Poet, Prophet, Fox: The Tale of Sinnach the Seer

McDonnell (Miach & Airmed) draws from ancient Irish legend to craft a lyrical new myth about a transgender druid prophet in this lovely first volume in the saga of Sinnach the Seer. Raised as a girl until age 13, young Áedán flees his abusive family and joins the filid, a mountain community of scholars. As Áedán grows and learns the ways of the filid—which encompass poetry, healing, and magic—he grows increasingly determined to transform his body to reflect his actual gender. Reborn as Sinnach, he travels through royal courts and faerie realms alike, attempting to use his newfound powers to maintain the balance between the worlds. Though the dense prose occasionally falls into an academic tone that some readers will find off-putting (“nothing could have prepared him for this latest phase of somatic betrayal”), McDonnell’s deep understanding of ancient Irish culture shines. Mythology buffs and fans of LGBTQ fantasy won’t want to miss this arresting series debut. (Self-published)