Phoenix Blackwood

Author of queer tales

Commissions Available

Custom Commissions

Custom writing commissions available! Got an idea in your head you never knew how to put into words? A short story you wanted written about imagined or existing characters? Or maybe something even longer? No matter what the idea is, feel free to contact me with an inquiry!

My general prices run $0.01/word. Making a 1,000 word short story $10, and so on. Prices may vary depending on content and request.

If you have a request in mind, please send me the following form via the contact me on this site, and then we can discuss details from there:

What kind of story are you hoping to get?

What are the characters you'd like included (please describe)?

What length would you like your story to be?

What point of view would you like this story written from?

Is there any other information you think I should know in orderly to properly write your story?

Coming Soon - Pre-Order Now!

Publisher Site

Finally made it to a book sale at @berkshireathenaeum with @elykreations ! I never knew so many romance books that all look the same existed in my life 🤣 Found a few that have been on my list forever, as well as some other good ones! Next time I make it there I might just wipe out the whole LGBTQ+ section. (Excited that they had one, even if it was small!!)

BOOK REVIEW

LOUD: STORIES TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD - 5 Stars

This book had some powerful stories that could open the eyes of some readers to some of the hardships that are the result of sexism. These storytellers have important voices that need to be heard. I believe the aim of the book was to raise awareness of the injustices that women and people perceived to be women deal with regularly. The book did so incredibly well, these artists show some things that are all too universal for women. I would recommend this book to anyone, but be careful to give trigger warnings to people who have experienced similar things. The target audience is anyone who needs to learn or feel seen. A powerful collection of stories and voices that requires that people pay attention.

This book is everything I wanted my own to be - a forceful, determined group of artists telling stories that shouldn't be true but unfortunately are so often. It's almost a universal experience, but disproportionately affects the queer community and women. This book serves two purposes - first, it can be used as a tool to educate those who have not experienced the things that take place in this book. The second, is as a connection for people who have experienced these things - to show that we're not alone. The universal experience across all of these stories is the silence that we're forced into, and I think that's where the book's title came from. The way that we can take back our power IS by being loud - the more people that know, the less likely it is to happen again, the more perpetrators get consequences for what they've done. It's the shame that comes from these experiences that keeps us silent, or the threat of more harm. And that's why we need to take care of each other, and bring light to the voices of survivors.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. If you are in need of help, please reach out to your local DV agency, or in the US, you can use the national DV hotline: 800-799-7233

Let people hear your voice.

BOOK REVIEW

WHAT WE DEVOUR - 3.5 Stars

The pacing of this book felt a little slow -- it had a good plot, but I found myself losing interest at times. The "good" and "evil" characters flip on their head in the end. The aim of the book was honestly a fun fantasy and magic system, and to perhaps take a look at our political leaders and consider who they'll protect when things are a life-or-death matter. (Hint: it's not us) I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy and would enjoy a unique magic system. The target audience is anyone with a revolutionary mindset. Let people show you who they really are, and protect those who have less privilege.

This book was good, but not one of my favorites. The plot was good, but I just really couldn't get attached to the characters and it led to me getting pretty bored in places throughout the book when the plot would reach a lull. I did really appreciate the parallel between the magic system created by malevolent beings and the way it was policed by political leaders and the way systems operate in real life -- how we're taught to hurt ourselves to fit in. How we can be bound by those above us to only speak or act in a certain way. The overall plot was solid, but a little predictable, which I think also led me to getting bored. I wish there would've been some stronger character development, maybe a bit more world building, as there was a pretty limited amount. The concepts were there, it just needed to go a little deeper.

BOOK REVIEW

CUCKOO -- 4 Stars

This book was incredible surrealist horror. The atmosphere found its way into the very writing style, it was like you were having the same brain fog as the characters. I will take away the moral of the book: no one can change who you are. The aim of the book was to show that all conversion camps do is harm, and that people are who they are. It's a demonstration of queer resilience and how we band together in the face of adversity. This book does an amazing job if that. I would recommend this book to horror fans, but with clear trigger warnings -- I was a bit caught off guard by some things. TW: child abuse, sexual assault, death, trans & homophobia (last two were to be expected). A bloody, gory deep dive into all the ugliness of humanity -- and the inhuman.

