In a world sinking beneath climate-warmed waves, Maggie works as a monster hunter in Dinétah, once the Navajo reservation. There, she encounters a creature that out-Grendels Grendel and seeks help from medicine man Kai Arviso.

In the wake of a watery apocalypse that leaves much of the once United States—and the world—underwater, the Dinétah (formerly the Navajo nation) have risen as the dominant group. At least among humankind, for gods and monsters walk the remaining land. Maggie Hoskie is a Dinétah monster hunter, trained but also cast off by the famed Neizghání. Her latest search for a missing girl opens up a larger, more frightening discovery of dark magic at work. Reluctantly pairing up with Kai Arviso, a strange medicine man with secrets of his own, Maggie relies on clues from old legends and trading favors with tricksters to find the truth behind recent killings, which might reveal her troubled past and destroy her future. Roanhorse's sharp prose vividly builds a reborn Navajo universe filled with magic and flawed protagonists who are striving to live beyond their presumed destinies. VERDICT This exciting postapocalyptic debut, with its heady combination of smartly drawn characters, Wild West feel, and twisty plot, is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. [See Prepub Alert, 12/11/17.]—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Roanhorse vividly depicts Navajo land, legends, and culture in her marvelous fantasy debut, which launches the Sixth World series. After a cataclysm flooded much of the earth, the Dinétah—the homeland of the Navajo, or Diné—was one of the few remaining areas where people could survive. Legendary powers have risen among the Diné, and Maggie Hoskie is one of those who wield them. She was trained by a supernatural mentor to hunt monsters, and after vicious creatures commit a series of grisly murders, she has to muster all her skills to confront the incredibly powerful witch creating them. Roanhorse unspools a fascinating narrative of colorful magic in a world made otherwise bleak by both natural and man-made circumstances. The monster-hunting plot nearly takes a back seat to Maggie's challenging journey of working through personal and cultural trauma, including the violent deaths of loved ones and an abusive relationship. Her partner, Kai, is a force for healing despite, or because of, his own history of pain. Their story is a fresh take on the tale of the emotionally and spiritually wounded hero who faces down increasing evil to make the world better. This rich tale from a strong Native American voice is recommended for all fantasy audiences. Agent: Sara Megibow, KT Literary. (June)

The earth has fallen into postapocalyptic chaos and catastrophe. Floods have taken the lives of millions of people, and monsters, created by witches, seek human flesh. Maggie, also known as "The Monster Hunter," is gifted with supernatural powers of speed and assassination through her Native American clan power, or "K'aahanaánii." Maggie is strong and skilled but plagued by past love and loss. She sets out to uncover clues about the newly ruthless monsters that have been taking over the land. Along the way, she hesitantly accepts the help of a medicine man, Kai. Together they collect clues and discover what they least expect. Maggie has to confront her past head-on in order to survive—no easy task. With intriguing and mysterious characters, this series opener will keep readers wondering. VERDICT Purchase this original and thrilling spin on the postapocalyptic genre everywhere speculative fiction is popular.—Amanda LeMay, Neptune Township Public Library, NJ