The Red Scholar’s Wake was my first book from Aliette de Bodard but will absolutely not be my last! The Red Scholar’s Wake follows Xich Si and Rich Fish, a scavenger and pirate respectively. Rich Fish is a sentient spaceship that finds Xich Si after the death of her first wife. Since Xich Si has the technical skills to uncover the truth of her wife’s death, Rice Fish and Xich Si are wed. A marriage in name only, nothing more. But as the stakes rise and betrayal becomes evident, the two are thrust together and forced to examine what they truly mean to each other. 

The Red Scholar’s Wake is a stunning space opera filled with LGBTQ+ rep, pirate politics, and Vietnamese-esque science fiction. The relationship between Rice Fish and Xich Si is soft and pining, filled with yearning. I loved watching this evolve and deepen as their adventure unravels. I also enjoyed the side characters such as ships like Crow’s Words and the inclusion of Xich Si’s young daughter Khanh. Aliette de Bodard weaves in themes of grief, love, and what it means to truly create a safe haven. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! I would recommend this for fans of Everina Maxwell, Tamsyn Muir, and Xiran Jay Zhao. Thank you so much to Aliette de Bodard, JABerwocky Literary Agency, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Saint completely captured the hearts of readers in the Fable duology and I’m so thrilled he and Isolde received their own book! Before he was known as Saint, he was simply Elias. Elias and his helmsman Clove are young Narrows-born traders whose goal is to become licensed to trade. Isolde is Holland’s daughter, who grieved the day her father was lost at sea but never suspected foul play. Until one day, she learns the truth and strikes out from Holland to find safety in the Narrows. Isolde and Elias must work together to avoid vengeful captains, dangerous storms, and the long reach of Holland.

Since it was announced, I have been eagerly awaiting Saint and it did not disappoint!! I was extremely lucky to receive an advanced listener copy. I listened to the entire thing in a day, unable to tear myself away from this much-anticipated return to the Narrows. I love the Fable duology, the Last Legacy, Tides, and Adrienne Young in general! Both audiobook narrators were excellent and they expertly personified Isolde and Saint. 

Saint and Isolde are as inevitable as the sea crashing upon the shore. I was captivated by the adventurous beginning to their story. Saint provides a fascinating glimpse into the boy behind the man who would become one of the most influential players in the Narrows. He goes through so much character growth that is truly evident from reading Saint. And of course, we finally get to meet Isolde!! She is a fierce dredger, unwilling to let her fate be decided by others. Isolde has so much bravery and knowledge that helps her navigate the dangers of the sea. I see aspects of them both in Fable. For readers who know the end, there is definitely a touch of bittersweet melancholy woven through the pages.  

Adrienne Young’s writing is always immersive, plunging into the dark depths with Isolde and sailing the ship through violent storms with Saint. Every sense is described, along with witty dialogue, and clever plot twists. As much as I couldn’t look away from the fated love of Isolde and Saint, I also loved the side characters! I really enjoyed learning more about Clove in this book and am curious if we’ve seen the last of some of these characters. Adrienne Young wrote in some beautiful connections that readers who have read the duology will love, though Saint can be read as a standalone. I hope there are more tales from the Narrows to come! In the meantime, time for a reread of Saint…

Thank you SO much to Adrienne Young,  Macmillan Audio, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free advanced listener’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Vermilion Emporium is a haunting and fantastical story. Strangers Quinta and Twain discover a curious shop called The Vermilion Emporium, where behind every door is a magical mystery. This adventure quickly binds them together and they realize that together they can create a precious commodity- starlight lace. But starlight lace is extremely dangerous. And unbeknownst to them, a powerful figure has taken notice and is determined to take all their lace. Quinta and Twain must race to find each other and escape before the starlight lace takes a toll- for magic always comes with a price. 

The Vermilion Emporium is an extraordinary story with real-life influences. Pacton says she draws inspiration from the Radium Girls and Erin Morgenstern; I thought both influences resonated. I also think aspects of Howl’s Moving Castle are present in some of the more magical scenes with the Emporium. The creeping danger from the starlight, Twain and Quinta’s budding romance, and the urgency to craft the lace make this a very well-paced and unputdownable adventure. I was spellbound and couldn’t look away! For fans of Howl’s Moving Castle and The Radium Girls- check out The Vermilion Emporium. Looking forward to seeing what Jamie Pacton writes next! Thank you to Jamie Pacton, Peachtree Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ship Wrecked is the third book in Olivia Dade’s Spoiler Alert series, featuring Maria and Peter. I already want to reread the whole series, as all three books are written to seamlessly fit together. Maria is a Swedish actress who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in- body positivity and inclusivity especially. Peter is far more concerned with getting his next paycheck and proving that he deserves his spot in Hollywood.

When their paths cross, they have no way of knowing that they’ll be auditioning together the next day. Cast to play two people stranded on a deserted island, Maria and Peter are about to get to know each other intimately. As the years pass on their show, they must decide what is most important- their careers or their love.

I absolutely loved Maria and Peter’s story!! They are both so relatable and lovable. I thought it was fantastic how Maria refused to let the producers control her body or influence her choices. Both Maria and Peter have a lot of history to share with each other before they can progress, making Ship Wrecked a delightful emotional slow-burn until it is scorching hot. Olivia Dade has the rare gift of being able to write scenes of both deep pining and fiery-hot spice/romance.

I love how Olivia Dade always includes body positivity, mental health rep, LGBTQ+ rep, and is just generally a very inclusive writer. The cameos from castmates and members of the previous books were very well-done and a nice surprise. I hope there are more books in this series and that this isn’t the last we see from these characters! I can’t wait to see what Olivia Dade writes next. Thank you so much to Olivia Dade, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the stunning and heartfelt sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to see what happens next! Xingyin has finally been reunited with her mother on the moon. Yet the adventure is not over, as mysterious visitors come to the moon in search of magic. The Celestial Emperor has not forgotten Xingyin and her mother, while the Celestial Empress holds a fierce grudge against them. Xingyin will need her alliances, her magic, and the help of both Prince Liwei and Wenzhi to save her family and kingdom once again. 

 Heart of the Sun Warrior is filled with betrayals, triumphs, magical battles, and romance. Sue Lynn Tan’s prose is so beautiful and flowing. Whether she is describing an epic battle or a romantic scene, every detail is exquisite. I love stories of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and I really liked how Sue Lynn Tan showcased her quiet strength and persistence in this retelling. Xingyin shows excellent character growth, making her a compelling character to follow. While love triangles can be tricky, I enjoyed how this one was resolved. I hope there are more stories to come in the world of the Celestial Kingdom! I’m excited to see what Sue Lynn Tan writes next. Thank you to Sue Lynn Tan, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.