This book definitely caught me off guard, in more ways than one. It is very explicitly in its descriptions of torture and abuse. Some were triggering at times, I think the book would benefit from some trigger warnings, just so people could be prepared. That being said, I did very much enjoy this book and its look at queer resilience. These characters go through hell -- both at home and in the conversion camp they're dragged away to -- but they never compromise who they are for anyone. I adore the way the author handles trans characters -- they're in unaccepting environments, but the narrator always aligns with the character's true gender. In fact, the narrator speaks as though the character's gender should be obvious to everyone else. It's refreshing to see trans characters regarded with the same respect as cis ones, and for the book to avoid the all-too-common "she used to be a boy" that I often see. This book was suspenseful and thrilling in all the ways I hope horror will be, I'll definitely be looking at the author's other books.

BOOK REVIEW

COURT OF THE UNDYING SEASONS - 4.5 stars

This book was such a fun ride. An imaginative twist on vampire societies with a scandal that's bigger than anyone could have imagined. I'll take away the main character's determination and spirit to overcome obstacles. The aim of the book was to show the strength of someone who's driven by a passion, as well as not being quick to judge someone's character based on first impressions and preconceived notions. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes vampire fantasy or anything with a good twist. Anyone who likes YA fantasy will like this. A fun adventure with an unwilling participant who went in for the sake of a fake family and came out with a real one.

A. M. Strickland is one of my favorite authors, and she didn't disappoint. Her books always have a great Gothic vibe that I can't get enough of. This book was no exception -- starting off in a small town where the MC is a bit of a pariah. Tension quickly builds until you find the MC in the midst of a vampire society, and she's so, so angry about it. This book plays with the idea of gender -- many characters are androgynous, and it dabbles in the idea of "if you could look however you wanted, would you?" The MC's attitude shifts as things progress, but she holds tight to her original belief, even when some prove her wrong. As with all of Strickland's other books, there's a little spice -- the perfect amount, I think. Also like all her others, it's a very queer book! If you're looking for something not too heavy, but with a twisty plot, this book is a good choice.

BOOK REVIEW

ANGER IS A GIFT - 4 stars

This book touched on a lot of very important topics - racism, systemic inequality, police brutality, trauma. I will take away how passionate and determined the characters were in the face of adversity. The aim of the book was to bring so many of these issues to light, and show how and what injustices go on in present-day society. This purpose was executed incredibly well, and demonstrated in a way where you really feel for the characters. I would definitely recommend this book to others. The target audience should be anyone who cares about human rights - especially people who are more privileged and don't know about injustices that happen. A gripping book with a cause to reveal the true nature of standing up in the name of human rights.

This book starts off with one injustice, which is bad enough on its own, and only builds from there. It explores the feelings of people who have been wronged on a systemic basis. The reader's anger builds as the main character's comes into focus. It demonstrates how anger can be channeled and used for a positive purpose. Anger holds a place in the world of social justice - if you aren't angry, you aren't paying attention. This book also shows how those who are more privileged fail to recognize the extent to which things are happening. It also shows how those of us with more privilege need to elevate the voices of those with less, rather than speak over them. This book is a powerful look at the systemic injustice that people endure, and leaves you with a feeling of unrest and desire to contribute to activist circles.

Book haul from a shopping trip with @elykreations today! Went to a fee different comic shops and b&n - my favorite of the day was definitely @comicsnmoreeastsam , where about half of this came from! (Spent too much, said "I can only buy two books at b&n" and then promptly bought three)
Overall a very fun day with a good friend 😊

COMMISSIONS TEMPORARILY OPEN!

Have an idea, but just can't seem to bring it to life? I'm your pal! For a short time, I'll be opening writing commissions. Cut my funds a bit short this month (heck, will write for food).

$0.01/word! Quick turnaround, depending on story length. I will write short stories, create characters (character bios -- can do a special with a piece of art too!), and I'm up for other short form writing we can discuss. Hard word cap at 10k. Anything below that is fair game! 3 slots available.

Let me bring your ideas to life! Especially if they're queer. (:

#writing #writersofinstagram #writingcommissions #commission #commissionsopen #shortstories #character #author #art #artist

Interest check! With my next novel coming to a close soon, and a plan to take a bit of time off from published writing in order to pursue my degree afterwards, I'm going to have a gap of time between turning in my manuscript and starting school next fall. I had the thought to do some writing commissions, I've taken on quite a few in a less official capacity and I quite enjoy writing shorter stories for others! Would anyone be interested if I were to open commissions for writing soon? Feel free to just leave a like or comment if you'd like! If you have any specific inquiries my DM's are open as well.

