Read black books all year long. Keep talking about them, fighting for them, and the people who write them.
Most of these are queer, but some of them are not.
Black History Month
queer books
Con Men with Flair
Hey, the title says it all. We’ve got back stabbing, and other activities involving the backside … Okay but some of these are my absolute favorites, like A Power Unbound, Prince and Assassin, and The Lawrence Browne Affair.
Can I stab something now?
They’re an absolute menace to society and therefore break the system with witty comebacks and sharp things.
Indie Ink Awards
Thank you to everyone who voted for Phantom and Rook, who made it as a finalist in the Indie Ink Awards! I’m very grateful, and especially emotional due to the category it came through in. Phantom and Rook’s disability representation is one of the things I’m most proud of, and seeing that recognized is amazing.
Of course, most of you dear readers have already praised Phantom and Rook for this, which means much more than any award ever could. I’m alongside some truly wonderful authors, and books that I’ve personally enjoyed. Which is a win for me!
Can I stab something now?
They’re an absolute menace to society and therefore break the system with witty comebacks and sharp things.
WIP Wednesday: Wizard of Gay
Ta-da! I’m now offering free short excerpts on my website and Pareton. Today’s excerpt is from The Voice of Wild Places, a queer historical fiction. Enjoy a brief introduction to Cornelius’ nemesis, Andrea Carmine. You can read chapter excerpts on my Patreon, and all sorts of different things.
And so Cornelius began to tell the story of where they’d been. Only then did Watt realize the man had smoothly avoided the earlier question regarding their future. He listened as Cornelius spoke of the wondrous French architecture of Rio, the industrious São Paulo and the Butantan Institute, and the growing Cuiabá.
Their encounter with Senhor Galvão, and in this Cornelius modestly admitted his wrongdoings in regards to not trusting Severino. Cornelius was subdued but informative when telling them about their stay with the Bacairy, and by the time it was all said and done the group was fully enamored with him. All except Andrea, that was.
“And tell me dear Cornelius, were you able to broaden your horizons during your journey? Adopt a love for something new besides … oh, what was it you read all the time back at Ur? Oh yes, that children’s novel, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
“Oh, I love that story!” Nair exclaimed, which brought a hesitant smile to Cornelius’ lips.
Ana looked between Nair and Cornelius. “I’m afraid I haven’t. But a Wizard? That sounds interesting.”
Cornelius nodded. “I find there’s nothing wrong with old favorites, and adults can find much to learn from children’s stories. Some of us may have missed the lessons the first time.”
Rule # 32
I’ve been sharing my book recommendation posts on my Patreon and social media, but with Tiktok and Instagram going downhill fast I figured I’d bring them here, along with other things I’d usually post on there like WIP Wednesday. If you’d like to check out all my previous book rec posts, you can check them out for free on Patreon.
If I had a nickel for every queer zombie book I read, I’d have three nickels which isn’t a lot but it’s weird I haven’t read more because I love them.
The Voice of Wild Places Cover Reveal!
The Voice of Wild Places:
A Fabulist Historical Fiction
Cornelius Sawyer is a man of many talents, but forgiveness is not one of them.
Watt Johnson is a man of his word, but not once in his life has he spoken up for himself.
Once connected by the bonds of childhood, threads now severed by the demands of life, the pair are brought together for a once in a lifetime opportunity: an all expenses paid expedition to Brazil, searching for a man the world believes to be long dead, Percy Fawcett. And perhaps, even the Lost City that he was looking for.
Under the guise of doing research work for their respective universities, a reluctant Cornelius and an exhilarated Watt accept the offer and delve into the unknown, trusting no one but themselves. Looking at a map, the route and its dangers seem to be known obstacles which can be easily conquered, a fact that Watt leans on heavily.
But Cornelius is intimately aware that the river has teeth, that the land renders a siren song to those who are desperate to become lost in its mountains and basins. To survive the journey they’ll have to face the enemies within, and trust the other to have their best interests in mind.
