Jalav
A promising fantasy about a fierce tribe of warrior women begins as an intriguing reversal of traditional gender roles, then devolves into relentless rape, slavery, and abuse portrayed as romance. Unconvincing characterization and a dreadful post-apocalyptic reveal only make its dangerous rape apologism worse.
Song of the Pearl
A teenage girl journeys through the afterlife and her past incarnations to understand her suffering. Beautiful prose cannot redeem a YA novel whose central message holds an abused child responsible for her own sexual assault—and ultimately demands that she apologize to her abuser. My most hated ForFemFan read.
An Exchange of Hostages
A compassionate surgeon is forced to train as a state-sanctioned torturer in a dystopian future. Brilliant psychological characterization initially had me hooked, but an abrupt turn toward sexual sadism made this a book I couldn't continue.
Far Edge of Darkness
A group of modern-day strangers find themselves enslaved in ancient Rome, caught in a dangerous time-travel conspiracy. A well-written, suspenseful action novel that's solidly enjoyable, even if its central mystery proves more compelling than its resolution.
King's Dragon
An intricately constructed medieval fantasy with a promising prologue, but its painstaking worldbuilding and a young woman's brutal loss of agency couldn't sustain my interest. After two attempts, I still couldn't finish it.
Sword-Dancer
A chauvinist sword-for-hire and a formidable swordswoman make for a surprisingly funny, feminist adventure—until terrible decisions and a rushed final act derail everything.