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Content Warning: death, murder, violence, fire, homophobia, mutilation, misgendering, gender dysphoria, torture, starvation.

In 1345, the Zhu family is starving. Only three members are left: the father, the eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, and his clever little sister. When a fortune-teller predicts greatness for Chongba, the family is grateful, but a little confused -- unsure as to how he will fulfill this destiny when he is lazy, capricious, and spoiled. His little sister's fate is as expected: nothingness. But when bandits attack, killing their father and leaving the two children orphaned, Zhu Chongba succumbs and dies...and his sister decides to snatch his fate away from him. Spending the rest of her adolescence in a monastery, becoming a monk, and filled with a fiery ambition that will leave destruction in its wake, the new Zhu Chongba takes fate and greatness into her own hands -- at any cost.

Unlike anything I've read before, the comparisons to Mulan and The Song of Achilles really don't do this amazing masterpiece justice. And, yes, it is a masterpiece: massive in scope, challenging the binaries of both gender and history, and woven together by characters who will leave you devastated and enthralled. This is historical fantasy, mainly due to some slight fantastical elements as well as the flipping of a historical narrative, but in spite of its modern take on many things, it reads like you've picked up a translation of a Chinese epic from antiquity. I do have quite a bit of prior knowledge regarding Chinese history, but if you're intimidated by the vast historical aspect of this book, don't be -- it is infinitely readable, informative, and will leave you wanting to learn more about the dynasties at play here.

Zhu Chongba -- we are never enlightened as to her birth name -- is one of those characters that is impossible to forget. She's this fascinating mixture of callousness combined with a sort of good-natured jollity, and in spite of her rather coldhearted ambition, she is so easy to root for. I refer to her here with female pronouns, as this is how she references herself in her narration, but it's important to note that she is what we would probably consider as nonbinary today. She exists somewhere between male and female, between feminine and masculine, and while she doesn't identify with her femaleness or female body (especially since it was such a point of contention when she was a child), neither does she identify with her "new" maleness. Her ability to switch back and forth, to be both one and the other, is beautiful, and I think so many people will feel truly seen because of Zhu's gender identity. Her character is remarkable in every way.

There are several other POV side characters, but the other "half" of Zhu's story is the Mongolian general Ouyang. Oh, how much I adored this character! He is layers upon layers of complexity (much like Zhu), and his pain is actually painful to read because it is so vividly rendered. It's hard to elicit this kind of response in readers, but Parker-Chan does it with an effortlessness that is nothing short of incredible. Ouyang is a eunuch, and therefore his own relationship with gender is just as confused and complicated as Zhu's, but he is not quite able to embrace it as she later does. His relationship with the son of the man who castrated him was so deep, so filled with hurt, that I both longed for their scenes together and also had to prepare myself for the level of emotion they bring to the surface. 

Oh, that reminds me: I can't complete this review without mentioning the relationship between Zhu and Ma Xiuying, the daughter of a rebel (and the rebellion that Zhu finds herself tangled up in). Their dynamic was nothing short of wonderful: playful, heartfelt, full of emotion and an understanding that makes their relationship unique in its depth. Parker-Chan created such a fantastic, beautiful thing between them, and I actually found myself smiling when they were making each other laugh. And the pain, too! Parker-Chan excels at bringing in a mix of feelings that will leave you unsure whether you're heartbroken or happy. 

This review is already too long, but before I finish this up, I do want to also applaud Parker-Chan's deftness at creating a story that I think will be sticking with me for a long, long time. I really cannot express enough how unique this tale is, and how it left me saddened when I closed its pages. The history here is epic, but in spite of the feeling of spanning years and years and creating and ending dynasties and the sheer hugeness of history, you never lose the sensation of being close with Zhu or Ouyang or any of the others. This is a feat of storytelling, and I'm beyond thrilled that this is a duology, and we'll be getting one more book in this series. Parker-Chan has been cemented onto my favorite authors list, and I will be eagerly picking up anything else they put out. 

I can't recommend this one enough, and this is one case where the hype doesn't even do this amazing story justice. Fit this one onto your reading list, and do it quickly -- you won't regret it. 

