May 11, 2024
Picky rec of the day this soccer/futbol/football ghoap au that was sooooo good. TW: for revenge porn and violence
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Picky rec of the day this soccer/futbol/football ghoap au that was sooooo good. TW: for revenge porn and violence
The Dawnhounds
Sascha Stronach
Publisher: Gallery / Saga Press Genre: scifi Year: 2022
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*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
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I just finished Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach, a goblincore fungipunk Māori post-apocalyptic scifi(?) and it’s so unlinke anything I’ve ever read it’s hard to quantify. The story follows Yat Jyn-Hok, former street rat, current cop, very soon to be murdered. This is a post apocalyptic world where inorganic materials such as metal and plastic are shunned. The city is made of fungus—it’s alive. Doors can be regrown to the hinges, bodies can be modified to promote far-sightedness and gender modification, and the city reclaims the dead. But in this alive city, not everything is as it seems: extreme wealth disparity, a never ending war with a far-off island, and disappearing people.
When Yat is murdered, she is thrust into the dark underbelly of the city she thought she knew. She’s confronted with the dark reality that her indifference to the realities of the city and her role as a cop is just as cruel as the violence around her. Meanwhile, her aging partner, a smart man who’s seen too much, is trying to help her in the only way he knows how. And the Māori gods are calling her, tugging on the threads that keep her alive. The story is such a fantastical mix of everything. Such interesting world building, a mystery, the mythological elements bringing a touch of fantasy, and a woman trying to find her way in a society that doesn’t accept her.
The book does have extreme homophobia, but Yat does find a found-family in the form of a raging queer pirate crew that consists of a literal goddess of a captain, her trans wife (who has to shave because while she knows who she is she is also comfortable with her body as it is) a non-binary boatswain who plays a nose flute , and a chonky strong Tigress crew member who Yat is mysteriously drawn to. Such a fascinating read. I think I’ll want to read it again honestly. I think because I’m unfamiliar with a lot of the mythology and cadence I didn’t fully grasp the story the first time.
storygraph | bookshop.org | local houston
★★★★ sapphic fungipunk stars
In the Watchful City
S. Qiouyi Lu
Publisher: Tor Genre: sci fi Year: 2021
Today I finished In the Watchful City by S. Qiouyi Lu and I was blown away. It was my first novel that used neopronouns. The main character used æ/ær pronouns (the same that the author uses) and there is another character that uses se/ser pronouns. The story follows Anima, a human dedicated to the safety and knowledge of all people in the futuristic city of Ora. Ær job is to move into the bodies of animals around the city and help, sometimes intervene in crimes or watch out for accidents. While Anima has lived in thousands of bodies, ær own body cannot leave the pool in which æ live and the cables that bind ær to the Gleaming. The book begins when æ meet Vessel, a mysterious traveler from another realm. Vessel has a qitiang full of items, each item containing a memory. Anima may choose any of the items to feel their story, and when æ are done with the experience æ must give ser a memory of ær own. Through these objects, some insignificant, some beautiful, we get brief flashes of humanity from people all over this world, and Anima learns what it truly means to be human. All the stories are queer. This was truly a delight to read and just solidifies my interest in translated fiction and in gender studies in other languages. storygraph | bookshop.org | local houston
★★★★★ compelling, linguistic stars
Burning Roses
S.L. Huang
Publisher: Tor Genre: fantasy, retellings Year: 2020
Because god herself can’t stop me: I finished a second book today.
Burning Roses by SL Huang was everything I wanted it to be. It’s a blend of West and East and mythology so perfectly interwoven in such a short book.
The story follows two middle-aged women who fight monsters and avoid talking about their feelings: namely the wives they’ve lost. Hou Yi’s story is mysterious (if you know anything about Chinese mythology: YES! That Hou Yi! Except she’s female) Rosa has run so far, she’s run to the other side of the world. As a child she was wronged by the grundwirgen (people that can turn into animals) and made it her life’s mission to hunt them to extinction. Until she fell in love.
