Recs if you like The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe...

books featuring older women protagonists, age 30 and up, in sci-fi and fantasy. for books containing multiple povs/protagonists, older fmcs should hold equal weight and presence in the story as other mcs. ideally, aiming for more women centred additions, but open to all suggestions and feedback!

Speculative (sci-fi, fantasy, horror etc.) novellas less than 200 pages long that are either standalone or read like a standalone story

My favorite brand of Lovecraftian fiction is the kind that would have the man rolling in his grave.

Books that have significant cats, because what bookworm doesn't enjoy cats? (For series I have only included book 1.)

This list features book covers illustrated by LA-based Illustrator Victo Ngai. Her work is heavily detailed and often features fantastical/mythological elements. From her website, "I grew up in Hong Kong until 18, my parents still live there and I will always see it as home. I was exposed to Chinese art and craft from a young age, such as Nian Hua, Gong Bi Hua, and Lian Hua Hua. Unknowingly I have developed a keen taste for intricate lines and vibrant flat colors which led to my discovery of Japanese ukiyo-e, Art-Neurvo art, Chinese and Russian Propaganda posters and Golden Age illustrations. The energy, colors and dense urban textures from Hong Kong have also worked their ways into my work."

(please note that in some cases, her work is one of multiple versions of cover art for the same book, so it may appear as a different version here than the one she illustrated. In some cases I have avoided adding specific versions to curb confusion)

just a little list of haunted books that are doing something fun or a bit different than a traditional ghost story

Quick speculative fiction reads (quick, like under 40,000 words).

From sarcastic strays to magical familiars and mysterious midnight companions, this list celebrates whiskered heroes who quietly (or dramatically) steal every scene they’re in. Expect heart, humor, soft paws, sharp claws, and at least one emotional ambush.