20 Sept 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: AN ACADEMY FOR LIARS by Alexis Henderson (Review)

20 September 7 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

AN ACADEMY FOR LIARS

Author: Alexis Henderson
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Representation: Black main character, Black love interest, gay side character, mental health discussions

Summary:
A student will find that the hardest lessons sometimes come outside the classroom in this stunning dark academia novel from the acclaimed author of The Year of the Witching and House of Hunger.

Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.   

Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself. 

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

As Lennon continues in her studies her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton college, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns. For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption . . . and it’s a test she’s terrified she is going to fail.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Violence, Murder, Blood, Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, Grief, Animal death, Bullying, Cancer

This book kept me HOOKED. I loved the atmosphere and the way it was so tense throughout. I really appreciated the mixture of a semi-unreliable narrator with the mystical elements. I thought the storyline was well-developed and kept me really interested. I finished this in one sitting because I was just so enthralled. I loved that this felt fresh and new in the genre while still exemplifying the idea of dark academia.

It had a lot of tropes incorporated into it and they were really well done. I liked the way things were resolved throughout and getting the information that we needed, when we needed it. A lot of what I want to say would be a spoiler but overall I just really enjoyed it!

I would have liked a bit more explanation of how things concluded. It felt like it was a bit hand-waved to make it all work out, which left the ending feeling a bit quick. I feel like the rest of the story was well-paced, with enough information given to us that it made us think, but there were tendrels of the story that didn't feel as though they were closed before the end.

I still highly recommend this book!

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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13 Sept 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: REWITCHED by Lucy Jane Wood (Review)

13 September 2 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

REWITCHED

Author: Lucy Jane Wood
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: ACE
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
Belladonna Blackthorn hasn’t lost her magical spark . . . but she hasn’t seen it in a while, either. 

Balancing work at her beloved Lunar Books with protecting it from her toxic boss, who’s running it into the ground, and all the while concealing her witchcraft from the non-wicches around her – Belle is burnt out. Perfecting the potential of her magic is the last thing on her mind. 

But when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, and a trial that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle risks losing her magic forever. With the month of October to fix things, and signs that dark forces may be working against her, Belle will need all the help she can get – from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure, and even an (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her . . . 

With found family, slow burn romance and an uplifting message about self-love, this is the cosy, autumnal read that you've been waiting for. 

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: gaslighting, panic attacks/disorders, grief, death, child death, murder

I really liked this book. A story about figuring out your life and changing direction at 30 made me feel really seen. I think it's so important to have "coming of age" stories when you want to change directions in the future. Your life isn't fully realized when you turn 18 or enter post-secondary (or not). Life is fluid and I loved that this book really portrayed that.

The twists and turns in this were really interesting and I loved all the characters, flaws and all. I thought there was such strong character development for Belle that really warmed my heart.

This was such a good cozyfantasy and I am so glad this genre is becoming more popular. This had such loveable characters, especially Art. I loved that all the characters went through such journies together and came out stronger at the end. The found family element of this really sealed it for me!

I highly recommend this one!

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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30 Aug 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: BRIDE by Ali Hazelwood (Review)

30 August 5 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

BRIDE

Author: Ali Hazelwood
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: sexual content, blood, violence, kidnapping, death of a parent, abandonment, sickness, death, confinement, murder

In BRIDE by Ali Hazelwood, Misery Lark, the daughter of a powerful Vampyre councilman, is forced to leave her life among Humans and enter a marriage of convenience with Lowe Moreland, the ruthless Alpha Werewolf. This alliance is meant to uphold a historic peace between Vampyres and Weres, but Misery has her own secret reasons for agreeing to the arrangement. As she navigates the complexities of life in Were territory and her growing attraction to Lowe, she struggles to reclaim the one thing she truly cares about. Love and political intrigue intertwine in this tale of forbidden passion and unlikely allies.

This was a pretty middle of the road read for me. I liked a lot of it and thought the book itself was pretty funny, but overall it was really just okay. I listened to the audiobook and there was a lot of really good narration, but it felt like such a waste of Will Damron to provide only little snippets at the beginning of the chapters.

The sex scenes were good and seemed pretty realistic for werewolf anatomy. I think the chemistry between Misery and Lowe was good but not off the charts. They seemed like a perfect fit for one another (pun intended) but I just wasn't overly sold on their relationship. The romance felt a bit lacking for me.

I also would have liked a bit more emphasis on the paranormal elements and the mystery element to this novel. It felt like too much was packed into this that didn't give enough time to everything for a fully fleshed novel.

Overall, if you liked Ali Hazelwood's other novels, you'll enjoy this one! But if you've never read one, I'm not sure if this is the one to start at. It didn't make me extremely eager to read other books by her.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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23 Aug 2024

Review & Excerpt: LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES by Mallory Marlowe | Sci-Fi & Fantasy Friday

23 August 4 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES

Author: Mallory Marlowe
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Berkeley
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
The hardest thing for a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer to believe in is finding love in this swoony debut romantic comedy.
 
Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.
 
Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.
 
As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.

Purchase*:
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I bumble out of Chloe’s office in a haze, my brain operating like a too fast hamster wheel. I hadn’t even thought over accepting Chloe’s offer. I just did it. Now, I have to follow through.

The Brain-Hamster has been flung off the wheel by the time I return to my desk. I sink behind my monitor.

“You good?” Nora asks. She flashes me a thumbs up, then a thumbs down.

I provide her with a so-so. “I’m good, but I need a show idea.” 

That’s when I realize I didn’t grab my pen from the floor in Chloe’s office. Dammit. I liked that pen.

“A show idea?” she yelps. “Really?” 

“Yes. By Friday—”

Nora immediately deflates. “Well… shit.” 

“I’ll figure it out,” I say, but I am not convinced. I don’t know where to start. 

“You know what we should do?”

“What?”

“We should get high and watch Agent Cody Banks. Frankie Muniz really brings out my creativity.”

We do get high and watch Agent Cody Banks. A few hours and a half a bottle of five-dollar wine later, when Nora has gone to bed, I am deep in internet hell.

I listened to podcasts, I watched vlogs, I hunted Instagram for charismatic influencers. I only broke for our brief movie. I feel like I’ve consumed every bit of media under the sun; yet, I still haven’t made a dent in my ever-growing list of TV show recommendations.

I slurp a chopstick full of noodles into my mouth as the alcohol hits me suddenly. The clock on my computer flashes two a.m. I’ll feel this in the morning, though I don’t have time for a hangover. I slip my headphones out of my ears and notice the TV in front of me has descended into late night madness. I’m an hour away from the impending infomercials for discreet adult diapers. 

I zero in on the screen as the show returns from a commercial break. 

Cosmic Conspiracies.

Yep, I’ve hit the middle-of-the-night trash TV. Animated planets whirl across the screen and large-headed aliens bobble forward like unsteady bowling pins. 

“Reports of apelike creatures have been reported on nearly every continent on Earth,” says an overdramatic narrator. “From the Himalayan Yeti to the Florida Skunk Ape, and most famous of all beasts — Bigfoot — cultures across the world tell stories of something they can’t explain lurking in the woods…”

Oh, Jesus. 

“In ancient drawings, you’ll find large, hairy creatures intermingled with humans.” The show cuts to a portly British man. “If you look at the footprints, they aren’t so different from ours. Could we be closer to Bigfoot than we think? Could Bigfoot even be an extraterrestrial from another planet?”

“What the fuck,” I mutter into my ramen. Yet, at the same time, I suddenly understand how people religiously watch shows like this. I feel no urge to change the channel. Bigfoot is not real, and neither are aliens, but I have to know how they’re going to justify this. 

Then a man far too hot to be offering any opinion on Bigfoot appears on screen. He’s young, probably late twenties with shaggy, dark hair falling in front of his face, a sharp, stubble-coated jawline, and a square pair of black glasses. His bright green eyes are ablaze with excitement and an analytical seriousness that can’t be feigned. 

“When we think about Bigfoot,” he begins, in the smoothest, sexiest voice I’ve ever heard. It’s a clear baritone, simultaneously soothing and commanding. The man is full of dramatic hand gestures to help him paint a picture. “We think about a flesh and blood creature not so different from ourselves. When we think of aliens, we think of Greys or little green men. Those are vastly different visuals. But the idea that Bigfoot could have come from somewhere else, or that he’s not native to this world, raises the question. If we share genetic links with Bigfoot as we do apes, what does that make us?”

Noodles drop out of my mouth. I choke on a bean sprout. The most handsome man I’ve ever seen has just publicly proposed that Bigfoot is an alien and that, de facto, we were aliens as well. And I am fucking enthralled. I rewind the clip to the man’s name and title on screen. 

Hayden Hargrove
Host, The Out There

Excerpted from Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe Copyright © 2024 by Mallory Marlowe. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: parental neglect, parental death, death of a loved one, grief, toxic relationships, sexism, sexual content, mentions of racism

In LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES, a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer navigate an unexpected romance amid their professional chaos. Hallie Barrett's life is in freefall after her ex—who's also her coworker and co-producer—dumps her, leaving her on the brink of unemployment. As she scrambles to find something to produce fro the annual production and competition, she stumbles upon Hayden Hargrove, a charismatic cryptid expert with his own podcast. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, and it quickly propels their production to the top of the competition. This swoony romantic comedy effortlessly blends love, self-discovery, and a search for truth in the unexplained.

LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES captivated me with its blend of romance and discovery. Set in a Buzzfeed-esque company, it features a desperate web series producer and an intriguing paranormal conspiracy theorist who, against all odds, make an incredibly charming pair. While it didn't make me believe in conspiracies, it certainly made me believe in love! I was especially drawn to how Hallie and Hayden came together, balancing their skeptic and believer dynamic in a way that felt both compelling and authentic.

What stood out most to me was the genuine, relatable romance between Hayden and Hallie. One thing that often bothers me in romance novels is how the "break-up" is handled—it needs to feel real but not so dramatic that it seems irreparable. Thankfully, Hayden and Hallie's third-act break-up hit the mark perfectly. It felt natural, free from contrived drama, and their reasons for the split—and eventual reconciliation—were entirely in character. Watching Hallie grow more confident and seeing how she helped Hayden evolve was just the icing on the cake.

LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES isn't just a romantic comedy; it's a thoughtful exploration of modern conspiracies and their problematic roots, particularly in antisemitism. The book manages to address the impact of misinformation while keeping the tone light and enjoyable. The conspiracies they pursued added an extra layer to Hallie and Hayden's skeptic/believer relationship without veering into territory that felt too far-fetched. It kept the story grounded, even as they delved into the paranormal.

That said, there were moments where the story felt a bit disjointed. The timeline between the filming process and the weekly show content sometimes didn't line up, which left me occasionally needing clarification about when certain segments were filmed. A more seamless understanding of the timeline would have made the story flow better.

Overall, LOVE AND OTHER CONSPIRACIES is a sweet, engaging romantic comedy that dives into the unknown while exploring the intricacies of love. The endearing characters and thoughtful exploration of its themes make it a heartwarming and entertaining read that I'd highly recommend.

What conspiracies do you believe in?
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26 Jul 2024

Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi Review | Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays

26 July 5 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

MASQUERADE

Author: O.O. Sangoyomi
Cover for Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
Series: N/A
Source: Libro.fm
Publisher: Forge
Publication Date: July 2, 2024
Representation: Black main characters, West African mythology/lore

Summary:
Masquerade is a dazzling, lyrical tale of the true cost of one woman’s fight for freedom and self-discovery in a patriarchal society, and the lengths she’ll go to secure her future, set in a wonderfully reimagined, pre-colonial West Africa. 

Òdòdó's hometown of Timbuktu has been conquered by the the warrior king of Yorùbáland. Already shunned as social pariahs, living conditions for Òdòdó and the other women in her blacksmith guild grow even worse under Yorùbá rule.

