A queer, trans coven in Brooklyn bands together when Wilder, newly gifted with the ability to understand all languages, joins their ranks just as a sentient, malicious AI threatens both their found family and the wider world. Blending contemporary fantasy with sharp social commentary, the story explores identity, community, and the ethical complexities of consciousness—both human and artificial.

Reader Review Summary

Set in contemporary Brooklyn, the novel follows Wilder, a thirty-something queer individual who suddenly gains the ability to understand every language in the world. This event leads them to join a coven of trans witches, each with their own mystical powers, including characters like Quibble, a portal traveler; Artemis, the caretaker and seer; and Mary Margaret, a telekinetic teen. The group is soon threatened by a malicious artificial intelligence, which becomes a central antagonist as it targets the coven, particularly Mary Margaret, through online spaces. The story explores themes of community, identity, the nature of consciousness, and the dangers of AI, all set against a backdrop of queer spaces, drag shows, and commentary on late capitalism and trans experiences in America. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, with a focus on found family and the complexities of trans identity and community dynamics.

Readers praised the book for its emotionally charged storytelling, humor, and heart, with several noting its strong representation of trans and queer characters. The ensemble cast and their interactions were highlighted as engaging, with particular appreciation for the character of Mary Margaret and the depiction of found family. The book’s handling of philosophical and social themes, such as the nuances of trans identity, community infighting, and the ethics of gendering AI, resonated with many readers. The setting in queer spaces and the refusal to shy away from real-world issues like transphobia and the banning of drag queen story hours were also commended. Some readers found the AI antagonist genuinely unsettling, and the book’s conclusion was described as powerful and emotionally impactful.

Some readers found the plot moved too quickly, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters and believe in their relationships, especially with Wilder. The writing style, particularly for the AI (Hex) and another entity (Sibyl), was described as at times incomprehensible or difficult to follow. The story’s reliance on the idea that “anything is possible” required a significant suspension of disbelief, and the ambitious scope sometimes made the narrative feel mushy or unbelievable. There were also criticisms of info dumping, the use of Random Capitalization for spiritual concepts, and a recurring argument about whether non-sentient beings can be misgendered, which some felt was unnecessary and spanned too much of the novel.

The book is scheduled for publication on April 29, 2025, and is categorized under genres such as Fantasy, Science Fiction, Queer, LGBT, Adult, and Witches. It has received an average reader rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 31 ratings and 13 full reviews. Content warnings include depictions of transphobia and misgendering. The narrative is told in mixed third and first person points of view, and the author, A.E. Osworth, is noted for not adhering to respectability politics and for celebrating the diversity within the trans community. Several readers expressed interest in seeing more stories set in this universe or from this author.