Valerie Valdes

Aug 28, 2024 | reactormag.com | Yume Kitasei |Valerie Valdes |Becky Chambers

We’re in a new golden age of “compassionate” science fiction—stories that are hopeful, cozy, or just feel-good about finding your people, overcoming terrible things, and bridging differences. These books are not utopian, but rather understand that while the universe can be a struggle, you don’t have to do it alone. Which is incredibly comforting to remember when you’re stricken with anxiety: these stories are a balm when we live in a dumpster fire.

Apr 2, 2024 | uncannymagazine.com | Valerie Valdes |Clockpunk Studios

ITo learn the craft of witches, one must cultivate the pillars of magical living: curiosity, attentiveness, and perseverance. Those who are curious desire to understand the mysteries of the world; those who are attentive observe and apply their focus to achieving that understanding; those who persevere embrace the challenges inherent in the unending pursuit of wisdom and skill, accepting that magic is both a science and an art, beholden only to itself.

Sep 1, 2023 | fantasyliterature.com | Bill Capossere |Valerie Valdes

Where Peace is Lost by Valerie ValdesWhere Peace is Lost by Valerie Valdes moves along smoothly and quickly, is peopled by engaging characters, and nods toward some serious themes of ethics, violence, and colonialism. I mostly enjoyed this fast read, though found myself wishing its themes were delved into more deeply. The novel is set in a universe where the Pale Empire has been conquering/colonizing other planets or planetary systems/alliances.

Aug 29, 2023 | bookshop.org | Valerie Valdes

A brand-new space fantasy novel from master world-builder Valerie Valdes! A refugee with a secret, a dangerous foe, and a road trip that could either save a planet or start a war. Where peace is lost, may we find it. Five years ago, Kelana Gardavros lost everything in the war against the Pale empire. Now Kel Garda is just another refugee living on the edge of an isolated star system. No one knows she was once a member of an Order whose military arm was disbanded and scattered across the galaxy.

Aug 24, 2023 | escapepod.org | R.S.A. Garcia |Valerie Valdes |Dominick Rabrun |Clockpunk Studios

By R.S.A. GarciaThe attendants set little bowls shaped like flower petals in front Sebastian and Olly. Steam drifted upward, redolent of fresh herbs and a hint of lime. Bits of white flesh speckled with green seasonings, and rolled dumplings floated in a golden broth. “You must be hungry by now,” Sticky said. “I made this fresh earlier today. But of course, you know that. I dropped an entire pot–”“This is mom’s fish broth, isn’t it?” Olly said in a low voice, staring at the delicate transparent bowl.