16 thrilling science fiction and fantasy books to enchant you this June
By Lacy Baugher
June 2021 release: Star Eater – Kerstin Hall
Kerstin Hall’s Star Eater will likely prove to be one of the more controversial fantasy titles on this list, what with its dark and disturbing premise that involves everything from body horror to cannibalism. Yet, it is also one of the most wildly original entries – you have almost assuredly never read anything like it.
The story follows Elfreda Raughn – bureaucrat, priestess, and practitioner of cannibalistic magic. (Yes, you read that right.)
A member of the Sisterhood of the Eater, she and her sisters protect the people of Aytrium by consuming human flesh in order to produce “lace,” a kind of magic that only women can wield – and the only thing that protects their people from “Haunts”, who are basically feral men gone mad and dangerous.
Elfreda participates in her these rituals but deeply dislikes them, and ultimately must decide whether to betray the Order she serves for a chance to choose her own future in a different sort of world.
The official synopsis describes the story in much more detail.
"Elfreda Raughn will avoid pregnancy if it kills her, and one way or another, it will kill her. Though she’s able to stomach her gruesome day-to-day duties, the reality of preserving the Sisterhood of Aytrium’s magical bloodline horrifies her. She wants out, whatever the cost. So when a shadowy cabal approaches Elfreda with an offer of escape, she leaps at the opportunity. As their spy, she gains access to the highest reaches of the Sisterhood, and enters a glittering world of opulent parties, subtle deceptions, and unexpected bloodshed."
Star Eater is available on June 22.