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Landlocked in Foreign Skin
"LANDLOCKED IN FOREIGN SKIN is a blend of far-future science and ancient folkloric religion... sharp and quirky."
-- Ai Jiang, Stoker and Nebula award-winning author of Linghun and I Am AI
How far would you go to reclaim your stolen body?
The Fisherman would do anything.Anything to return to their natural, monstrous state in the alien oceans of Europa. But they've been kidnapped, trapped on a human ship, forced into human form--very pathetic--and dragged into the mad Dame Isobel's plot to find an eldritch god. Dame Isobel's a young billionaire heiress who also seems...very interested in sharing a bed with the Fisherman. Strange. All of this is strange.
The Fisherman can't fathom why anyone would want to be human.
Dame Isobel is desperate to find an eldritch god in the hopes that it will heal her mortally-injured girlfriend. Stuck in a female human form, the Fisherman is pulled into a toxic romantic relationship with Dame Isobel-- in a world where being LGBT is punishable by death. In the midst of this insanity, it's quite clear to the Humanity is confusing, inefficient, and messy. When Isobel reveals that she will never let the Fisherman go, even if they find the god, the Fisherman time to get violent.
-- Ai Jiang, Stoker and Nebula award-winning author of Linghun and I Am AI
How far would you go to reclaim your stolen body?
The Fisherman would do anything.Anything to return to their natural, monstrous state in the alien oceans of Europa. But they've been kidnapped, trapped on a human ship, forced into human form--very pathetic--and dragged into the mad Dame Isobel's plot to find an eldritch god. Dame Isobel's a young billionaire heiress who also seems...very interested in sharing a bed with the Fisherman. Strange. All of this is strange.
The Fisherman can't fathom why anyone would want to be human.
Dame Isobel is desperate to find an eldritch god in the hopes that it will heal her mortally-injured girlfriend. Stuck in a female human form, the Fisherman is pulled into a toxic romantic relationship with Dame Isobel-- in a world where being LGBT is punishable by death. In the midst of this insanity, it's quite clear to the Humanity is confusing, inefficient, and messy. When Isobel reveals that she will never let the Fisherman go, even if they find the god, the Fisherman time to get violent.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2025
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1164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
November 15, 2024
This is exactly the kind of weird, gruesome, and thought-provoking story I crave always.
When Drew Huff reached out and said that this might be something I'd like and gifted me a digital copy to read and review, she couldn't have been more correct.
Firstly, you are thrown into this story with no coddling. It's disorientating at first but also thrilling. I felt very aligned to the main characters' feelings of confusion because of this.
I really don't want to explain out too much of the plot because I went into this completely blind and I felt so much more of a thrill because of it and it was exciting to learn about the setting as the story went.
However, I will mention the topics it handled: Homophobia, self-harm, classism, and toxic relationships. Through the alien eyes of the main character, the Fisherman, you are presented with a difficult to stomach snapshot of humans and all the terrible things we do to each other. I loved the social commentaries contained in this story.
Also, the erotic scenes are some of the best I've read in a long time. Every part of this story contains multitudes.
This novella made me feel like a starved man sat down in front of a buffet. You're always hoping to stumble upon a story that you can gorge yourself on and let me tell you, I feasted.
Thank you again to Drew Huff for the e-arc of this!
When Drew Huff reached out and said that this might be something I'd like and gifted me a digital copy to read and review, she couldn't have been more correct.
Firstly, you are thrown into this story with no coddling. It's disorientating at first but also thrilling. I felt very aligned to the main characters' feelings of confusion because of this.
I really don't want to explain out too much of the plot because I went into this completely blind and I felt so much more of a thrill because of it and it was exciting to learn about the setting as the story went.
However, I will mention the topics it handled: Homophobia, self-harm, classism, and toxic relationships. Through the alien eyes of the main character, the Fisherman, you are presented with a difficult to stomach snapshot of humans and all the terrible things we do to each other. I loved the social commentaries contained in this story.