Book Review: The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: death, murder, violence, sexual assault, rape, abduction, child abuse, miscarriage.

Wylie Lark spends her life researching and writing novels about true crime. After a bad fight with her ex-husband and her son, Wylie decides to go to a little town in Iowa as she starts to work on her newest book. It's the story of a little girl called Josie Doyle, the sole survivor of a night of terror that left her family dead and her best friend presumably abducted, and Wylie is staying in the very house where it happened. As a massive winter storm begins to rage across the county, Wylie discovers something shocking: a child, freezing in the snow. The child won't speak to her, but something is clearly wrong -- and it isn't long before Wylie realizes that they are not the only ones caught in this snowstorm... 

What a ride! Intensely atmospheric, this thriller is the kind of edge-of-your-seat reading that always brightens up my day. Flashing back between Wylie in the present day and the murders of the Doyle family in the early 2000s', with an additional POV that tells us about the life of the child Wylie has stumbled upon, there isn't a dull moment. It's hard to put down, particularly as it feels as if each chapter is inching closer and closer to the truth of what happened and is happening. I'd previously read one of Gudenkauf's novels many years ago, and I'm happy to report that this one is just as good as the one I enjoyed so long ago!

In the beginning I wasn't too sure I liked Wylie, per se, but I definitely found her intriguing, and the longer we spent in her head, the more I warmed to her. She's tough and practical, impatient and a little reticent, but beneath it all she has a soft heart. It was actually refreshing that she wasn't some perfectly likable heroine, and I completely adore female characters that are allowed to be flawed, mercurial and human.

The mystery is suspenseful, and one of the things I absolutely must praise Gudenkauf for is the pacing. I mentioned above that each chapter brings us closer to unraveling the mystery, and there's never a moment where I found myself wondering when we would get back to the meat of the narrative, or felt as if we were meandering unnecessarily. Wylie is the character most strongly drawn, and the rest of the cast does feel a bit simple, but it is (primarily) Wylie's story, and I didn't mind the close focus on her and her life.

The writing itself didn't make much of an impression on me either way; it wasn't exactly my preferred style, perhaps a touch too simplistic, and that's one of the reasons it wasn't a full five stars for me -- but that's entirely subjective, and I think many other people won't have any issue with it at all. It did the job of telling us the story, though, and I suppose that's the most important part! The mystery itself wasn't all that difficult for me to solve, and I didn't find the twists too shocking, but I'm a tried-and-true thriller reader, so take that with a grain of salt.

All in all, I highly recommend this for thriller lovers, and I think the chilling mystery combined with the chilling atmosphere is a sure winner! 

Book Review: Shady Hollow by Juneau Black

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage Crime/Black Lizard for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: death, murder, violence.

Journalist Vera Vixen has only lived in Shady Hollow for a few years. The town is small, quiet, and private -- not exactly an exciting beat for a reporter. But when a taciturn toad turns up dead, Vera immediately sniffs out a story, and her hunch turns out to be correct: murder has come to Shady Hollow. Eager to figure out who is killing residents, knowing that she needs to discover the culprit before they strike again, Vera is determined to make the report of a lifetime while also saving her new home. But underneath the surface, Shady Hollow hides many secrets...

If you're an animal lover like me, I have a feeling this cute, mysterious story will catch your eye. Set in a world where animals wear clothes, own shops, and have their own flaws and secrets, Shady Hollow is enchanting from its very first page. The writing is both simplistic and also flowing with cutely sharp witticisms, and the story itself is populated with a full cast of wonderfully drawn characters. Our heroine, Vera, is particularly likable, with a nose for mischief and a heart of gold.

Vera's relationships are all interesting, with varied dynamics, such as her friendship with Lenore Lee, a raven who owns a bookshop. They've been best friends for a while now, and Vera spends a lot of time bouncing her ideas and theories off of Lenore, who is an intellectual that always provides sound advice. There's also the budding friendship (and more?) with Orville, the police deputy, an onerous bear. The world of Shady Hollow is filled with complexity: although this is a cozy mystery, revolving around the lives of animals, there's also depth and darkness which only serves to add to the narrative.

