Aerth by Deborah Tomkins (Weatherglass, £10.99)
Winner of the Weatherglass Novella Prize, selected by Ali Smith, “Aerth” is a captivating tale of Magnus, a young man born on a planet facing an impending ice age. With its population dwindling due to past pandemics, the inhabitants of Aerth live with a deep respect for their surroundings, striving to minimize harm. Magnus, though, dreams of adventure and eventually joins a mission to colonize Mars. The barren, lifeless landscape of Mars only intensifies his longing for the lush, vibrant forests of his home planet. His journey takes an unexpected turn when he becomes part of an expedition to Urth,a planet grappling with overpopulation,pollution,and rapid warming—a stark contrast to the serene world he left behind. Through a series of vivid vignettes, the novel explores these contrasting worlds, offering a poignant and thoght-provoking narrative that marks a remarkable debut.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (Tor Nightfire, £22)
Set in a Florida home for pregnant teens during the summer of 1970, Grady Hendrix’s latest novel, “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls,” delves into the lives of its young protagonists with remarkable empathy. The story centers on 15-year-old Fern and her peers, including the rebellious Rose and the timid holly. What begins as a tale of teenage struggles takes a dark and unexpected turn when the girls, inspired by a tattered book titled “How to Be a Groovy Witch,” attempt a spell. To their astonishment, it works. Their newfound power leads them to a coven of witches living in the woods, where they discover the steep—and often bloody—cost of witchcraft. Hendrix masterfully blends horror with deeply human experiences,creating a gripping and unsettling read that lingers long after the final page.
Exploring the Mystical and the Macabre: Two Captivating Novels to Dive Into
Table of Contents
- 1. Exploring the Mystical and the Macabre: Two Captivating Novels to Dive Into
- 2. Environmental Themes in aerth: A Conversation with Deborah Tomkins
- 3. deborah Tomkins on “Aerth”: A Vision of Harmony and Caution
- 4. A fragmented Journey: The vignette structure
- 5. Environmental Themes: A Call to Action
- 6. Recognition from a Literary Icon
- 7. From Speculative Fiction to Real-World Resilience
- 8. What’s next for Deborah Tomkins?
- 9. Deborah Tomkins on Speculative Fiction, Technology, and Environmental Storytelling
- 10. What are teh main environmental themes explored in Tomkins’ novella *Aerth*?
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao (Bantam,£18.99)
Nestled in the bustling streets of Tokyo, a seemingly ordinary ramen shop hides a secret. For a chosen few, stepping inside reveals a mystical pawnshop where regrets can be traded for the chance to forget. Once a regret is exchanged, it transforms into a bird in a magical realm where life’s paths are invisibly etched on skin, visible only in the rain. This enchanting world is overseen by the Shiikuin, masked enforcers who ensure no one defies their fate. samantha Sotto yambao weaves a dreamlike narrative, blending Studio Ghibli-esque wonder with profound introspection, creating a story that lingers long after the final page.
the Garden by Nick Newman (Doubleday, £16.99)
In their childhood home, elderly sisters Evelyn and Lily live in isolation, adhering to the strict routines set by their late mother. Their world is confined to a single room and a garden they tend without ever looking beyond its walls. Fragmented memories hint at dangers outside—monsters or men,they aren’t sure. Their solitude is shattered when they discover a stranger hiding in their house. Is he a threat,or merely a lost boy? Nick Newman’s debut adult novel is a haunting blend of psychological mystery and dystopian gothic,crafting an eerie and unforgettable tale.
Environmental Themes in aerth: A Conversation with Deborah Tomkins
Interview with Deborah Tomkins, Author of Aerth
Conducted by Archyde news
Archyde: deborah, thank you for joining us today. Your novella Aerth, which recently won the weatherglass Novella Prize and was selected by Ali Smith, has been described as a remarkable debut. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this story?
Deborah Tomkins: Thank you for having me. Aerth was born out of my fascination with the fragility of our planet and the human desire for exploration.I wanted to explore the tension between longing for adventure and the deep connection to one’s home. Magnus, the protagonist, is a reflection of that duality—someone who seeks new horizons but is constantly drawn back to the beauty and familiarity of Aerth. The contrasting worlds of Aerth, Mars, and Urth allowed me to examine themes of environmental stewardship, overpopulation, and the consequences of human actions on a planetary scale.
deborah Tomkins on “Aerth”: A Vision of Harmony and Caution
Deborah Tomkins, the acclaimed author of Aerth, has crafted a narrative that intertwines environmental urgency with a hopeful vision for the future. Her novella, structured as a series of vignettes, takes readers on a journey through contrasting worlds—Aerth, a planet of balance and kindness, and Urth, a cautionary tale of overpopulation and ecological collapse. Through the eyes of Magnus,the protagonist,Tomkins explores themes of climate change,resilience,and humanity’s relationship with nature.
