Yoon Ha Lee's latest novel, Code & Codex, was released on October 27 by Saga Press. The book blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, featuring a young woman who communicates with an artificial intelligence fused to her spine, along with various other imaginative aspects such as a winged cat on a starship.
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In this space opera, political intrigue unfolds in a future where a ruler enforces a ban on all languages except one, and Valentina, the protagonist, is tasked with eliminating anyone who speaks other languages. Lee describes the narrative as exploring themes of censorship, as Valentina grapples with her loyalty to her ruler versus her desire to fight against oppressive systems. The writing is noted for its vivid detail, humor, and strategic use of linguistics, making it appealing to fans of literary science fiction and fantasy.
Lee, who has written across various mediums including novels, comics, and video games, shares that the inspiration for Code & Codex came from a character-driven approach rather than his typical plot-centric methodology. He recalls focusing on character interactions first before fitting them into a cohesive plot.
The author incorporates a variety of mythological references and unique magical abilities, including Valentina’s “swan song” and the Basilisk’s deadly gaze. Lee's creative process draws from his background in mythology and his explorations of less common references, aiming to introduce innovative powers within the narrative.
Bird symbolism permeates the book, a choice Lee attributes to practicality and personal connections from his upbringing, including memories of ballet and mythological studies. He elaborates on the importance of language and addressing censorship, citing a formative experience with H.P. Lovecraft’s work and the value of contextualizing literature rather than censoring content.
Looking ahead, Lee is pursuing a part-time MFA focusing on media composition, which includes a student project adapting his short story “The Battle of Candle Arc” into a 2D animated format. He expresses enthusiasm about this venture while acknowledging the lengthy production process.
For readers of Code & Codex, Lee highlights his passion for linguistics and diverse vocabulary, pointing out that his editor had to frequently consult dictionaries due to the book’s rich language, an aspect he relishes as a writer. Lee’s deep engagement with linguistic structures stems from his bilingual upbringing and desire to embrace intricate vocabulary in his work.