Fantasy/Sci-fi/Speculative

Please refer to the main MSWL page for general likes/dislikes.

Across SFF

Conflict is mostly contained to one character and maybe a close circle of people, or at least starts off that way, even if it affects a massive number of people
Settings inspired by areas outside of Western Europe or areas in Western Europe shaped by non-white groups (e.g., Andalucía), particularly in fantasy. For the latter, I’m only looking for stories by writers of color
I prefer everyday characters in extraordinary circumstances to characters who are “Chosen Ones.” However, I’m very interested in the trope when it comes to failed Chosen Ones or Chosen Ones that fall short. Characters who aren’t the Chosen One but find themselves in that position, whether they swindle their way into it, take the Chosen One’s place to protect them, or accidentally find themselves in that position (and aren’t revealed to be the true Chosen One all this time) are compelling as well
An exploration of the idea of a monster. Who is a monster and why? What does it mean to be a monster? Who sees that person as a monster?
I’m open to SFF that blends with other genres like horror, mystery, thriller, and historical

Fantasy

Portal, historical, folkloric/mythic, gothic, and dark fantasy and both high and low fantasy
Enchanting adventures that transport me elsewhere, whether the characters are in this world or another one and whether they’re on the road or confined to a few places
Fresh spin on magic systems or unusual superpowers, e.g., Vicious, Hunter x Hunter, Misfits. I especially love seeing magic use that has consequences for the user
I also enjoy worlds that have magic embedded in their fabric but don’t necessarily have structured magic systems or magical academic, state, or military institutions. I’m still open to stories with either/both, but they need to feel novel

Sci-fi

High-concept literary and upmarket sci-fi, where the approach is very character-driven. High-concept commercial sci-fi is okay for graphic novels, MG, and YA
Regardless of how near or far it’s set in the future and whether it takes place on Earth or another planet or world, the story needs to feel intimately human
Examines who we are and how we live (can be dystopian or hopeful), e.g., ethical quandaries, tech that affects and transforms what it means to be human, contact between humans and non-human beings
Characters with unusual jobs or specialized knowledge

Not seeking

Romantasy
Hard sci-fi
Space operas
Celtic and Norse mythologies
Elemental magic systems, i.e., powers focused on earth, water, fire, and air
Epic, large-scale wars. If it is about war, I’m more interested in seeing the personal ramifications war has on a select group of characters and the ways that war uproots them emotionally and physically rather than the war itself
I’m extremely picky with multiverse stories so unless you’re doing something innovative with multiversal communication and travel, I’m probably not the right person
LitRPG (except in graphic novels) and D&D-inspired stories