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Topic Guide

Alternate Histories

By:

CarnegieLibraryPGH_Adult

Allegheny County Libraries

Staff-created list

What if witches were part of the suffragette movement? What if dragons fought in the Napoleonic Wars? What if Conductors on the Underground Railroad had magic at their disposal? The following titles explore alternate histories, blending real events and figures with speculative concepts to imagine how different our world could be.

By:

CarnegieLibraryPGH_Adult

Allegheny County Libraries

21 items

21 items

The Strange

The Strange

by Ballingrud, Nathan

Book - 2023

Set in an alternate 1930s timeline where humanity has already established several settlements on Mars, 14-year-old Martian settler Annabelle leaves her fa...Show more Set in an alternate 1930s timeline where humanity has already established several settlements on Mars, 14-year-old Martian settler Annabelle leaves her family’s diner with a dishwasher robot companion on a quest for retrieve a stolen token of her earthbound mother. Show less

Set in an alternate 1930s timeline where humanity has already established several settlements on Mars, 14-year-old Martian settler Annabelle leaves her fa...Show more Set in an alternate 1930s timeline where humanity has already established several settlements on Mars, 14-year-old Martian settler Annabelle leaves her family’s diner with a dishwasher robot companion on a quest for retrieve a stolen token of her earthbound mother. Show less

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You Dreamed of Empires

You Dreamed of Empires

by Enrigue, Alvaro

Book - 2024

The meeting of conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec emperor Moctezuma in 1519 Tenochtitlan is reimagined, heightened, and humorized in this satirical novel by acclaimed Mexican author Alvaro Enrique. The meeting of conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec emperor Moctezuma in 1519 Tenochtitlan is reimagined, heightened, and humorized in this satirical novel by acclaimed Mexican author Alvaro Enrique. Show less

The meeting of conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec emperor Moctezuma in 1519 Tenochtitlan is reimagined, heightened, and humorized in this satirical novel by acclaimed Mexican author Alvaro Enrique. The meeting of conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec emperor Moctezuma in 1519 Tenochtitlan is reimagined, heightened, and humorized in this satirical novel by acclaimed Mexican author Alvaro Enrique. Show less

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The Once and Future Witches

The Once and Future Witches

by Harrow, Alix E.

Book - 2020

The suffragette movement gets a healthy dose of witchcraft as three sisters fight for equal rights under the law, and in magic. The suffragette movement gets a healthy dose of witchcraft as three sisters fight for equal rights under the law, and in magic. Show less

The suffragette movement gets a healthy dose of witchcraft as three sisters fight for equal rights under the law, and in magic. The suffragette movement gets a healthy dose of witchcraft as three sisters fight for equal rights under the law, and in magic. Show less

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The Calculating Stars

The Calculating Stars

by Kowal, Mary Robinette

Book - 2018

When a meteor hits earth in 1952 and puts humanity on the path of inevitable extinction, efforts to reach and colonize other planets are extremely acceler...Show more When a meteor hits earth in 1952 and puts humanity on the path of inevitable extinction, efforts to reach and colonize other planets are extremely accelerated. But women are still on the sidelines, leading a group of women to fight against the sexism and racism of their time to be included in space exploration and the fight to survive. Show less

When a meteor hits earth in 1952 and puts humanity on the path of inevitable extinction, efforts to reach and colonize other planets are extremely acceler...Show more When a meteor hits earth in 1952 and puts humanity on the path of inevitable extinction, efforts to reach and colonize other planets are extremely accelerated. But women are still on the sidelines, leading a group of women to fight against the sexism and racism of their time to be included in space exploration and the fight to survive. Show less

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Everfair

Everfair

by Shawl, Nisi

Book - 2016

In a steampunk anti-colonialist reimagining of the Belgian Congo in the 19th century, a utopia is created in the Congo when several groups band together t...Show more In a steampunk anti-colonialist reimagining of the Belgian Congo in the 19th century, a utopia is created in the Congo when several groups band together to buy back land from King Leopold II to create a free, technologically advanced state. The sequel “Kinning” is coming in April 2024! Show less

