by Shannon Stockdale-Elftman. Do you read speculative fiction as a form of escapism or as a way to better understand our world? Halfway through my reading of Alix E. Harrow’s newest novel, Starling House, I found myself wondering if speculative fiction is primarily a means of escape for most, or a way to view our world through that delightfully warped mirror of fiction. Starling House is set in Kentucky, and the edges of this gothic Read more…
by Marleigh Green. I sat down with Leah Koch, one of the two owners of The Ripped Bodice bookstore, an independent brick-and-mortar bookstore that is proudly Woman and Queer-Owned. Sisters and owners Leah and Bea Koch opened TRB in Los Angeles, CA on March 4, 2016 following a successful Kickstarter campaign to bring their dream of a romance-only bookstore to life. The Ripped Bodice features a vast and diverse selection of romance fiction. In addition Read more…
by Marleigh Green I sat down with Canadian indie authors Elizabeth Helen, a sister writing duo whose recent romantasy book series Beasts of the Briar has taken off and become an Amazon bestseller. The series, a Beauty and the Beast inspired reverse-harem, stars a heroine named Rosalina, whose father has been searching for her mother ever since she was kidnapped by the fae. Rosalina’s father is seen as the town outcast, and Rosalina herself struggles Read more…
by Brigs Larson They have been walking since the world grew grass and the sky changed from black to blue. At least, it feels that way. Croc only started last year when he left Florida with a crocodile and a backpack. That crocodile’s dead now—couldn’t take the cold—but Croc’s still walking. Took his pet’s name to honor it. Then you have folks like Jockey, who’ve been riding the trails for years and years and years. Read more…
by Sophia Laughlin “Don’t you see the sign? No soliciting.” “I’m not a solicitor. I’m a salesman.” The man started to close his door. It shuddered. Stopped with a sickening thunk. One of the Salesman’s sleek black loafers was wedged between the door and its frame. His pale, matte skin melded into hair leached of all color, and blue veins slithered across his skin, making his sickly, purple-tinged lips even brighter. His eyes—blue the color Read more…