James Nicoll Reviews

The Beholden by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Orphaned as young women, Celestia and Izara De Malena find themselves land rich but destitute, with only a failing rainforest acreage, Celestia’s perfect manners, and Izara’s nascent magic to their aristocratic names. With the last of their money running out, they enact a dangerous plan — using a spell she doesn’t fully understand, Izara summons the Lady of the Seraphine and demands a favor: a husband for Celestia, one rich enough to enable the De Malena sisters to keep their land. But a favor from the river goddess always comes at a cost … Now, five years later, rumors of war and disease are spreading, Celestia’s husband has been called away on a secret mission for the Emperor, and the Lady of the Seraphine is back to collect her due. Izara will be forced to leave the academy where she has been studying to become a mage; Celestia will be pulled from her now-flourishing farm while newly pregnant with her first child. Together, they must repay their debt to the Lady — embarking on a mission that will put them on a collision course with Celestia’s husband, the Emperor, and a god even more powerful than the Lady of the Seraphine. Gorgeous, compelling, and utterly captivating, The Beholden follows Celestia and Izara as they journey from the lush rainforest to a frozen desert on an impossible quest to find a god who doesn’t want to be found and prevent the end of the world. 

Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee

The Kaul siblings battle rival clans for honor and jade in the epic conclusion of the World Fantasy Award-winning series, the Green Bone Saga. Jade, the mysterious and magical substance once exclusive to the Green Bone warriors of Kekon, is now coveted throughout the world. Everyone wants access to the supernatural abilities it provides, from traditional forces such as governments, mercenaries, and criminal kingpins, to modern players, including doctors, athletes, and movie studios. As the struggle over the control of jade grows ever larger and more deadly, the Kaul family, and the ancient ways of the Kekonese Green Bones, will never be the same. Battered by war and tragedy, the Kauls are plagued by resentments and old wounds as their adversaries are on the ascent and their country is riven by dangerous factions and foreign interference. The clan must discern allies from enemies, set aside bloody rivalries, and make terrible sacrifices… but even the unbreakable bonds of blood and loyalty may not be enough to ensure the survival of the Green Bone clans and the nation they are sworn to protect. 

We’re Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction 2020 edited by series editor Charles Payseur and guest editor C.L. Clark

We’re Here: The Best Queer Speculative Fiction 2020, edited by series editor Charles Payseur and guest editor C.L. Clark, showcases sixteen queer science fiction, fantasy and horror short stories published in a difficult year.Within these pages: A trans woman growing plums on a distant moon. Queer shape shifters falling in love despite brutal intolerance. Video game urban legends. Magic onions. Art history. Archaeology. The tropes of classic movies dashed and subverted. The fragile freedom found in online gaming. True crime podcasts. A non-binary house who refused to eat children.We’re honored to amplify these incredible stories for a wider audience.Contributors: Charlie Jane Anders, Anya Johanna DeNiro, Innocent Chizaram Ilo, Gem Isherwood, L.D. Lewis, Naomi Kanakia, Gwen C. Katz, Kristen Koopman, RB Lemberg, Lina Rather, Nicasio Andres Reed, Gabriela Santiago, Waverly SM, Carlie St. George, Brendan Williams-Childs, & John Wiswell.