“Starless” by Jacqueline Carey is a “rich, evocative fantasy epic”.  In this story set long ago and far, far away, a prophecy warns that a fallen god, Miasmus, that will “arise against the Sun-Blessed” Princess Zariya, despite a childhood injury, believes she is the prophesied one who will stand. Khai, her protector, finds his role compromised when he learns that he is bhazim, a daughter who was raised as a son. “Carey handles themes of duty, love, and identity with tenderness”, which “elevates this novel above its peers” (Publishers Weekly). “Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik, meanwhile, is a “fresh and imaginative retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale” from the bestselling author of “Uprooted”.  Naomi Novik has gathered countless old tales and turned them into something all kinds of new” (NYT).