Please tell us who you are, and why you chose to review horror?

My name is Brandi Guarino and I have been a horror fan my entire life.  Horror novels have fed my love of reading throughout my teenage years up until this very day. I love finding the next great horror book and writer.

How long have you been reviewing for, and where can we find you?

I have been reviewing for the past 6 months but spent my college years working in bookshops where my biggest strength was suggesting novels that I thought my customers would enjoy.  You can find my reviews on my blog, brandithebibliophile.blogspot.com. I also share my reviews on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Do you have a mission statement regarding what you hope to achieve with your reviews and website?

My hope as a reviewer is to champion the independent writers and publishing houses. The big-name authors and the large publishing houses are wonderful and most have endless resources to achieve their goals. Independent authors and presses are more intimate, and you genuinely want to see those writers and publishers you come to know to succeed.

What's been the biggest hurdle you have faced in your time as a horror reviewer?

Not enough hours in the day to read all the books I want to read and not enough money to buy all the books on my never-ending wish list.

What's your preferred subgenre of horror?

I love Gothic Horror, Classic& Mythological, and any other kind you can think of. I have not found a subgenre yet that I have not enjoyed.

How would you describe your reviewing style?

I review books the way I speak. I just love books and I love talking about them.    

What was the biggest low point of your time as a reviewer, and what has been the highpoint?

I haven’t experienced a low point as of yet. I have been very lucky in that the Horror community accepted me and has taken me under their wing, that has been the highpoint of becoming a reviewer.

How do you organise your time as a reviewer, do you have any tips for other reviewers?

I try to balance my time reading and reviewing around homeschooling and doctors’ appointments for my child. I do not really have set office hours. I am very organized and have a system of arranging books I receive for review and making sure that I am up to date.

Do you have a favourite review of yours?

My current favorite review on my blog is my review of Cynthia Pelayo’s true crime poetry book Into the Forest and All the Way Through. It is such a heartbreaking, yet beautifully written book.

Sadly horror is a genre that is still "ruled" by white males, have you had any negative responses from the because you are a woman reviewing horror?

I have not had any negative responses from any men in the horror community. In fact, it has been just the opposite. I have been really blessed to work with some really great guys so far.

In terms of the genre itself there is still a nasty lingering concept of the woman only being there as a focus for violence, terror or as the damsel in distress, what's your reaction to this?

I think that times are changing and that there are so many fantastic women writers in the horror community seeking to change the tropes women have been assigned in horror. Women are becoming heroes in their own stories rather than the damsel in distress or victims. I very much enjoy books were the girl saves herself.

Do you have any recommendations for books that allow women to break past this stereotype?

The first that springs to mind is the We Are Wolves anthology that came out last year. I have it coming up to review soon, but I have heard the stories are amazing. I enjoyed The Worm and His Kings by Hailey Piper greatly. Her main character of Monique is most certainly not a damsel in distress or a victim.

What was the last good book you read, and what are you planning on reading next?

Last week I finished a new book called A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson that was phenomenal. It is a reimagined brides of Dracula story with a polyamorous, bisexual relationship. I read it as both a love story and a cautionary tale and to me it illustrates how in some cases, people can conflate violence and pain with love. It is bloody, Gothic, gory, violent, and lush all at the same time. I could go on and on about the book and I still would not be able to give it proper justice.
​
As for my next read, I am just starting Hearts Strange and Dreadful by Tim McGregor and The Searching Dead by Ramsey Campbell. Both of these have been on my reading wish list for a while, so I am excited to get started on those.

Brandi Guarino is a voracious reader and has a To Be Read list that never ends. She is passionate and committed to championing the work of independent writers and publishers in horror, science fiction, and fantasy. She is on Twitter at @bgbibliophile and Instagram at www.instagram.com/brandi_the_bibliophile.

Please tell us who you are, and why you chose to review horror?

My name is Lydia Schoch. I’m a speculative fiction author, blogger, and reviewer.

Horror appeals to me because it drags our deepest fears as human beings out of the corners of our minds so they can be examined critically. There’s something about facing fears head-on that makes them a little less scary to me in stories and in real life.

Reading and reviewing horror is like figuring out what’s causing that eerie tapping noise in the next room instead of pretending like it doesn’t exist or assuming you already know it’s a benign sound and rolling back over to go to sleep.


How long have you been reviewing for, and where can we find you?

