Transsender and the Wendigo

ProtoH8 is killing the bees and threatening human annihilation. Far away from the apocalyptic struggle, a promised utopia springs up. The cure is in the bee venom given at the Friends of Apis sanctuary, but once you get there, you can't go home.

The Kickapoo Nation of Kansas loses many members to the H8rs, a roaming band of killer humans with the disease. Wintu's father tells him to stay clear of Friends of Apis. And the H8rs, he says, are greedy Wendigo spirits coming for the casino gold. Their attacks have become deadly. Wintu must find his twin sister, Wenona, wherever she is, and take her homewherever home is now.

Mix one part mythic thriller. One part magical realism. Streak with horror! Sit around the campfire and enjoy Transsender and the Wendigo. Integrating the magic of astral projection, telepathy, and telekinesis into a dystopian setting, Transsender is an updated retelling of the Kickapoo legend of the Great Spirit and Wisaka. It also stands as a cogent reminder of the monstrous treatment of indigenous peoples and a wake-up clarion of anti-racism and anti-slavery. (340 pages)

REVIEW:

"Post apocalyptic, sci-fi fantasy, spiritual First Nations. This was such a treat. We rarely get to read about the Kickapoo tribe. I just loved Transsender's surrealness. I felt like I was reading something out of Annihilation almost, that's how good it was.

When the Proto-H8 virus overwhelms the human population, many countries manage to close their borders and defend their people. The U.S. does not fare as well. The government all but disappears and the country becomes overrun with H8rsrage-filled, uncontrollable people who ultimately succumb to madness. For those still left, it's complete chaos, and that's the case for the tribal people left in the Kickapoo Nation of Kansas.

Once in the sanctuary, Wintu uncovers a reality that is far crazier than he could have imagined. He must dig deep into his soul to connect with his spirit guide, in order to save his twin sister, his girlfriend, and his friends, not just from the delusions of a mad scientist, but from something far worse and ancient roaming the Friends of Apis sanctuary."

REVIEW:

"The novel modernizes the Kickapoo legend of the Great Spirit and Wisaka, fusing surrealism, sci-fi, and introspection. Populated by intricate characters, it explores race, slavery, identity, and the fusion of human lives with extraordinary elements. A chance encounter with an otherworldly intruder begins a series of gripping events that propel the narrative forward. I particularly enjoyed how the author weaves together complex plot points and events, giving each character their moment in the spotlight.

Resembling the malevolent Wendigo spirit, the H8rs symbolize greed and oppression, blending traditional and contemporary elements to reflect timeless struggles. The story adeptly explores race, slavery, and their impact on human lives through science fiction elements and analogies. It offers a compelling commentary on these issues without being preachy. Characters' struggles with identity and systemic influences prompt reflections on power, privilege, and oppression in our society."

Joan d'Arc's SF / horror short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies worldwide. Her collection, Friends of Apis Radio: Fabulist Fiction Tales, has garnered multiple five-star reviews. Her fascination with Native American mythology influenced the story of Transsender. She is the past editor of Paranoia Magazine and Huntergatheress Journal.

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