Five fantasies driven by unconventional minds

Heidi Heilig's new novel is For a Muse of Fire. At Tor.com she tagged "five books [that] are great examples of the way mentally ill characters fit and function in the fantastical," including:

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Oh how I love a good narcissist! (At least, in fiction.) Princess Sophia is a perfect foil for a world obsessed with beauty. Her self-centeredness, rage, and feelings of infallibility drive all of her actions, and her inability to see anything from anyone else’s point of view prevent any limitations to her whims and demands. Thematically, The Belles touches on the dichotomy between ugliness and loveliness, and while I can’t give away too much lest I risk spoiling the unfolding mysteries of this intricate plot, I can guarantee that as you read Camellia’s story, you will feel awe at watching what a true narcissist can dream up.

Read about the other entries on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue