Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
I don’t often think of calligraphy and traditional art as the basis for a fun, beautifully rendered fantasy, but Phoenix Extravagant is all of that. Automata and fox spirits roam the streets while subjugated people fight for their freedom, and dragons turn out to be far less monstrous to face than is contending with humanity’s greed. I particularly admire Lee’s ability to navigate the nonbinary gender of his protagonist with a light touch. I haven’t devoured something like this since Uprooted. Don’t miss out! — Jax
