Kate Perry is a pretty kickass chick. Her childhood dream was to be a ninja, and she’s now a seventh degree Kung Fu blackbelt. The serious study required in kung fu appears to have colored her novel, giving the ‘paranormal’ elements of this paranormal romance a more grounded feel than most Asian-inspired material written by Westerners.

Second in The Guardians of Destiny series, Chosen By Desire continues the modern legend of the Scrolls of Destiny, ancient writings that impart elemental powers on those who study them. Our heroine, Carrie, is a doctoral candidate looking for something to spice up her dissertation. On a tip, she travels to a Chinese monastery where her snooping uncovers exactly what she’s looking for. Frantic not to get caught, she stuffs the scrolls in her bag to study later. To ease her conscience, she promises herself she will return them as soon as her paper is approved, and she’s won a coveted position at her university.

But the legend is true and the current Guardians are onto her. Max, an American tapped to hold the power of Metal, follows her to California. Convinced that she is working with his rival to damage him, he invites Carrie into his home to translate the texts in his collection, giving him a chance to study her and learn her plans.

Read More: http://feministreview.blogspot.com/2010/01/chosen-by-desire-guardians-of-destiny.html

Racing the Dark
By Alaya Dawn Johnson
Bolden

Racing the Dark is unique among fantasy books. The world draws upon Pacific Island and East Asian cultures to create a rich blend very different from fantasy canon—an island nation with an animist religion centering on sacrifice and binding. Though a young adult novel, Johnson is unafraid to tackle harsh topics, and readers will love her for it.

The book begins with Lana’s womanhood trial: the morning of her first bleeding, she must dive alone to prove her worthiness as a diver (like the ama pearl divers of Japan). Her findings mark her as being destined for great things. Lana doesn’t want the sort of life the island elders would force on her, so she hides the signs and tries to go on as before. But forces in the world are already shifting. Soon the divers have no gems to collect, and the weather patterns begin to ravage their island. Their way of life dying, Lana and her family leave in search of something better.

Read more: http://feministreview.blogspot.com/2009/10/racing-dark.html

CAST

Titania – Fey queen of the Summer Court. Timeless. Searching for something.

Oberon – Elfen king, husband of Titania for centuries. Timeless. Overly secure in the status quo.

The Imps – Fey creatures, perpetually young and mischievous at heart. Prone to pranks, though they owe their freedom to Titania’s whims. At least three, played by children.

Bailiff – An elf, Oberon’s messenger. Highly capable, follows orders directly.

Ultan Keane – A mortal, the object of Titania’s affections. In his 20s or 30s, handsome but not stunningly so.

Dermot Wilson – Mortal, longtime friend of Ultan.

Mab – Fey queen of the Winter Court. Timeless. Despises the summer months when her court is not in session and she must find ways to amuse herself.

A Note: Titania and her court wear yellow. Oberon’s people wear green. Mab and the winter court wear blue, and humans wear red. These colors should be prominent without taking over the outfit. (For example, jeans and a red t-shirt, not jeans dyed red.) Everything should have a very earthy, organic feel, from set to lighting to people. Above all, avoid taffeta and glitter! No sparkly wings!