A Fire Born of Exile by Aliette de Bodard ~ a Review

by MK French

The Scattered Pearls Belt is a string of habitats on the edge of a huge galactic empire. Quỳnh was a scholar betrayed and left for dead, now back as the glamorous Alchemist of Streams and Hills. Minh is one of her oldest enemies' daughter, who wants freedom. Hoà is a near-destitute engineer who becomes a threat to all Quỳnh’s plans with their unexpected attraction. Will Quỳnh allow herself to love again, or will she continue to seek revenge?

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

The Red Scholar's Wake by Aliette de Bodard ~ a Review

by MK French

Tech scavenger Xích Si is captured by pirates of the Red Banner, and their leader, Rice Fish, surprisingly offers Xích Si marriage. Both would benefit from the deal: Xích Si needs protection and Rice Fish needs a technical expert to investigate the death of her first wife, the Red Scholar. That should have been all to the arrangement, but feelings develop as the war against piracy continues and their own investigation reveals more than they bargained for. Their business arrangement has evolved into something much more personal.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard ~ a Review

by MK French

Thanh is the youngest princess and had been sent to the northern kingdom of  Ephteria as a child. She returned home when the  Ephterian palace had burned down and is now serving as a diplomat in trade relations with Ephteria. The crown princess wants her and all that they're bargaining for, and won't take no for an answer. The fire that had raged years ago threatens to come again now.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

Seven of Infinities by Aliette de Bodard ~ a Review

by MK French

Vân is a poor scholar, eking out a living as a personal tutor rather than trying to advance into the ruling class. This is largely due to the illegal memory implant she had created, so staying off the radar is paramount. Sunless Woods is a mindship in retirement from being a thief and master of disguise. She's drawn to Vân's integrity, and the two are bound together further when the stranger visiting Vân's student dies. Trying to discover what happened will expose all the secrets they tried to hide.

Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders by Aliette de Bodard ~ a Review

by MK French

Dragon Prince Thuan brings home his husband Asmodeus to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Instead of family gatherings, they're greeted by a body on their doorstep. Asmodeus is delighted to investigate a murder, while Thuan is pulled into the political arena he wanted to give up. At the same time, they still have to navigate their way through their relationship.