This story is told from Rosa’s point of view as a sort of Red Riding Hood figure. The more you know about mythology, the better the story is. When I met the hare I knew exactly what he was in regards to Chang’e and the way Huang weaves in myths from legend. The story follows the women as they face their final battle together: taking down the sun birds that have been terrorizing the land, but they find that Hou Yi’s son is responsible. This leads them to sharing their own tragic stories where they have each been the hero and the villain, and emphasizes the power of love both romantic and paternal.
storygraph | bookshop.org | local houston
★★★★★ moonlit stars
August Kitko and the Mechas from Space
Alex White
Publisher: Orbit Genre: sci fi Year: 2022
*I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I just finished August Kitko and the Mechas From Space and it was a very surprising read. It combines two distinct and opposing genres. Giant warrior robots fighting for the fate of the universe, combined with a queer romcom following two musicians, a jazz pianist and a non-binary pop star. The book has echoes of the Becky Chambers style light SciFi and, like actual hard SciFi. It’s right in the middle. It lacked some of the charm of the Becky Chambers variety, but I feel that’s an exceedingly high bar for charm.
Gus by far was my favorite character. He’s genuine, down-to-earth. He describes himself as a musician’s musician—lots of famous people listen to his music and appreciate his musicality but the public is indifferent. The book opens on earth’s last day: a giant world killing robot is going to arrive. Gus has accepted this fate: everyone he ever loved is dead. No friends, no family. He considered suicide but he decides he wants to die playing piano. The mecha, nicknamed Juliette, lands and the carnage begins. And then, another robot starts fighting Juliette. The robot punches through the wall, grabs Gus and eats him, connecting Gus to the Traitor Vanguard named Greymalkin. This launches the story.
All in all I really liked it. But the only thing that drove me up the wall is the FOLKS IS ALREADY GENDER NEUTRAL THE X IS ARBITRARY!!! storygraph | bookshop.org | local houston
★★★★ ½ gay mecha stars
The City of Brass
S.A. Chakraborty
Publisher: Harper Voyager Genre: fantasy Year: 2017
Why I Love It
The City of Brass is fantasy unlike any I’ve ever read. It’s expansive, it’s sophisticated, and it’s full to the brim with a cast of characters that are fun, infuriating, and entertaining. S.A. Chakraborty flaunts her incredible talent with world-building that is both far-reaching and intricately intimate.
“Now go buy some kebab,” he said, nodding at the purse. “ You’re all bones. The djinn will want more to eat should they come for you.”
As a main character Nahri is a delight to read. A trickster and swindler, Nahri is used to looking after herself. But when she accidentally summons a demigod-like daeva, her life is changed forever. As her world expands, and she falls in love with the hot-headed warrior, she never loses her characteristic wit and sharp humor.
“Then tell me your name! Nahri shouted, her own fear getting the better of her. She was used to bluffing, but not with the threat of being eaten by the risen dead looming. “And be quick about it!”
“Darayavahoush!” The daeva pulled himself onto the stage. “Darayavahoush e-Afshin is my name! Now get over here!”
Along with incredibly complex court politics, and navigating a fraying caste system, Alizayd is a complicated character who is struggling with a divided sense of loyalty between family and justice. As in his friendship with Nahri, he grows on you, revealing an endearing young man who is struggling to do what’s right--as soon as he figures out what that is.
“Were your negotiations successful?”
“My what?”
“Your negotiations with the Tukharistani minister,” Ali reminded. “Abba said you were trying to reduce a debt.”
Muntadhir’s eyes brightened with amusement. He pressed his lips together as if fighting a grin. “Yes. She proved to be very... accommodating.”
“That’s good.” Ali retrieved his papers, straightening the stacks on his desk. “Let me know if you’d like me to check the numbers you agreed on. I know mathematics isn’t your--” He stopped, surprised by the kiss Muntadhir placed on his forehead. “What?”
Muntadhir only shook his head, exasperated affection in his face. “Oh, akhi... you’re going to get eaten alive here.”