I’ve been a reviewer for 9 years.
You can find my reviews at https://lydiaschoch.com
and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8186591.Lydia_Schoch.
I’ve also written some reviews for GN Horror which can be read here: https://gingernutsofhorror.com/apps/search?q=lydia+schoch.

Do you have a mission statement regarding what you hope to achieve with your reviews and website?

I believe in uplifting and promoting indie authors in the horror genre (as well as all other speculative fiction genres), especially when they belong to any underrepresented groups. While not everything I review is indie and I certainly do review the work of straight white men as well, I think there’s something to be said for doing my part to draw attention to authors and works that generally don’t receive as much attention as they deserve.
As Gandhi once said, “Whatever changes you would like to effect in our society has to begin with you.”

What's been the biggest hurdle you have faced in your time as a horror reviewer?

My biggest hurdle as a horror reviewer is finding enough short stories and novellas written by and about people who aren’t straight, cisgender, able-bodied, white men! They are so ubiquitous that I have to work to keep my editorial calendar a bit more balanced when deciding what to read and review next.

I have a strong preference for shorter works in general, so that already narrows the playing field when I’m thinking about what to read next.

If anyone knows of good places to find lists of these sorts of horror stories, please do speak up.

What's your prefered subgenre of horror?

Supernatural horror is always my preferred subgenre. I’m endlessly intrigued by restless spirits finding peace many years after their untimely deaths.

The funny thing is, I don’t actually believe in the existence of ghosts in our world and am undecided on the existence of an afterlife in general. I simply love the idea that it’s never too late for justice and healing to prevail even if that’s not always how these tales turn out.

How would you describe your reviewing style?

I’d describe my review style as thorough, honest, kind, but a little tough. I do not give out four or five star reviews easily, so it’s a big deal when I rate a book so highly! With that being said, I review the way I do because I want every author to reach his or her potential and amaze their future audiences.

It’s thrilling to give out a perfect star rating to someone I gave two or three stars to for their last work. I literally cheer out loud for them each time that happens.

What was the biggest low point of your time as a reviewer, and what has been the highpoint?

I once had an author attempt to start an argument with me about some weak and inconsistent character development I noticed in their story and mentioned in my review. I chose not to engage with that person.

It can be hard to take constructive criticism, especially for people who haven’t had many experiences reading lower-rated reviews of their work. Luckily, most authors understand that reviewers do the work we do out of a love for the genre(s) we read and a genuine desire for all authors to improve and succeed.

The highpoint for me as a reviewer happens every time someone decides to buy a book as a result of one of my reviews or an author thanks me for the time and effort I put into reviewing their work. It’s wonderful to be appreciated and to encourage the sales of more books!

How do you organise your time as a reviewer, do you have any tips for other reviewers?

Organizing my reviewing time begins with carefully selecting what I want to read. Generally, I say yes to books that excite me and pass on the ones I only feel lukewarm about unless I happen to have a lot of extra time on my hands that week and nothing in my queue.

Once I know what I’m going to read, I block out time on my online calendar for reading and reviewing. If I reach the end of that hour (or those hours) and I’m almost finished, I’ll keep chugging along if possible that day. It’s nice to write those last few paragraphs while I’m still in the zone.

The beautiful thing about reviewing short stories and novellas is that sometimes I can finish multiple reviews on the same day. That always makes me feel quite productive!

I’ve also found that it’s best for me to take at least two days off a week when I don’t think about reviews at all. Resting makes a big difference in how much and how often I can review. It’s no different than taking a rest day from exercise,

Do you have a favourite review of yours?

I thought this one was well done:

https://lydiaschoch.com/solitary-fear-a-review-of-christmas-eve-on-a-haunted-hulk/ 

The concept of Victorian Christmas ghost stories in general is spectacular as well. I look forward to continuing this blogging series next December.


Sadly horror is a genre that is still "ruled" by white males, have you had any negative responses from the because you are a woman reviewing horror?

Yes, I have had negative experiences with men who only seem to want to interact with other straight white men. It hasn’t always been easy for me to determine if their behaviour is due to me being a woman or me being queer. Maybe it’s a little bit of both?

At any rate, gatekeeping is unfortunately alive and well in the horror community (as well as the speculative fiction community in general). I use the mute and block button liberally with anyone who isn’t willing to listen to reason.

