Silk Fire

May 9, 2022
Ellor’s sensual but deeply flawed adult fantasy debut (after YA novel May the Best Man Win) follows Koreshiza “Koré” Brightstar, a courtesan and brothel owner, as he’s plunged into a political maelstrom while attempting to prevent his corrupt father’s grasp for power. When Koré is blessed by a dragon long believed to be dead, warring factions attempt to make Koré’s sudden gift into a useful tool as they jockey for position, and he must use all his wits to figure out who to trust before he’s pulled to pieces. Though the worldbuilding is complex and ambitious, Ellor struggles to spin a fully cohesive narrative from all the moving parts. The many players don’t demonstrate any particular political finesse; it’s difficult to establish an atmosphere of manipulation and secrecy with characters so prone to blurting their machinations to one another, preventing opportunities for the shrewd acquisition of secrets central to a satisfying intrigue narrative. Fans of familial revenge tales and queer high fantasy may find something to enjoy once the story gets out of its own way, but it’s a bumpy ride that many won’t mind skipping. Agent: Kaitlyn Johnson, Belcastro Agency.

June 1, 2022

DEBUT In Ellor's adult debut (after two YA novels), Kor� is a highly desired--and highly despised--bisexual courtesan. His driving desire is to enact revenge on the father who betrayed him, and he will do anything to ensure the man does not claim the throne of the War District of Jadzia. When Kor� finds himself in an ancient tomb of a long-thought-dead god, he is given the power of one of the sacred dragons of the city. As other city representatives arrive to the battle for the district, Kor� faces other fights: to stay free from anyone who wishes to claim his power and make him a pawn, and the inner turmoil of discovering love for two people, when his previous relationships have only been for sex and power. VERDICT The driven characters, intriguing premise of a matriarchal society where old magic and new technology coexist, and the plot of long-game political schemes are unfortunately weighed down at times by large info dumps and exposition. The main character is heavily self-critical, and the clarity of motivations can be hard to hold.--Kristi Chadwick

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