White Socks and Girls on Red Horses - Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
These are just a few of my favorite things, thanks to Coulhurst's descriptive imagery. One thing that I know is not a favorite of others though would be spoilers, so don't worry about them being included in this review. Similar to RoseBlood, I came across this novel in an OwlCrate.
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst follows the stories of Denna and Mare as they intertwine by a fast-approaching arranged marriage. I knew immediately that this book would be one of a kind when not even twenty-four full pages in, she addresses a same-sex couple with ease. Via Mare's eyes, we see that she "bumped into a pair of men dancing" who gave her a dirty look for the bump, but otherwise continued dancing as so does she. I am well aware this shouldn't be as groundbreaking as it is, but I believe in stating the truth. It is too rare to read anything with an LGBT+ character in it, let alone state it so casually and move on.
The way that Coulthurst addresses same-sex relations is best described as relieving. It has taken too long for a writer floating on the main stream to eliminate the shame, depression, and "sinfulness" behind a character's LGBT+ background, let alone include many examples and the only parts fitting those descriptions are due to class and duty.
The novel focuses on exploration and making choices, whether they are right or wrong not being the point. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story that is relatable in many different aspects. By using two such drastically different women to tell the story of what happens to their kingdom and their common goal to help their people in first-person perspective, Coulthurst shows her skills at brilliant character development. If I were to be overtly bias, Mare is my favorite. To have an unapologetic bisexual woman at the front-lines had me read the book in two sittings.
Speaking of unapologetic, the themes represented in this work are exactly that. Coulthurst plays on our fears of extremists and how that fear of one can lead to the persecution of many. The other alluring and direct theme is the silencing of the female voice and desires. Several times were noted where the women would be the voice of reason, but the need for war and proving who's strongest hushed them if not by indifference, then by force.
The relation to history in both the setting and this type of silence also had me dwelling on the idea of arranged marriages. It was fascinating how even in a book so open to the LGBT+ community, Coulthurst knew that in the end some parts of the world are going to be more keen on extending their bloodlines regardless of the sexuality of the people involved. That while it wasn't frowned upon, it will often always be assumed that the individuals are straight and at least they can rely on biology to get heirs.
It is important to note I am 10/10 hoping for a sequel right now! To find out why, for the love of Six, read the book!
UPDATE: There is going to be a sequel!! Of Ice and Shadows will be released in 2019, and I think I just squealed a little. (Also, can we please talk about Coulthurst's amazing novel-naming abilities? Chills!)
Enjoyed this review or feel like a healthy debate? Share in the comments below!
Aspiring novelist/story-teller? Let me help you out! I am always open to expanding my personal library and, writer to writer, understand how hard it can be to get your name out there.
Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst follows the stories of Denna and Mare as they intertwine by a fast-approaching arranged marriage. I knew immediately that this book would be one of a kind when not even twenty-four full pages in, she addresses a same-sex couple with ease. Via Mare's eyes, we see that she "bumped into a pair of men dancing" who gave her a dirty look for the bump, but otherwise continued dancing as so does she. I am well aware this shouldn't be as groundbreaking as it is, but I believe in stating the truth. It is too rare to read anything with an LGBT+ character in it, let alone state it so casually and move on.
The way that Coulthurst addresses same-sex relations is best described as relieving. It has taken too long for a writer floating on the main stream to eliminate the shame, depression, and "sinfulness" behind a character's LGBT+ background, let alone include many examples and the only parts fitting those descriptions are due to class and duty.
The novel focuses on exploration and making choices, whether they are right or wrong not being the point. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story that is relatable in many different aspects. By using two such drastically different women to tell the story of what happens to their kingdom and their common goal to help their people in first-person perspective, Coulthurst shows her skills at brilliant character development. If I were to be overtly bias, Mare is my favorite. To have an unapologetic bisexual woman at the front-lines had me read the book in two sittings.
Speaking of unapologetic, the themes represented in this work are exactly that. Coulthurst plays on our fears of extremists and how that fear of one can lead to the persecution of many. The other alluring and direct theme is the silencing of the female voice and desires. Several times were noted where the women would be the voice of reason, but the need for war and proving who's strongest hushed them if not by indifference, then by force.
The relation to history in both the setting and this type of silence also had me dwelling on the idea of arranged marriages. It was fascinating how even in a book so open to the LGBT+ community, Coulthurst knew that in the end some parts of the world are going to be more keen on extending their bloodlines regardless of the sexuality of the people involved. That while it wasn't frowned upon, it will often always be assumed that the individuals are straight and at least they can rely on biology to get heirs.
It is important to note I am 10/10 hoping for a sequel right now! To find out why, for the love of Six, read the book!
UPDATE: There is going to be a sequel!! Of Ice and Shadows will be released in 2019, and I think I just squealed a little. (Also, can we please talk about Coulthurst's amazing novel-naming abilities? Chills!)
Enjoyed this review or feel like a healthy debate? Share in the comments below!
Aspiring novelist/story-teller? Let me help you out! I am always open to expanding my personal library and, writer to writer, understand how hard it can be to get your name out there.
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