The mystery isn't especially difficult to figure out, but it will keep you interested until the very last page, and there were certainly times when I began to doubt my theories. If you're looking for a book to read with a cup of tea on a wintry day, I can honestly not think of anything more perfect than Shady Hollow. Typically, I try to balance my reviews with both criticisms and praise, but in this case, I truly can't think of anything I didn't like about this novel!

Oh, and here's some good news: originally published years ago, these books have found a fresh life and wider audience with Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, and the second and third will, respectively, be coming out in March and April! I can't wait to read more stories about Vera, and the amazing world that she lives in. Mark your calendars, please! 

Highly, highly recommended, especially for those of us that love animals, mysteries, and exploring unique fantasy worlds!  

Book Review: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

 

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Content Warning: death, violence, murder, miscarriage, alcoholism, torture.

In the Queendom of Inys, one family has ruled for over a thousand years. Sabran the Ninth is the current ruler, pressured to get married and have a child in order to secure the continued line. Ead Duryan is a lady-in-waiting, but as a Southerner, she is still considered an outcast at court. Sent to Inys on a secret quest to protect Sabran, Ead keeps quiet and uses her powerful sorcery to ensure that Sabran is not endangered. In the East, Tané wants one thing: to be a dragonrider. But when she makes a choice that quickly spirals into something beyond her control, she realizes that her future is no longer certain. As the Nameless One -- a powerful, fire-breathing dragon who was conquered centuries ago -- rises again, Ead, Sabran, and Tané will be forced to work together to destroy this timeless evil once and for all. 

This novel is an absolutely epic undertaking -- not only because of its sheer size, but also because of the depth and complexity of the world hidden within its pages. I've had the pleasure of reading many gorgeously crafted fantasy books in the last year or so, and I'm overjoyed to announce that The Priory of the Orange Tree has easily made its way onto that list. A truly feminist, diverse entry into epic fantasy, it both honors the traditions of its genre while also creating new, exciting paths.

Although there are many characters we're allowed an insight into, Ead and Tané glue the narrative together. They are both powerful women, with similarities that bridge the gap between them, but differences that make them completely distinct. One of the most wonderful things about this book is its easy, casual diversity: Tané is from the East, clearly modeled off of Asia (and Japan in particular, I think), while Ead is from the South, which seems inspired by Africa and South Asia (perhaps North Africa especially?). Yes, that's right -- both of our heroines are textually women of color! Their cultures were beautifully rendered, and I would gladly read a book that did nothing but tell us more of the folklore, traditions and beauty of both of these regions. 

Many of the main characters are also explicitly on the LGBT spectrum; Ead is in a sapphic relationship throughout the novel. It was refreshing to read a story from so many different, varied perspectives, all with their own relationships, beliefs and cultures. This novel is a true testament to what the future of fantasy should be: a vehicle to explore lives that are not like our own, and to put ourselves into their shoes. There's a beautiful moral interwoven into this story that tells us to put aside our differences, and to also be openminded -- as sometimes the truth as we see it is certainly not the real thing.

Although this is a massive tome of about 800 pages, it was no chore to finish it. I found myself devouring it, and actually completed it in six days! I was a little shocked myself; I'm a notoriously fast reader, but even I didn't think I'd be able to even finish it within the month. I think that's just another example of how amazing this book is. It's easy to just fly through the pages, and to become totally and utterly absorbed by the characters and the world that they live in. 

Oh, and yes, this book has something that I think everyone who loves fantasy will be delighted with: dragons!

Beautifully written, full of lovable characters who are as deep and layered as the world Shannon has created, The Priory of the Orange Tree has now become a favorite. I cannot recommend it enough, and there are so many things I wish I could discuss in this review, but it would be pages and pages, and I don't think anyone would be able to even finish this review! Go and immerse yourself in this fascinating story, and you will find yourself touched, moved, surprised and undeniably captivated.

Book Review: The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

 

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Content Warning: death, murder, violence, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, gaslighting.

