Books Like...

Aster lives on a generational space ship that resembles the antebellum south, where dark-skinned residents are confined to lower levels and controlled through brutal violence. She navigates through a world of trauma, power systems, and societal conflicts, seeking to uncover secrets that could save them all. The story unfolds on the spaceship Matilda, where the characters grapple with themes of slavery, brutality, hope, and rebellion, set against the backdrop of a dystopian society on a journey through space.

In the book 'Pet' by Akwaeke Emezi, the story follows Jam, a black trans girl living in Lucille, a seemingly utopian town in a future version of America. The town is free from monsters and fear, thanks to the angels who rid it of evil. However, when Jam accidentally brings to life a creature named Pet from her mother's painting, she discovers that not all monsters are gone. The narrative explores themes of angels, monsters, and the blurred lines between utopia and dystopia, all told in a beautifully unique way. Through the characters, the story delves into identity, diversity, and the importance of seeing the unseen truths in the world.

High school seniors Alexis, Roya, Paulie, Iris, Maryam, and Marcelina are as close as friends can be, hiding a dead body close, it turns out, when Alexis accidentally explodes Josh Harper at an after party on prom night. The five girls, all magical, come to Alexis' aid first, attempting to make Josh disappear, but when that doesn't work, they come up with a new plan. Alexis is straining under the weight of her guilt for the accidental murder, her guilt over her friends helping her, keeping her magic a secret from her dads, and keeping her crush on Roya a secret from everyone. Though tested in a number of ways, the girls' friendship holds strong.

In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a virus that mutates individuals with a certain amount of testosterone, 'Manhunt' follows two trans women, Fran and Beth, as they navigate a dangerous landscape filled with mutated men and violent fascists. Hunted by both roving packs of mutated men and militant TERFs, the duo embarks on a harrowing journey towards safety and belonging, facing gruesome challenges along the way. The story is a blend of extreme horror, gore, and dark themes, with a focus on survival, found family, and the exploration of gender in a brutal and unforgiving world.

The book is described as a story that is gruesome, harrowing, but also uplifting and unapologetic, featuring a diverse and beautifully crafted range of characters. It delves into themes of sex positivity, fat representation, and unapologetically confronts transphobia, offering a unique and compelling narrative that challenges traditional gender norms and societal expectations.

'Wilder Girls' by Rory Power is set in the Raxter School for Girls, placed under quarantine due to a mysterious disease called the Tox. The Tox affects the girls in various ways, from physical mutations to death, leaving them largely isolated. The protagonist, Hetty, embarks on a journey across the island to uncover a dark secret while navigating friendships, survival, and the horrors of the Tox. The writing style is described as engaging, with a forward-focused plot that keeps readers on edge, while the author successfully balances scene-setting with a dramatic finish that leaves readers hoping for a sequel.

Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark is a horror fantasy novella set in the 1920s American South, where the Ku Klux Klan is portrayed as both literal and metaphorical monsters. The story follows Maryse, a young black woman with a magic sword, as she battles these demonic entities disguised as Klansmen. The book seamlessly integrates elements of historical fiction, fantasy, and horror to address themes of racism, hate, and fear during the time of Jim Crow. The narrative is fast-paced, blending cosmic horror with social commentary, creating a unique and compelling story that explores the darkness of human nature.

Clark's writing style in Ring Shout has been praised for its vivid imagery, strong characterization, and powerful narrative voice. The novella delves into the depths of racism and prejudice, offering a fresh perspective on the historical events of the 1920s through a fantastical lens. The book's blend of action-packed sequences, cultural significance, and social commentary makes it a thought-provoking and engaging read that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and humanity.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon, Jonathan Snipes, William Hutson, and Daveed Diggs is a novella that delves into the concept of a mermaid society descended from pregnant African slaves who were thrown overboard during the slave trade. The story follows the protagonist, Yetu, who carries the memories of her people's traumatic past, struggling with the burden of remembering while the rest of her society chooses to forget. Through poetic and beautifully written prose, the book explores themes of memory, history, trauma, and the conflict between personal preservation and community duty.

In the novel "Queen of Teeth" by Hailey Piper, the story follows Yaya, a chimera who discovers teeth growing in her vagina after a one-night stand. Yaya's body transformation, driven by a new consciousness named Magenta, forces her to flee from Alpha Beta Pharmaceuticals to avoid becoming a lab rat. The book delves into themes of bodily autonomy, identity, and societal oppression, set in a dystopian world where corporations control genetic experimentation and personal rights are trampled upon. Piper's writing style seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, horror, and romance, creating a multifaceted story filled with tension, action, and introspection.

The narrative explores Yaya's journey of self-discovery, grappling with issues of autonomy, rage, and defiance against an unjust world. Through vivid descriptions of body horror and poetic writing, Piper crafts a compelling and thought-provoking story that challenges societal norms and offers a unique perspective on self-expression and empowerment.

"Hell Followed with Us" by Andrew Joseph White follows the story of Benji, a 16-year-old ex-evangelist who finds himself adrift in a post-apocalyptic world after the death of his father. Feeling lost and hopeless, Benji is taken in by a group of queer kids who offer him acceptance and a sense of belonging. As Benji navigates this new world and grapples with parts of himself he's kept hidden, he finds love, loss, and triumph among those who have been marginalized and cast aside. The book delves into themes of love, found family, queerness, transness, and the struggle to find one's place in a society plagued by extremism.

Andrew Joseph White's writing style is described as bold, brash, and beautiful, with rich and vivid imagery that brings the post-apocalyptic world to life. The book is praised for its diverse and well-developed characters, its exploration of relevant social issues, and its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, from rage over injustice to empathy for the characters' struggles.

Ryka Aoki's 'Light From Uncommon Stars' is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary realism, following the intersecting lives of characters like Katrina, a transgender runaway violinist seeking refuge, and Shizuka Satomi, a legendary violin teacher known as the Queen of Hell. The narrative weaves together elements of demonic curses, violin competitions, and interstellar travel, creating a unique and diverse story that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the transformative power of music. Aoki's writing style is praised for its richly imaginative world-building, sensitive portrayal of transgender experiences, and skillful balance of profound themes with moments of warmth and humor.