Tag: speculative fiction
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It’s Infuriating When Folks Say, “I Read to Escape”
I know some folks want to push back on this type of intentional reading, but in 2026, we need a change. We are losing our rights and critical-thinking skills en masse, and I need folks to combat this trend. So, acknowledge this for the rant that it is as I explain why escapism must be…
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“Deep Breaths”- A Short Story
This week’s post is an original speculative short story about Sarissa, a Black teenage girl who meets several versions of herself after meditating in an attempt to figure out her future. This story is inspired by a conversation with a friend about healing and speaking life into your inner child.
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28 Black Speculative Fiction Books For Black History Month
What is Black Speculative Fiction, anyway? For me, speculative fiction has two definitions. One overarching definition includes texts that use unreal elements in a story. This includes fantasy, alternative histories, magical realism, science fiction, some mysteries, and some horror. The second definition is more genre-specific and involves texts that propose a “what-if” scenario. I typically…
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The Dead Withheld by L.D. Lewis: A Sapphic Paranormal Neo-Noir Review
Neon Hemlock has another hit on its hands with The Dead Withheld by L.D. Lewis. Published in 2025, the sapphic paranormal neo-noir novella follows Desdemona “Dizzy” Carter in her quest to find the murderer of her wife, Lonnie, the Fallen Angels serial killer. Dizzy is a Private investigator and a deadwalker witch, one who can…
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Superman Smashes The Klan May Be A Favorite Read of the Year
It is with great sadness that I admit my favorite comic of the year may be a Superman graphic novel. I know. I see the disappointment etched across your face, but please, have faith in me. Know that the rare occasion of such mainstream treachery has a point founded in the social commentary you associate…
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Hello God, Are You There?: The Intersection of Religion and Subversion in Godpunk
My parents weren’t particularly religious until it was time to place judgment on others. But that didn’t stop my aunt from trying to convince me otherwise. I remember one of the few times she took me to her church. We woke up before sunrise to make a trek from Brooklyn to the Bronx to an…
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Short Story Sessions: Empathy and Identity in ‘Presence’ by Ken Liu
I chose this short story after a recent conversation about the author, Ken Liu. While sharing book recommendations and current reads, I said, “Dandelion Dynasty is the greatest series I never finished.” In fact, The Wall of Storms is easily one of the top five books I have ever read. I wanted to convince myself…
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Harmattan Season by Tochi Onyebuchi: A Unique Postcolonial Fantasy Noir- Book Review
I wouldn’t call myself an arc reader because I rarely get to them in time, but I have two arcs I will have read and reviewed before they release! It’s the small wins in life that bring me joy these days. This first ARC is from Tor Books and is slated to be published on…
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Neon Moons Launch: A New Literary Community
Neon Moons launches today at Bindery, focusing on speculative storytelling by Black, Indigenous, and other Authors of Color. The initiative offers various storytelling mediums to foster community discussions, crafts, and possibly a book club. The monthly selection begins with “Ghost Roast,” exploring a girl’s challenges with her father’s ghost-hunting business.