If you're unfamiliar with my writing, my website is in my bio and there are free to read short stories in Cinnabar Moth Publishing's e-zine linked there as well as my currently published trilogy's information. I can also provide some of my shorter, less official pieces if asked.

If there's enough interest, I will post prices and more information in the near future!

#writing #writingcommissions #writersofinstagram #phoenixblackwood #commission

Found my book on a table with some of my favorites today. ❤️ it's so validating seeing it with other queer books I love so much!!

Lost my little acrobat today. RIP Little Buddy ❤️

Tabled up with @elykreations at the Berkshire Pride Pittsfield festival at the Common! Come by and pay a visit. Pick up your own copy of my books and have a chance at finding the exclusive handwritten prints! I'd love to see you!

Finishing touches getting ready for Pride on June 8th! Made some fancy personalized bags for every purchase!

Last but not least, the exclusive print for Phee! Each print has a handwritten note from the featured character on them -- you'll have to wait until Pride to find out what they say! I'll do a reveal a week after Pride.

The exclusive print for Theo! Just as stunning as Alex. ❤️ Stay tuned for print 3!

Exclusive holographic phoenix sticker that will come with book/print bundles at Pride!

I WOULD LEAVE ME IF I COULD - Halsey
4 STARS

While I don't typically read poetry, this collections touches on some very important topics and is very powerful. I will especially take away the intense emotions that are portrayed in these pieces. I believe the aim of the book was simply the expression of emotion itself. To share a point of view with the world and have people understand it. I believe this was fulfilled very well. I would definitely recommend this book to Halsey fans and people who share similar experiences. Some topics may be triggering, so it's important to be aware. A dive into a wonderful mind full of experiences, learning to deal with pain and trauma.

While not every poem resonated with me, I found this collection very powerful and it brought up emotions that I've felt in the past. To share experiences with someone you admire is an incredible thing, even in the unfortunate circumstance that those experiences are negative. It shows that even in the face of trauma and adversity, you can be great. This book shows one person's way of processing trauma, and how it's okay to have our own way of processing things. Hurt, rage, love, it's all okay. It's expressed beautifully here, and I really connect with Halsey's words in some of these pieces. It was also incredible to see extended pieces of songs I've listened to so many times.

Here's a peek at the super exclusive prints that will randomly be inserted into my books at Pride! They all have a handwritten note from Alex with her signature on the back. Theo and Phee will have their own as well, I will post each one as they come in the mail! They are printed on pearl linen cardstock (stunning) featuring exclusive artwork that will not be sold separately. The only way to get one is to pick up a book and get lucky!

BEHOLDER by Ryan La Sala
4.5 STARS

This book had the kind of vibes I like to read - something isn't quite right, things aren't as they seem. I will take away the nobility that the main characters showed. I think the aim of the book was to demonstrate how not everyone is as they seem, but that doesn't mean that we should give up on the world. I think this was fulfilled very well. I would absolutely recommend this book to people who are drawn to surrealist horror and mystery/suspense. A delve into a twisted imagination and a gripping mystery with two lost characters who have a common goal.

This book was a wild ride from beginning to end and I absolutely loved it. From the looming presence of a greater evil to the ill-intentions of someone who was trusted, this book had me on edge the entire time. The plot was so well thought out, everything connected and made sense in the end. Each piece of the puzzle was enthralling, and I was so ready to see what was next. The characters also held space for their own struggles, burdens that shouldn't have been placed on two kids. As always, I loved the queer pining, and the nobility the MC'S showed in the end demonstrated how they'd grown throughout the book. The overall eerie vibe of the book took me for a ride and I loved every minute of it.

The second of many book tattoos! Forgot to post this one, got it a couple months ago. Artwork by @richardcwtattoos inspired by my favorite @adamsilvera book.

Had a wonderful time reading an excerpt at @simonsrocklibrary yesterday! An unexpected ending to the day, but a great time nonetheless. It was so good to see the interest from the kids that I literally was at one point, those are who I wrote these books for. ❤️

Posted up at the Simon's Rock Alumni Library! Come say hi, I'm so excited to be back on campus after so long. I'll be doing a reading in tandem with @dshberkshires, come have a great time with us!