In a steampunk anti-colonialist reimagining of the Belgian Congo in the 19th century, a utopia is created in the Congo when several groups band together t...Show more In a steampunk anti-colonialist reimagining of the Belgian Congo in the 19th century, a utopia is created in the Congo when several groups band together to buy back land from King Leopold II to create a free, technologically advanced state. The sequel “Kinning” is coming in April 2024! Show less

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Biography of X

Biography of X

A Novel

by Lacey, Catherine

Book - 2023

Frequently named one of the best books of 2023, this experimental novel, set in a no-longer United States that experienced a civil war and southern secess...Show more Frequently named one of the best books of 2023, this experimental novel, set in a no-longer United States that experienced a civil war and southern secession after World War II, explores the life of controversial artist X as her grieving widow attempts to tell her story. Show less

Frequently named one of the best books of 2023, this experimental novel, set in a no-longer United States that experienced a civil war and southern secess...Show more Frequently named one of the best books of 2023, this experimental novel, set in a no-longer United States that experienced a civil war and southern secession after World War II, explores the life of controversial artist X as her grieving widow attempts to tell her story. Show less

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Same Bed Different Dreams

Same Bed Different Dreams

A Novel

by Park, Ed

Book - 2023

This expansive book of interconnected stories imagines an alternate history for Korea if a secret society of spies, assassins, poets and other eccentrics were working together towards a unification for their country. This expansive book of interconnected stories imagines an alternate history for Korea if a secret society of spies, assassins, poets and other eccentrics were working together towards a unification for their country. Show less

This expansive book of interconnected stories imagines an alternate history for Korea if a secret society of spies, assassins, poets and other eccentrics were working together towards a unification for their country. This expansive book of interconnected stories imagines an alternate history for Korea if a secret society of spies, assassins, poets and other eccentrics were working together towards a unification for their country. Show less

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The Conductors

The Conductors

by Glover, Nicole

Book - 2021

This version of the Reconstruction Era includes Conductors, a group of constellation-based magic practitioners who once used their powers to run the Underground Railroad, and now solve mysteries that the police ignore. This version of the Reconstruction Era includes Conductors, a group of constellation-based magic practitioners who once used their powers to run the Underground Railroad, and now solve mysteries that the police ignore. Show less

This version of the Reconstruction Era includes Conductors, a group of constellation-based magic practitioners who once used their powers to run the Underground Railroad, and now solve mysteries that the police ignore. This version of the Reconstruction Era includes Conductors, a group of constellation-based magic practitioners who once used their powers to run the Underground Railroad, and now solve mysteries that the police ignore. Show less

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Atomic Anna

Atomic Anna

by Barenbaum, Rachel

Book - 2022

Three generations of brilliant women travel back and forth in time in an effort to stop the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster. Three generations of brilliant women travel back and forth in time in an effort to stop the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster. Show less

Three generations of brilliant women travel back and forth in time in an effort to stop the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster. Three generations of brilliant women travel back and forth in time in an effort to stop the Chernobyl Nuclear disaster. Show less

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His Majesty's Dragon

His Majesty's Dragon

by Novik, Naomi

Book - 2006

The Napoleonic Wars might have gone a little differently if dragons had been involved! The Napoleonic Wars might have gone a little differently if dragons had been involved! Show less

The Napoleonic Wars might have gone a little differently if dragons had been involved! The Napoleonic Wars might have gone a little differently if dragons had been involved! Show less

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The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth

by White, Andrew Joseph

Book - 2023

A sixteen-year-old autistic transgender boy discovers he’s a medium with the power to control the dead, but in a strictly gendered Victorian society, and a finishing school that wants to control him, he must fight for the right to use his abilities. A sixteen-year-old autistic transgender boy discovers he’s a medium with the power to control the dead, but in a strictly gendered Victorian society, and a finishing school that wants to control him, he must fight for the right to use his abilities. Show less

