Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # SPECFIC by bookish_mk speculative fiction blog focusing on diverse, debut, indie books written by women/nonbinary authors ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://specficjournal.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [ARC Review: Year of the Mer by L.D. Lewis](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-year-of-the-mer-by-l-d-lewis/) - If you have been craving a queer bipoc dark epic fantasy that is a twist on the Little Mermaid with loads of political themes, intrigue and dialogue, this is the book for you!!! We have Mer people, land people (Men), a pre-existing sapphic romantic relationship, a brash and unapologetic main character, a reimagining of Ursula, - [Reading Wrap-up: March 2026](https://specficjournal.com/reading-wrap-up-march-2026/) - I read 14 books this month including 6 for the Trans Rights Readathon. Average rating of 4.23 so it was a good month! When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo The Singing Hills Cycle #2 125 pages • digital • 2020 fantasy lgbtqia+ adventurous fast-paced4.0 Enjoyed this one! He/She/They: How We Talk - [My Favorite Reads of 2025: Sci-Fi & Fantasy](https://specficjournal.com/my-favorite-reads-of-2025-sci-fi-fantasy-for-feminists/) - I finished 84 books in 2025! 54 authors who were new to me. I DNF'd 17 books. Most of the books were Fantasy. Here are my favorites - [April 2026: Most Anticipated Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Book Releases](https://specficjournal.com/april-2026-most-anticipated-fantasy-sci-fi-and-horror-book-releases/) - Fantasy They Made Us Blood and Fury by Cheryl S. Ntumy Pub date: April 14, 2026 | Rosarium Publishing | 288 pages Compared to The Sovereign by C.L. Clark and Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi Evil spreads throughout the Kingdom, and the one woman who can save them may be the key - [New Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror Releases: March 24, 2026](https://specficjournal.com/new-sci-fi-fantasy-horror-releases-march-24-2026/) - Books coming out this week that I have either read as an ARC or have my eye on! Source for the quotes is Edelweiss, synopsis and about the author provided by the publisher/platform. Fantasy Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar I am so excited that this short story collection is now out in - [March 17, 2026: New Releases](https://specficjournal.com/march-17-2026-new-releases/) - It's new release Tuesday! Here are the ones I'm most excited about or have read an ARC for :) Fantasy Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris This is the second book in the Harker and Moriarty sapphic supernatural mystery series from Morris and it's even wilder than the first book. It's also an indie book - [ARC Review: Wayward Souls by Susan J. Morris](https://specficjournal.com/wayward-souls-by-susan-j-morris/) - Harker and Moriarty are back again in the sequel to Strange Beasts, solving murders, battling creatures, and trying to fight their personal demons at the same time. All whilst being hovered over by an annoying one-dimensional Dutchman. Following something as great as the first book in this series was going to be tough and the - [ARC Review: Where No Shadow Stays by Sara Hashem](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-where-no-shadow-stays-by-sara-hashem/) - THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!! Although I DID forget how diabolical Sara Hashem's endings were and what she did to us in The Jasad Crown...DIABOLICAL. I reread the last few pages a couple of times and then stared at my ceiling for a few minutes. UNbelievable. If you knew me, a high school romance horror - [2026 Trans Rights Readathon: March 17-31](https://specficjournal.com/2026-trans-rights-readathon-march-17-31/) - I'm participating in the Trans Rights Readathon this year which is March 17 - 31st. Check out the main page here with all the info. The Trans Rights Readathon is an annual call to action to readers and book lovers in support of Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31st. This year’s Trans Rights - [Book Review: To Shape A Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-to-shape-a-dragons-breath-by-moniquill-blackgoose/) - This book should be recommended reading in schools. And for all, frankly.I've seen quite a few reviews mention that this book is "slow" and there's "not much going on (action)" and I would refute that claim. There's A LOT that happens in this book. We follow the main character Anequs as she navigates being the - [Book Review: Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-empire-of-sand-by-tasha-suri/) - Book #1 of Tasha Suri's DEBUT Fantasy Duology I read this book as part of the Fantasy Finishers Book Club on Fable and I'm so glad I did. Although I will issue a specific trigger warning (see bottom of this post, warning - it's a spoiler) along with general content warnings. Surprisingly, this is the - [Book Review: Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-hench-by-natalie-zina-walschots/) - Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots is a hilarious, fun, and devious story about superheroes and villains where you might just side with evil on this one. I certainly did. Plot Summary: Anna is a low-level assistant to villains working temp jobs when she is seriously injured by the most famous superhero