Fi is a treasure hunter, though she's more concerned with books and history than she is with gold or jewels. She's been working alone now that her ex-partner (and ex-boyfriend) is no longer in her life. When she meets Shane, though, they decide to work together for just one quest, in the hopes of striking rich. What they don't expect is for Fi to prick her finger on the bone spindle, the same one that has kept Prince Briar Rose in a sleeping spell for centuries. Forced to continue to work together, they must save Briar and his ancient slumbering kingdom, even as they try to escape vicious Witch Hunters and the Spindle Witch herself. 

I'm a big fan of retellings, although I must admit that I'm not fond of those that seem to take most of their inspiration from the Disney version of events. I was definitely intrigued when I saw not only this book's beautiful, striking cover, but read that it was a sort of "genderbent" take on the fairytale of Sleeping Beauty. Pitched as Indiana Jones meets Sleeping Beauty, it delivers on a basic level with respect to its comparisons, but I found that there was something missing in the heart of this story.

Let's start with our two main characters, Fi and Shane. There's also a third to their little group, the aforementioned Prince Briar Rose, but while he does have a few POV chapters, he mainly serves as a romantic interest to Fi as well as the main motivator of the events unfolding. I never really warmed up to Fi, who, instead of coming across as a lovable hard-ass, struck me as being both selfish and meanspirited (and not in a way that makes you root for her despite it). Shane, on the other hand, immediately captured my heart -- she is a hard-ass, but she's also loyal, dedicated, and a lot of fun. Only at the very climax of the story did I find myself beginning to like Fi.

I must admit that I thought the romance would be between our two leads, but Fi is clearly intended for Briar Rose, and Shane has a love interest of her own, a fascinating girl who goes by Red. I actually ended up enjoying Shane and Red's relationship a lot, but Fi and Briar Rose's interactions lacked a real spark for me. Their banter was sweet and amusing, but their chemistry felt lackluster, and I almost think the narrative would've benefitted from cutting back on the romantic, will-they-won't-they, fighting-destiny dynamic between the two. Fi and Shane's friendship was pleasant enough, but I often found myself wondering why Shane was putting up with Fi's attitude and refusal to allow anyone to help her (it is somewhat explained by things I can't mention without spoiling the story, but I grew tired of it quickly, and Fi's meager explanations for it as well).

The story itself, though, is fun, and if you can overlook the slightly tired tropes (some intended to be subverted, but not quite succeeding), then I think you might find yourself enjoying this tale. I liked the fairytale aspects, and I absolutely loved the settings -- the adventuring is downright exciting, and that alone was enough for me to give this book three stars! Well, that and Shane, I should say. There's not much treasure hunting going on, aside from the first few chapters, but I loved exploring ruins and trying to figure out what was going on with Shane and Fi.

There will be a sequel, something I didn't actually know when I first picked this novel up, and I'll certainly be reading it. There were too many things left unanswered, and I do find myself interested enough in the outcome of Shane and Fi's story to want to continue on with the series. While this debut does contain weaknesses, it also shows some strengths in its creativity and nod to the fantasy quest trope, and I will be looking forward to finding out where on earth Fi and Shane will end up next.

Read it for the dreamlike, fairytale elements, and for Shane: a tough, fun, ax-wielding lesbian! 

Book Review: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

 

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Content Warning: death (including that of children), violence, murder, misogyny, homophobia. familial abuse, forced drugging, immolation.

The Emperor of Parijatdvipa is cruel. His sister, Malini, once a well-respected princess, is now a prisoner of his reign. Isolated on the Hirana, an ancient temple now in ruins, Malini is slowly wasting away, desperate to escape. Priya is a maidservant, one of the choice few who ascends the dangerous Hirana at night in order to clean and perform other duties. But when Malini discovers something about Priya, an element of her hidden nature, they are reluctantly forced to work together. Both deemed monsters, both with her own set of motivations, Malini and Priya must free themselves -- or die trying.

Once I closed this book, I knew immediately that it was going on my favorites list. I'd had a suspicion about halfway through that that would be the case, but I don't think I was fully prepared for just how amazing and beautiful this epic fantasy story would be. Told through both Malini and Priya's POVs, as well as supplemented by a few others, this outstandingly crafted tale of hardship, war, and love is just astonishingly good. Doing it justice in a simple review is difficult.

