They Called Her Rebel: A Fantasy Novel About Late-Stage Capitalism, People Power, and Queer Love

Dallas-Main debuts with a politically minded adventure full of wry humor. In a dystopian fantasy world, Ellaria Sek is stuck in a credit camp for 20 years to work off her family’s debts, with only her fellow prisoner Jek, an optimistic orc, for companionship. When Ellaria crosses paths with visiting noblewoman Lady Sasha Glaven and her dwarf bodyguard, Kror, she conveniently comes into her power of seeing magical auras, noticing that Sasha is glowing blue. This gives her enough advance notice to realize that Sasha is there to blow up the prison as karmic payback for her family’s role in running it. Ellaria and Jek escape the blast and rescue Sasha and Kor from the rubble and the foursome makes a dash for safety among Sasha’s rich and clueless social equals. But Sasha’s not done—she’s trying to spark a revolution, and she wants Jek, Kror, and most of all Ellaria at her side. With nothing to lose but her chains, Ellaria must learn to use her newfound powers and decide what kind of world she wants to build. Dallas-Main aims for a Douglas Adams–esque tone, but too many of the jokes land with a thud, especially in the beginning. Once the plot picks up, however, he delivers a classic fantasy romp that’s thoughtfully rooted in socialist ideals. There’s plenty to cheer for here. (Jan.)