You know what we all need right now? More queer books. To that end, let me tell you about Motheater, the debut novel from nonbinary author Linda H. Codega.
This is an Appalachian fantasy novel with dual timelines, one in modern times and one in the late 1800s. There are LGBTQIA+ characters in both timelines, a convenient reminder that 1. we have always been here and 2. by “here” I mean yes, even in the holler.
After too many unexplained deaths and disappearances in the mines on Kire Mountain, Bennie is convinced that the mining company is covering up safety violations and refusing to own up to their role in the deaths. She’s willing to do pretty much anything to prove their wrongdoing, which has resulted in her losing her job, her relationship, and her home. Worst of all, one of the most recent deaths was her best friend, one of the only other Black women at the mine and the other person who believed the company was responsible.
So when Bennie sees a body in the river, she thinks she’s found the evidence she needs. And when that body turns out to be a very much not dead witch who says she’ll do Bennie a big magical favor if Bennie helps her get her memories back, well, Bennie’s onboard to see what a witch can do. Even if she never really believed in magic before.
The witch is our titular Motheater; this is the only name she remembers. We quickly learn that she’s displaced in time, and our second timeline is her past, as we try to learn how she ended up waterlogged in a modern-day mining runoff slough. In her own time, she was trying to keep industrial mining off of Kire Mountain, and clearly she did not succeed.
What I liked most about this book, besides the fact that it’s queer, is that it’s complicated. The characters are complex. Bennie’s motivation is good, but she’s ruthless in pursuing it. Motheater (known as Esther in her own time) is torn between her magical pact with the mountain and the community that doesn’t fully welcome her, and mostly ends up siding with the mountain. I was struck by how Esther didn’t want to hurt the mountain, but she wasn’t offering her community any alternative for how to earn a living.
Side characters feel equally complex, with their own motivations. Even Bennie’s ex manages to avoid being a cardboard cutout stock ex-boyfriend.
I dunno. Sometimes I find myself getting disillusioned with publishing and books, even though I love reading. So many new releases feel like a checklist of tropes, or “popular book meets trending movie” comp mash-ups. Motheater feels fresh. We don’t get a lot of contemporary rural fantasy, and the only trope I could really apply to this would maybe be “morally grey”. Just like Welcome to Dorley Hall, it felt like nothing I’ve ever read before. Give me more of this. You know. Not specifically THIS. Something that isn’t this, but also isn’t “an enemies-to-lovers, grumpy x sunshine romcom for fans of Pride & Prejudice and Parks & Recreation.”
CWs and TWs: There’s animal sacrifice and use of animal bones in magic; lots of insect and snake content; violence against animals; mention of child abuse; fears of racism and homophobia as a possibility but no real major on-page instances.
Source and Format: I borrowed the ebook from Pierce County Library System.
Reading Challenge Prompts
Nook & Cranny (Card 1): Feeling Witchy. I have no idea how closely the witchcraft in this book resembles actual Appalachian magical practices, but I found it to be really interestingly realized and well thought-out. Also Motheater would be pretty terrifying in real life.
Book Riot: Stand Alone Fantasy Book. I don’t mind reading duologies, trilogies, and even long series if they have an actual planned end, but it sure is satisfying to read a fully self-contained story and not have to spend the next couple years wondering what happens next.
Brick & Mortar: Book You Borrowed. Almost everything I read is borrowed from the library. Maybe this prompt was intended to mean “borrowed from a friend” but to be honest I’ve barely seen anyone in-person since the start of the year. I turn into a hermit in the winter.
World of Whimm: Fantasy. I’d say this book is very solidly fantasy.
Reading Challenge Progress
Nook & Cranny (Card 1): 3 of 25, no bingos.
Nook & Cranny (Card 2): 6 of 25, no bingos.
Book Riot: 4 of 25.
Physical TBR: 1 of 12.
Brick & Mortar: 10 of 25, 0 bingos*.
*I’ve completed several of the non-reading prompts, hence the mismatch with the number of reviews!
World of Whimm: 4 of 24, no bingos.