The first thing that truly captivated me was the intensely rich worldbuilding. Based off of the rich cultures of India, and full of myths, religions, and tales reminiscent of India's epic literature, it's rich with history and teeming with a morally gray cast. How refreshing it was to read about these fascinating, complicated, layered female characters! They are allowed their anger, their vengeance, their righteous fury, and Suri does not shy away from embracing the darker side of their natures. I truly cannot emphasize enough that Malini and Priya are some of the best, most complex characters I've had the privilege of encountering in a long time.

The magic system is unique, unlike anything I've ever read before. It's expertly interwoven into the narrative, slowly revealed by increments as you explore its limits with the characters who wield it. Books like these make me so happy that I've gotten into fantasy stories in the last year -- now, I can't even fathom missing out on something like The Jasmine Throne!

I must also praise the romance. A true slow-burn, the burgeoning affection and intimacy between Priya and Malini was a pleasure to read, like taking your time to open up a Christmas present. Not only are they strong, fascinating women in their own right, but their relationship felt authentic, borne out of forced trust and closeness, by turns wary of one another and then enchanted with the other's power and secrets. 

Highly, highly recommended. You won't regret picking this one up. 

Book Review: Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: violence, murder, death, animal cruelty, animal death, racism, colonization.

On Tundar, survival is everything. Sena Korhosen knows this better than anyone: she spends her days pickpocketing rich tourists in the hopes of earning enough to buy herself an off-world ticket. There's nothing keeping her on Tundar anymore since her mothers' death five years ago. When she runs afoul of a local mob boss, though -- one of the most powerful men in the Ket -- Sena runs out of options. She swore she'd never race, but when a team of scientists offers her more money than she could ever hope to steal if she coaches them through the notoriously dangerous sled race, Sena agrees. With her fighting wolf, Iska, at her side, Sena embarks on a journey so deadly that most racers don't live to see its finish line. Can she find a way out of the dead-end existence on her home-planet, and keep them all alive in the process?

One of my most highly anticipated 2022 reads, my first reaction upon reading the premise of Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was "wow." It was exactly like something I'd have eagerly devoured in my adolescence, with its animal sidekick, gritty planet and deadly race. In many ways it reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games, though this is not dystopian, but in fact sci-fi. Long's story starts with Sena stealing money from the wrong guys, and a chase sequence that leads her straight into the arms of syndicate leader Kalba.

The first few chapters captivated my interest: I liked the icy setting, and I loved just how mean and cruel the world Sena lives on can be. Long's writing left something to be desired for me; I'm never a fan of first-person, present-tense at the best of times, but it was also quite dry and spent most of the narrative telling, rather than showing. However, I can often overlook qualms with writing-style -- after all, it's something completely subjective, and just because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be someone else's. 

The concept is fantastic. I had a bit of an obsession with sled racing (particularly the Iditarod) as a child, and I kept thinking, I can't believe no one's capitalized on this idea before! I'm sad to say that the execution did not meet my expectations. The actual race doesn't even begin until the 55% mark! The pace was painfully slow, and in my opinion, so much could've been cut. A huge portion of the scenes that take place before the race could've been cut, and would've made for a much faster, more satisfying read. That wasn't actually my main issue with the story, though: it was Sena herself.

All of the characters feel very one-dimensional (aside from, perhaps, Remy, one of her sled-race teammates), but Sena suffers the most from this since the book is told through her eyes. Although she often tells us the grief she's still experiencing from the loss of her mothers, the narrative feels distant from her actual feelings and experiences. I also didn't like that the only LGBT representation in the book is Sena's mothers, who are both dead long before this narrative begins. Sena is one of those boringly tough female YA protagonists; she is rarely allowed to display any softness or tenderness, as if in fear that she'll be seen as "weak." She's not sympathetic or likable, particularly after one incident with Iska that left me speechless. How was I supposed to relate to her, or empathize with her, after she did something so shockingly cruel?