alive. While recovering from - [Firstborn of the Sun by Marvellous Michael Anson](https://specficjournal.com/firstborn-of-the-sun-by-marvellous-michael-anson/) - HIGHLY recommend this book - especially the audiobook. What an amazing performance from narrators Adjoa Andoh and Folake Olowofoyeku!! This is the first part of an epic fantasy series rich in Yoruba inspiration. Forbidden powers, political maneuvering, and secrets upon secrets. The magic system is well thought out and explained. The political lineage was a - [Strange Beasts by Susan J. Morris](https://specficjournal.com/strange-beasts-by-susan-j-morris/) - No notes. Loved this book! If you are looking for a combination of murder mystery, detective work, and creatures of myth & legend that is set in London/Paris featuring women leads in a man's world, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the story crafted here that draws on history while also critiquing - [Book Review: Red City by Marie Lu](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-red-city-by-marie-lu/) - This book is one of the most well-written/edited books I've read. Full stop. It manages to maintain excellent pacing throughout the entire work while still building incredible world/magic systems, but also leading readers through robust character development. Red City is a violent story of rival criminal syndicates based in L.A. that centers around the practice - [Book Review: Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-snake-eater-by-t-kingfisher/) - Cosy, hilarious, slighly creepy evil roadrunner god to deal with... Snake-Eater is written in T. Kingfisher's easily identifiable style which includes a protagonist in her 30s, a fairytale-esque quest against a villain that is not sympathized, a quirky found family, and animals (most likely chickens somewhere). Our protagonist with severe anxiety runs away from a - [Book Review: The Library of Fates by Margot Harrison](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-the-library-of-fates-by-margot-harrison/) - There are so many things I didn't like about this book, it's hard to decide where to start. Maybe with the lack of diversity...unless I missed something (which is possible listening to the audiobook), I didn't pick up on any characters with any bipoc, lgbtqiap+, neurodivergent, disabled, etc. representation. Library of Fates centers around - [Book Review: Interstellar MegaChef by Lavanya Lakshminarayan](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-interstellar-megachef-by-lavanya-lakshminarayan/) - One of the most exciting and imaginative sci-fi adventures I've read. Please, don't read this on an empty stomach though…or at least have some snacks ready! Saraswati Kaveri is a talented chef running away from something on Earth. Serenity Ko is trying to differentiate herself in the corporate world of tech simulations and immersive reality - [Book Review: On Sundays She Picked Flowers by Yah Yah Scholfield](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-on-sundays-she-picked-flowers-by-yah-yah-scholfield/) - Update 3-7-26: I am very glad I read this book, as horrifying as it was. I read this book and I wish I hadn't because it made me sick. For southern gothic horror fans, this might be exactly what you want but for anyone else, it might not be for you. Check ALL of the - [ARC Review: Dawn of the Firebird by Sara Mughal Rana](https://specficjournal.com/dawn-of-the-firebird-by-sarah-mughal-rana/) - NetGalley Synopsis: For fans of The Poppy War, She Who Became the Sun, and The Will of the Many, a breathtaking fantasy novel about the daughter of an overthrown emperor from an exciting new voiceKhamilla Zahr-zad’s life has been built on a foundation of violence and vengeance. Every home she’s known has been destroyed by - [ARC Review: Starseekers by Nicole Glover](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-starseekers-by-nicole-glover/) - Starseekers by Nicole Glover is a fun adventure full of magic, cleverness, murder, mystery, friends, family, and of course, villains. The book's synopsis leads with: "Indiana Jones meets Hidden Figures in this brand-new stand-alone historical fantasy set in the world of The Conductors, in which the space race of the mid-20th century will be determined - [ARC Review: Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-graceless-heart-by-isabel-ibanez/) - Plot Synopsis from StoryGraph: In 15th-century Volterra, sculptress Ravenna Maffei enters a competition hosted by a secretive, immortal family who offer an invaluable boon to the victor. Desperate to win so she can save her brother, Ravenna reveals a rare magical talent—a dangerous act in a city where magic is forbidden. Her revelation makes her - [ARC Review: Villain by Natalie Zina Walschots](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-villain-by-natalie-zina-walschots/) - Henches, superheroes, sidekicks, and villains are back for round 2 in this long awaited sequel to HENCH #1 by Natalie Zina Walschots. Plot Summary: Anna and the crew at Leviathan are recovering from the events of Book 1 including the defeat of Supercollider there are some FEELINGS being dealt with. Working through this, they are - [ARC Review: To Ride A Rising Storm by Moniquill Blackgoose](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-to-ride-a-rising-storm-by-moniquill-blackgoose/) - Everything is turned up a notch in the second installment of the story