Contents:

Prose –

THE FORGETTING ROOM // Kathryn H. Ross – 5368 words

The technology to erase memories is a happy convenience but what are humans giving up by relinquishing the ability to remember the things that displease or wound them?

NOT ALL YOUR BONES ARE YOURS // Plangdi Neple – 5158 words

Desperate to reunite with their lost love, a heartbroken human breaks taboo through a ghoulish attempt to become a mami wata.

THE HOUSE OF OLD MARIAN // Nkereuwem Albert – 7260 words

A necromancer with a chip on her shoulder ascends the throne of her fearsome clan. She must wade through waves of resentment, intrigue, and betrayal to uncover her family’s truth and defend their honor.

SELKIES AMONG THE PINES // Sara Chisolm – 3990 words

Upon the death of her selkie father, young Cecelia’s ability to transform is cruelly ripped away by her xenophobic loved ones.

ON MY MOMMA // Carré Sadler – 5099 words

Habitual liar, Deion swears on his mother when he tells a lie, thoughtlessly saddling his ex-girlfriend with a ghost as her lifelong companion.

NO HAPPY ENDINGS FOR CHASERS // Uchechukwu Nwaka – 4901 words

Buchi hunts chikiriki, an alien species that crash-landed on Earth and have infested and devastated the planet.

A CARAPACE OF CORAL // Amanda Helms – 3689 words

Avery, a woman with an unsupportive husband, struggles to bear the mantle of “good” motherhood until she undergoes a uniquely mind-bending transformation.

Poetry –

 ChopShop by Bryant O’Hara

Vampire Myths and Facts by H.B. Asari

Artist Interview: Chris Kindred