With meticulous prose, Kuang weaves a tapestry of the darker aspects of global university and exploitation that comes with colonization, and how language is a tool wielded by the oppressor to expand their global power. I clung to every word, hungry and desperate for Robin's story to never end.
Kuang tackles issues of racism, class, and sexism in academia, and she paints a picture of the intoxicating way that yearning for belonging can lead to self-betrayal.
This book thrummed with rage and grief. I was completely devastated by this book and it will be one of my favorites of the year! - Jessi
Light From Uncommon Stars is an absolutely breathtaking examination of love in all its forms. Whether it is the love of friendship, parent for child, siblings, lovers for one another, or the love of queer found family. It is a warm and beautiful story of a Faustian bargain, interstellar travel, a trans girl violin prodigy coming into the fullness of her talent, and the quest to make the perfect donut. Although it never shies away from trauma, it is at the same time a quirky and gentle tale, that will make you happy for having read it. This is a book that will stick with you long after you have put it down, and leave you feeling better for having experienced it. - Vickie
"Sascha Stronach's debut novel THE DAWNHOUNDS is a queer surreal genre-defying noir that is like nothing you have ever experienced before. It is a little bit of piracy, a little bit of magic, a little bit of body horror, a little bit love story, and a big dash of biotech, all dropped into a blender. It is an unforgettable book that you will think about long after you have put it down." - Vickie
Everything I love about my favorite fantasy series is in this book, plus so much more! This ambitious and unique debut goes beyond being a thrilling adventure, set in a world inspired by East Asian history and full of strong and complex characters, shamanism, and brutal conflict. Kuang doesn’t shy away from showing the horrific physical, emotional, and moral costs of violence on her characters, even when they’re heroically fighting for retribution and justice.
-Alyssa
BONE SHARD DAUGHTER is one of those rare books that manages to captivate you from chapter one, get you invested in every character, and keep you hooked for the entire ride! Lin is the Emperor’s daughter, and struggles with feeling worthy to be her father’s successor. He rules his empire with an iron fist and powerful constructs powered by the bones of his citizens. However, rebellion is stirring in the empire, and Lin begins to wonder what secrets lurk within the castle walls about the motives behind her father’s bone magic...
With a wholly unique magic system, fascinating world building, and multiple perspectives, this sweeping epic fantasy is not one to miss.
-Jess
This Indian epic fantasy will captivate anyone who loves mythology, storylines that span decades, and fascinating characters.
Adri and Shvate are not your typical boys.
They are in line to rule the Burnt Empire and when placed on the Burning Throne, a chair that incinerates anyone unworthy to rule, they are declared the rightful heirs to the throne. But demonlord Jarsun has a daughter who also has a claim to the throne, and vows to destroy the Burnt Empire when his claim is rejected. So he lies in wait, his ancient magic slowly poisoning the earth and sowing chaos.
Demigods, goddesses, armies of dogs, betrayal, women warriors, living mountain cities, and curses make this story a rich tapestry of myth and legend.
-Jess
This sequel to Empress of Salt with Fortune will sink its fangs into you and won’t relinquish its grip until the final page! With imaginative world building, sapphic romance, and the feel of myth and legend, I'd let Nghi Vo bring me anywhere.
As a child, princess Thanh was given to a powerful country to be their glorified hostage to cement an uneasy alliance. When she returned home to serve as an advisor in her mother’s imperial court, she came back haunted by a mysterious fire that engulfed the royal palace and a servant girl who helped her escape.
But when things start magically catching on fire around Thanh, and her domineering ex lover Eldris comes to court to seize power and Thanh for herself, will Thanh let others choose for her or will she finally find the courage to blaze her own path through the world? A gorgeously ferocious novella with fangs and claws, I devoured it hungrily.
-Jess
