And to aptly illustrate this point in this month selection we have French science fiction in the form of Continuum: French science fiction short stories. Japan is represented by Takaoka’s Travels by the acclaimed writer Tatsuhiko Shibusawa, a wild and exuberant fantasy novel set in the ninth century. From our own fair shores, we have a romantic fantasy novel called The Amethyst Kingdom by A. K. Mulford.
Rebecca Zahavi is an author with Iranian, French and British heritage who currently works in France. Her latest fantasy book, TheHawkling, is the second instalment of her Tales Of The Edge series, the first instalment of which is The Collarbound. From South Korea we have A Magical Girl Retires by Sŏ-ryŏn Pak, a fantasy tale about a magical girl who combats climate change; a novel which is in turn an homage to manga. Italy is represented by Francesco Dimitri’s The dark side of the sky a tale of dread and wonder sent in southern Italy.
Continuum : French science fiction short stories
“This unique collection of newly translated short stories offers a taste of classic and contemporary French science fiction to English-language readers. These stories cover a range of fascinating topics including simulated reality, speciesism, ecology, and transhumanism-all while exploring universal themes of belonging, death, and identity. Some of the authors featured in this anthology, like Julia Verlanger, Sylvie Denis, or Jean-Claude Dunyach, have shaped the history of French science fiction after World War II. Curated by Annabelle Dolidon and Tessa Sermet,” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Takaoka’s travels / Shibusawa, Tatsuhiko
“A fantasy set in the ninth century, Takaoka’s Travels recounts the adventures of a Japanese prince-turned-monk on a pilgrimage to India. As Prince Takaoka and his companions pass through faraway lands, the rules of the ordinary world are upended, and they find curiosities and miracles wherever they go. The travelers encounter strange creatures–a white ape who guards a harem of bird-women, beasts who feed on dreams, a dog-headed man who can see hundreds of years into the future. On the high seas, their ship is boarded by ghostly pirates and driven back by supernatural winds, and still they push on…” (Adapted from Catalogue)
The amethyst kingdom / Mulford, A. K
“The fifth and final novel in the Five Crowns of Okrith romantasy series. A young fae warrior is hellbent on winning the Eastern Court crown, but when her fated lover–and hated nemesis–Ersan enters the trials she struggles to balance the competition and the chance at love. The crown is calling her name, but can her head bear the weight when passion sets her heart racing?” (Adapted from Catalogue)
The hawkling / Zahabi, Rebecca
“The rebels on the other side of the Shadowpass are massing, and refugees are flooding in to the city. Scared, penniless and not exactly welcome, they are desperate for the protection of the Nest, and the powerful mages who live there. But there is dissension in the Nest’s ranks, and there is always someone willing to make money from the fearful. The mages believe they have a secret weapon – a captured lightborn, kept prisoner by a magical slave collar and forced to do their bidding. But Tatters and Isha, tentative friends despite their suspicion of each other’s motives, know something the mages do not. The rebels are aware of the lightborn. They know how to deal with it. And they are ready for war…” (Adapted from Catalogue)
A magical girl retires : a novel / Pak, Sŏ-ryŏn
“Twenty-nine, depressed, and drowning in credit card debt after losing her job during the pandemic, a millennial woman decides to end her troubles by jumping off Seoul’s Mapo Bridge. But her suicide attempt is interrupted by a girl dressed all in white, her guardian angel. Ah Roa is a clairvoyant magical girl on a mission to find the greatest magical girl of all time. But the woman’s excitement turns to frustration when she learns that being a magical girl in real life is much different than how it’s portrayed in manga. It isn’t just destiny–it’s work. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)
The dark side of the sky / Dimitri, Francesco
“It’s been labelled a doomsday cult, but the Bastion might be humanity’s last hope. Amidst all the lies and chaos, come hear their true story, in their own words. On the rural coast of Puglia, Italy, Becca and Ric run the Bastion, offering solace and a home for lost souls. Each year they welcome new members to join the Open Feast, where they teach them to release their burdens and create a better world, in a journey of self-discovery and spiritual teachings. But the Bastion has secrets. The Bastion has a destiny. Deep in the Inner Pinewood, a place of real magic and beauty, they are all that stands against the dark forces that would tear the sky wide open. And what of those who call Becca and Ric liars? Cult leaders and con artists? What of those who tried to leave the Bastion? As it becomes increasingly difficult to tell truth from fiction, who can you trust to save us all? ” (Adapted from Catalogue)
The brides of High Hill / Vo, Nghi
“The cleric Chih accompanies a beautiful young bride to her wedding to the aging ruler of a crumbling estate situated at the crossroads of dead empires. The bride’s party is welcomed with elaborate courtesies and extravagant banquets, but between the frightened servants and the cryptic warnings of the lord’s mad son, they quickly realize that something is haunting the shadowed halls. As Chih and the bride-to-be explore empty rooms and desolate courtyards, they are drawn into the mystery of what became of Lord Guo’s previous wives and the dark history of Doi Cao itself. But as the wedding night draws to its close, Chih will learn at their peril that not all monsters are to be found in the shadows; some hide in plain sight.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Archangels of funk : episodes from the continuing drama of Cinnamon Jones: scientist, artiste, and hoodoo conjurer : a novel of what might be / Hairston, Andrea
“The Water Wars have scrambled the world. Flood refugees are on the run. Disrupters and the nostalgia militia roam the roads, wreaking havoc. Invisible Darknet Lords troll the internet, solidifying their power, while Cinnamon, her three Circus-Bots, and two dogs work with a community of farmers, Motor Fairies, and Wheel-Wizards to provide housing, health care, and education for flood refugees. As Cinnamon confronts threats from the Darknet Lords and the nostalgia militia, she must determine how best to honor her elders and her history while building a future for herself and her charges. It’s not going to be easy” (Adapted from Catalogue)
