45. Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

In this episode we’re discussing Queen of the Conquered Kacen Callender (they/them), the first book in the Islands of Blood and Storm series. The book takes place in a Caribbean-inspired fantasy world and follows our main character, Sigourney, as she makes a bid for power as the only Black person in contention to rule the islands that have been colonized by the white Fjern. When all those in line to the throne are gathered for the storm season and start to be killed off one by one, chaos ensues. As it does.

Content warning for discussions of rape and white supremacist violence.

Callender also wrote Felix Ever After. It’s on our TBR! Have you read it yet?
Here’s a helpful video outlining the history of colonialism in the Caribbean region. It’s about 40 minutes long, and well worth the watch. Check it out!
Want to test your Caribbean geography? Here’s a map quiz. I (K) just took it and got 62% *cringing emoji* Go ahead, learn yourself something.
Fjerda, Fjern…notice the similarities? In Norwegian, “fjern” means “far away” or “distant.”
K highly recommends Sami Schalk’s work, especially her book Bodyminds Reimagined: Race, (Dis)Ability and Gender in Black Women’s Speculative Fiction. And follow Professor Schalk on twitter! (@DrSamiSchalk)
Resmaa Menakem’s website. K is slowly working their way through his book My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies.

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Transcript to come Spring 2021

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