Godly Heathens

Starred review from September 18, 2023
Transgender teen Gem Echols, who is of Seminole descent, learns that they’re the reincarnation of an ancient god in this electrifying duology opener from Edgmon (the Witch King duology). Gracie, Ga., high school junior Gem is just killing time until they can graduate and start their “real life” alongside Enzo Truly—an Indigenous trans boy in Brooklyn who is Gem’s best friend and secret love. Then Native, Alaska-born trans girl Willa Mae Hardy arrives in town, claiming she and Gem are soulmates and part of a pantheon of gods that ruled a realm called the Ether before a murderous coup forced their exodus to Earth. Every few generations, the remaining exiled gods are reborn as humans, gradually remembering their past selves. Gem fears that they’re losing their grip on reality—until Willa Mae uses magic to save them from another reincarnated god intent on revenge for a transgression Gem doesn’t yet recall. And per Willa Mae, things will only get worse. Edgmon thoughtfully explores issues of agency, identity, and mental illness via an inventive mythology; a high-stakes, action-packed plot; and a vibrantly drawn, intersectionally diverse cast embroiled in realistically thorny relationships. Ages 14–up. Agent: Lee O’Brien, Irene Goodman Literary.

October 1, 2023
Gem, a transmasc teen in a small Southern town, finds it increasingly difficult to discern between nightmare and reality when a new girl comes to town and informs Gem that they're a god. Following a difficult divorce, Gem and their mother moved to Gracie, Georgia, their mom's hometown, which is also closer to their ancestral Seminole lands. It's been four years, but Gem feels alone and dreams of moving to Brooklyn, where their best friend, Enzo, a Native trans boy with a thriving queer social life, lives. Gem and Enzo talk regularly, but Gem has never mentioned the vivid nightmares--full of "blood and gore and magic and sex demons"--that have haunted them since childhood. So when beautiful new classmate Willa Mae saves Gem's life and claims that the two of them are gods and soulmates, Gem's mom begins to question whether Gem is hallucinating like their father did. But taking their meds is not a top priority for Gem right now: They have to find a magic knife and stave off the demons that are threatening their life while figuring out what to do about loving two people at the same time. Fast-paced and engaging, the novel addresses queer identity, mental health, and belonging to and disconnection from one's land and language, while weaving a vivid magic realm with its own logic. A thrilling fantasy series opener. (map) (Fantasy. 15-18)

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November 1, 2023
Grades 9-12 Have you ever had a nightmare so real you felt you couldn't escape from it? Gem Echols, a nonbinary Seminole teenager in Georgia, knows exactly what that's like. Gem has been plagued by hauntingly vivid dreams since they were a child, and they've never told anyone. Gem has to keep their dreams under wraps or else people will think they're experiencing psychosis like their dad. Enter Willa Mae Hardy, a gorgeous and alluring new classmate, who tells Gem that the two of them are reincarnated gods who have loved each other across centuries and that Gem needs to find a magic knife in order to save the world from utter destruction. Rich with complex and morally gray characters--especially its lovably unreliable narrator--this duology starter will delight fans of horror and dark fantasy through its twisty conclusion. Deftly touching on themes of mental health, queer and trans identity, chosen family, Native identity and connection to one's homeland, and polyamory, this is definitely the book for anyone who supports trans rights.

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from November 17, 2023

Gr 9 Up-Gem Echols, a Seminole nonbinary teen living in rural Georgia, may hook up with a lot of people but they only share their true self with one person-their NYC-based bestie Enzo. The only secret Gem keeps from Enzo is their dreams-strange and violent ones that have always seemed to straddle the waking world a little too much, one day breaking all the way through when Gem is attacked by an extremely terrifying girl claiming to be the Goddess of Death. Cue rescue by the newly arrived Willa Mae Hardy-irresistible and full of answers to all of Gem's most personal questions. When Willa Mae reveals that she and Gem are actually reincarnated deities, it is also revealed that Gem may have made some other entities pretty angry the last time around, who intend to have their revenge. It's a situation Gem would have been far more prepared for without the loss of their father and severed connection to their past. Nonetheless, they must find the weapon known as the Ouroboros first if Gem has any hope of survival. Far from a role model main character, Gem's blas� attitude is sharply hilarious and contrasts with their deep anxiety and insecurity; moral ambiguity is made even more authentic by the informal tone and direct addresses that invite readers deep into Gem's inner life. Gem's struggles with feeling like an imposter in their own life are compounded by their father's (and their own) mental illness (content warning for self-harm). VERDICT A monstrously thrilling, deeply emotional, and mythologically rich fantasy about seizing your own power.-Allie Stevens

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