I hate giving books low-star ratings, and they have to truly be earned, but I'm disappointed to have to say that Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was not enjoyable for me. Many people will love (and do love; simply take a look at the reviews on Goodreads) this novel, but I simply couldn't become immersed in it. I'm sure many edits will take place, but the core problem is with Sena's character, and I just couldn't bring myself to root for her. I do want to reiterate how original and fresh the actual concept is (and I absolutely love that we're seeing some YA sci-fi!), and I will be interested to see what else Long comes out with. It's worth remembering that this is a debut, and therefore I'm sure that Long will grow as a writer in the years to come!

Although I can't personally recommend this, as it was not a pleasant journey for me, I do think that those who have an interest in sledding, deadly quests and gritty sci-fi should give it a shot. 

10 Books I'm Looking Forward to Reading in 2022 (part 2)

 

The second (and final!) part of my Books I'm Looking Forward to Reading in 2022 series! Hope you spot some new ones on here, or perhaps some you're already excited for!

6. We All Fall Down by Rose Szabo
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Release Date: 06/07/22
Summary: "In River City, where magic used to thrive and is now fading, the witches who once ruled the city along with their powerful King have become all but obsolete. The city's crumbling government is now controlled primarily by the new university and teaching hospital, which has grown to take over half of the city.

Moving between the decaying Old City and the ruthless New, four young queer people struggle with the daily hazards of life―work, school, dodging ruthless cops and unscrupulous scientists―not realizing that they have been selected to play in an age-old drama that revives the flow of magic through their world. When a mysterious death rocks their fragile peace, the four are brought into each other's orbits as they uncover a deeper magical conspiracy."

7. Bone Weaver by Aden Polydoros
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, LGBT
Release Date: 09/20/22
Summary: "The Kosa empire roils in tension, on the verge of being torn apart by a proletarian revolution between magic-endowed elites and the superstitious lower-class, but seventeen-year-old Toma lives blissfully disconnected from the conflict in the empire with her adoptive family of benevolent undead.

When she crosses paths with Vanya, a charming commoner with awe-inspiring powers, and the usurped Tsar Mikhail himself, the unlikely trio bonds over trying to restore Mikhail’s magic and protect the empire from the revolutionary leader, Koschei, whose forces have stolen the castle. Vanya has his magic, and Mikhail has his title, but if Toma can’t dig deep and find her power in time, all of their lives will be at Koschei’s mercy."

8. A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT
Release Date: 07/26/22
Summary: "Velasin vin Aaro never planned to marry at all, let alone a girl from neighboring Tithena. When an ugly confrontation reveals his preference for men, Vel fears he’s ruined the diplomatic union before it can even begin. But while his family is ready to disown him, the Tithenai envoy has a different solution: for Vel to marry his former intended’s brother instead.

Caethari Aeduria always knew he might end up in a political marriage, but his sudden betrothal to a man from Ralia, where such relationships are forbidden, comes as a shock.

With an unknown faction willing to kill to end their new alliance, Vel and Cae have no choice but to trust each other. Survival is one thing, but love—as both will learn—is quite another."

9. The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz
Genres: Fantasy, LGBT, Historical, Romance
Release Date: 2022
Summary: "Full of twisted family politics, dark magic, and fantastical beings, THE SUN AND THE VOID transports readers into a lush world inspired by the history and mythology of 1800s South America.

When Reina arrives at Aguila Manor, her heart stolen from her chest, she’s on the verge of death—until her estranged grandmother, a dark sorceress in the Don’s employ, intervenes. Indebted to a woman she never knew—and smitten with the upper-caste daughter of the house, Celeste—Reina will do anything to earn – and keep – the family’s favor. Even the bidding of the ancient god who speaks to her from the Manor’s foundations."

10. Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Genres: Historical Fiction
Release Date: 04/12/22
Summary: "Montgomery, Alabama, 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend has big plans to make a difference, especially in her African American community. At the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, she intends to help women make their own choices for their lives and bodies.

But when her first week on the job takes her down a dusty country road to a worn down one-room cabin, she’s shocked to learn that her new patients are children—just 11 and 13 years old. Neither of the Williams sisters has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black and for those handling the family’s welfare benefits that’s reason enough to have the girls on birth control. As Civil grapples with her role, she takes India, Erica and their family into her heart. Until one day, she arrives at the door to learn the unthinkable has happened and nothing will ever be the same for any of them.

Decades later, with her daughter grown and a long career in her wake, Dr. Civil Townsend is ready to retire, to find her peace and to leave the past behind. But there are people and stories that refuse to be forgotten. That must not be forgotten.

Because history repeats what we don’t remember."

Honorable Mentions:
A Woman of Endurance by Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa
Spear by Nicola Griffith
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
Wild and Wicked Things by Francesca May
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes 
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Nothing Sung and Nothing Spoken by Nita Tyndall 

Book Review: Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite

 

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Content Warning: death, murder, violence, gore, rape, sexual assault, necrophilia, racism, racial slurs, homophobia, homophobic slurs, torture, cannibalism. Please note that all of this content is extremely graphic. One of the main themes of the book also deals with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, so please keep that in mind as well.

Andrew Compton is a serial killer. Put in prison for the brutal murder of twenty-three boys, he languishes there, tormented not by remorse but by the mundanity of his every day life. In a stroke of pure luck, he manages an escape for the ages, fleeing from gray London to sultry New Orleans. There, he happens to meet Jay Byrne -- who is also a serial murderer. Fascinated by one another, drawn together by their shared depravities, they join forces, focusing their attentions on a beautiful, naïve Vietnamese-American boy called Tran. The only question is which of them will make it out alive...

If we were going simply off of writing, this would've been an easy 3½ or 4 stars for me. Stylistically, it's not only beautifully written, but suffused with the kind of elegant, purplish prose that enchanted me as an adolescent. Reminiscent of Anne Rice's heavy, neo-Gothic style, Brite's writing doesn't shy away from gore but maintains an element of beauty nonetheless. The plot intrigued me as well, and while two of the main characters (the aforementioned Jay and Andrew) are never likable, all of the four protagonists are interesting.

While I appreciated Brite's ability to discuss the AIDS/HIV epidemic in a meaningful way, particularly in how it destroyed an entire generation of gay men and treated them as plague-victims, it seems that that sensitivity is not extended to race. Ironically enough, while Brite explores sexuality with a nuanced lens, the characters continually espouse racism (both casual and more "direct"). Tran has his own POV sections, which in my opinion were actually the best portions of this book, but in spite of that fact there's never a condemnation of Luke (Tran's ex-boyfriend) or any of the others for their racist remarks and usage of outdated, harmful terms. 

If that aspect didn't exist, this novel would've been something that I would have greatly enjoyed, though it is rife with violence for the sake of violence. I couldn't understand why Brite decided to include the racial slurs and several characters' unchallenged racist thoughts. Yes, two of them are amoral murderers, but regardless the authorial narrative should ensure that we are not supposed to feel as if their racism is acceptable (and it isn't just the murderers who hold these views). Up until the very end, I did like the story's lines and found Jay and Andrew's relationship interesting enough, but the graphic, heart-wrenching scene at the book's climax left me feeling both horrified and angered -- and not in a pleasant way.

The single star is meant merely to symbolize that this could've been a potentially interesting book if it were not for these egregious issues I previously mentioned. I wouldn't recommend it purely because of its racist biases and racial weirdness (particularly in regards to Asian men, which felt dehumanizing and fetishistic). The gore and graphic quality of the story are almost beside the point; I haven't seen any other reviews mention the racism, which I found quite baffling. The rather disgusting (but nicely written) descriptions don't seem nearly as important. 

All in all, I was extremely disappointed by this book, especially since I thought it would be a fascinating exploration into the minds of men who are blatantly modeled off of notorious killers like Jeffrey Dahmer and Dennis Nilsen. By the end, I couldn't shake the bad taste left in my mouth; Tran's role in this book left me feeling as if it were doing a disservice to the memory of Konerak Sinthasomphone, the victim of Dahmer who Tran is unsubtly based on. It's practically cut-and-past from Sinthasomphone's life and death, and rather than try to give us a deeper understanding of that horrific, pointless destruction of life, it instead recounts all the horrible details with loving and gleeful exuberance. It's nihilistic in a way that is simply unfathomable to me. 