It’s been my experience that change happens slowly at times, but it is happening. All I can control is my own behaviour and who I associate with. I do my best to be a warm and welcoming presence in these communities as well as to guide new folks to people and sites I know will treat them kindly.

In terms of the genre itself there is still a nasty lingering concept of the woman only being there as a focus for violence, terror or as the damsel in distress, what's your reaction to this?

I loathe those stories and do my best to avoid them unless the blurb indicates that it will be making fun of this trope.

Horror writers are such a creative bunch. Surely they can come up with some fresh storylines!

Do you have any recommendations for books that allow women to break past this stereotype?

Let’s Play White by Chesya Burke is an excellent example of how to write scary stories by and about women without falling into this trap.

I wrote a glowing review of it here: https://lydiaschoch.com/a-review-of-lets-play-white-by-chesya-burke/

What was the last good book you read, and what are you planning on reading next?

I recently read “Boo and the Boy - A Ghost Story” by Wayne Barrett and will be reviewing it on my blog in the early spring. It was an excellent middle grade paranormal horror tale about someone who wakes up in the desert, realizes they’re dead, and has no idea what happened.

Next on my list is an eerie short story by Madeleine L’Engle called “The Fact of the Matter.” The description of it says its paranormal horror, but that’s all I know about it so far!

Lydia Schoch is a science fiction and fantasy author from Toronto who has been blogging on various platforms since the early 2000s and publishing books since 2014. She is a big fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Handmaid’s Tale. She is not a big fan of brussels sprouts.
You can also connect with Lydia on Twitter, Goodreads, or through the contact form below. Please note that this blog does not accept guest posts or sponsored content.
This site is always updated on Mondays and Thursdays. Additionally, it often participates in the Top Ten Tuesday and Weekly Wednesday Blogging Challenge blog hops.
As of May 6, 2019, Lydia has begun interviewing people who love speculative fiction. If you’d like to be interviewed, follow the instructions in this post.
Elsewhere on the Web
BLOGGING AS AN ART, PRIVACY & MORE || BLOGLETTERS INTERVIEW WITH LYDIA
Interview with Lydia Schoch
Gif Interview with Lydia Schoch

Please tell us who you are, and why you chose to review horror?

I’m Christine Morgan, a writer and occasional editor as well as reviewer, and horror’s been my primary true love since I was a kid. Reviewing it is a good way to share that love, as well as support the genre, and maybe introduce others to works or authors they might’ve missed.

How long have you been reviewing for, and where can we find you?

I was a regular contributor to Nick Cato’s “The Horror Fiction Review” for many years, since way back when it was a photocopied and stapled ‘zine and throughout its online run (http://thehorrorfictionreview.blogspot.com/). It’s been on hiatus lately, so I’ve been posting to my own site (https://christinemariemorgan.wordpress.com/reviews/review-archives/) as well as Amazon.

Do you have a mission statement regarding what you hope to achieve with your reviews and website?

Oh, that’s way too lofty for the likes of me; I just started out doing reviews of books I’d read and liked. Then it sort of snowballed from there, until people were actually sending me things to read. As mentioned above, being able to support and share my love of the genre is mission statement enough.

What's been the biggest hurdle you have faced in your time as a horror reviewer?

So many books, so little time! My TBR pile tends to hover between 50 and 70, no matter how fast I try to get ahead of it. Which is not a bad problem to have. I’m never without plenty of options.

What's your prefered subgenre of horror?

My tastes are encompassing and eclectic, but I do have a special love for extreme horror and bizarro.

How would you describe your reviewing style?

Casual, personal, and chatty; I like to focus on what my reading experience of any given book was like, what it meant to and how it affected me (though I have been known to gripe about editing/proofreading issues).

What was the biggest low point of your time as a reviewer, and what has been the highpoint?

For low points, I guess there’ve been the occasional backlashes from people who disagreed, but so far (knock on wood) I haven’t gotten the full death-threat attacks some others have. For high point, definitely when Edward Lee emailed me to thank me for reviewing several of his books; we struck up a correspondence and he’s become a mentor and dear friend.

How do you organise your time as a reviewer, do you have any tips for other reviewers?

Pretty much my whole life revolved around books one way or another; I’m always either writing, editing, proofreading, or reading and reviewing. But my schedule is subject to the whims of fate; I do a lot of it at work on the overnight shift so it depends on how much downtime I happen to have.

Do you have a favourite review of yours?