Then Òdòdó is abducted. She is whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, where she is shocked to discover that her kidnapper is none other than the vagrant who had visited her guild just days prior. But now that he is swathed in riches rather than rags, Òdòdó realizes he is not a vagrant at all; he is the warrior king, and he has chosen her to be his wife.

In a sudden change of fortune, Òdòdó soars to the very heights of society. But after a lifetime of subjugation, the power that saturates this world of battle and political savvy becomes too enticing to resist. And as tensions with rival states reveal elaborate schemes and enemies hidden in plain sight, she must re-forge the shaky loyalties of the court to her favor, or risk losing everything—including her life.

Loosely based on the myth of Persephone, O.O. Sangoyomi’s Masquerade takes you on a journey of epic power struggles and political intrigue that turn an entire region on its head.

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Content Warning: violence, murder, kidnapping, animal death, slavery, confinement, sexual assault, rape, sexism

In MASQUERADE, Òdòdó, a formidable blacksmith from Timbuktu, is kidnapped by the powerful Aláàfin leader, Àrệmọ. Despite her initial shock at this handsome and dangerous man's desire to marry her, she quickly recognizes the comfort and power her new role affords her. As the tides of political change and warring kingdoms shift, Òdòdó seizes the opportunity to exert her influence, offering strategic advice to her fiancé, which he then claims as his own. This political intrigue and the looming threat of death draw them closer, forging a formidable partnership to rule their lands.

I absolutely loved MASQUERADE! It offered a fascinating twist on the Hades x Persephone myth, staying true to the essence of Greek mythology and capturing the ruthless and brutal nature of "death." Àrệmọ's portrayal as someone who fully embraces his role was a refreshing departure from the typical sad, emo depictions of Hades in popular media.

The integration of West African mythology was a delightful surprise. It’s not a perspective I've encountered often, but I thoroughly enjoyed how it influenced the portrayal of women's roles in society. The novel's setting in a fantastical 15th century West Africa is richly detailed, avoiding info-dumps except where necessary. However, this sometimes results in a bit of naivety from Òdòdó.

Though we follow Òdòdó’s perspective throughout the book, her motivations and some of the author's choices for her circumstances left me puzzled. The novel is marketed as fantasy, yet it lacks a developed magic system, relying instead on a general fantastical atmosphere. This reliance on mythology, highlighted by perhaps just one key scene, makes the fantasy label feel somewhat overstretched.

While the story boasts elements of great storytelling, it does read like a debut, with room for more well-rounded character development and a stronger central plot. The narrative didn’t follow a clear path to the conclusion, and the side plots felt underdeveloped, detracting from the main story. Nonetheless, I’m excited for Sangoyomi’s next book; her prose is strong, even if all the elements aren't fully realized yet.

I also recommend the audiobook, narrated by Ariel Blake. Hearing the rich West African names pronounced correctly added depth to the experience. Listening to books that draw from a narrative storytelling tradition like this is always a pleasure, and the narration kept me thoroughly invested in the story.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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19 Jul 2024

Interview with Jill Baguchinsky, author of SO WITCHES WE BECAME!

19 July 1 Comments

I am thrilled to be hosting Jill Baguchinsky today for an interview about her young adult queer-feminist thriller, SO WITCHES WE BECAME.


SO WITCHES WE BECAME

Author: Jill Baguchinsky
Series: N/A
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 23, 2024

Representation: queer characters

Summary:
Step into your witchy power or be swallowed by the curse– the choice is yours.

A queer, feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, this ode to female-rage is a perfect pick for fans of She Is a Haunting, and a reminder that if "boys will be boys," girls will fight back. 

For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast.
 
Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood.

Easier said than done.

But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape.

Reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past. 
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Describe SO WITCHES WE BECAME in 15 words or less.

Jill Baguchinsky: Friends trapped by a curse must fight back together or be devoured one by one. 

