Maddie Martinez, author of The Maiden and Her Monster, has shared five of her top book recommendations
An author has revealed five of their top book recommendations. Drawing inspiration from Jewish mythology and brimming with political intrigue, Maddie Martinez’s debut novel, The Maiden and Her Monster, is an atmospheric dark fantasy ideal for admirers of Ava Reid and Naomi Novik.
“When I set out to write The Maiden and Her Monster, I knew I wanted it to be steeped in political intrigue – it felt essential to the plot, the characters, and the themes of the book,” Maddie said. “It is, after all, a book about the power of stories, and who is left behind in the shaping of an ethnonation. My background is also in politics and international relations, so I find myself naturally drawn to political dynamics in fantasy novels.
“They reveal so much about human nature, and confront us with uncomfortable facts about the nature of politics in our own world. Adult fantasy is especially where I feel like politicking gets the chance to shine, and the genre has some of my favourites!”
Without further delay, here are Maddie’s top five book recommendations, as reported by the Express.
1. The City of Brass by Shannon Chakraborty
“The first book in this series follows Nahri, a con woman in 18th century Cairo who accidentally summons a mysterious djinn warrior and is thrust into the world of Daevabad, a magical world she thought only existed in stories.
“No one is morally right or pure in Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy, and every choice has a cost. The characters have to contend with the decisions they make, and how they impact each other as well as the civilians around them. Add in propulsive twists and turns, this book (and the series) is a masterclass in politicking.”
2. The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
“The Scorched Throne duology is recently completed, and is one of the best duologies I’ve read in quite some time.
“In this Egyptian-inspired fantasy, Sylvia, a fugitive queen, strikes a deadly bargain with her greatest enemy, Arin of Nizhal, forcing Sylvia straight back into the world of the politicking she had tried to escape from as four kingdoms vie to fill a power vacuum.
“A fascinating exploration of who shoulders responsibility and how the past can be manipulated for political goals.”
3. Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
“One of the most well-executed books tackling privilege, oppression, and colonialism. In this dark academia fantasy, we follow Sciona, the first woman admitted to the High Magistry in a seemingly utopic city.
“However, as she climbs the ranks, she begins to unravel the true cost of this ‘utopia’ and must face her own role in this society as well. Deeply smart and necessarily unapologetic, I cannot recommend this book enough.”
4. The Pomegranate Gate by Ariel Kaplan
“Set during the Spanish Inquisition, The Pomegranate Gate is a portal fantasy that dives deep into politics and identity, following Toba and Naftaly, two Jewish refugees fleeing the Kingdom of Sefarad as they find themselves in a world of myth, legends, and magical courtly politics.
“The prose is atmospheric and lyrical, and I loved that it was a Jewish fantasy!”
5. Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
“Propulsive and intricately plotted, Sangoyomi’s debut is not to be missed. This is a deeply immersive novel inspired by 15th century West Africa following Òdòdó, a blacksmith, as she is captured and brought to the capital to marry the king of Yorùbáland.
“It tackles themes of power, the consequences of having it, and what it truly means to free. I could not put this book down when I read it and recommend it to everyone.”