- Sapphic sci-fi/fantasy anthology: inventive, diverse, inconsistently executed.
Distant Gardens
Distant Gardens is an ambitious anthology built around an inventive premise: sapphic-centered science fiction and fantasy stories interwoven with botanical and ecological themes. The collection is notably inclusive, featuring representation across lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, demisexual, trans, and non-binary identities. The inclusion of content warnings, representation notes, and heat ratings before each story is a thoughtful addition, providing readers with clear guidance on what to expect.
As with many anthologies, the quality and tone of the stories vary throughout the collection. Some pieces showcase strong worldbuilding, humor, or emotional resonance, while others read as stilted, overly drawn out, or disconnected from the overarching theme. A few draw on pre-existing contexts, which may make them harder for new readers to fully engage with. Shifts in pacing and tone between stories contribute to an overall sense of disjointedness.
Despite these inconsistencies, the anthology includes several standout moments. Certain stories balance wit, strangeness, and poignancy in ways that leave an impression, and the variety of imaginative settings ensures there is something to appeal to different tastes. The range of creative scenarios demonstrates the contributors’ inventiveness and the editors’ effort to highlight diverse voices.
Overall, Distant Gardens is a mixed but engaging collection. While uneven in execution, it offers inclusivity, variety, and imaginative ideas that may resonate with readers seeking sapphic representation in speculative fiction, though it may not appeal to everyone.
His largest project is the Dissolutionverse, a space opera featuring music-based magic, encompassing ten books and an RPG. He also has a standalone epic fantasy with seasonal fruit-based magic, published through an LGBTQ+ small press. Currently, he is working on a hard sci-fi trilogy about a generational colony ship and a planet covered by a fungal entity.
A native of North Carolina, William has been a lifelong fan of science fiction and fantasy. He holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and has experience designing and operating heavy construction machinery. Since 2003, he has trained in Wado-Ryu karate and now runs his own dojo in Raleigh, NC. He is also an avid video and board gamer, beekeeper, reader, and, of course, writer.
