Book Blurb:

Ocean Yoon has never felt very Korean, even if she is descended from a long line of haenyeo, Jeju Island’s beloved female divers. She doesn’t like soju, constantly misses cultural references, and despite her love of the game, people still say that she doesn’t play Hwatu like a Korean. Ocean’s also persona non grata at the Alliance, Korea’s solar system–dominating space agency, since a mission went awry and she earned a reputation for being a little too quick with her gun.

When her best friend, Teo, second son of the Anand Tech empire, is framed for murdering his family, Ocean and her misfit crewmates are pushed to the forefront of a high-stakes ideological conflict. But dodging bullets and winning space chases may be the easiest part of what comes next.

A thrilling adventure across the solar that delivers hyperkinetic action sequences and irresistible will-they-won’t-they romance alongside its nuanced exploration of colonialism and capitalism, Ocean’s Godori ultimately asks: What do we owe our past? How do we navigate our present while honoring the complicated facets of our identity? What can our future hold?

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REVIEW:

If a book could feel like a sci fi adventure and warm cozy hug all at once (cozy space opera?), then Ocean’s Godori would be the paragon. Set in a nearish-future (relatively speaking, anyways, when it comes to science fiction) where Korea has become a mega super power in the space race, the world Cho has created in which intra-system space travel has become the norm feels both familiar yet different. The found family vibes are strong in this one, with positively endearing characters, remarkably unique cultures across the various sectors of the solar system, and a gripping political mystery. A must read for fans of Becky Chambers and Firefly!

Tags: sci fi, space opera, korean sci fi, cozy sci fi, diverse voices, asian sci fi

Book Blurb:

Jin-Lu has the most dangerous job in the wasteland. She’s a magebike courier, one of the few who venture outside the domed cities on motorcycles powered by magic. Every day, she braves the wasteland’s dangers—deadly storms, roving marauders, and territorial beasts—to deliver her wares.

Her most valuable cargo? A prince’s love letters addressed to Yi-Nereen, a princess desperate to escape the clutches of her abusive family and soon-to-be husband. Jin, desperately in love with both her and the prince, can’t refuse Yi-Nereen’s plea for help. The two of them flee across the wastes, pursued by Yi-Nereen’s furious father, her scheming betrothed, and a bounty hunter with mysterious powers.

A storm to end all storms is brewing and dark secrets about the heritability of magic are coming to light. Jin’s heart has led her into peril before, but this time she may not find her way back.

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REVIEW:

Magic motorcycles, apocalyptic cities, and dinosaurs—what more could you ask for? Road to Ruin is a fantastical blend of magical elements (think: dangerous mana thunderstorms, deep and treacherous mana pools, and a magical life energy that can take or save a life). When a magebike messenger formerly tasked with delivering secret royal love letters is roped into helping a princess escape an arranged marriage, they’re immediately thrown into a wilder adventure than they bargained for as they flee vindictive raiders, hide from mana storms, and dodge the steps of a mysterious stranger whose powers are more than a little unnerving. To throw a bike wrench into this mana storm of a mess: their destination is a magic-less prince who also happens to be the pen pal of the fleeing princess—and our magebike messenger just might be in love with both. This Mad-Max-esque adventure across the dinosaur studded apocalyptic wastelands set against the backdrop of a will-they-will-they-not romance had me flipping the pages and rooting for our trio band. An absolutely delightful read for readers craving a fresh blend of fantasy, science fiction, and a little dash of dystopian!

Tags: sci fi, fantasy, dystopian, queer romance, diverse reads, love triangle, poly relationships