A harrowing, yet strangely endearing critique of late-stage capitalism and the ultimate price people pay to say they’ve “made it.” With genre-bending A harrowing, yet strangely endearing critique of late-stage capitalism and the ultimate price people pay to say they’ve “made it.” With genre-bending dream journeys and an enticing mix of bleak and funny, this novel is an expertly woven waking nightmare that asks: what does it mean to be successful, and who gets to decide? What is the cost, and is it worth it? What matters at the end of a life, and how do we shape a truly meaningful legacy? And why do we attach our and others’ worth to our earnings, assets, our capacity to be a model worker? A poignant look at corporate exploitation, the national debt crisis, and all the ways in which we pass life by waiting for it to begin, Jonathan Abernathy is a uniquely heartfelt social commentary that reminds us that behind every service, every good, every convenience, there is a human behind it struggling to get by. ...more
A riveting dissection of memory and what makes two living beings feel love and connection. Against the backdrop of a global pandemic catastrophe, The Memory of Animals is a haunting look at the thin line between cruelty and innovation, between reality and fantasy. It asks: what is the weight of your memories, do they define you for better or for worse? What if you could not only revisit moments from your past, but rewrite them? A provocative challenge against the status quo for scientific testing and animal captivity, this genre-bending novel is as haunting as it is beautiful, a devastatingly reflective musing on the small things in life; seeing a majestic animal in the wild, falling in love, doing a routine with a parent, how these moments are easily forgotten, but priceless, especially when they are stolen overnight. A potent and chilling novel rooted in real life concerns and prophecies....more
A mind-bending thriller with a mother-daughter love story at its core. Dynamic and dreamlike, Bridge is an exploration of the Multiverse’s biggest questions: what if you could go to a life where you had what you wanted? What if you could see a lost loved one again? What is the meaning of fate, and what is the cost of trying to rewrite our own lives? Cinematic, moving, and twisty, this novel delivers a punch of emotion to its scientific intrigue....more
A bizarre, dreamy complication of Caitlín R. Kiernan’s dark fiction. Moody, seductive, and unique, these stories are genre bending peaks into dark minA bizarre, dreamy complication of Caitlín R. Kiernan’s dark fiction. Moody, seductive, and unique, these stories are genre bending peaks into dark minds and hearts, shadowy realms, and uncharted revelations. Exploring sexuality, gender identity, and the many shades of grey that morality inhabits, these tales walk the line between whimsical and horrific, quietly chipping away at the heart and burrowing in. From sadism to long held secrets, pining to controlling, this is a collection that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy, gothic reflections, and subtle horror alike. A fascinating, lyrical grouping. ...more
A new translation of the novelizations of one of history’s most iconic monsters. Lively, action packed, and innovative, the lore of Godzilla is so mucA new translation of the novelizations of one of history’s most iconic monsters. Lively, action packed, and innovative, the lore of Godzilla is so much more than a beloved cultural icon. It is a riveting metaphor for the destruction that man reaps in pursuit of the most powerful weapons, the most global control. It is a callout to the devastation of war and weapons of mass destruction, used with no sight for the impact on nature and future generations. Despite Godzilla’s fun and familiar stories, which remain timely and universally enjoyable, it also remains a sobering warning against nuclear warfare and the unethical use of its weapons. ...more
A dazzling, haunting mix of science fiction and cosmic horror. With beguiling, almost gothic prose, Annihilation is an exercise in the hubris of man, A dazzling, haunting mix of science fiction and cosmic horror. With beguiling, almost gothic prose, Annihilation is an exercise in the hubris of man, the quest for knowledge and control to terrifying results. It asks: what happens we we stop recognizing the ones we love and the people around us? What do we do when we realize that we have stopped recognizing ourselves? How do we put into words that which is beyond our comprehension? How far will we go to unearth the universes darkest secrets? Atmospheric, mystical, and mind bending, this is an excellent introduction to Area X and the intricate, transformative world that Jeff Vandermeer has created. Chilling, compelling, and an intimate look at the fine line between awe and horror, the unfathomable moment in which we must confront not only our greatest fears, but our true selves. ...more
A quirky, impactful account of survival and loneliness from the perspective of a human eating alien stranded on Earth. Funny and endearing despite itsA quirky, impactful account of survival and loneliness from the perspective of a human eating alien stranded on Earth. Funny and endearing despite its use of horror and grit, Walking Practice is a brilliant nod to the harshness of society and its treatment of othered individuals. It is a testament to the ways in which we hide ourselves in order to feel more accepted, the desire we have to be loved for our whole selves, the conflict we face of being truly authentic versus staying quiet, safer from the prying eyes and actions of those who enforce conformity. Playful but ultimately heartbreaking, this novella is artistic and ambitious, and is so timely to read. ...more
A mind-bending journey into time, space, and the essence of the human condition. Following a disillusioned scientist as he fights to unlock the mysterA mind-bending journey into time, space, and the essence of the human condition. Following a disillusioned scientist as he fights to unlock the mysteries of a reality defying mountain, Ascension is not just a claustrophobic account of survival against the elements and the unknown, but also a highly introspective musing on what it means to be human. The use of time is not just a method of unease and uncertainty, but a look into how our memories both haunt and inspire us, how time marches on, and we must make sense of what we can before it runs out. An interesting blend of sci-fi, speculative fiction, and horror, this is a novel that makes for several existential conversations upon finishing. ...more
An ambitious and electrifying sci fi that examines the concept of power, womanhood, and sexism in a fresh and compelling way. Told in an alternate reaAn ambitious and electrifying sci fi that examines the concept of power, womanhood, and sexism in a fresh and compelling way. Told in an alternate reality but with a very real parallel to our own world, this novel is a provocative look into the end of the patriarchy, and turns the concept of gender roles and power dynamics inside out. The Power is so riveting because it also reflects a very real spectrum of results when someone is suddenly given great strength and control in a society where they were previously looked at as the weaker party; some use it for good, some for personal gain, some for progress, and some for vengeance. This speculative work packs a punch, and is a nuanced, witty story filled with worthy discussions to be had. ...more
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