★ 09/18/2023
Transgender teen Gem Echols, who is of Seminole descent, learns that they’re the reincarnation of an ancient god in this electrifying duology opener from Edgmon (the Witch King duology). Gracie, Ga., high school junior Gem is just killing time until they can graduate and start their “real life” alongside Enzo Truly—an Indigenous trans boy in Brooklyn who is Gem’s best friend and secret love. Then Native, Alaska-born trans girl Willa Mae Hardy arrives in town, claiming she and Gem are soulmates and part of a pantheon of gods that ruled a realm called the Ether before a murderous coup forced their exodus to Earth. Every few generations, the remaining exiled gods are reborn as humans, gradually remembering their past selves. Gem fears that they’re losing their grip on reality—until Willa Mae uses magic to save them from another reincarnated god intent on revenge for a transgression Gem doesn’t yet recall. And per Willa Mae, things will only get worse. Edgmon thoughtfully explores issues of agency, identity, and mental illness via an inventive mythology; a high-stakes, action-packed plot; and a vibrantly drawn, intersectionally diverse cast embroiled in realistically thorny relationships. Ages 14–up. Agent: Lee O’Brien, Irene Goodman Literary. (Nov.)
"Electrifying...Edgmon thoughtfully explores issues of agency, identity, and mental illness via an inventive mythology; a high-stakes, action-packed plot; and a vibrantly drawn, intersectionally diverse cast embroiled in realistically thorny relationships." - Publishers Weekly , Starred Review “A monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional, and mythologically rich fantasy about seizing your own power.” - School Library Journal , Starred Review "With a compelling plotline and cast of characters, Godly Heathens establishes an intriguing setup for the planned second book in the Ouroburos duology. Its depth in content and theme creates a profound story that will empower and inspire." - BookPage , Starred Review "Rich with complex and morally gray characters—especially its lovably unreliable narrator—this duology starter will delight fans of horror and dark fantasy through its twisty conclusion...this is definitely the book for anyone who claims to support trans rights and trans wrongs." - Booklist "Fast-paced and engaging, the novel addresses queer identity, mental health, and belonging to and disconnection from one’s land and language, while weaving a vivid magic realm with its own logic. A thrilling fantasy series opener." - Kirkus "Edgmon (The Witch King duology) crafts a brutal homage to queer perseverance in this bloody young adult fantasy." - Shelf Awareness "Sharp as a blade, twice as vicious, and an outstretched hand all at once; a reminder to messy, angry kids that they can find their power no matter what they must do to survive. Absolutely unhinged and utterly unforgettable." - Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us "This is the kind of book that changes young lives. The kind readers will force into their friends' hands and shout, 'Read this now!'. The kind where readers will fall in love with every character who is messy and sexy and terrible in their own way. The worldbuilding is fun and creative, the twists are satisfying, and it is super queer in the best way. There is plenty here to love. If only all the villain stories in YA could be this good!" - Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author of Black Sun “Vile, nasty, ill-behaved queerness—and I LOVED it. Godly Heathens takes the evil stereotype of queers as monsters—particularly ones in trans bodies—and embraces monstrosity with power and agency. A country-fried horror extravaganza you cannot miss!” - Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons and The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers "Godly Heathens is as whip-smart as it is delightfully unhinged, oscillating between heart-pounding action, laugh-out-loud humor, and poignant discussions of identity. Paired with its baked-in layers of queer teen messiness, it's safe to say this series is off to an explosive start. Edgmon does not miss." - Kayla Cottingham, New York Times bestselling author of My Dearest Darkest
★ 11/17/2023
Gr 9 Up —Gem Echols, a Seminole nonbinary teen living in rural Georgia, may hook up with a lot of people but they only share their true self with one person—their NYC-based bestie Enzo. The only secret Gem keeps from Enzo is their dreams—strange and violent ones that have always seemed to straddle the waking world a little too much, one day breaking all the way through when Gem is attacked by an extremely terrifying girl claiming to be the Goddess of Death. Cue rescue by the newly arrived Willa Mae Hardy—irresistible and full of answers to all of Gem's most personal questions. When Willa Mae reveals that she and Gem are actually reincarnated deities, it is also revealed that Gem may have made some other entities pretty angry the last time around, who intend to have their revenge. It's a situation Gem would have been far more prepared for without the loss of their father and severed connection to their past. Nonetheless, they must find the weapon known as the Ouroboros first if Gem has any hope of survival. Far from a role model main character, Gem's blasé attitude is sharply hilarious and contrasts with their deep anxiety and insecurity; moral ambiguity is made even more authentic by the informal tone and direct addresses that invite readers deep into Gem's inner life. Gem's struggles with feeling like an imposter in their own life are compounded by their father's (and their own) mental illness (content warning for self-harm). VERDICT A monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional, and mythologically rich fantasy about seizing your own power.—Allie Stevens
Avi Roque is the perfect narrator for this queer YA fantasy. Gem is a nonbinary teen just trying to survive high school in Gracie, Georgia. Their life is upended when a new girl explains that the nightmares they've been having are memories and that they're the reincarnation of an ancient god--one of many who fled their home world long ago. Chaos and adventure ensue. The novel hits all the expected beats of YA fantasy, and Roque infuses it with even more life and drama. Their energetic voice is full of the bewilderment, excitement, and trepidation Gem feels. Their fluid shifts between character voices and quick pacing will keep listeners engaged. Fans of queer fantasy, found family, and stories of hidden magic will not be disappointed. L.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
DECEMBER 2023 - AudioFile
2023-09-09 Gem, a transmasc teen in a small Southern town, finds it increasingly difficult to discern between nightmare and reality when a new girl comes to town and informs Gem that they’re a god.
Following a difficult divorce, Gem and their mother moved to Gracie, Georgia, their mom’s hometown, which is also closer to their ancestral Seminole lands. It’s been four years, but Gem feels alone and dreams of moving to Brooklyn, where their best friend, Enzo, a Native trans boy with a thriving queer social life, lives. Gem and Enzo talk regularly, but Gem has never mentioned the vivid nightmares—full of “blood and gore and magic and sex demons”—that have haunted them since childhood. So when beautiful new classmate Willa Mae saves Gem’s life and claims that the two of them are gods and soulmates, Gem’s mom begins to question whether Gem is hallucinating like their father did. But taking their meds is not a top priority for Gem right now: They have to find a magic knife and stave off the demons that are threatening their life while figuring out what to do about loving two people at the same time. Fast-paced and engaging, the novel addresses queer identity, mental health, and belonging to and disconnection from one’s land and language, while weaving a vivid magic realm with its own logic.
A thrilling fantasy series opener. (map) (Fantasy. 15-18)