by Henry Hoke
First published 2023
A queer mountain lion lives beneath the Hollywood sign in drought-stricken hills. The lion watches over a homeless encampment while observing hikers who trek past complaining about their problems. The creature carries language in their brain with nowhere to express it, wrestling with gender identity and memories of an abusive father. When wildfire destroys the encampment, the lion flees into Los Angeles proper. In the city, they encounter temptations and dangers while confronting climate disasters, earthquakes, and floods. The lion's internal voice grows louder as they navigate the inequalities of urban life. Their journey leads to an ultimate choice between consuming humans or joining them. The lion remains both wild and tender, struggling with the burden of consciousness while seeking connection in a hostile world.
Genres: fiction, animals, fantasy, contemporary, 21st-century, lgbt
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, genderqueer, nature-vs-nurture
Setting: Hollywood, Los Angeles
Period: 21st-century
160 pages · Hardcover · MCD
Content warnings: abuse, mental-illness