Also, the erotic scenes are some of the best I've read in a long time. Every part of this story contains multitudes.
This novella made me feel like a starved man sat down in front of a buffet. You're always hoping to stumble upon a story that you can gorge yourself on and let me tell you, I feasted.
Thank you again to Drew Huff for the e-arc of this!
November 4, 2024
Thank you to the author and Booksirens for a copy of this book. It comes out in January!
Wow, this is unlike anything I've ever read in the science fiction genre. I wasn't sure what to expect after the first chapter but then I gradually became obsessed with this unique tale.
Isobel traps The Fisherman on her ship while she hunts down the undersea God. She thinks this God will help heal her girlfriend. She needs The Fisherman to help her get those answers. The Fisherman just wants their skin back though, to go back home.
A science fiction novella that is easy to follow and understand, I quickly became invested in this story. I found the characters, the setting and their motives absolutely fascinating. The story moves around from drama to mystery, to full blown horror. The writing style is poetic and almost feels like the characters are dancing through their story.
Plenty of plot twists (I don't think anyone will guess how this story eventually plays out!), interesting background stories (I'd read a full length novel on this) and characters. A fascinating world in general and some wild steamy romance.
I recommend this to pretty much anyone who thinks it sounds even a smidge to their taste.
I want it to be a movie!
Wow, this is unlike anything I've ever read in the science fiction genre. I wasn't sure what to expect after the first chapter but then I gradually became obsessed with this unique tale.
Isobel traps The Fisherman on her ship while she hunts down the undersea God. She thinks this God will help heal her girlfriend. She needs The Fisherman to help her get those answers. The Fisherman just wants their skin back though, to go back home.
A science fiction novella that is easy to follow and understand, I quickly became invested in this story. I found the characters, the setting and their motives absolutely fascinating. The story moves around from drama to mystery, to full blown horror. The writing style is poetic and almost feels like the characters are dancing through their story.
Plenty of plot twists (I don't think anyone will guess how this story eventually plays out!), interesting background stories (I'd read a full length novel on this) and characters. A fascinating world in general and some wild steamy romance.
I recommend this to pretty much anyone who thinks it sounds even a smidge to their taste.
I want it to be a movie!
January 27, 2025
Full review to come in Scream Horror Magazine
March 4, 2025
To taste. Oh, to taste. If we did this when I had my skin, I could sing the genetics of her.
3.5 stars. What an extremely weird little novella... man. I liked it quite a bit, and it has some really interesting and unique world-building, but it also made me really uncomfortable and sad. In a way that it clearly intended to! So I have to give it kudos. The science fictional world-building, the unique and weird writing style, and the alien perspective had me riveted at first. In the latter half, things become a lot heavier on the horror, and it gets really viscerally gruesome in an extremely effective way. To say nothing of the social horror and the homophobia that the characters have to contend with.
The story takes place on Europa, and the main character is one of the native creatures who inhabit its seas. At the beginning of the book they're captured by the ship of a wealthy socialite, have their "skin" stolen away from them, and they're forced to shapeshift into the body of a woman. Isobel, their captor, is broken, insane and will do whatever it takes to complete her mission: find the god of this world so they can heal Isobel's lobotomised girlfriend. The story takes off from there, and I truly could not have predicted the places it would go. It was such a fascinating read, gory and perverse. I loved the way the author establishes the Fisherman's alienness through writing style and form. Books where we look at humanity through the eyes of another species are always so interesting, and in this, it's also pretty bleak. I loved the portrayal of desperation and yearning on all sides. The Fisherman is determined to escape and get back to their home in the sea, and Isobel, while being a pretty unsympathetic character, sometimes made me really feel for her. That lesbian is Not Okay, lol, to put it mildly. All of the characters are feral to some degree, and it made the story all the more enjoyable.
I thought the plot got a bit too convoluted in the second half; there were several threads that kinda escaped me. And I wasn't a fan of the way certain things were explained to the reader. (I wanted something more interesting than simply switching POVs and having an entire narrative arc just told to us.) All in all, the second half was a bit weaker, and while the action and intrigue did ramp up, it didn't hook me quite as much as the first half.