There’ve been far too many to choose from! I think I reviewed over 120 books in 2020 alone! Luckily, I am a fast reader, but even so, that’s a lot.

Sadly horror is a genre that is still "ruled" by white males, have you had any negative responses from the because you are a woman reviewing horror?

If I did, I either didn’t notice or have forgotten, or was more occupied with negative responses for being a woman writing it. But I stopped putting up with that kind of nonsense a long time ago. Anyone who still thinks “girls can’t do horror” has clearly not been paying attention. Their loss.

In terms of the genre itself there is still a nasty lingering concept of the woman only being there as a focus for violence, terror or as the damsel in distress, what's your reaction to this?

Pff, it’s hardly only this genre; that’s been a thing in just about every genre for ages. I could rant and rail about it, but I prefer to do my best to concentrate on countering it in my own work as well as celebrating it in the works of others. Well, and calling it out when I (still way too often) run across it, but I’m spiteful that way.

Do you have any recommendations for books that allow women to break past this stereotype?

There are a lot of great women doing a lot of great stuff, on the creative end as well as the business end and everywhere in between. Look at Rose O’Keefe, publishing dynamo ... Liv Rainey-Smith, woodcut artist ... tell them “girls can’t,” I dare you. Writers like Monica J. O-Rourke, Mary SanGiovanni, Damien Angelica Walters (if she has yet to write a dud, ever, I’ve not seen it). And must give a special shout-out to Gina Ranalli, who kicks all kinds of butt anyway but whose latest book -- All Men Are Trash -- is the “We’re Not Gonna Take It” anthem we all need.

What was the last good book you read, and what are you planning on reading next?
CM: Among my fave recent reads lately have been the latest two in the Death’s Head Press “Splatter Western” series, The Thirteenth Koyote by Kristopher Triana (who, for a dude, especially an extreme horror dude, writes female characters phenomenally well), and Red Station by rising star Kenzie Jennings. Coming up next ... let me check my TBR list ... looks like the anthologies Welcome To Splatter Club from Blood Bound Books and Bloodstains from Splatterpunk Zine are on deck, so, it’s gonna get messy!

Could you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

I am a nurse, a wildlife rehabber, and an award-winning author of over thirty published novels. When I’m not at my computer, I’m taking care of orphaned and injured wildlife in Southeast Louisiana.

To get the ball rolling and get everyone relaxed, here is a hopefully lighthearted question to break the ice, which one of your characters would you least like to meet in real life and have them complain at you about they way you treated them in your work.

I would choose Alarik, the head of the blackcoats pack in Sister of the Moon. He is sinister and shadowy, and his evil oozes from the pages. I’d hate to run into him in a dark alley. I’m sure he will have a few heated recommendations on how to write his character in future installments.

Other than the horror genre, what else has been a major influence on your writing?

Thriller and suspense genres. I love these storylines because of the multi-faceted layers and the psychological complexity of the characters. It’s also fun to keep guessing how the story will end.

The term horror, especially when applied to fiction always carries such heavy connotations.  What’s your feeling on the term “horror” and what do you think we can do to break past these assumptions?

We can move away from horror’s “heavy” mantle with more comedy and lighthearted characters woven into storylines. Family themes, as opposed to individuals fighting a killer, could also help broaden those horizons. Pushing the limits redefines any tradition. The more we explore new ways to create horror, the greater our chance of redefining what constitutes the genre.

A lot of good horror movements have arisen as a direct result of the socio/political climate, considering the current state of the world where do you see horror going in the next few years?

I’m sure readers will want to read more spins on plague and disaster stories since they feel more connected to these events. Perhaps everything we have learned from living in the time of Corona will change how we approach such works. We could see an evolution of the zombie sub-genre from mindless creatures to people made outcasts by a plague, which has turned them into carriers feared by the uninfected. More horrific plagues based on diseases that can or do exist. As a nurse, I have seen quite a lot of these. Or monsters created by vaccines meant to save humanity. In addition, I see horror novels taking on more subject matter like Get Out and A Quiet Place.

Given the dark, violent and at times grotesque nature of the horror genre why do you think so many people enjoy reading it?

Horror offers readers a way to explore the rush of confronting what scares them without suffering through the trauma. You are never truly alive until you are absolutely terrified. And who doesn’t love to curl up with a scary book at night, especially around Halloween.

What, if anything, is currently missing from the horror genre?