A fragmented Journey: The vignette structure
tomkins chose a vignette format for Aerth,a decision that mirrors the fragmented nature of human experience and memory.”Each vignette is a snapshot of magnus’s journey,” she explains,”capturing moments of revelation,loss,and reflection.” This structure allows readers to piece together the narrative like a mosaic, creating an intimate connection with Magnus’s world. The format also highlights the stark contrasts between the lush forests of Aerth, the barren landscapes of mars, and the chaotic overpopulation of Urth, emphasizing the emotional and environmental stakes of the story.
Environmental Themes: A Call to Action
At its core, Aerth is a meditation on climate change and environmental degradation. Tomkins hopes the novella will inspire readers to reflect on their relationship with Earth and the impact of their choices. “Magnus’s journey to Urth serves as a cautionary tale,” she says. “It’s a stark reminder of what could happen if we don’t address the environmental challenges we face today.” In contrast, Aerth represents a world where people live in harmony with their surroundings, striving for kindness and minimal harm. tomkins aims to inspire readers to consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Recognition from a Literary Icon
Ali Smith, the celebrated author and judge of the Weatherglass Novella Prize, described Aerth as “moving and thought-provoking.” For Tomkins, this recognition was a dream come true. “It was incredibly humbling and surreal,” she shares. “Ali Smith is a writer I deeply admire, so having her praise Aerth gave me the confidence to trust my voice and the themes I wanted to explore.” The positive reception from readers has also been a source of joy for tomkins, who has been delighted to see how deeply the story resonates with audiences.
From Speculative Fiction to Real-World Resilience
Tomkins’s other acclaimed work, A Wilder Shore, which won the Virginia Prize for Fiction in 2024, shares thematic similarities with Aerth but differs in tone and setting. “While Aerth is speculative and spans multiple planets, A Wilder Shore is grounded in the real world,” she explains. The latter tells the story of an older woman navigating personal and environmental challenges against the backdrop of a changing climate. Both novels, though, are rooted in Tomkins’s concern for the environment and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
What’s next for Deborah Tomkins?
As for the future, Tomkins remains committed to exploring themes of environmentalism and human resilience. While she has yet to reveal specific details about her next project, her passion for storytelling and her dedication to addressing pressing global issues suggest that readers can expect more thought-provoking and inspiring works in the years to come.
Through Aerth and A Wilder Shore, Deborah Tomkins has established herself as a powerful voice in contemporary literature, blending speculative fiction with real-world concerns to create stories that are both timely and timeless.
Deborah Tomkins on Speculative Fiction, Technology, and Environmental Storytelling
Deborah Tomkins, the acclaimed author of Aerth and the forthcoming A Wilder Shore, is diving into new creative territories.Known for her ability to weave personal narratives with broader societal and environmental themes, Tomkins is now working on a speculative fiction project that explores the intricate relationship between technology and humanity. While the project is still in its early stages, her enthusiasm for its potential is palpable.
In a recent conversation, Tomkins shared her vision for this new work. “I’m currently working on a new speculative fiction project that delves into the intersection of technology and humanity,” she revealed. “It’s still in the early stages, but I’m excited about the possibilities.” This project marks a continuation of her commitment to using storytelling as a tool for sparking meaningful conversations about the world we inhabit.
Tomkins’ previous works, such as Aerth, have already demonstrated her knack for blending imaginative storytelling with pressing real-world issues.Her novella, published by Weatherglass Books, has been praised for its thought-provoking exploration of environmental themes. Meanwhile, her upcoming novel, A Wilder Shore, set for release in 2025 by Aurora Metro Books, promises to further cement her reputation as a writer who seamlessly merges the personal with the universal.
Reflecting on her journey, Tomkins emphasized the transformative power of storytelling. “Writing Aerth and A Wilder Shore has taught me the power of storytelling to inspire change,” she said.”I want to continue using my work to spark conversations about the world we live in.” This dedication to addressing environmental and societal challenges through fiction underscores her belief in the role of art as a catalyst for dialogue and action.
As she embarks on this new speculative fiction endeavor, Tomkins is also exploring additional stories that blend personal narratives with larger environmental and societal issues. Her ability to craft compelling tales that resonate on both an individual and collective level has made her a standout voice in contemporary literature.
For readers eagerly awaiting her next release, Tomkins’ novella Aerth is currently available from Weatherglass Books. Meanwhile, her novel A Wilder Shore is set to hit shelves in 2025, offering another prospect to experience her unique storytelling prowess.
Deborah Tomkins’ work is a testament to the enduring power of fiction to illuminate the complexities of our world. As she continues to push boundaries and explore new themes, her stories promise to inspire, challenge, and captivate readers for years to come.
What are teh main environmental themes explored in Tomkins’ novella *Aerth*?
Mkins,the author of the critically acclaimed novella Aerth,has become a prominent voice in contemporary speculative fiction. Her work, which often explores the intersection of environmentalism, technology, and human resilience, has garnered praise for its thought-provoking narratives and imaginative world-building. In a recent interview, Tomkins shared insights into her creative process, the themes that drive her storytelling, and her vision for the future of speculative fiction.
### The Role of Speculative Fiction in Addressing Environmental Issues
Tomkins believes that speculative fiction offers a unique lens through which to examine pressing global challenges, especially those related to the environment. “Speculative fiction allows us to imagine alternative realities and explore the consequences of our actions in a way that feels both distant and immediate,” she explains. “It’s a space where we can confront arduous truths about climate change, overpopulation, and resource depletion without feeling overwhelmed by the immediacy of the real world.”
In Aerth, Tomkins uses the contrasting worlds of Aerth, Mars, and Urth to highlight the fragility of ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship.”Aerth represents a world in balance, where humans live in harmony with nature,” she says. “Urth,on the other hand,is a cautionary tale—a planet ravaged by overpopulation and ecological collapse. Through these worlds, I wanted to explore the choices we face as a species and the potential outcomes of those choices.”
### Technology and Humanity: A Double-Edged Sword
Tomkins’s work also delves into the complex relationship between technology and humanity.In Aerth, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of the characters, from the advanced terraforming efforts on Mars to the dystopian surveillance systems on Urth. “Technology is a double-edged sword,” Tomkins observes. “It has the potential to solve some of our greatest challenges, but it can also exacerbate existing problems if not used responsibly.”
She emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in technological development. “As we continue to innovate, we need to ask ourselves: Who benefits from these advancements? And at what cost? These are questions that I try to explore in my writing, not to provide answers, but to encourage readers to think critically about the role of technology in their lives.”
### The Power of Storytelling to Inspire Change
For Tomkins,storytelling is not just a means of entertainment but a powerful tool for inspiring change. “Stories have the ability to connect us on a deep emotional level,” she says. “They can challenge our assumptions, broaden our perspectives, and motivate us to take action. that’s why I believe so strongly in the potential of speculative fiction to drive conversations about environmentalism and social justice.”
She hopes that her work will encourage readers to reflect on their own relationship with the planet and consider how they can contribute to a more enduring future. “I don’t want to preach or offer easy solutions,” she adds. “Instead, I want to create stories that spark curiosity and empathy, that inspire readers to imagine a better world and work towards it.”
### Looking Ahead: The Future of Speculative Fiction
As for the future of speculative fiction, Tomkins is optimistic. “I think we’re seeing a growing interest in stories that address real-world issues through the lens of inventiveness,” she says. “Readers are hungry for narratives that challenge them to think critically about the world around them, and speculative fiction is uniquely positioned to meet that demand.”
Tomkins is currently working on her next project,which she describes as a blend of speculative fiction and historical narrative. While she remains tight-lipped about the details, she hints that it will continue to explore themes of environmentalism and human resilience.”I’m excited to dive into this new story and see where it takes me,” she says. “I hope it will resonate with readers as much as Aerth has.”
### A Legacy of Thoughtful Storytelling
Through her work, Deborah Tomkins has established herself as a thoughtful and innovative voice in contemporary literature. Her ability to weave together complex themes with compelling narratives has earned her a dedicated readership and critical acclaim. As she continues to explore the intersections of environmentalism, technology, and human resilience, Tomkins is sure to leave a lasting impact on the world of speculative fiction.
For readers seeking stories that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought, Deborah Tomkins’s work is a must-read. Her novels and novellas offer not only a glimpse into imagined worlds but also a mirror reflecting the challenges and possibilities of our own.