of Anequs and Kasaqua! Politics, romance, new allies and dangerous enemies...once again Moniquill Blackgoose pens a piece of work that should be required reading for all. To Ride A Rising Storm is The Second Book of Nampeshiweisit following To Shape A Dragon’s - [ARC Review: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-weavingshaw-by-heba-al-wasity/) - SPECTACULAR…give me 14 of them right now!! This dark and haunting masterpiece just absolutely barrelled itself into my book-loving heart and obliterated whatever poor soul had previously held the title of ‘the best book I’ve read in recent memory’. The way I became an obsessive unrecognizable creature absorbing this story, these characters into my veins - [ARC Review: Devil of the Deep by Falencia Jean-Francois](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-devil-of-the-deep-by-falencia-jean-francois/) - This is a MUST read for 2026. A brilliant biting critique on christian faiths that manipulate believers with falsehoods, especially in order to control women and do away with others who don’t fall within their circle of acceptable ways. Devil of the Deep by Falencia Jean-Francois is an amazing Haitian, LGBTQIAP+, and feminist story of - [ARC Review: Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-burn-the-sea-by-mona-tewari/) - Burn the Sea is a rich historical fantasy that calls attention to the true story of Rani Abbakka Chowta, a Queen who led her people and allies in a successful resistance against the Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century. Mona Tewari’s writing brings history to life in a beautifully woven story of politics, love, loss, - [ARC Review: The Age of Calamities by Senaa Ahmad](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-the-age-of-calamities-by-senaa-ahmad/) - Absurd. Poetic. Provocative. Cannot recommend this ENOUGH!! The Age of Calamities by Senaa Ahmad is a collection of short stories that are as absurd as they are poetic and unexpected. Just when you think you know where the stories are going, BAM!…total-and-complete-upside-down-throw-the-tables-across-the-room switch up of events. It’s a delight to be surprised by movements in - [ARC Review: Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-seasons-of-glass-and-iron-by-amal-el-mohtar/) - Pub date: March 24, 2026 An exquisite collection of short stories written in Amal’s poetic prose that might leave you shedding a few tears or staring at the wall after reading, contemplating life, love, and the many joys and horrors of our world. If everyone loved women the way this author so dearly loves women, - [ARC Review: Intergalactic Feast by Lavanya Lakshminarayan](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-intergalactic-feast-by-lavanya-lakshminarayan/) - FEAST continues right where Interstellar MegaChef left off and pushes ahead further into the chaos of politics, food culture, protests, betrayals, and horniness - it’s a guaranteed Ur-drama! If you haven't read the first book in this series yet, check out my review of Interstellar MegaChef here. One of the reasons I enjoyed Book #1 - [Audio ARC Review: The Swan's Daughter by Roshani Chokshi](https://specficjournal.com/audio-arc-review-the-swans-daughter-by-roshani-chokshi/) - Pub date: January 6, 2026 A dazzling performance and a beautifully written dark fairytale, sure to enchant readers’ hearts into loving monsters that might plunge a dagger into their hearts after making grand professions of love if they aren’t careful. The protagonist, Demelza, finds herself swept up in a bachelor-esque competition for the throne (and - [ARC Review: AICHA by Soraya Bouazzaoui](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-aicha-by-soraya-bouazzaoui/) - AICHA IS rage. A story of rebellion, AICHA by Soraya Bouazzaoui, is brutal, gritty, and depicts life under the rule of violent, horrible invaders. This is the tale of a legend, but it is also one of love, of sacrifice, and of grief. Word has spread that the Sultan is moving towards their city to - [ARC Review: Black as Diamond by U.M. Agoawike](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-black-as-diamond-by-u-m-agoawike/) - Black as Diamond is a gem! This is a debut standalone fantasy novel that explores questions around identity, politics, and how the past and power can impact different experiences for a long time. Bullet points for those short on time:- debut standalone fantasy- queer identity & relationships- quest and "found family" group- epic world-building- two - [ARC Review: The Quarter Queen by Dr. Kayla Hardy](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-the-quarter-queen-by-dr-kayla-hardy/) - From Ballantine Books, The Quarter Queen by Dr. Kayla Hardy is a lush, dark historical fantasy debut inspired by the life of Marie Laveau and her daughter, Marie Laveau II. This is a tense story of magic, New Orleans in the 1800s, racism, slavery, and mother-daughter relationships. From the author’s website: “FOR FANS OF SINNERS - [Book Review: Our Sister's Keeper by Jasmine Holmes](https://specficjournal.com/book-review-our-sisters-keeper-by-jasmine-holmes/) - From Bindery Books, Our Sister’s Keeper by Jasmine Holmes is a sharp, haunting story of rage and sisterhood. Check trigger warnings, please. Bullet points for those short on time: debut standalone thriller horror magical realism sisterhood, womanhood early 1900s Mississippi & the times’ perspectives