Final book signing of this release month will be tomorrow at the Simon's Rock Alumni Library! @simonsrocklibrary
Come join me at 84 Alford Road in Great Barrington along with my friends at @dshberkshires ! I will be reading an excerpt from my new release.

See you there!!

The gang's all here ❤️

The entire Surviving Youth Trilogy with their Library of Congress papers. It's been quite the journey getting here, I learned a lot of things about myself through the lives of these characters. Now, the series is at a close, and it's time to move forward. Moving forward does not mean forgetting. These characters will be with me always.

This isn't the last you'll be seeing of me in the published world, this is just the beginning. I can't wait for you all to meet my most beloved character of my next boom, she's a gem. She's picking up right where the Surviving Youth characters left off in teaching me lessons about myself, and I hope she can reach readers in the same way I hoped for Theo, Alex, and Phee to.

Thank you all for your support in this series, I value everyone's experience of these books so much.

I'm officially posted up at Witch Slapped! Come on down and have a chat, there's other local artists here today as well!

Join me tomorrow at @witchslappedstore ! I'll be there at 11 & will likely stay the majority of the day. There will be exclusive prints, bookmarks, and deals! Card only please as I won't have change, funds are tight this month. Stop in even if you just wanna talk!

11am @ Witch Slapped, 78 North St Pittsfield

Come on down to the Pittsfield Barnes & Noble where I'll be posted up for a bit today! Everything on the table except the books are freebies in honor of this being the debut signing for The Family that Finds Us!

Tomorrow is my book signing at @bnpittsfield ! Come on down if you have a chance and get a book specially signed! There will be some freebies and a rainbow of sharpies to choose from. 😊 1pm @ 555 Hubbard Ave in Pittsfield! There will be other local authors as well!

Updated book signing flyer! The time for the @simonsrocklibrary got a change, everything else is the same! :)
So excited to see the SRC library along with @witchslappedstore & @bnpittsfield! I can't wait to see you all there!

RELEASE DAY!

In honor of the release of THE FAMILY THAT FINDS US, I've added a new blog post to my website, wrapping up the trilogy.

https://www.phoenixblackwood.com/post/the-family-that-finds-us-release-day

Thank you all for your support, not only in this release but throughout the series. Huge shoutouts to:

@cinnabarmothpub for all of your support throughout the writing process and agreeing to take on this series.

@andreonthemic for all of your encouragement and willing to hear me dump ideas at ridiculous hours, quelling my imposter syndrome, as well as making the connection with Cinnabar!

@elykreations for reading my frankly questionable first draft of the first book, and your excitement over ever book since.

And now, a final quote from the book.

"Alex placed a hand on my knee again, and I was brought back into my body. Everything was still dialed up to ten, but I was starting to feel a sense of control. I was able to meet her eyes.

'Now take a few breaths with me.'

She proceeded to count out a few breaths, and I was able to match her, my lungs finally expanding and bringing in some much needed air. She sat down against the wall next to me, quiet and letting me take a few more breaths as I squished the ball between my hands.

After a few minutes, I was able to relax my shoulders and lean back against the wall. I felt exhausted, drained. Stealing a glance at Alex, I managed, 'I’ve never seen you do that with Theo.'

She gave a weak smile, 'It doesn’t work with Theo. They need pressure, and you just have to let the panic attack pass. I usually hold them through it. This,' She plucked the ball from my hands, turning it over, 'Is what I do.'”

ONE DAY UNTIL RELEASE

Here is the exclusive print that will be available at all of my tabling events to go along with this release! Along with the other two prints there will be bookmarks and other materials available. I can't wait to see you all at the signings!

"I nodded, then jumped as the bell rang for the end of the period. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to calm my frayed nerves. I needed a break from this, from life. Everything felt like so much. The weight of the world rested on my shoulders as I picked up my backpack and waved goodbye to Clare and walked out the door.

There was a rush of kids moving about the hallway, and I was swept up into the masses. I kept my head down, traveling with the flow of my next class. I ducked into my classroom before anyone acknowledged my existence. If only it could always be so easy, I could fly under the radar and never be noticed again."

