ALSO OUT
Described as “a spicy romantasy steeped in Indian mythology”, Kritika H Rao’s THE LEGEND OF MENEKA (16 January, HarperCollins) centres on celestial dancers known as Asparas, who seduce targets for the political gain of Lord Indra, king of heaven. But on meeting the mortal Kaushika, Meneka finds that he’s stealing her heart… Lauren JA Bear’s MOTHER OF ROME (14 January, Titan) reimagines the legend of the twins Romulus and Remus, founders of the Roman empire, by telling the story of their mother Rhea Silvia. And it’s not the only mythological reimagining out that week! AS Webb’s DAUGHTER OF CHAOS (16 January, Michael Joseph) is set in Ancient Greece, and follows fisherman’s daughter Danae, who develops strange powers after eating a mysterious golden apple, then joins up with Heracles and his crew on a quest to the end of the world. A collection of 13 original short stories all penned by black writers, CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE SHIELD OF SAM WILSON (14 January, Titan) follows the trials and tribulations of the new African-American Cap – which include thwarting an insurrectionist plot, travelling back in time, and foiling a racist conspiracy. Finally, our reviewer was tickled by Catherynne M Valente’s Space Opera, in which two has-been glam-rockers are chosen to sing on Earth’s behalf in a galactic singing contest (think Eurovision meets Douglas Adams).