Some spoilery thoughts:
Very, very interesting little novella. Right up my alley, in terms of the kind of Weird Fiction I like. It didn't quite hit all my buttons, but I enjoyed it a lot! I did notice several typos and errors, but they weren't major, and I expect/hope they've been cleaned up for the final version. Definitely give this a try if you're in the market for weird, queer sci-fi/horror.
Content warnings:
☆ Review copy provided via BookSirens/the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Darkness implied a nothing, an invisible. To not exist. Everything existed. We changed to perceive it.
December 10, 2024
This is my first novel by Huff and I must say-I am impressed. Horror with some spice! This is a Sapphic Sci Fi novella and it hits all the points. It is weird, bizarre and completely original. When I first started, I was a bit lost but I stuck with it out of curiosity and I am so glad I did.
Dame Isobel is the perfect sort of toxic and you can’t help feeling for the Fisherman right away. The creativity is out of this world (literally) and I loved the underwater setting. This one tests the notion of what it is to be human and so much social commentary. It was thought provoking for a small novel and packed quite the punch!
Dame Isobel is the perfect sort of toxic and you can’t help feeling for the Fisherman right away. The creativity is out of this world (literally) and I loved the underwater setting. This one tests the notion of what it is to be human and so much social commentary. It was thought provoking for a small novel and packed quite the punch!
December 4, 2024
Huff's awesome debut novel Free Burn hinted at her ability to craft something entirely new and original, and this Sapphic sci-fi novella definitely delivered! Theres Toxic romance (🌶️ included), shape-shifting aliens, graphic violence, and good social commentary that elevates the narrative to new heights.
Dame Isobel is a wealthy young woman who seeks the aid of a cosmic underwater being known as 'The Wishing Fish' to grant her wish of helping her girlfriend, who was punished for being in a queer relationship with her. In order to find the whereabouts of this alien-god she captures one of its creatures and keeps them captive until her wish is granted. What ensues is a toxic relationship and a probing of what it means to be human in a world careening toward self-destruction.
This novella starts off slowly and can be disorienting at first, but it gradually becomes more engaging as the situation of 'The Fisherman' being held captive on a ship becomes clearer. I found it fascinating to see how the creature navigated its surroundings and attempted to understand the self-centered nature of humans, who consistently harm each other for selfish reasons. I couldn't help but feel for The Fisherman as they were being manipulated and exploited by Dame Isobel who was a very unlikable character. My only criticism is that I wish the world beyond the ship had been more developed, including the time period in which the story takes place. However, I really enjoyed the story and the idea behind the alien-creatures and appreciated its thought-provoking commentary on issues like littering, colonization, wealth inequality, the struggles faced by queer individuals and survivors of toxic relationships.
This author is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already, her work is incredibly creative. However, please note that this particular book deals with sensitive themes such as suicide attempts, homophobia, LGBT conversion therapy, and more but handled in a considerate and respectful manner.
Many thanks to the author for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Set to release January 25th, 2025.
Dame Isobel is a wealthy young woman who seeks the aid of a cosmic underwater being known as 'The Wishing Fish' to grant her wish of helping her girlfriend, who was punished for being in a queer relationship with her. In order to find the whereabouts of this alien-god she captures one of its creatures and keeps them captive until her wish is granted. What ensues is a toxic relationship and a probing of what it means to be human in a world careening toward self-destruction.
This novella starts off slowly and can be disorienting at first, but it gradually becomes more engaging as the situation of 'The Fisherman' being held captive on a ship becomes clearer. I found it fascinating to see how the creature navigated its surroundings and attempted to understand the self-centered nature of humans, who consistently harm each other for selfish reasons. I couldn't help but feel for The Fisherman as they were being manipulated and exploited by Dame Isobel who was a very unlikable character. My only criticism is that I wish the world beyond the ship had been more developed, including the time period in which the story takes place. However, I really enjoyed the story and the idea behind the alien-creatures and appreciated its thought-provoking commentary on issues like littering, colonization, wealth inequality, the struggles faced by queer individuals and survivors of toxic relationships.