A sixteen-year-old autistic transgender boy discovers he’s a medium with the power to control the dead, but in a strictly gendered Victorian society, and a finishing school that wants to control him, he must fight for the right to use his abilities. A sixteen-year-old autistic transgender boy discovers he’s a medium with the power to control the dead, but in a strictly gendered Victorian society, and a finishing school that wants to control him, he must fight for the right to use his abilities. Show less

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The Kingdoms

The Kingdoms

by Pulley, Natasha

Book - 2021

Joe Courier wakes up in a version of England colonized by the French during the Napoleonic Wars with no memory. When he receives a mysterious postcard wri...Show more Joe Courier wakes up in a version of England colonized by the French during the Napoleonic Wars with no memory. When he receives a mysterious postcard written in illegal English with clues to an identity he can’t remember, he goes on a journey across time to find answers. Show less

Joe Courier wakes up in a version of England colonized by the French during the Napoleonic Wars with no memory. When he receives a mysterious postcard wri...Show more Joe Courier wakes up in a version of England colonized by the French during the Napoleonic Wars with no memory. When he receives a mysterious postcard written in illegal English with clues to an identity he can’t remember, he goes on a journey across time to find answers. Show less

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Three Miles Down

Three Miles Down

by Turtledove, Harry

Book - 2022

In 1974, a secret agency is trying to reach a sunken UFO on the ocean floor and make first contact with alien life. When science-fiction writer Jerry is recruited to the project, his knowledge of the genre turns out to be surprisingly helpful. In 1974, a secret agency is trying to reach a sunken UFO on the ocean floor and make first contact with alien life. When science-fiction writer Jerry is recruited to the project, his knowledge of the genre turns out to be surprisingly helpful. Show less

In 1974, a secret agency is trying to reach a sunken UFO on the ocean floor and make first contact with alien life. When science-fiction writer Jerry is recruited to the project, his knowledge of the genre turns out to be surprisingly helpful. In 1974, a secret agency is trying to reach a sunken UFO on the ocean floor and make first contact with alien life. When science-fiction writer Jerry is recruited to the project, his knowledge of the genre turns out to be surprisingly helpful. Show less

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A History of What Comes Next

A History of What Comes Next

by Neuvel, Sylvain

Book - 2021

Real historical figures and events collide over millennia as generations of mother-daughter research teams work to master space travel to escape an apocalyptic prophesy. Real historical figures and events collide over millennia as generations of mother-daughter research teams work to master space travel to escape an apocalyptic prophesy. Show less

Real historical figures and events collide over millennia as generations of mother-daughter research teams work to master space travel to escape an apocalyptic prophesy. Real historical figures and events collide over millennia as generations of mother-daughter research teams work to master space travel to escape an apocalyptic prophesy. Show less

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River of Teeth

River of Teeth

by Gailey, Sarah

Book - 2017

A plan to use hippos as an alternative meat source goes wrong when feral hippos take over the marsh of the Mississippi River. A band of hippo mercenaries is hired to deal with the dangerous invasive species in this speculative western. A plan to use hippos as an alternative meat source goes wrong when feral hippos take over the marsh of the Mississippi River. A band of hippo mercenaries is hired to deal with the dangerous invasive species in this speculative western. Show less

A plan to use hippos as an alternative meat source goes wrong when feral hippos take over the marsh of the Mississippi River. A band of hippo mercenaries is hired to deal with the dangerous invasive species in this speculative western. A plan to use hippos as an alternative meat source goes wrong when feral hippos take over the marsh of the Mississippi River. A band of hippo mercenaries is hired to deal with the dangerous invasive species in this speculative western. Show less

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The Free People's Village

The Free People's Village

by Kern, Sim

Book - 2023

When Al Gore wins the 2000 election in this alternate timeline, radical steps are taken by the government to reverse climate change and turn US cities int...Show more When Al Gore wins the 2000 election in this alternate timeline, radical steps are taken by the government to reverse climate change and turn US cities into eco paradises—but only for the white, wealthy elite. As Maddie Ryan sees gentrification protests in her neighborhood met with police violence, she joins an anti-capitalist revolutionary movement in protest. Show less