My only complaint is the lack of tangible and compelling characters. I find this more so in movies than books, but I still feel so many authors are mired in getting the graphic details right, they forget the most terrifying aspect of any story—making their characters disturbingly real. If you could meet this person on the street, if they become real to you as a reader, that is more frightening than all the blood and gore.   

What are the books and films that helped to define you as an author?

All the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, Ghost Story by Peter Straub, The Shining and Pet Cemetery by Stephen King, and of course, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. Films such as The Exorcist, Halloween, The Lost Boys, Psycho, The Mist, The Birds, Return of the Living Dead, Rosemary’s Baby, The Others, The Thing (1982), Fright Night (1985), and anything with Vincent Price!

Are there any reviews of your work, positive or negative that have stayed with you?

The bad ones stay with me more than the good, and I use those constructive comments to better my writing. I believe authors listen to what readers tell them. Criticism is how we grow, but the brutal reviews do give you pause.

What aspects of writing to do you find the most difficult?

Editing. Putting the story together and fleshing out the characters is the challenge, but editing can sometimes make you question your work as well as sanity.

How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning?

I struggle with names. Sometimes I lift names from things I see around my office or from the spines of other books. I once gave a character the last name of Propel after my water bottle. I usually worry more about the names after I have the characters down and become familiar with them. My agent tortures me over character names. lol 
 
Writing, is not a static process, how have you developed as a writer over the years?

I believe we are always evolving, and I have learned so much about the craft and my voice. How I put stories together has changed dramatically. I feel I have become more succinct and learned how to say the most by using the fewest words possible. But that could change over time and is dependent on the genre of book.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received with regards to your writing?

Never stop writing. The more you write, the better you will get.

For those who haven’t read any of your books, which of your books do you think best represents your work and why?

The St. Benedict Series co-authored with Lucas Astor, which includes Death by the River and the upcoming A River of Secrets, are some of my favorites because of the suspense, character development, and horror aspects. Also, the upcoming YA horror/thriller Have You Seen Me?. The characters and plot are some of my best work, and it was also so much fun to write.

Do you have a favorite line or passage from your work, and would you like to share it with us?

“A witch is what men call a woman they cannot control.” ~Sisters of the Moon

“The thick, heavy convent door shut, sending a thud reverberating throughout the columned hall. Durra shuddered. She’d heard that sound many times during her years of slavery. It signaled the end of her freedom.” ~Sisters of the Moon

Can you tell us about your last book, and can you tell us about what you are working on next?

Sisters of the Moon is a new take on the werewolf genre inspired by a lesser known mythology with a religion and female-centered theme. I expand the lore, create a hierarchy that will be explored in upcoming books, and build a world where these dark creatures live. Set in medieval Bavaria, historical figures are woven into the tale and add a unique twist. This holiday season, I have a romance with a supernatural twist called The Christmas Spirit. I can never get too far away from my horror roots and blending the otherworldly with a light-hearted Christmas tale was a thrilling challenge.    

If you could erase one horror cliché what would be your choice?

The damsel in distress. Please, let’s start writing more kick-ass women who save the men for a change.

On an island in Lake Obersee, where The Sisters of St. Gertrude abide, a destitute Moor named Durra arrives. Sold for taxes, she and her two companions tend to the nuns and their collection of cats. At night, she combs the library for details on the order, the remote island, and the beasts howling outside her window.
But when a prank reveals the sisters’ gruesome secret, Durra is forced to accept a new fate. Bestowed an unearthly power, she must choose between life as a nun or living among the monsters beyond the convent walls.
Her path is about to change the tide in the ultimate war. The war between good and evil.

Please tell us who you are, and why you chose to review horror?

I’m Elle – reviewer, writer and editor. I’ve always had a love for Horror as a genre, and not that long ago starting picking up more indie books, thanks to all the awesome people I met on Twitter. I wanted to talk about them, and delve into the indie horror scene a bit more.

How long have you been reviewing for, and where can we find you?

I’ve been reviewing on and off for a long time – I used to review books under a pseudonym, then dropped that and set up my blog ‘Unwrapping Words’ on my website, elleturpitt.com after a short break. I also edit and contribute for divinationhollow.com, which I’ve been of since the original inception of DHR in 2019, then took over the blog later on and have been working on it since with my wonderful co-admin, Ellen Avigliano.

Do you have a mission statement regarding what you hope to achieve with your reviews and website?