of gender roles rage, power, memory, manipulation racism, sexism, misogyny Publisher - [ARC Review: Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee](https://specficjournal.com/arc-review-heiress-of-nowhere-by-stacey-lee/) - This book could have been something really special if it hadn't romanticized sexual assault and flagrant disregard of consent by multiple characters. Heiress of Nowhere follows Lucy, an orphan-ward of unknown parentage, as she tries to adjust to unexpectedly inheriting a massive estate and business from her murdered employer/benefactor as well as discovering the culprit - [March 10, 2026: New Releases](https://specficjournal.com/march-10-2026-new-releases/) - These books are out today!! If you see any that might be interested in, please check it out and share around socials. This is a big day for these authors :) *Only releases that caught my eye or ones I have read the ARC for and enjoyed. This is not everything that is releasing. Primary - [Publishers for 2026+](https://specficjournal.com/publishers-for-2026/) - Some people are paying attention... And noticing things... Like how someone noticed recently that Barnes & Noble published an author panel discussion event during Black History Month in the US with no black authors on the panel. Like how receipts are collected and authors are called out for racist behaviors. Like how this morning, I - [March 2026: Most Anticipated Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Book Releases](https://specficjournal.com/march-2026-most-anticipated-fantasy-sci-fi-and-horror-book-releases/) - March is stacked!! I read ARCs for many of them so have linked separate reviews for each below: Flavour Hacker #2 Intergalactic Feast by Lavanya Lakshminarayan 384 pages - Edition Pub Date: 10 Mar 2026 Publisher: SOLARIS Read my review here! I LOVED book #1 in this series, however did not enjoy the second as - [February 2026: Most Anticipated Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Book Releases](https://specficjournal.com/february-2026-most-anticipated-fantasy-sci-fi-and-horror-book-releases/) - Here are my most anticipated releases during February 2026, in no particular order! The Age of Beasts #1 The Library of Amorlin Kalyn Josephson 448 pages • Fantasy Edition Pub Date: 24 Feb 2026 Publisher: Erewhon Books Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi 384 pages • Historical Fantasy-Magical Realism Edition Pub Date: 26 Feb 2026 Publisher: The - [Aardvark Book Box Subscription - February 2026 Selections](https://specficjournal.com/aardvark-book-box-subscription-february-2026-selections/) - I hadn't a clue what the selects would be this time around from the Hints except for The Poet Empress...but ever since I signed up for Aardvark last year, their selections have NOT MISSED. I'm so grateful for Aardvark existing because none of the other book box subscriptions fit what I'd look for... Membership is - [January 2026 - Reading Wrap](https://specficjournal.com/january-2026-reading-wrap/) - January was a little slower for me than December, but I read 14 books and DNF'd three. All of my DNFs were around the 30-40% mark. The beginning of January saw some of the best books I've ever read and this tapered off as the month went along overall... I didn't read anything in the - [January 2026: Most Anticipated Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror Book Releases](https://specficjournal.com/january-2026-most-anticipated-fantasy-sci-fi-and-horror-book-releases/) - These are my most anticipated book releases by category. Of course, these aren't all of the books coming out this month, only the ones I am most interested in. I have read ARCs of some of these releases so check out the links below to longer reviews. There are quite a number of releases that - [December 2025 - Most Anticipated Releases](https://specficjournal.com/december-2025-most-anticipated-releases/) - These are my most anticipated releases for the month of December 2025: Dawn of the Firebird by Sarah Mughal Rana Highly recommend! (See my ARC Review here) Publisher's Synopsis: For fans of The Poppy War, She Who Became the Sun and The Will of the Many, a breathtaking fantasy novel about the daughter of an - [2025 - November Releases](https://specficjournal.com/most-overrate-kindness-greatest-be-oh-staking-laughter/) - It's cozy season. Snuggle up with your limitless TBR for the winter and feel free to tack on these new releases if you haven't heard of them yet! New releases I am interested in coming out November 2025. November 4, 2025: The Burning Queen by Aparna Verma Book #2 in The Ravence Trilogy Published by ## Pages - [about](https://specficjournal.com/about/) - Hi, I'm MK. This blog is dedicated to reviewing diverse, debut, and indie books written by women/nonbinary authors only. Connect with me on TikTok (@bookish_mk) or Storygraph! (@bookish_mk) All the links: https://linktr.ee/bookishmk my favorite books Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma, The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty, - [Newsletter](https://specficjournal.com/newsletter/) - [Publishers ON WATCH](https://specficjournal.com/publishers-on-watch/) - 2026 Publishers ON WATCH - as of 2/27/26 8am Instagram as source: reviewed early 2026 for posts about black history month or ICE or anything really that relates to the current situation in the US. 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