THE WILD ONES

Belonging to neither the human nor middle worlds, the Wild Ones navigate the magical corridor of the Between.

These women have been victims of violence, exploitation, and betrayal. Paheli, the leader and original Wild One, survived sexual assault engineered by her opportunistic mother. Imbued with special abilities by the stars on their palms, the Wild Ones wander and delight in the magic of old cities, sensory wonders, and the freedom to live their lives while helping and collecting others who have experienced despair. They soon discover a dangerous truth: Taraana, the Keeper of the Between and the source of their stars, is being targeted by one who wishes to harvest his magic. His death would end their abilities as well as cause the collapse of the Between and magic itself. To intervene, Paheli must face years of trauma and risk her heart. Azad’s lush narrative weaves a digressive story that questions patriarchal notions the world (and time) over. Perspectives shift throughout, from Paheli’s voice and origin stories of the Wild Ones told in the first-person to the third-person collective of the Wild Ones. The prose is ornate and often purposely vague while also deliberately focused more on inner turmoil than external plot-driven threats, reinforcing ideas around the internalization of trauma and saving oneself. The internationally diverse cast, mostly people of color, includes queer people.

A powerful feminist account of sisterhood, the longevity of pain, and the reclamation of power.