5 Great Reads to Take You to Another World

Who says Memorial Day is just for earthlings? An otherworldly experience bound only by the limits of your imagination is closer than you think. Open Road Media has selected a few spellbinding fantasy and science fiction ebook bundles that will surely take you on a journey unlike anything on this side of the galaxy; make this Memorial Day weekend an unforgettable one with these stellar reads!

 The Winterlong trilogy, an enthralling series written by renowned science fiction author Elizabeth Hand, provides the perfect excursion into a thrilling, dystopian world known as the City of Trees. The first in Hand’s celebrated trilogy, Winterlong details the adventures of twins in their journey to save the City’s inhabitants from a menacing ancient power before it’s too late. Æstival Tide, Winterlong’s sequel, is a swift-moving novel that introduces the domed and formerly stunning city of Araboth, and the quest of four individuals to defend the fortress, now on the edge of collapse, from the monstrous waters of the Æstival Tide. In Icarus Descending, the final novel of Hand’s trilogy, a ruthless rebellion plagues the City of Trees, and Wendy Wanders finds herself joining the rebel forces who hope the fabled asteroid Icarus will steer the rebellion onto a new course.

New York Times bestselling author Barbara Hambly’sSun Wolf and Starhawkseries creates a magical escape into the captivating world of witchcraft and wizardry, where the clever mercenary Sun Wolf and his equally adept female lieutenant, Starhawk, reign supreme. Follow the dynamic duo as they attempt to wage war against a rabid wizard in The Ladies of Mandrigyn; venture across arid deserts in the face of evil to harness newfound supernatural abilities in The Witches of Wenshar; and set out to rescue their army from the grasp of a treacherous ancient wizard in The Dark Hand of Magic.

Legendary science fiction author Octavia E. Butler devises the perfect time-travel vessel with Lilith’s Brood, a compelling trilogy light years in the future. Mankind struggles to survive, and on the brink of extinction, the Oankali—an alien breed that survives by combining its DNA with that of lesser species—comes to humanity’s rescue, but not without a few sinister stipulations. Immerse yourself in Butler’s suspenseful post-apocalyptic novels as Lilith Iyapo, one of the last remaining humans, and her offspring, battle to revive the human species in Dawn, attempt to redesign their ill-fated future in Adulthood Rites, and master new identities independent of the leeching Oankali alien race once and for all in Imago.

Critically acclaimed author Patricia C. Wrede’s impeccable world-building skills are on full display in the Lyra novels. Set in the magical universe of the series’ name, Wrede’s five-part series will take you on a slew of supernatural adventures. You can look forward to the riveting voyages of a princess’ determination to find her way home despite being caught in the hands of an ancient enemy in Shadow Magic; an indentured servant unleashing her magical powers to save others in Daughter of Witches; two men’s tenacity in keeping evildoers away from an enchanted harp with the power to create and destroy inThe Harp of Imach Thyssel; and a fearless daughter in pursuit of her mother’s prized possession with unknown yet deadly powers in The Raven Ring.

Searching for a fantasy journey that’s out of this world? Look no further than the Justice trilogy by legendary children’s book authorVirginia Hamilton. Join four fearless children as they their discover magical powers in Justice and Her Brothers; telepathically travel to a bizarre future world in Dustland to fight for survival against the evil creature Mal; and band together as a unit to save the residents of Dustland from the venomous Mal for good in the series’ final installment, The Gathering. 

Looking for more getaways? Browse our complete list of ebook "boxed" sets, including more science fiction & fantasy, classics, romance, mysteries & thrillers, children's, cooking, and historical.