Isn’t this cover beautiful? ECO 25: The Year’s Best Speculative Ecofiction (forthcoming November 16, 2026) is published by Violet Lichen Books (@violetlichenbooks), which is the sister imprint of Apex Book Company (@apexbookcompany), which, in turn, is an imprint of Apex Publications, LLC. “Inspired by the mysterious beauty of lichens growing in shadowy woods and the surreal drama of the violet shades in nature, Violet Lichen fully embraces the weird, strange, and uncanny,” brilliantly explains the official website. “Its books aim to leave readers feeling a little changed and disquieted — as if they’ve just emerged from under a strange spell.”
I am so happy to have received a digital copy of ECO25 for reviewing. The anthology is edited by Marissa van Uden (@marissa.vu), a Kiwi writer and editor based in the U.S., featuring 24 “most compelling, emotionally impactful, and thought-provoking stories” that showcase “climate fiction, eco-horror, and nature-based science fiction and fantasy”. The authors explore “humanity’s deep relationships with other species and our communal fears, grief, and passion as we try to protect our natural world—all through the lens of the fantastic”.
(I have to say, the previous anthology, ECO24, looks equally mesmerising. I am very likely to purchase the ebook, as its 23 featured authors include K-Ming Chang, Adeline Wong, and Kelsea Yu.)
Another recent haul is The Girl in the Story (Echo Publishing @echo_publishing, September 2026) by Australian author Shaeden Berry (@shaedenberryauthor). This one is a print copy via Sisters in Crime Australia (@sistersincrimeau), which celebrates Aussie women’s crime writing since 1991. Having long followed the organisation, I am very happy to have this opportunity to review for them and to support Aussie women crime authors.
Based on the blurb, The Girl in the Story reminds me of Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue’s Room (2010) and even Mad Mabel (2025) by Australian author Sally Hepworth, which I recently reviewed and continue to rave about. But Berry is an established author and every author is unique in their own ways. I can’t wait to read and review this book!
