The Girl who Could See the Future: When a High Schooler’s Precognition Becomes a Target [published]

I’m so excited to talk about my new novel, The Girl Who Could See the Future, which I hope will appeal to my readers. This novel is one of the newest title in my Japanesque TS series, which I created as a way to explore some of the complex issues of identity and self-discovery through the framework of a high-concept, action-packed adventure.

While Mei, our protagonist, is not explicitly a queer character, this book explores the idea of breaking away from societal expectations in a unique way. Mei is the quintessential “not like other girls” character, who is quick witted, sarcastic and fiercely loyal to her friends. She is also unwilling to follow a path that people lay out for her, and when she discovers her unique gift she is forced to make the best of a bad situation. I really enjoyed the writing process of this book, and I hope you will really enjoy reading about this strong, unique female character.

However, one of the main reasons that I’m highlighting this book on my LGBTQ+ blog is because of Kirin Hashizume. Kirin’s storyline is where the themes of gender identity really shine. A male-presenting character, who is forced to cross-dress as a high school girl by his sisters, she discovers an unexpected aspect to her identity when she is kidnapped. She is treated as a woman, is forced to dress as a woman, and is then faced with having to make an impossible choice. It becomes clear that she had been trying to deny her true feelings, and only the kidnapping would allow her to finally be the person she was always meant to be. Her journey, though chaotic and scary at times, is about acceptance and authenticity, and I think this aspect of the novel will really resonate with my readers.

The Girl Who Could See the Future is not just about Kirin’s journey, it is about family, friendship, and self-determination, and how all of us, just like Mei, Kirin and Marin, are just trying to figure it out.

I hope you’ll find something to love in this story, and that the themes I touch upon, especially the theme of gender fluidity, resonates with you.