The Hero and the Crown
Aerin, the ostracized daughter of Damar's king, must forge a place for herself in a world that doubts her worth. An intimate, fiercely feminist coming-of-age fantasy about persistence, compassion, and finding strength without losing yourself—and a book that helped shape who I became.
The Blue Sword
Harry Crewe, a young woman displaced to a remote desert frontier, finds herself drawn into the magical world of the Hillfolk. A languid, traditional chosen-one fantasy whose unremarkable plot is more than redeemed by the quiet strength, dignity, and wonderfully nuanced characterization of its heroine.
The Dimensioneers
A teenage girl and her mutant lion leap between dimensions, pursued by hostile aliens. Unfortunately, fourteen pages of clumsy prose and bewildering action were more than enough to convince me to abandon the adventure.
The Serpent
A sheltered goddess-princess is thrust into a brutal world where women's sexuality is both a liability and a source of power. Beautiful, devastating, unexpectedly funny, and one of the most thought-provoking novels I've read.
Madbond
An amnesiac hunter, a carnivorous horse, six intertwined tribes, and a bromance that goes from zero to eternal devotion. A slow start gives way to fascinating mythology and excellent storytelling.
Children of the Wind
The second Seven Citadels adventure deepens its wonderfully human characters, explores faith and philosophy without preaching, and introduces an argumentative companion and a delightful cat.
Nightpool
A wronged prince, singing dragons, ancient evil, and an entire tribe of impossibly charming talking otters. Delightful animal characters can't quite save an increasingly chaotic plot.
Pandora's Genes
A post-apocalyptic world of warrior-nun scientists, empathetic foxcats, genetic disasters, and frighteningly believable religious fanaticism. A surprisingly compelling adventure despite some uncomfortable themes.
The Wicked Enchantment
An eleven-year-old girl, three eccentric aunts, a magnificent collection of animals, and a rebellion involving Easter eggs. Delightfully feminist middle-grade fantasy that deserves to be a classic.
Star Gate
Parallel dimensions, evil doubles, existential headaches, and a battle-llama. Delightful old-school science fiction with some forgettable characters.