Action packed and incredible start to the long game that will be the Daevabad Trilogy, The City of Brass is a fantastic read, even as the explosive final pages reveal cliffhangers and more questions than you ever knew to even ask in the first place. At times an traveling adventure, while at others it’s a mystery at the palace court; it’s both a deep-rooted romance and a story of family ties and loyalty, The City of Brass somehow manages to encompass it all.
“They haven’t taken me. I’m right here.”
His shoulders dropped, and he bowed his head. “They have. You won’t forgive me the boy.”
My Recommendation
Readers of fantasy will love this book. I recommend it for readers who are tired of traditional (white) fantasy narratives, or for lovers of the middle-east and its vast array of cultures. Fans of complex characters and intricate plots will adore The City of Brass as much as I did.
full review
goodreads | amazon
RATING: ★★★★★
Saga (#1-3)
Fiona Staples & Brian Vaughan
Publisher: Image Comics Genre: sci-fi, new adult Year: 2014
I don't talk about it or review them on here, but I am an avid comic reader. I was recommended this book by a follower, and it may just be the best, most heartfelt book rec I've ever received, so shout out to Lewis for making my day. Now, let's talk about the masterpiece that is Saga.
WORLD BUILDING
I feel like I have to start with the world-building because Vaughan tosses us straight into a complicated universe in the middle of an ongoing story. The universe of Saga is tangible because it is so vast and complex. There's the war between a planet called Landfall and it's moon, Wreath. But since this is a fancy intergalactic war, these planets have realized direct conflict between the two planets will likely cause their destruction, and so they have outsourced their war... to the rest of the galaxy.
This is a prime example of how to world-build. We don't get to see every tiny detail of how things work, but it feels so organic. There are countless types of aliens and different planets and cultures and there's so much vibrancy it feels like we are actually getting a glimpse into a developed universe. It feels like we're just tossed in at the beginning, but since the story begins with our two lead characters on the run while one is simultaneously giving birth, having the reader try and familiarize themselves with this world in the middle of all the action, serves as a literary device that works to up the stakes.
PLOT
On the surface, Saga seems like a pretty straightforward story. Two people from opposing groups fall in love and have a child, and then must protect that child from both of their peoples. But it's so much more than that. There are many things happening at once, and off-shoots of stories that develop into their own plots. At this point I am just as invested in The Will's storyline as Hazel's, and I'm so conflicted because technically they are on opposite sides of the conflict but I'm rooting for them both. As the story develops I find myself getting more and more invested in the subplots, like the gay amphibious journalists Upsher and Doff, who came completely out of the woodwork and surprised me with how interesting their story is.
THEMES & TONES
At its core, Saga is an anti-war story. It explores the messiness of conflict, and how there's often no "good" side. And since we as readers are unfamiliar with the war and its pretenses, we don't have a side. This is paralleled by Dr. Oswald Heist's novel that changes Marko and Alana's world forever. Heist's book seems like a typical paperback erotica for soccer moms on the surface, but is actually anti-war philosophy hidden behind a seemingly innocuous cover. That's exactly what Saga is.
It emphasizes this by revolving around the importance of youth, which segues into its anti-war theme. Hazel is a child born in the middle of a war and is a target simply because of her parents. Izabel is the ghost of a child who had her legs blown off by a landmine, and who only has her top half with her guts gruesomely hanging out. The Will rescues a six year old from sexual slavery. All of these young lives have been irrevocably touched by war, and Saga is relentless in its criticism of war.
All tossed in this very healthy theme-salad, are further themes of parenthood and family, racism, classism, and the importance of journalistic integrity. Pretty deep stuff, that gives Saga extra umph.
While there's all these heavy themes happening, the writers of Saga made the incredible literary decision to have an older Hazel occasionally narrate the plot. We don't know how old she is in this voice, but it adds a whole new flavor to the story that changes the tone to something that falls somewhere in-between a fairy tale and a prophecy.
CHARACTERS & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
The characters are the strongest part of the story. Alana and Marko are both badass idealists who are ready to make major changes to the universe. Most of their conflict comes from trying to reconcile their training (they are both ex-soldiers) with their new pacifist ideology. Is it possible to be a pacifist when two opposing armies both want you dead? Their relationship is real, it's tangible, and even though Saga is a tale of pure fantasy, their relationship is relatable. There honestly needs to be more literature out there about young parents.
