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Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim
Last of the Talons is yet another epic fantasy based on East Asian, this time Korean, folklore to come out in recent years and it does not disappoint. Yet it brings something a bit different to the table. It is oozing with rage in a way that may come as a surprise for a book that is marketed as YA. However, that shouldn’t be a deterrent. Instead, it is exactly why you need to pick up this book in the first place. Sophie Kim has done an exceedingly good job of creating the world her characters live in and the characters themselves. They are bloodthirsty and passionate. These emotions are…
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The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an extraordinary work of fiction. It’s heart wrenching, yet also light. It’s mysterious and fantastical. Then there is the passion that oozes from every single page. Axie Oh has crafted a beautifully balanced novel with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. There is honestly something for everyone within its pages. While based somewhat on the Korean folk story “The Tale of Shim Cheong,” The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea takes a different approach to it. The character of Shim Cheong is in the story, but she is not the protagonist. Instead, she is the catalyst for the true main character…
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Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Sue Lynn Tan’s debut novel, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an absolutely stunning work. Everything about it is great. While based on the Chinese legend of Chang’e, Tan has masterfully integrated her own characters and story into the preexisting narrative. Her characters are compelling and multilayered. The settings are vivid and vibrant. It seems like there is nothing Tan missed when writing this novel. The flawless execution of the story is exactly what makes Daughter of the Moon Goddess stand out so much. It provides a solid fantasy story, a glimpse into Chinese mythology and culture, and importantly, a strong young woman as the protagonist. Daughter of the Moon…
