"Zhara: a fast-paced, diverse, LGBTQ+ fantasy set in a world of treachery and deception, masked balls- and of course, romance!"
For anyone new to the fantasy genre (or even looking for your next obsession!) Zhara is a perfect place to begin! Its simple, fast-paced style of writing allows you to be easily hooked, and yet the complex themes and more adult story line means that older 15+ readers will not be easily bored.
Set in a world in which magic has been outlawed by her empire, Zhara battles both with living up to her stepmother's demands, and her magic, something which she fears will destroy her as she is dragged into an underground network of rebels and spies. The classic tale of Cinderella adopts a punky spin as Zhara battles monsters- human or otherwise.
What was perhaps most impressive was the diverse cast of LGBTQ+ characters and powerful female representation. Not limited to insignificant side-roles either, the found family of loveable rogues and outcasts are each as wonderful as the next. For fans of Six of Crows, this is your next big read.
Fans of fairy tales will not be disappointed! From magical cats to forgotten slippers, masked-balls and undercover princes, Zhara explores a variety of archetypes in depth, updating and expanding in many cases.
While the author S.Jae Jones states that Zhara’s setting is not based on any one country- it does allude to a South Korean setting- a refreshing change, and fans will be very excited to know that BTS subtly appear as the Bangtan Brothers, and (naturally) wage war along with the rest of the cast for liberation of magic.
Very excited for the next instalment!
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