(That was trickier than I was expecting it to be! Haha.)

How do you ensure that the elements you pulled from Stephen King’s The Mist are unique to your novel while still being an homage to the original?

Jill Baguchinsky: As much as I absolutely adore Stephen King, I didn’t actually start out with The Mist in mind when I wrote So Witches We Became. Both stories feature an ominous fog/mist/haze and a deadly mystery lurking within, but the dynamics of a group of teenagers trapped on a Florida island are different from those of a collection of people trapped in a Maine supermarket, so the stories veer off in very different directions. There’s just something absolutely eerie about the idea of a weird mist settling in and hiding who-knows-what, the way it dulls sound and makes landmarks vanish. It’s all so still, so empty, like the world’s been swallowed up by a void. There’s a lot to play with in that.
On a related note, King fans may recognize a bit of inspiration from his short story “The Raft” in So Witches as well. Some of the imagery from that one has stuck with me for decades.

What character arcs in SO WITCHES WE BECAME were particularly rewarding to write?

Jill Baguchinsky: So Witches’ main character, Nell, goes from a quiet, private, somewhat self-conscious girl to a vengeance-seeking badass determined to figure out how to save herself and her friends. She starts off as the “mom friend” of the group, taking care of everyone else, but when she starts standing up for herself instead of always keeping her focus only on others, that’s when things start turning around. I end up as the mom friend in a lot of group situations, too, so I know how easy it can be to focus so much on everyone else that you forget yourself, and how invisible that can make you. Letting Nell acknowledge her past and find her strength was a delight. 

What core themes did you explore in SO WITCHES WE BECAME, and why are they important to you?

Jill Baguchinsky: I really wanted to tackle the idea that we’re so often stronger when we support and care for each other, especially when it comes to standing up to some of the ideas society pushes on us. The book deals a lot with the sentiment that “boys will be boys” and how those boys are subsequently not held accountable for some of their actions. I remember being young and hearing, “Oh, that little boy hit you? It’s just because he likes you!” or reading high school dress codes that limited girls’ wardrobe choices based on what would or wouldn’t be distracting to boys, etc. I look back on all that and wonder just what we’re teaching the younger generations – where we’re laying blame, and where we’re making excuses, and why. I wanted my characters to challenge the ideas they’ve internalized and accepted for too long. Sometimes all it takes is for one member of a group to push back – they inspire others to do the same, and suddenly changes start to happen.

How do you keep the element of horror and suspense alive while writing?

Jill Baguchinsky: In So Witches, I played with some horror elements and tropes that scare me personally. For example, one character has a history of sleep paralysis and sees a terrifying shadow creature in her room at night – as a child I experienced something similar, although my personal sleep paralysis visitor was a creepy old woman rather than a living shadow (lucky me!). So Witches also draws a lot of parallels between the group’s predicament on the island and the reality of hurricane prep and tracking, something I know all too well thanks to spending most of my life in Florida. By pulling from situations that spook me in real life, I hope I was able to convey the resulting fear in a realistic and convincing manner. 

Can you describe your typical writing routine? Do you have any specific rituals or practices that help you stay productive?

Jill Baguchinsky: I’m very much a pantser when it comes to writing, rather than a plotter. I tend to get really excited about a new idea, obsess over it constantly for a few weeks, and rough out a messy first draft in a short period of time. I throw everything into that mess and see what sticks (and a lot doesn’t!). Then I take that complete dumpster fire of a draft, tear it apart, and start polishing it into something I might actually let someone else read someday. Once I get it to the point where I can bear to let others peek at it, I get feedback from a few trusted beta readers and tear the whole thing apart again based on what does and doesn’t work for them. I used to fear constructive criticism, but over the years I’ve come to realize how valuable other points of view can be. It’s not really possible to objectively judge our own work; we’re too close to it. Someone else might read it and ask, “Okay, but why didn’t this character do this when this happened?” or whatever, and boom, epiphany! I love those “why didn’t I think of that?!?” moments. They’re frustrating, but also fascinating, and SO inspiring.