When I started my original blog, I was just happy to talk about books. Now, especially with Divination Hollow, we’re keen to promote voices – not just writers – who have been typically underrepresented in Dark Fiction.

What's been the biggest hurdle you have faced in your time as a horror reviewer?

Navigating social media and the ‘issues’ there. Honestly, the community seems to thrive off drama, and though for me this has lessened in recent months, when it does pop up it often seems to be authors or other reviewers trying to police how reviews are written. And when real, actual issues are raised, so many try to sweep it under the rug or throw it in with other ‘drama’ when it’s not. I’ve had to just realise that a) I write my reviews how I want, and b) whatever I say on social media, I can only be happy with it if I stick to my own principals. This might mean pissing some people off, but it is what it is.

What’s your preferred subgenre of horror?

I don’t think I have a preferred subgenre – I like anything written well with an element of supernatural/paranormal. Much more than I like ‘realistic’ stuff. I am especially fond of haunting and ghost stories, though.

How would you describe your reviewing style?

I like to think unapologetic. If I really love something, you’ll know. If I had a bad experience with a book, the review might become a bit ranty, but that depends on why I didn’t enjoy it.

What was the biggest low point of your time as a reviewer, and what has been the highpoint?

Low point…finding out someone I considered a friend was actually only really using me to boost their own career, and was more concerned about preserving a ‘relationship’ with a publisher than the friendship, and used gaslighting techniques when it was pointed out a particular book was heavily misogynistic and made light of sexual assault.

Highpoints outweigh that. And there’s been a few. It’s always a thrill to have an author, reviewer, or other creatives reach out to say they love Divination Hollow. I was able to take part in BBNYA last year and will be doing it again this year, am taking part in the Final Girl Film Festival to review panels and films, and of course, I got to run a short story competition with Divination Hollow last year.

How do you organise your time as a reviewer, do you have any tips for other reviewers?

I read when I can, this sometimes means in 5-minute blocks between doing other stuff. I always make an effort to read before bed, and when I’m in the office, I read on my lunchbreak. I’m not hugely organised with time, but I just slot things into my normal routines. What I would suggest to other reviewers is don’t be afraid to turn down books, don’t force yourself through a book you’re not enjoying, and don’t let others police your reviews.

Do you have a favourite review of yours?

I actually don’t. I’ve read and reviewed so much good stuff in the last year alone, it’s hard to pinpoint one particular review I’m really proud of.

Sadly horror is a genre that is still "ruled" by white males, have you had any negative responses from the because you are a woman reviewing horror?

I don’t think I’ve had negative responses because I’m a woman reviewing horror, but I have had others who seem all too happy to treat me differently because I am a woman. I’ve also seen some absolute awful attitudes in the Horror community, from both men and women, and again, being treated differently than someone else because they’re a man, that’s actually more common than most men probably realise.

In terms of the genre itself there is still a nasty lingering concept of the woman only being there as a focus for violence, terror or as the damsel in distress, what's your reaction to this?

It’s very much tied into misogyny, and it is absolutely amazing the pushback when we get when we ask men not to do this, or to actually do their research. We’re not saying you can’t kill women in fiction, but to be aware of what you’re actually doing. Even when there’s a large ‘cast’ and multiple characters die, the violence against women (or generally people who aren’t cis het white men) is more extreme. I think men need to be more conscious of this, and of the fact we’re not there to be saved, or serve as a lesson. We’re more than someone’s mother, wife, girlfriend, sister. And please stop writing stories where women are sexually assaulted just so the menfolk can go and avenge them.

Do you have any recommendations for books that allow women to break past this stereotype?

There are a lot of books by women writers, especially in the indie scene, that have women at the forefront in the best ways. A couple of recent reads come to mind – Laurel Hightower’s Crossroads, V. Castro’s Goddess of Filth, M. Lopes da Silva’s Hooker. It’s also worth looking outside the genre – there are really strong female leads in Fantasy, especially in the YA area, or even look at N.K. Jemisin’s fantastic The Broken Earth trilogy.

What was the last good book you read, and what are you planning on reading next?
​
I recently finished Into the Forest and all the Way Through by Cynthia Pelayo. Powerful and heart-breaking. At the moment, I’m taking a very slight break from Horror, and am reading N.K. Jemisin’s How Long ‘til Black Future Month? and All the Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace, which is one of the aforementioned YA Fantasy novels with a fantastic female lead.