TWO DAYS UNTIL RELEASE

In lieu of my upcoming release, I'll be having book signings throughout the month of April! @bnpittsfield on the 20th, @witchslappedstore on the 21st, and @simonsrocklibrary in tandem with @dshberkshires on the 27th! If you can, stop in to any one of them, I'll have deals with exclusive artwork at the Witch Slapped and Simon's Rock signings, as well as some freebies at all three!

"I took a deep breath in. This stranger's kindness was overwhelming, and the threat of crying snuck up on me again. 'I just wish I could leave there and never go back.'

'What's stopping you?' The hairdresser asked softly, pulling bits of tin foil out of my hair, then gestured for me to head back to the sink to wash the bleach out.

'She just... she needs someone to take care of her. I don't know what will happen to her if I leave.' I sat down in the chair and leaned my head back into the sink.

'Your mom?'

'Yeah.'"

THREE DAYS UNTIL RELEASE!

Here's my book stock for my upcoming signings (flyer will be posted on tomorrow's countdown). I'll also be tabling at my local pride! There will be exclusive prints and bookmarks available at those events, so drop in if you're local!

"I couldn't get it out. My mouth went dry, and I could feel hot tears make their way into my eyes.

'Hey, it's okay. You can tell me anything.' Seth reaches across the island and put his hand on my arm lightly before moving it away.

I looked down at the counter, placing my hands on either side of my head and groaning. Was this going to be so hard every time? Did it ever get easier?

'I'm... a girl.'"

4 DAYS UNTIL RELEASE

Just received the library of congress letter for The Family that Finds Us. It'll be joining my display with Secrets and Love soon!

"'How did you know you weren't a girl?'

'It was hard, Jer. 'Girl' always felt like a box I'd been shoved in that was full of spikes sticking out the walls. I had to be a certain way, but it was so uncomfortable. This girl I met in the hospital really helped me with it. She taught me about being non-binary and how I didn't have to stay in a box that hurt.'

I sniffled again, a sob escaping my body.

'Jer, are you crying? What's this about?'

Without thinking, it slipped out of my mouth. ''Boy' is a box that hurts.'"

COUNTDOWN BEGINS!
I know I'm not very consistent with my posts, but I've decided to do a countdown to the release day of THE FAMILY THAT FINDS US! I'll be releasing small bits of information/quotes every day until release day on April 2nd.

Today is a Q&A! If you have any questions about anything having to do with Family or any books in the Surviving Youth Trilogy, or even about me as an author, ask away! I'll be answering throughout the day.

"'You can't be afraid of getting too personal, personal is what makes art...Pull out the parts that are your story, then tell it. No matter how personal it gets, the beauty is in the details. That's where power and meaning comes from. You can't be scared of it, that's what will ruin it.'
'What if I am scared? Like, all the time?'"

Lots of tweaks done, and that's a wrap on the business card!! Now I've got to edit it into a bookmark, plus the exclusive print for my third book is coming soon 👀

New branding! I’ll be making a lot of local debuts next month with the release of THE FAMILY THAT FINDS US, and I hadn’t landed on anything I was really proud of yet. I like this one a lot more — but still adjusting! Any opinions? Please let me know if there’s any tweaks I should make!

IF TOMORROW DOESN'T COME by Jen St. Jude
5 Stars

This book was a beautiful look into the mind of someone who struggles with depression. It shows how things can change in an instant and how we take care of each other is really important. I think that the aim of the book was to show the ways in which someone's mind who has depression can be very unkind to us and make us feel like there's no way out. It shows that with help, things can still get better. I would absolutely recommend this book to others, with the caveat that some parts can be triggering. I think anyone who doesn't have depression should read it, and maybe they'll have more empathy. If you're queer and struggle with your mental health, you're not alone and this book really shows it.

This book broke my heart and put it back together again. It starts off heavy, and there's a heaviness that follows you through it. Gradually, that heaviness lifts and you're left with beautiful, strong emotions. This book touches on so many things that people in the queer community deal with -- falling for your best friend, religious trauma, a lack of acceptance, and mental health struggles. It's so real in the way it approaches these topics, and it handles them beautifully. There were parts of this book that really got to me, because it was so close to my experience. Some of Avery's thoughts are thoughts that I've had myself, and sharing that pain with someone outside of the books I've written is a new experience for me. I've read a lot of books that talk about mental health, but this one handled things in a way that really hit home for me. It was transformative, and shows how things can become so different in the snap of a finger. The world ending doesn't even become your main concern, it's rooting for this character to find the will to live through it all.