Once again, not recommended. There are plenty of other novels that deal with serial killings and killers, done much better, with far more subtlety and class. Do yourself a favor and pass on this one. 

10 Books I'm Looking Forward to Reading in 2022 (part 1)

 

It's a New Year, and you know what that means: More amazing books to read! There are many 2022 releases that I can't wait to get my hands on, and I thought it might be fun (and possibly introduce you guys to some new books coming out!) to make a list of 22 that I'm eagerly anticipating. Hopefully I'll get a chance to read them all this year, and discover some new favorites! 

1. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Retellings
Release Date: 02/22/22
Summary: "Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.

Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…"

2. Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, LGBT
Release Date: 05/10/22
Summary: "“No maids, no funny talking, no fainting flowers.” Luli Wei is beautiful, talented, and desperate to be a star. Coming of age in pre-Code Hollywood, she knows how dangerous the movie business is and how limited the roles are for a Chinese American girl from Hungarian Hill—but she doesn’t care. She’d rather play a monster than a maid.

But in Luli’s world, the worst monsters in Hollywood are not the ones on screen. The studios want to own everything from her face to her name to the women she loves, and they run on a system of bargains made in blood and ancient magic, powered by the endless sacrifice of unlucky starlets like her. For those who do survive to earn their fame, success comes with a steep price. Luli is willing to do whatever it takes—even if that means becoming the monster herself.

Siren Queen offers up an enthralling exploration of an outsider achieving stardom on her own terms, in a fantastical Hollywood where the monsters are real and the magic of the silver screen illuminates every page."

3. The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
Genres: Fantasy, LGBT
Release Date: 06/23/22
Summary: "Sylah dreams of days growing up in the resistance, being told she would spark a revolution that would free the Empire from the red-blooded ruling classes' tyranny. That spark was extinguished the day she watched her family murdered before her eyes.

Anoor has been told she's nothing, no one, a disappointment by the only person who matters: her mother, the most powerful ruler in the Empire. But dust always rises in a storm.

Hassa moves through the world unseen by upper classes, so she knows what it means to be invisible. But invisibility has its uses: It can hide the most dangerous of secrets, secrets that can reignite a revolution.

As the Empire begins a set of trials of combat and skill designed to find its new leaders, the stage is set for blood to flow, power to shift, and cities to burn."

4. This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, LGBT, Magical Realism, Fantasy
Release Date: 04/05/22
Summary: "In the middle of Budapest, there is a river. Csilla knows the river is magic. During WWII, the river kept her family safe when they needed it most--safe from the Holocaust. But that was before the Communists seized power. Before her parents were murdered by the Soviet police. Before Csilla knew things about her father's legacy that she wishes she could forget.

Now Csilla keeps her head down, planning her escape from this country that has never loved her the way she loves it. But her carefully laid plans fall to pieces when her parents are unexpectedly, publicly exonerated. As the protests in other countries spur talk of a larger revolution in Hungary, Csilla must decide if she believes in the promise and magic of her deeply flawed country enough to risk her life to help save it, or if she should let it burn to the ground."

5. The Wild Hunt by Lucy Holland
Release Date: 06/23/22
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, LGBT, Retellings
Summary: "Once an Iceni warchief, Herla was tricked into spending three days in the faery realm. But a century passed for each day she feasted, and when she and her followers emerged, it was to find the Iceni wiped out and Britain overrun. Cursed to bring death to all she meets, Herla now presides over her grim court, dreaming of vengeance.

710 AD. Orphaned and raised in a monastery on the edge of Dumnonia, eighteen-year-old Cryda spends what she believes to be her last days in study – until the night Ine of Wessex slays the king and lays waste to her home.

Desperate to escape, she flees west. But when Cryda loses her way on the moor, it’s Herla who assists her. Herla realizes that to befriend Cryda is to risk the girl’s soul, and yet she finds herself drawn to the young scholar. Together, Herla and Cryda must walk a knife’s edge between the living and the dead, the faery realm and a war-torn land, in an effort to save a kingdom and ultimately their own souls."