When Al Gore wins the 2000 election in this alternate timeline, radical steps are taken by the government to reverse climate change and turn US cities int...Show more When Al Gore wins the 2000 election in this alternate timeline, radical steps are taken by the government to reverse climate change and turn US cities into eco paradises—but only for the white, wealthy elite. As Maddie Ryan sees gentrification protests in her neighborhood met with police violence, she joins an anti-capitalist revolutionary movement in protest. Show less

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Outlawed

Outlawed

A Novel

by North, Anna

Book - 2021

Ada flees accusations of witchcraft by joining a band of female and gender nonconforming outlaws in the 19th century west. Ada flees accusations of witchcraft by joining a band of female and gender nonconforming outlaws in the 19th century west. Show less

Ada flees accusations of witchcraft by joining a band of female and gender nonconforming outlaws in the 19th century west. Ada flees accusations of witchcraft by joining a band of female and gender nonconforming outlaws in the 19th century west. Show less

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The Psychology of Time Travel

The Psychology of Time Travel

A Novel

by Mascarenhas, Kate

Book - 2019

Four women scientists work to create the first time machine in 1967, but when one begins to suffer a breakdown, the future of their project is endangered. Four women scientists work to create the first time machine in 1967, but when one begins to suffer a breakdown, the future of their project is endangered. Show less

Four women scientists work to create the first time machine in 1967, but when one begins to suffer a breakdown, the future of their project is endangered. Four women scientists work to create the first time machine in 1967, but when one begins to suffer a breakdown, the future of their project is endangered. Show less

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A Master of Djinn

A Master of Djinn

by Clark, P. Djèlí

Book - 2021

In 1912 Cairo, the world was changed decades earlier when the veil between the magic and mortal world was brought down. Now the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities deals with the chaotic aftermath. In 1912 Cairo, the world was changed decades earlier when the veil between the magic and mortal world was brought down. Now the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities deals with the chaotic aftermath. Show less

In 1912 Cairo, the world was changed decades earlier when the veil between the magic and mortal world was brought down. Now the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities deals with the chaotic aftermath. In 1912 Cairo, the world was changed decades earlier when the veil between the magic and mortal world was brought down. Now the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities deals with the chaotic aftermath. Show less

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A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians

A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians

by Parry, H. G.

Book - 2020

The Enlightenment Age gets a fantastical twist when historical figures like Robespierre and Toussaint L’Ouverture are reimagined as necromancers and magicians. The Enlightenment Age gets a fantastical twist when historical figures like Robespierre and Toussaint L’Ouverture are reimagined as necromancers and magicians. Show less

The Enlightenment Age gets a fantastical twist when historical figures like Robespierre and Toussaint L’Ouverture are reimagined as necromancers and magicians. The Enlightenment Age gets a fantastical twist when historical figures like Robespierre and Toussaint L’Ouverture are reimagined as necromancers and magicians. Show less

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The Underground Railroad

The Underground Railroad

A Novel

by Whitehead, Colson

Book - 2018

Whitehead’s classic alternate history novel follows former slave Cora on a journey of escape, where she discovers the Underground Railroad is a real, functional railroad with tracks and engineers running throughout the south. Whitehead’s classic alternate history novel follows former slave Cora on a journey of escape, where she discovers the Underground Railroad is a real, functional railroad with tracks and engineers running throughout the south. Show less

Whitehead’s classic alternate history novel follows former slave Cora on a journey of escape, where she discovers the Underground Railroad is a real, functional railroad with tracks and engineers running throughout the south. Whitehead’s classic alternate history novel follows former slave Cora on a journey of escape, where she discovers the Underground Railroad is a real, functional railroad with tracks and engineers running throughout the south. Show less

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