Publishers Weekly
★ 12/13/2021
Hairston (Master of Poisons) conjures a powerful coming-of-age saga highlighting hoodoo magic and the power of storytelling and set in an alternate 1890s American South. Black teen Redwood Phipps’s magic might be even more potent than her mama’s, and her confidence, fiery spirit, and hoodooing habits may be too much for the folks of Peach Grove, Ga., Black or white. Irish Indigenous Aidan Wildfire Cooper honors his promise to keep an eye on her after her mother is killed by a racist mob. The pair strike up a fast friendship—Redwood can pull the pain out of Wildfire, bringing him back from his frequent alcoholic rages, and Wildfire understands her complex relationship to her heritage, as he must hide his own Seminole roots. They’re kindred spirits and together they can work powerful magic. But backwoods Georgia isn’t safe for them, and they set out in search of a place where they can “be,” taking a winding route to Chicago and performing as storytellers and conjurers to pay their way. Hairston captures an impressive depth of tenderness between her leads and makes a moving argument for the power of stories and songs in the face of bigotry. The novel unfurls slowly, allowing each character the space to come into their own fully. It’s a spectacular feat. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
Praise for Redwood and Wildfire:
“It’s immediate, it’s unflinching and it’s wonderful.” —BookPage, starred review
“Hairston captures an impressive depth of tenderness between her leads and makes a moving argument for the power of stories and songs in the face of bigotry. The novel unfurls slowly, allowing each character the space to come into their own fully. It’s a spectacular feat.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“[A] tender, but explosive, novel about friendship, magic, and the pain and power that come with not belonging.” —BuzzFeed
“If it’s history and mythology you’re after, another big title...is Andrea Hairston’s Redwood and Wildfire,” —The Washington Post
Winner of the 2011 Otherwise Award and the Carl Brandon Kindred Award
A Washington Post Best Book of 2022
A BookPage Best Book of February 2022
Praise for Andrea Hairston:
“Hairston weaves a rich tapestry of folklore and adventure, inviting readers into a well-developed, non-Western fantasy world, while navigating pressing issues of climate change and personal responsibility. This is an urgent, gorgeous work.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Master of Poisons
“[A] beautifully multifaceted story...with deep, layered, powerful characters. Highly recommended.”—The New York Times, on Will Do Magic for Small Change
“Master of Poisons is sheer, undiluted brilliance. Epic, courageous, unapologetically fierce. The world needed an epic fantasy from the unstoppably creative mind of Andrea Hairston, and it's right on time. This is a prayer hymn, a battle cry, a love song, a legendary call and response bonfire talisman tale. This is medicine for a broken world.” —Daniel José Older
“Master of Poisons makes me laugh, gasp, and dream of the world we are so desperately holding onto and of a better world yet to come... I am so grateful Andrea hasn't given up on us! May she keep gifting our world with her expansive imagination throughout the years!” —Sheree Renée Thomas
“Nobody does it better than Andrea Hairston, and if you doubt it, just open Master of Poisons and follow her into the light.” —Pearl Cleage
“Andrea Hairston's writing is not to be missed. Her fantasy is rich with evocative detail, stunning and original, and her characters deeply humane and engaging. This is the kind of fantasy that expands your mind and warms your heart.” —Martha Wells, on Master of Poisons
“The entire work is filled with magic, celebrating West Africans, Native Americans, art, and love that transcends simple binary genders. Hairston's novel is a completely original and stunning work.” —Publishers Weekly, on Will Do Magic for Small Change