MURDER IN THE FAMILY by Cara Hunter
3 Stars

This book wasn't my favorite. There were a good amount of twists throughout, but the ending was pretty predictable. I think the aim of the book was a pretty classic whodunnit, boasted to be a bit of a rollercoaster with a surprising ending. I think it ended up being pretty par for the course. I might recommend it to people who love the classic mystery, but I don't think it's great for someone looking for something novel. A pretty stock standard mystery with a screenplay aspect.

This book was really hyped up as an unpredictable ride where you had to figure out the killer before the detectives in the story did. While there were a couple twists I wasn't expecting, the conclusion was the most predictable answer it could've been. I got bored with this book about halfway through and almost DNF'ed it, but pushed through because I don't DNF books very often. I wasn't super glad I did in the end, as the ending resulted in being my very first guess all along. While my lack of interest could've been due to the lack of queer rep, I still thought it would be intriguing enough to keep my attention, but it wasn't. This book might be for someone, but it wasn't for me.

Got this great tribute to They Both Die at the End! The Death-Cast series is one of my favorites, and it's the starter to a patchwork leg with a bunch of small pieces for my favorite books. Had a new but great artist, @richardcwtattoos . This isn't the last of @adamsilvera 's books, I think I'll be getting the smileys from More Happy than Not next. 😀

Book review! MISLAID IN PARTS HALF-KNOWN by Seanan McGuire
4.5 stars
A good addition to this great series! I will always take away the companionship that these misfit characters have. Their care for each other through how wildly different their experiences are. The aim of the book is very much staying true to one's morals, and ensuring the wellbeing of others where your own was not taken into account. Fixing broken systems. I would absolutely recommend this entire series to others! I think the target audience is anyone who feels out of place in their life. A wonderful adventure with characters you really identify with and care about.
While some of the themes in the beginning of the book may be a bit triggering, I believe they're masterfully handled and really make you care for the MC. You're immediately invested and worried for the safety of this little girl. You watch her grow into a strong willed person with an excellent moral compass. The group of characters she falls into is a wonderful, supportive family that does anything to help her in her journey. This book says so much about companionship, healing from trauma, and doing better for those who come after us. The power of choice is so integral to the message of this book -- the autonomy over our own lives and bodies so important to our lives. When this power is taken away, we can lose so much of ourselves and it can do irreversible damage. Healing from this damage can happen, but it takes time and the love of a supportive social system, and it can drive us to stand up for others put into the same positions. This book is a wonderful example of healing through finding the strength to protect someone from the same things that happened to us.

Website update! Added all the info on TFTFU and organized the books a bit ☺️ Instagram feed added to the about page!

www.phoenixblackwood.com

Cover reveal! The Family that Finds Us is the third and final book in The Surviving Youth Trilogy. It’s a bittersweet moment for me — I love these characters with all my heart and it’s a difficult goodbye, but I’m so happy that these stories are out in the world for the people that need them. I hope everyone can find the love in these pages that I left for them.

https://cinnabarmoth.com/the-family-that-finds-us/

A huge thanks to @irageneve for this beautiful cover and all her work on the art of this series, as well as @cinnabarmothpub for believing in me and these stories, and letting me bring them into the world.

Went to the store to get a notebook for work, and found the CUTEST SILLY LIL GUY. I thought yall would appreciate him.

Signed a new batch of books at @bnpittsfield ! Stop by and get a copy with those gift cards you got for Christmas 🤣

Finished my second Junji Ito Manga! I liked this one better, here's the review:

I feel the plot was much better explored than in the short stories of Tombs. A more complete concept. The art will stick with me. The aim of the book really seemed to be horror for horrors sake. Perhaps a slight message of resilience woven in. Similar to his other work, I think Junji Ito is for a specific audience. Within that audience though, I would definitely recommend this book. A gruesome surrealist thriller.

