Zoe's Reviews

A historical novel, a feminist manifesto, an alien utopia on the moon—this book has it all! The Future Future explores the myriad of power imbalances in our world, between servants and masters, men and women, rich and poor—as well as how the oppressed must band together in solidarity and sisterhood to survive. The softness and love our protagonist cultivates in the face of all that’s set against her is priceless.  

—Zoe

Calamity is a fast-paced, action-packed, high-stakes romance in space, with laser guns and doomsday cults and evil plots all atop a dormant volcano! Through it all, a small found family on a ramshackle spaceship fights to save the day, and the mysterious son of the man hiring them may turn out to be even more than an ally.  

—Zoe

The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport, at its core, is a dialogue about the harm–benefit ratios inherent in every revolution. This conversation is held through well-developed characters, hilarious dialogue, and a three-wish-granting genie in a lamp (it’s advanced technology, not magic). It will take you around multiple turns, and you will come to love the daughter of revolutionaries, her monkey robot brother, and the tiny story-telling robot that follows them around.  

—Zoe

This new fantasy romance is a page-turning enemies-to-lovers tale set against a magical war, impending apocalypse, and dragons! The Hurricane Wars is the next read for anyone who loved Fourth Wing. Inspired by the cultures of the Philippines, the incredible and unique world building brings a freshness to all the favorite romantic fantasy tropes Thea Guanzon spins so well.

 —Zoe

Two sisters fight to save each other from the world and from themselves in this stunning fairy tale. Her Radiant Curse explores the dark side of beauty and the unexpected boons of growing up different from the crowd, while also celebrating the deep bond of sisterhood. Moreover, there are dragons, talking snakes, and a beautifully crafted world to set the stage for these loveable characters. —Zoe

Oh God, The Sun Goes is a bizarre and lovely meditation on what happens to us when the object or person we've chosen to orbit disappears. With the sun serving as metaphor for whatever has been the object of our love, this novel explores loss both ontologically as well as psychologically, as we follow our unnamed main character through the various brain regions processing his loss. I loved this strange and poetic little book!

—Zoe

This hilarious memoir tells the story of Greg Marshall's coming of age as a gay and disabled boy in the ’90s and of his being unaware of either label. Told by his parents that he had “tight tendons,” Marshall did not know that he had cerebral palsy until he was in his thirties. Marshall brings us into his wild and bizarre family, their fights with terminal illnesses, and their determination to avoid labels at all times.  —ZOE

Another title to join the ranks of cozy fantasy books, Mortal Follies is bright, silly, and so tongue-in-cheek it can be ridiculous. Our protagonist Maelys sets out to break a mysterious curse laid upon her, and with the help of her friends falls into a mess of gods, fairies, demons, and romance. Perhaps what is most special about this story is its narrator, whom I promise you would not expect.  —Zoe

An action-packed sapphic romance full of Irish mythology, Ravensong tells the story of Neve, a senior in high school and one third of the Morrigan—a trio of Irish war gods—reincarnated into modern times. Neve is eager to turn 18, when memories are revealed and she can fight alongside her sisters. However, she's caught off guard after developing feelings for a mortal. Curiously, at the same exact moment, the Hellgate starts acting strange. This novel explores themes of duty, love, and family with epic battles, plot twists, and a delightful cast of characters.

—Zoe

Chakraborty starts her new trilogy out strong with this one. A female pirate captain sailing the Indian ocean in the eleventh century is a fresh place for a new fantasy novel, and The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi comes with a delightful cast of characters and monsters. Amina is a delightful protagonist. The most difficult thing about this book will be waiting for the sequel. —Zoe