iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Why is Duolingo coming after me like this? 😆😭

VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

If you see this, quote with a flower. Photo credit: me Flower name: not sure, but I think this is Manitoba's native orchid which is why I took the photo.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

After years of eying DIY book books online, I finally bought myself one for my birthday and built it over the past two days. I messed up one major thing but I doubt anyone else will notice and besides that I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

An undersea scene contained in a box the size of a large dictionary lit up in blue and white light.

Same scene as before just from a different angle to show more of the details.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ok. Last two. The purple one got me with a sapphic premise. The one on the right... How am I supposed to say no to a queer, cozy Hitchhiker's Guide??!! HOW!?

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

I think all four of these had covers that grabbed me and then descriptions that nailed it home.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Some of these covers are fabulous, some of the descriptions were simply irresistible despite the covers best attempt to drive me off.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

I really wish I had time to go through each of these individually. But if I do that we'll never get through them all before the sale is over!

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Solid covers, queer characters, cozy settings, and angry PhDs got me throwing my money at these!

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Folks really brought their A-game for covers this year, some of these are so pretty they have me diving into genres I don't normally read!

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

More books that caught my eye enough I plan to buy them!

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

And the remaining posts in this thread will be 4 titles at a time that I hadn't seen before this sale but plan to pick up today or tomorrow!

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ok. Nevermind. 5 is not allowed so here's Cruel Gods all on its own!

This promo image shows the cover for The Cruel Gods by Trudie Skies along with the one liner, "Cruel gods demand worship from their mortal subjects in this gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint britishisms and steampunk vibes." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

And 5 more that are also already on my Kindle that I'm dying to read (five this time because otherwise I'm left with one on its own)

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

And another 4 already on my Kindle that I'm dying to read

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ok. From here on I'm grouping books. These next ones are all books already on my Kindle that I'm dying to read (I want to keep them displaying well, so I'm keeping them to 4 at a time which means there will be more than one of each category)

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Smuggler's Fortune by Angela Boord I love all of Angela Boord's writing and this novella is no exception. Especially compelling if you've already read Fortune's Fool but equally enjoyable as a stand-alone, you should absolutely pick up this rich, immersive tale.

This promo image shows the cover for Smuggler's Fortune by Angela Boord along with the one liner, "Mercenary Kyrra d'Aliente is more than willing to pick up a smuggling job in exchange for a little revenge. But will it be worth venturing back to her dangerous past?" And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ok. I'm gonna give individual posts to the two remaining books that I've actually read and then I'm going to batch together the remaining books. Here's Petition by Delilah Wan This is a truly excellent story about a gritty tenacious MC overcoming every obstacle thrown at her by a corrupt society

This promo image shows the cover for Petition by Delilah Wan along with the one liner, "Jade City x The Hunger Games: Rahelu, daughter of impoverished immigrants, must beat her wealthy, privileged rivals in a ruthless job hunt tournament in order to save her family." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Trick by Cara Nox This cover caught my eye (teal is my favorite color) and then this short description hooked me completely. Gotta know more.

This promo image shows the cover for Trick by Cara Nox along with the one liner, "When Evie manages to rewind a small moment of time, she uncovers a family secret that throws her into a fate-orchestrating secret society, and someone within wants her dead." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Drawing Dead by SM Reine And here's another book I've already read and enjoyed the hell out of! The Dana McIntyre series is fun and fast paced and you should definitely get yourself a copy of Drawing Dead while it's on sale!

This promo image shows the cover for Drawing Dead by SM Reine along with the one liner, "The vampire Hunter has been bitten, and she won't go down without taking all the vampires with her." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Virelai's Hoard by Vivien Nash Ok. I won't lie, the cover on this one snagged me and the description pulled me the rest of the way in. I've never heard of this one before, but I'm in and I'm off to get a copy right now.

This promo image shows the cover for Virelai's Hoard by Vivien Nash along with the one liner, "Some treasures should stay buried. Some secrets should never be unearthed." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

And here we hit another book I've already read and loved! A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience is a delightful fantasy romance novella by Stephanie Burgis, and as the sequel is coming very soon you should definitely pick this up now!

