Many know the story of Chang'e, the lonely goddess imprisoned on the moon as punishment for drinking the immortality elixir meant for her husband. Not many know that the elixir saved her unborn daughter's life. Xingyin, now grown, is forced to flee the moon when her existence is almost revealed. She has to learn to navigate the dangerous and magical Celestial Kingdom while hiding her true identity. Court intrigue, immortal battles, love, and betrayal follow as she attempts to free her mother and make a new life for herself. A fierce and beautiful re-imagining, sure to be a new favorite.
When apprenticed mapmaker Sai sets out to carve a new future for herself, she discovers that her ambition has a cost. What will she be willing to pay if it means she'll get everything she always thought she wanted? A beautiful exploration of ambition, heritage, family, and the costs of colonialism from Newbery Honor-winner Christina Soontornvat. Also dragons.
Oh, Lysande, my love! If you are interested in getting to know a bisexual bookworm who is struggling with a drug addiction and can't stop thinking about choking a man who wears a living snake as jewelry, this might be the book for you. This story is full of political intrigue, scheming, examinations of class and privilege, beautiful prose, and just a touch of spiciness. Keep an eye out for Book 2 in 2023!
Even with a character who can see the future, love is unpredictable. In this coming of age story, Ray and Laurie are forced to face their flaws, their desires, and each other.
Lish McBride is a sexy word wizard. A Little Too Familiar is perfect for when you just need a book so comforting that it feels like a warm weighted blanket, like your brain is being flooded with hot chocolate, but you also need the sexual tension so thick you could cut it with a beach ball.
'Juniper and Thorn', a retelling of the Grimm fairytale 'The Juniper Tree', captured and entranced my mind completely while reading it and after. Reid fully embraces the darkness of the original tale while adding enough story of her own to enchant you, break your heart, and chill you to the bone. Shot through with mythic themes and gothic horror, Reid's tale is one of fear and survival, hope, yearning and defiance.
This is one of my favorite books and Reid is very quickly becoming a favorite author as well! A must read! Her writing is stunning!
This is about growing up, and finding new versions of yourself, and the people who bear witness to your metamorphosis. If you have sisters, I’m begging you to read it. Also, I mean – look at the cover.
Axie Oh defies expectations with this feminist re-telling of The Tale of Shim Cheong. This book is a deep dive (literally) into Korean folklore and perfect for lovers of fairy tales!
When introverted Artemisia is forced to wield an ancient spirit to save her convent, she realizes she has no idea how to release that same spirit from her body. As she fights to prevent the spirit from possessing her, Artemisia must also fight the mysterious evils that have begun to surface.
In this vibrant fantasy, Rogerson asks readers to consider what it takes to trust someone–or something.
More than a mere retelling, this is a stunning reweaving. With lush writing, sharp characters, and a clear affinity for her source, Nicola Griffith has spun anew a story steeped in ancient lore.
Spear is the Arthurian tale I have been longing for since the legends of Camelot and Albion first called to me: queer and beguiling and beautiful, offering a promise of belonging.
