalist
2019 Locus Finalist for Best Science Fiction Novel
Locus 2018 Recommended Reading List
New York Public Library--Best of 2018
Forbes--Best Science Fiction Books of 2019-2019
The Verge--Best of 2018
Thrillist--Best Books of 2018
Vulture--10 Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of 2018
Chicago Review of Books--The 10 Best Science Fiction Books of 2018
Texas Library Association--Lariat List Top Books for 2019
Colonists from Earth wanted the perfect home, but they'll have to survive on the one they found. They don't realize another life form watches...and waits...
Only mutual communication can forge an alliance with the planet's sentient species and prove that humans are more than tools.
About the Author
Sue Burke spent many years working as a reporter and editor for a variety of newspapers and magazines. She is a Clarion workshop alumnus, and she has published more than 30 short stories. Burke also worked extensively as a literary translator, and while living in Madrid, Spain, she headed the long-running Madrid Writer’s Critique Group. Her translations include the fantasy novel Prodigies by Angélica Gorodischer, the bilingual science fiction anthology Castles in Spain/Castillos en el aire, and the script for the science fiction movie Mindgate.