This promo image shows the cover for A Marriage of Undead Inconvenience by Stephanie Burgis along with the one liner, "An unwanted marriage leads to a battle of wits and nerve (and debates over tea leaves!) in this gothic fantasy rom-com novella." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Children by Bjørn Larssen This has been on my TBR for ages and I am kicking myself for not having read it yet because I've heard so many good things about it. But you can learn from my mistakes! Buy it and read it immediately.

This promo image shows the cover for Children by Bjørn Larssen along with the one liner, "Defy the gods. Forge your destiny." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Friendly Fyre by Kia Leep Are we sending a pattern here yet? Cozy and queer!? Sign. Me. Up.

This promo image shows the cover for Friendly Fyre by Kia Leep along with the one liner, "A queer, cozy kingdom-builder about a Dark Lord who just wants to live in peace." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

How I Became a Therapist in Another World by C.A. Moss This just looks cute (and queer!), and I need more cute queer stuff in my life.

This promo image shows the cover for How I Became a Therapist in Another World by C.A. Miss along with the one liner, "Reborn in a fantasy world, a queer 30 something therapist finds new friends, new purpose, and a bit of romance while untangling the mysteries of the otherworld." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ok. Let's dive back in! Manners & Monsters by Tilly Wallace This cover looks delightful and this description has sold me immediately. I need it.

This promo image shows the cover for Manners and Monsters by Tilly Wallace along with the one liner, "Tea, monsters, and an insufferable Viscount. Just another London Season." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar If you haven't heard of this book yet I don't know where you've been hiding. It was a SPFBO finalist (it almost won!!) and you should absolutely grab a copy if you don't have one already.

This promo image shows the cover for Legacy of the Brightwash by Krystle Matar along with the one liner, "Follow the law and you'll be safe. But what if the law is wrong? Dystopian gaslamp fantasy with a dash of spice" And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Ok. Honestly, I love the cover and the description here PLUS it was a SPFBO finalist! So... I have very high hopes for this one. The Tenacious Tale of Tana the Tendersword by Dewey Conway and Bill Adams

This promo image shows the cover for The Tenacious Tale of Tana the Tendersword by Dewey Conway and Bill Adams along with the one liner, "Galdifort just wants to write his first chronicle, but when his assigned champion in training goes off to save a crying mushroom, he's dragged into a take too wild to believe." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe We have finally reached a book that I have actually read already and loved!! Also, as a bonus, I did the typography on this one too! (Artwork by the incredible @kerosero.bsky.social) You should definitely read it, it's really good.

This promo image shows the cover for A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe along with the one liner, "Mina faces her greatest challenge, but with the help of a grandmotherly necromancer, a skeletal cat, and a spectral knight, everything might end up alright." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

The Moss Dragon of Brittlekeep by Ashley Capes Look, I am partial to this one because I did the typography on this version of the cover and I've wanted to read it ever since I looked into this green dragon's eyes!

This promo image shows the cover for The Moss Dragon of Brittlekeep by Ashley Capes along with the one liner, "Stay hidden. Stay alive. Stay free." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Dungeons & Dragon Dating by Virginia McClain Ok. Look. I am going through these images in the order I downloaded them and next up is my humorous lil sapphic fantasy rom-com featuring a brooding battle mage and a spicy-sweet cafe owner. There's also a tiny love dragon. And murder by sewing machine.

This promo image shows the cover for Dungeons & Dragon Dating by Virginia McClain along with the one liner, "What kind of love dragon sets up a first date in a cursed forest?!" And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Dame Sophia by Merlina Garance Ok. I won't lie, the cover did *not* sell me on this one. But I'll be damned if I'm going to pass up a high-heat sapphic fantasy romance!

This promo image shows the cover for Dame Ophis by Merlina Garance along with the one liner, "A high-heat fantasy sapphic romance novella" And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Morvelving by C.J. Switzer I'm sorry but this cover is so cool I can't even!! And the description sounds like it could be cast with Pedro Pascal and a fantasy style Grogu so how could I not buy this?

