Magic Has No Borders

April 15, 2023
A collection of fantastically diverse South Asian stories reimagining and recentering ancient tales by beloved and well-known names from young adult literature as well as intriguing new voices. From a jinn to a timeline guardian, battlefields to high schools, this anthology pushes the boundaries of fantasy, drawing on a broad range of settings, figures, and tales from South Asian religions, mythologies, and history. While some of the stories feature deeper character and plot development than others, they all offer skillfully reimagined worlds and characters. Centering female and queer characters is particularly successful in "A Goddess of Fire and Blood" by Tanaz Bhathena, "Shamsuddin-Jalal" by Tahir Abrar, "Unraveled" by Preeti Chhibber, and "Daughter of the Sun" by Sayantani DasGupta. In "Dismantle the Sun" by Sangu Mandanna and "What the Winds Stole" by Sabaa Tahir, the theme of enacting vengeance is intriguingly depicted, balanced against discussions of self-worth, choice, and love. Revenge also appears in other stories, explored through reincarnation, rituals, belief, and war. The magic is wonderfully varied, encompassing vengeful spirits, reincarnated deities, food sorcery, and a shape-shifter. The focus on connection and familial love rings true, although many of the romances feel rushed. The stories do not shy away from portraying brutal societal views on and practices toward women and girls, contrasting it with powerful female characters. Final art not seen. Dark, engrossing, and entertaining. (map, author and illustrator bios) (Fantasy. 13-18)

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May 1, 2023

Gr 7-10-This collection of short stories featuring South Asian characters and magic fills a void while celebrating culture and genre. With a vivid front cover and artwork introducing each short story, it invites a wide range of audiences. Each tale features Southeast Asian myths or legends intertwined with diaspora experiences of culture, religion, and geographic location, with notable authors, such as Sabaa Tahir and Tracey Baptiste and newer voices, such as Naz Kutub and Tahir Abrar, setting the tone for a deeply imaginative reading experience. Contributing authors raise the bar in this volume with their thoughtful interpretations, which range from fun to frightening. This collection is aimed at a wide audience of teens, whether this mirrors experiences they have had or not. Some selections include notes at the end that provide an enriched understanding of the tale; all would have benefitted from this, but regardless, every tale is magic and needs no explanation. The editors made a conscious effort to be inclusive of underrepresented groups across different genres for teens featuring South Asian characters. VERDICT As short story collections go, this strong selection featuring South Asian characters is joyous and original. Add it to the shelf.-Alicia Abdul

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