After all, the Voice of Wild Places is calling, beckoning the adrift homeward.
The Voice of Wild Places releases on May 6th, 2025. You can read early access chapters on my Patreon!
Cover art illustrated by the incredibly talented Thistle Arts.
Mochizuki and Xlato Cover Reveal
Introducing the gorgeous cover to Mochizuki and Xlato, third book in the Adventures in Levena series. Cover art done by the fantastic Crossroad Art.
Archeon Mochizuki will force the silver moon to show its dark side, no matter the consequences.
The vampiric witch has been biding his time, waiting for the perfect moment. But now death has come to claim his father, the first person to propose life on the silver moon, and the first to be mocked perpetually for it. To restore his father’s honor before he dies, Archeon will do anything.
Until his machine backfires in the attempt, destroying university property and wiping out Levena’s entire power and communications grid. With his reputation in shreds, he takes a deal in order to secure his job, and freedom. A deal that will change his life forever, if he can handle working with someone as egotistical as he is.
Proteus Xlato has believed in true love since the day their soulmark burned like the birth of a star, an aspect that none of their other kin share.
They meticulously craft a persona to impress a certain astrophysicist, giving a lie for a name. But not only does Archeon have no interest in Proteus, he throws the ‘intern’ out of his laboratory after months of working together.
Determined to show Archeon what he’s missing out on, Proteus abandons all future disguises and plans. This time they will be petulant, meticulous, and brash. Like their soulmate, Proteus will be unabashedly themself. Or as much as they can without revealing their true origins; the world isn’t ready for that much of a shake up.
Or is it?
Mochizuki and Xlato releases on October 28th, 2025.
✨ And here’s the whole Levena family all together. ✨
Adventures in Levena is a cozy urban fantasy series following a group of friends as they figure out life, fall in love, and heal from their past. Each book follows a different couple, and I like to think of the first book as an introductory stepping stone.
Phantom and Rook is available in ebook, print, and audio.
Matsdotter and Adrastus is available in ebook and print.
Mochizuki and Xlato releases October 28, 2025.
The novellas are available in ebook and print, and newsletter members get them for free.
Phantom and Rook, Mochizuki and Xlato covers done by Crossroad Art.
Matsdotter and Adrastus cover done by Foxglove Faun.
Phantom and Rook
Arlo Rook has decided it’s time to move out of Garren Castle, home for orphans of all races, magical or not, at 100 years old.
It’s not the first time he’s left home, but a setback landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, and subsequently back to square one. Now he’s ready to strike out on his own, despite his friend’s worries he’s not ready.
Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When he’s not closing interdimensional rifts and corralling trouble in the universe, he’s visiting his favorite city of all, Levena. No one remembers him, but he’s made an everlasting impact on the city nonetheless.
Long ago, he set up an anonymous scavenger hunt for the starving village, providing them with a year’s worth of supplies. He upped the ante each year, providing less practical things, as the village had become a city and was wealthy beyond belief. Festivals are thrown in his honor to this day, or a version of him, that is.
Thatch has decided to throw a wild card into this year’s Game. Whoever discovers his true identity will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder or resurrection.
Arlo crashes into the mess of copper curls and bright eyes, who throws apothecary goods and his life into a chaotic mess. It certainly wasn’t the first they met, but Arlo doesn’t remember him. Thatch, however, never forgot the Witch with a familiar soulmark on his face.
What follows is a hilarious and wholesome series of events that teases the immortal with the one thing he wants most.
Someone to call home.
Phantom and Rook is available in ebook, audiobook, and print.
Cover Art by Crossroad Art
When you sign up for the Book Dragon tier on my Patreon, you get the Phantom and Rook ebook along with The Rebel Foxes.
For those listening in audiobook, you can find the supplemental materials such as character guide and glossary on the Adventures in Levena page, along with more content.
Neshama Publishing 