The Galaxy Crowned
Galaxy: The Prettiest Star (re-read) By Jadzia Axelrod, Illustrated by Jess Taylor
Just as the first time I read this I finished the book and exhaled a deep, happy sigh. This is a love story about all kinds of love: romantic, platonic, familial, and most especially self-love, and it is very much about being true to yourself. The art is so, so gorgeous, the colors are vivid, and every page shines. The disability rep via Kat is fantastic because her prosthesis is treated as just another part of her life, because it is. She uses it when it benefits her, and doesn't when it wouldn't.
Taylor is trans and this is a trans story. Her body was literally changed into that of a male human so she could hide on Earth and all she wants is to be herself, to be her mother's daughter as she so often says. It's an unfathomable cruelty to make her live like as someone she isn't.
There are some excellent moments in this book, like the first time Taylor went out dressed as herself, and how Kat always looks at her with obvious love. There are some sad moments like bias and broken friendships. And there are some truthful moments, like Kat saying if you see a superhero that means trouble is nearby.
Like I said, happy sigh at the ending. Everyone should dance at Homecoming.
Galaxy 2: As The World Falls Down (ARC) By Jadzia Axelrod, Illustrated by Rye Hickman
The enemy that destroyed Taylor's world has arrived on Earth, and they're coming straight at her through everyone around her, not just her friends and family, but the heroes that are supposed to protect everyone.
This is a story about identity and finding your place. It's about protecting your people and allowing them the freedom to protect themselves. And, as always, when Jadzia Axelrod is writing Taylor, it's about love.
One of my favorite moments is when Superman screws up, Galaxy calls him on it, and he immediately apologizes and then asks if she has a moment to hang out while he thinks about what he said. Once he does, he delivers a better, detailed apology in which he acknowledges the harm he did to Galaxy. That's my Taylor and that's my Clark.
Advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley.
#NetGalley #ARC #Bookstodon #2026Reading #Galaxy #JadziaAxelrod
azteclady
genXcrone (she/her)