While this plot was much more well rounded than the last Ito book I read, the characters were a bit lacking. Junji Ito writes a creepy character beautifully, the ones we're actually supposed to sympathize with feel 2 dimensional. I couldn't get attached to them, and in the end it felt like it didn't matter what happened to them. His concept work, however, was on point and created a sentient force that you couldn't see and saw everywhere at the same time. I was definitely in it for the art, it was both grotesque and beautiful, twisted (pun intended) in a way I never would've thought of on my own. The concept might seem silly at face value, but it's executed in a way that makes your skin crawl. I think Junji Ito could make the most mundane, non-threatening idea scary in the end.

Got this STUNNING collector's edition copy of one of my favorite books from one of my favorite authors!! Even gt lucky and got one of the copies with an exclusive print tucked inside!! I can't wait to read the new short story in this copy. 😍

Here's my review of Junji Ito's Tombs! The review is broken down in the images, but here's the text:

The art was fantastic, very immersive and visceral. Some of the stories ended pretty abruptly, a bit disorienting. I will take away some of the concepts and world-building. I believe the aim of the book was for an all around unsettling experience and some commentary on things in society. The aim was fulfilled very well. I think the book is meant for a pretty specific audience, but for people in that audience I would definitely recommend it. A wonderfully horror-filled experience.

While I have been familiar with his work for a while, this is the first Junji Ito book I've actually read. I watched the Junji Ito collection on Netflix before reading this and was surprised to see how accurate it was. It was a great reading experience, though some of the images are very visceral and it's definitely not for everyone. If you can handle body horror though, this is definitely for you. Many of the characters are unsettling in their written personality, even without extreme artwork being associated with them. This is a must read for fans of horror Manga. My only drawback is that some of the stories end feeling unfinished - this may have been to keep the audience guessing or come to their own conclusion, but it feels pretty abrupt. Like a page or two more needed to be added. Overall, I really enjoyed these stories and their unique concepts.

VERY rough sketch for the cover of the custom copy of THE LOVE THAT BINDS US. Smudged the ink a bunch of times because I've never used this pen over gesso (oops). Next comes painting!! I'm excited to use my fancy heavy body acrylics I've never broken into.

Time for my review of @aidenschmaiden's THE SUNBEARER TRIALS! I'm hoping to review every book I read from now on, let's see how long this lasts. I even have this heckin cool journal that breaks down book reviews -- it can be seen in the photos but I'll also type it out for easy reading:

4.5 Stars

What a great book! A fantasy world that normalizes queer identities, wonderfully written. I will take away how unapologetically all the characters were themselves. A wonderful setting with vivid scenery.
The aim of the book that I interpreted was demonstrating true tests of character, and how your actions affect others, along with doing what you feel is right in your heart -- no matter the cost.
I would absolutely recommend this book to others! It kept me engaged even with my inability to focus at times. I believe the target audience is anyone YA and up!
A wonderful quest in seeing people for who they truly are, regardless of social standing -- and treating them with the kindness in our hearts.
I really enjoyed the way this book treated gender dysphoria and handled it with care without making it the whole focus if the trans experience -- showing gender euphoria too! The cast of characters was incredibly diverse and it made the book feel well rounded, and it was great to learn the different backgrounds and cultures in this world. I love the confidence that Teo built throughout the trials, and how he still chose to protect his friends regardless of the rankings. That twist at the end really got me though! I can't wait to see how Teo and Niya deal with the events of the ending in the second book.

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@nixblackwood

Your book is so relatable. I love that it doesn't flinch. I love how you lean in and tell the whole story. It is so true to my lived experience as a foster child. I know these characters. I know these experiences. "The Secrets that Kill Us" is fantastically well written.

- Kisstopher Musick, Cinnabar Moth Publishing

Praise & Reviews

Wow. What a book. It is truthful, and raw and just beautiful. This book is about overcoming trauma, learning secrets and lies and being there for one another. This book has hard truths about what the world is like for a young girl in a queer relationship with a mother who isn't accepting of anything that isn't hetero.

- Goodreads Review

Oh my goodness this book was so good and so much more than I expected. The Secrets That Kill Us is heavy, emotional, and heartbreaking. It grabbed my heart from the beginning and never let go keeping me fully immersed in the story.

- Amazon Review

About Phoenix Blackwood

Born and raised in New England, Phoenix has always been a creative – whether it’s painting or writing. From a very young age, Phoenix has envisioned and created characters, writing them into existence and exploring them through visual arts.

Phoenix Blackwood

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About Phoenix Blackwood