Venus and Aphrodite: A Biography of Desire by Bettany Hughes - chosen by Beth Ward (regular contributor) History and myth blur, but the within of this tale are fierce and independent. Poet and novelist Chitra Divakaruni re-imagines the Indian epic, the Mahabharat, centring on Panchaali, married to five men who seek to reclaim their birthright, and friend to Krishna. 'There's so little in life that's worth it.”Recently we have seen a surge of interest in reworkings of myth.

“Can't you ever be serious?' I said, mortified. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni - chosen by Wanjiku wa Ngugi A poignant narrative is loosely woven throughout the novel and it is one I have recommended time and time again! The story has a fragmented form which effectively reflects the bite-sized short form of social media. Her searing observations examine the way in which the internet, or ‘the portal’ as she refers to it, affects the way we relate to ourselves and how we adapt our thoughts and behaviour in response to the perpetually shifting landscape of the internet. Our unnamed protagonist provides the reader with an insight into her innermost thoughts as she navigates what it is to live a life online and offline.

This debut novel by Patricia Lockwood is one of the most original books I have read. No one is talking about this by Patricia Lockwood - chosen by Yasmina Floyer (regular contributor) 'Fantasy as a genre does not have boundaries,' writes Lord. Partly inspired by a Senegalese folk tale, Redemption in Indigo is magical and adventurous debut from Karen Lord, an exciting new voice in Caribbean literature. When Paama leaves her good-for-nothing husband, she is met by the djomba-the unding ones-who gift her with the Chaos Stick, enabling her to control the subtle forces of this world. Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord - chosen by Wanjiku wa Ngugi (contributor to the Fire issue )