This promo image shows the cover for Morvelving by C.J. Switzer along with the one liner, "A grieving immortal Wolf accidentally adopts a child of fate, drawing them both into a dangerous destiny, in Book One of the Mourning Sword series" And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Journey Home by May Barros I won't lie, I'm mostly sold by this pretty artwork and delightful font choice. Also, more queer sci-fantasy is just what the doctor ordered these days so, let's all grab a copy shall we?

This promo image shows the cover for Journey Home by May Barros along with the short description, "Amara and Luiza are witches in a queer platonic relationship. Luiza leaves on a quest through space and ends up finding trouble. Amara follows, hoping it's not too late." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Stargun Messenger by Darby Harn This cover slaps. This one liner is intriguing as hell. Plus I saw a ton of people carrying copies of this around GenCon this year. I am definitely grabbing a copy today.

This promo image shows the cover for Stargun Messenger by Darby Harn along with the one liner, "Astra Idari must keep the last living star alive in a galaxy lost to shadows." And then a banner below that says. "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Non-Player Character by Veo Corva QUEER. PORTAL. FANTASY. FOR ADULTS!?!? Take my money already!!!!!!

This promo image shows the cover for Non-Player Character by Veo Corva along with the one liner, "Tar and their found family role-playing group get transported into the world of their game in this cozy, queer portal fantasy for adults." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Coins for the Counter by J.S. Ruff You had me at cozy and food! Looking forward to reading this one!

This promo image shows the cover for Coins for the Counter by J.S. Ruff along with the one liner, "A cozy fantasy novella full of food, magic, and fun." And then a banner below that says, "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Durga by Geetha Krishnan Between the cover and the description this book has badass written all over it and I can't wait to check it out!

This promo image shows the cover for Durga by Geetha Krishnan along with the one liner, "Will she fulfill her destiny or die trying?" And then a banner below that says. "Indie book sale. Indiebook.sale Fantasy, Sci Fi & Horror August 23 -25"

Apologies for not supplying a more detailed description, but this image is one of dozens I'm posting today and I don't have time to describe all of the covers involved.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

Hey fam, it's time for the August indiebook.sale run by @narratess.com! There are more than 300 books in this one (including Dungeons & Dragon Dating by yours truly)! You should definitely check out all the books if you have the time, but for those who want help here's a thread of recommendations:

Banner for the Narratess Indie Book Sale. A chonky dragon reads a book at the bottom, a pile of skulls with a candle and ghost sit on the left of the text, and a space ship flies by a planet on the right of the text.

Text: Indie Book Sale

indiebook.sale

Fantasy, Sci FI & Horror

August 23 - 25

Banner designed by Arden Powell

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

If you need more books to help you celebrate #indieAugust then you should definitely check out the #BelovedSFFSale! Sairō’s Claw is one of over 100 beloved SFF books on sale from today until the 11th!

A collage of dozens of book covers included in this year’s Beloved SFF sale! Front and center in this image is Sairō’s Claw and underneath that is the text: Epic sale of beloved SFF 2025 Aug 7th-11th. Over 100 recommended books on sale for Free or $0.99

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

I should probably let people know that I'm going to be at GenCon again this year... I'll be selling and signing books, and I also have a few stickers to sell made with my own original artwork!

A rainbow of dragons (starting with a little red dragon on the left and then proceeding to the right with orange, yellow, green, blue, purple black brown and then a blue white and pink dragon on the left) to represent the progress pride flag. The dragons are all different shapes and sizes. The text across the bottom reads "Proud to be me!"

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

Excuse me... Cats would like a word, sir!

Image is a screen cap of text stating the following: "We have a long history of interacting with other animals, trying to feed them and gauging their responses. But it's very rare for any wild predator to do the same to us," says Towers, who is the executive director of the research group Bay Cetology.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

I just reread Murderbot for like the ninth time. The sequel to Sistah Samurai just came out yesterday and I can't wait to read it and... I finished this drawing a couple weeks ago and it made me happy.

