The Changeling
A tender, bittersweet story of two childhood outsiders whose friendship makes the world a brighter place. Despite its YA audience and lack of fantasy, The Changeling offers adults a surprisingly powerful dose of nostalgia for the friendships that shaped them.
Jinian Footseer
A pragmatic young woman sets off through a richly imagined fantasy world, encountering strange creatures, mysterious old gods, and no shortage of adventures—with six wonderful older women offering support along the way. A captivating, meandering journey whose pleasures far outweigh its frustratingly rushed conclusion.
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.
Watchstar
A solitary young woman in a telepathic society must protect an outsider while preparing for a dangerous coming-of-age ordeal. A thoughtfully written exploration of consciousness, morality, and cultural contact—though its philosophical interests didn't entirely align with mine.