In Natasha Ngan’s world, Ikhara, there is an oppressive hierarchy in place. The Moon Caste are the unequivocal rulers of Ikhara; they are fully demon, possessing demon traits and heritage. They rule Ikhara with an iron fist.
The Steel Caste is second best to the Moon Caste, as they are humans with demonic traits. The Paper Caste are the lowest of the low, being fully human. They are the most disrespected and overlooked members of Ikhara’s society. Lei and her father belong to the Paper Caste.
When Lei is ten, the soldiers of the Demon King come for her mother. Lei never sees her again.
When Lei is eighteen, they come for her. She has no choice but to go with them, in hopes that she will be able to locate her mother, and is taken to the Grand Palace.
Every year, ten of the most beautiful Paper Girls are selected by the Demon King’s troops and taken away from their homes. They are to be the Demon King’s concubines. There, Lei makes friends, adversaries, and perhaps more with one particular Paper Girl.
Despite her bravery, Lei’s story is that of a frightened girl in over her head. One mistake made in the Demon King’s court is lethal, and there are no winners in the game that the Paper Girls play.
Ngan’s characterization of Lei is truly a work of art. We see her go from a frightened victim to a hardened survivor, determined to end her people’s suffering. Girls of Paper and Fire (available in print, ebook and eaudio from BPL) is definitely worth the read, and readers who enjoy it may also enjoy Crier’s War by Nina Varela or Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron.
A note to readers: this book contains non-explicit, off-page scenes of sexual assault, and some mildly graphic violence.
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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