A group (a blaze?) of nine dragons all standing together representing all the colors of the progression pride flag. The dragons are sparkling a bit and standing on a floor of sparkly teal, in front of a sunset sky that just might be the colors of the bi flag.... An original digital line art drawing with color in a comic style. By Virginia McClain

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Love this! It reminds me of the little witch possum I drew a while back, but yours is even cuter!

A line art illustration with color in a comic style featuring a possum wearing a witch hat and robe. The possum is holding a staff, and is hanging upside down from a tree branch by its tail in front of a full moon night sky. Illustration by Virginia McClain

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

It's Pride Month! Quote with a queer character. 🏳️‍🌈

An illustration of Raku from Sairō's Claw by Virginia McClain.

Raku is one of the main POV characters in Sairō's Claw. Married to Torako (another main POV character), and one of Itachi's two moms, she is a scribe with hidden talents in espionage, and she is also very fashionable. She is depicted here wearing a short kimono in black and purple over all purple hakama with red and purple obi. She has a leather scribe satchel draped across her shoulders and is standing in a softly lit forest.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Kiddo and I did an impromptu pride photo shoot in the park mid dog walk (they decided to bring their pride flag with on the walk to wear as a cape). They are way cooler than I am, but I try not to post photos of them on the internet so you get me instead. Happy Pride y'all!

A woman with tattoos, in a full length black sun dress, looks like she's flying thanks to a well timed photo as she jumps in the air with a pride flag streaming out behind her. She is in the middle of a green field surrounded by trees with a partially cloudy blue sky in the background.

A woman with tattoos, in a full length black sun dress, looks like she's wearing a pride flag for a cape and is ready for battle. She is in the middle of a green field surrounded by trees with a partially cloudy blue sky in the background.

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Last one for today (I think) is Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis . This is a hetero presenting romance but we've got a bi FMC and a queer normative world and we get plenty of interactions with a sapphic former love interest, plus it's both cozy and angry at the same time and I needed that.

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis! The cover features a raven haired white woman in a long teal gown leaning against a handsome white man in the midst of a disorganized library. A flock of ravens are spread out in the library with one particular raven in the foreground.

So... I thoroughly enjoyed this largely cozy fantasy romance. It was a delightful read and I'm very much looking forward to the next books in the series. Is it super gay? Sadly, no. Is it gay enough to be a damned good time and make me feel like I'm not reading a tired hetero romance? Absolutely! The world building is absolutely queer normative. The prejudice the FMC is fighting against is anti-magic and the book is delightfully fierce in that regard. Looking forward to the next book in the series and hoping it'll get even gayer by book 3! 😉

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

Gotta shout out @andreagstewart.bsky.social for starting us on ANOTHER dark epic fantasy adventure in a queer normative world! Finally got a chance to read The Gods Below & holy crap did I LOVE IT! In addition to being epic fantasy at its finest, there may not be a straight person in the whole book

Cover of The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart. The cover shows two snakes, one dark grey one tan fighting over what appears to be egg or possibly an egg shaped gemstone.

This book is so good I can barely talk about it without spoilers. It gave me a massive book hangover afterwards and it took me a week or so before I could pick up anything else. As usual, Stewart manages to do close personal stakes character work even while winding us through an epic world stakes plot. If you enjoyed the Drowning Empire series you'll love this one!

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VMcClain @vmcclain.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

I also recently finished reading (and loving) A Crown So Cursed by L.L. McKinney which is the third & final instalment of the Nightmare-verse! This series features a bi MC and tons of queer secondary characters! Plus it's a fabulously creepy interpretation of Wonderland and a badass urban fantasy!

The cover of A Crown So Cursed by L.L. McKinney - A Nightmare-Verse Book features a young black woman holding a pair of scythes against a background of black diamonds with a pink, purple, and red club (playing card club not a blunt weapon) imposed on top of it that appears to be missing a chunk with a bit of blood splatter coming off of it.

The series starts with A Blade So Black and you should definitely start there! I don't want to give any spoilers but if you've always wanted an urban fantasy remix of Alice in Wonderland with a badass queer black woman MC and some creepy horror vibes then look no further!

McKinney is herself a queer black woman (if memory serves from back when Twitter was still functional) so no notes from me about representation here.

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