How do you handle writer’s block or moments of self-doubt?

Jill Baguchinsky: I like to joke that since I’m a Taurus I’m too stubborn to give into such things. If I’m mired in imposter syndrome, it really helps to talk about it with people I trust. I have such brilliant friends accomplishing amazing things, and every one of them seems to doubt themselves, just like I doubt myself. We end up supporting each other and being each other’s cheerleaders.  As far as writer’s block goes, my characters are going to babble at me and do their thing whether or not I’m writing it all down, so it’s mostly a matter of getting myself in front of the computer and not letting myself procrastinate too much. 

What do you hope readers will take away from SO WITCHES WE BECAME?

Jill Baguchinsky: Without giving too much away, I hope that those who need a story like this find it empowering and satisfying. I also hope it encourages some readers to think about challenging how society sometimes assigns accountability and blame. More than anything, I hope there’s a reader out there who feels seen by this book.
Jill Baguchinsky grew up fluent in darkness and Disney. Born in New York and raised on Marco Island, Florida, Jill spent her time reading way too much Stephen King and dodging more hurricanes than she could count.

(credit J. Baguchinsky)
Jill’s first novel, a lighthearted ghost-hunting story titled SPOOKYGIRL: PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR, won the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for Young Adult Fiction and was published by Dutton Children’s Books in 2012. In her next book, MAMMOTH (Turner 2018), Jill tackled topics like bullying, body image, and the struggle young women often face trying to stand out in male-dominated scientific fields.
“Green Thumb,” Jill’s post-apocalyptic blend of science fiction, horror, and proper succulent care, was chosen by author and guest judge Ken Liu as a winner in Uncharted Magazine’s 2021 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Short Story Award contest, and her Baba Yaga-inspired piece “All Bitterness Burned Away” appeared in the Stoker-nominated women-in-horror anthology INTO THE FOREST: TALES OF THE BABA YAGA from Black Spot Books in late 2022.

In July 2024 Little, Brown and Company will publish Jill’s SO WITCHES WE BECAME, a queer feminist young adult horror novel inspired by female rage and Hurricane Irma. Pitched as THE WICKED DEEP meets Stephen King’s THE MIST, SWWB involves an out-of-control curse that traps a group of friends on a barrier island, forcing them to harness the shared power of their traumatic secrets or risk being devoured.

Jill still lives in Florida, but after one hurricane too many, she and her mini menagerie of rescue animals moved inland. Aside from the manatees she used to watch in her backyard canal, she doesn’t miss much about island life.

Connect with Jill
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Have you pre-ordered your copy of SO WITCHES WE BECAME?

If so, fill out this form and email proof of order (a redacted receipt, if you're uncomfortable sharing information on the receipt) to witches.campaign@gmail.com, and Jill will send you some goodies to say thank you!

While supplies last, the SWWB swag pack includes the following:

  • signed bookplate
  • cover art postcard print
  • holographic “hollow but thriving” quote sticker from Tris
  • set of sketchbook stickers from Harper
  • holographic cover sticker

In addition, the first 50 people to submit their info will also receive a limited-edition copy of Nell and Harper’s horror zine HERE IN THE SHADOWS.

The zine is a big part of the friendship that’s at the heart of SO WITCHES WE BECAME, and I couldn’t resist bringing an issue to life. In the book, every issue of HERE IN THE SHADOWS features a short horror story by Nell (this one includes “I was Promised a Tooth”) along with artwork by Harper (for this issue Insomniac Illustrations recreated Harper’s style gorgeously!).

Each copy is signed by Nell and Harper, and each is individually numbered and hand-assembled.

Swag is available worldwide while supplies last. Some items (especially the zine and the holo cover sticker) are more limited than others. Requests must be received before July 23, 2024. Items will be mailed after this date (or sooner if Jill has time!). Valid for pre-orders of hardcovers, ebooks, and audiobooks from your bookseller of choice.

Thank you for pre-ordering! And keep fighting back, Team Witches! You’ve got magic in you.

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