I haven't read these two so I can't attest to their worth, but here goes;
Carnival by
Elizabeth Bear - Science fiction , politics
In Old Earth’s clandestine world of ambassador-spies, Michelangelo Kusanagi-Jones and Vincent Katherinessen were once a starring team. But ever since a disastrous mission, they have been living separate lives in a universe dominated by a ruthless Coalition—one that is about to reunite them.
The pair are dispatched to New Amazonia as diplomatic agents. Allegedly, they are to return priceless art. Covertly, they seek to tap its energy supply. But in reality, one has his mind set on treason. And among the extraordinary women of New Amazonia, in a season of festival, betrayal, and disguise, he will find a new ally—and a force beyond any that humans have known…
The God Eaters by
Jesse Hajicek - Fantasy , politics , supernatural
Ashleigh Trine is headed by rail to Churchrock, a high security prison in the remote desert, for his inflammatory pamphlets questioning the government's policies. The only reason he wasn't hanged for treason was because The Watch, an exclusive, all white wearing police force dedicated to maintaining order, has discovered he possesses a talent for empathy, a magical gift that The Watch wants to investigate. All the prisoners at Churchrock have some kind of talent, and it's as much a diabolical research facility as it is a jail.
On the train, Ashleigh meets Kieran Trevarde, a gunslinger and assassin, also being sent to Churchrock to be studied. Kieran is a ghoul-witch, a very rare talent, with the ability to bring death to others. Once imprisoned together in the same cell, Ashleigh and Kieran realize that their talents no longer function. They're controlled by some magical spell that suppresses their special abilities.
Kieran, a life long outlaw living on society's edge, is open about his preference for men, even though it is considered abhorrent by the authorities, while Ashleigh, a sheltered big city intellectual rebel, does his best to keep his own attraction to Kieran at bay. Their situation seems hopeless, but Ashleigh and Kieran are young and resourceful. They form a precarious bond and immediately begin to plan their escape. But there are forces, both enlightening and dark, at play here, manipulating the two men internally and externally.
Once more, I really don't know whether these are any good - but I hope so!
