★ 07/01/2024
Wang (The Sword of Kaigen) expertly blends discussions of sexism, xenophobia, and colonialism into an immersive dark-academia fantasy. Sciona Freynan is the first woman to be accepted into the elite ranks of magic-users in the history of Tiran, a gilded techno-utopia in which some humans are protected from icy winters and the Blight that strikes down Indigenous peoples. Eager to prove herself the equal of any man highmage, Sciona throws herself into her research to expand the magical barrier protecting Tiran lands from the dangerous outside world. Alongside her Kwen assistant, Thomil, Sciona pushes the boundaries of Tiran's magical system and uncovers a secret about the nature of the power fueling all of Tiran's technology and must confront what it means for the future of their society. With exquisite worldbuilding and characters, Wang delivers a tour de force of unflinching social criticism wrapped in a classic fantasy setting. VERDICT Vibrant, raw, and deeply emotional, this novel is a manifesto about justice as much as it is a thrilling work of fiction. This self-published title, picked up by a big publisher, will have wide appeal beyond fans of science fiction and fantasy.—Lydia Fletcher