Hazel is still a baby for these volumes, but having her older self narrates gives us as the audience just enough to really start to feel her personality. It honestly makes me excited to watch Marko and Alana struggle to raise this little spitfire as she gets older.
I'm going to go ahead and lay it out here: The Will absolutely captured my heart from the beginning. He's exactly the kind of protagonist I love: a deeply flawed and rugged character who refuses to be labeled as a "good guy" ... and yet he can't help but step in at the first sign of injustice. The way he softens up after adopting Sophie is like actual crack straight into my veins. I love The Will. 10/10, would protect with my life.
I was also surprisingly fond of Izabel. Her childish youth contrasts so greatly with her inane knowledge of war and its effects on people that is incredibly sobering to read. And, of course, there's the fact that she's a floating dismembered torso, it's literally impossible not to be reminded of how war has touched this child. She's so cute with Hazel.
I was not expecting to love Gwendolyn as much as I did. At first I was dreading the gimmick she represented. The ex-fiancé whose sole literary purpose is to cause tension in a relationship... but she's not. She's her own character, who I have grown to love and respect. I don't want to say too much more about her, so I don't spoil it. But just trust me. Read this and you'll love her.
Dr. Oswald Heist is essentially who I want to be when I grow up. A secluded author writing trash with a hidden meaning and accidentally adopting a whole family who comes to visit him. Basically everything I want from life. Walking around in my underwear? Check. Writer living in absolute seclusion? Check. Cute talking seal in yellow overalls? Double-check. You're my son now.
As I mentioned above, even side characters are compelling and likable, like the journalist duo seeking the truth to Alana and Marko's story.
The only character I'm not a fan of is Prince Robot IV. He's kind of the worst. And I am always morally opposed to royalty. But even when the plot is following him, it's still compelling, because while I don't like him, he's interesting enough to keep reading about.
OVERALL
In conclusion Saga is a masterfully crafted story that is engaging, relevant, and beautifully told in both substance and artwork. This is a story both science fiction and fantasy lovers will enjoy. And if you're like me, interested in reading more about young people that aren't children or teenagers then Saga is the story for you. The main characters are starting a new family, still figuring life out, but they're mature and (mostly) functioning adults. Also, the found-family trope is my lifeblood. It is the ichor that sustains me.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Give Saga a chance. It'll take you on a wonderful journey if you let it. Although, because of some explicit scenes and language, this is strictly an adult story, so be prepared for nudity, sexual content and language, violence and gore. If you're okay with all of those things, there is nothing stopping you from having a great experience with this novel.
goodreads | amazon
RATING: ★★★★★
Saga (#4-6)
FIONA STAPLES & BRIAN VAUGHAN
Publisher: Image Comics Genre: sci-fi, new adult Year: 2017
Overall
Saga's book two is just as entertaining as book one. Like most comic books, it's very fast paced and doesn't linger for too long on the details, but for me, some of the things that made the first three volumes so special were missing. As we delve further and further into the Saga universe, we become more and more familiar with the different parts of it. Overall, I like this. But while, for example I was much more endeared to Upsher and Doff's and (I can't believe I'm saying it) Prince Robot IV, I lost touch with Marko and Alana. While I enjoyed the conflict in their relationship, the time skip right after left me unfamiliar and confused by their new dynamic, as I never got to witness it develop. While I was disappointed when I finally got to be reunited with The Will, I was even more disappointed by how the time skip changed him. The Will from before and The Will from after seem completely disconnected. I would have liked to witness his fall so I wasn't so unprepared and thrown off by his change. While still enjoyable and highly entertaining, I felt as though the storytelling suffered in favor of "the message" whereas before the message was seamlessly ingrained in the telling of the story. The urgency of the initial goal of "protect Hazel from the governments" seems to have faded completely.
My Recommendation
I love this story and these characters, and will stick by them for the next installments, although I did notice a decline in the skill with which the story was executed.
goodreads | amazon
RATING: ★★★★
Find my review of the first three volumes, here