This author is definitely worth checking out if you haven't already, her work is incredibly creative. However, please note that this particular book deals with sensitive themes such as suicide attempts, homophobia, LGBT conversion therapy, and more but handled in a considerate and respectful manner.
Many thanks to the author for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Set to release January 25th, 2025.
October 30, 2024
4 stars. This was my kind of weird and bizarre. It’s well written and wonderfully atmospheric and dark. I found the characters to be conundrums and complex which was fun. The plot was cool but my one main complaint is that this felt like I was just dropped into the middle of a story and so some things ended up not making sense to me. I did like it though because I found that it came together well by the end for me. It’s a short and quick read but it’s definitely one that I would recommend if you’re looking for something unique and a bit creepy.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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September 25, 2024A big thank you to the author for an ARC of the book for a blurb!
LANDLOCKED IN FOREIGN SKIN is a blend of far future science and ancient folkloric religion told through a sapphic unravelling identity mystery filled with manipulation and adaptation—sharp and quirky.
LANDLOCKED IN FOREIGN SKIN is a blend of far future science and ancient folkloric religion told through a sapphic unravelling identity mystery filled with manipulation and adaptation—sharp and quirky.
November 27, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Landlocked in Foreign Skin is a sapphic sci-fi mixed with horror novella, written by Drew Huff. An original and powerful story set in a ship sailing through the icy waters of Europa, following an alien creature, the Fisherman, who has been stripped of her skin, forcing her to be trapped inside the boat without the possibility of shapeshifting, locking here in the human form, in what becomes a great mix of cosmic horror, sapphic awakening and mystery.
Starting with an experience akin to her reborn, the Fisherman discovers her prison in the form of a woman, transmitting to the reader (as Huff took a smart decision of telling the entire story through her eyes) her first sensations, foreign for her, but most importantly, that she needs to recover her skin. But soon, she discovers that she's just a pawn in a bigger game for the Dame Isobel, in the hopes of finding the Wishing Fish (an ancient god for the Fishermen) and restore her lobotomized "friend" and stop the marriage her parents have arrange to cover the scandal; not only that, but she starts treating the Fisherman as her sexual possession, in a world where they must keep it hidden, as homosexuality is heavily punished.
However, there's another layer of conflict over it, as soon we will become aware of the dangers inside the boat; cosmic horror elements are added to the equation, complicating but enriching the story. Being narrated by a non-human creature, Huff reflects some contradictions of the humanity (and especially towards homosexuality), while also showing the novelty of feel like a human; but the whole cast is well developed, especially Isobel, who plays the role of villain, but who, on the inside, hides a scared girl, desperate for fleeing a world that doesn't accept her nature.
Despite being a novella, we can appreciate a huge amount of worldbuilding on it; not only the folklore around the Fishermen and their gods, but also the own human society, which resembles a bit to Victorian's prejudices, especially toward women. All is introduced without much info dump, naturally into the narration.
The pacing is relatively fast, with a precise prose that enhances the effect. We have a bunch of steamy scenes that fit perfectly into the novella, especially taking into account the POV, and there's also a bit for the gore lovers (similarly to Free Burn).
Landlocked in Foreign Skin is, simply, excellent. A sci-fi novella which successfully plays with its cosmic horror elements, and that especially shines due to the character's voice; if you want something different but equally amazing, you should definitely pick this novella.
Landlocked in Foreign Skin is a sapphic sci-fi mixed with horror novella, written by Drew Huff. An original and powerful story set in a ship sailing through the icy waters of Europa, following an alien creature, the Fisherman, who has been stripped of her skin, forcing her to be trapped inside the boat without the possibility of shapeshifting, locking here in the human form, in what becomes a great mix of cosmic horror, sapphic awakening and mystery.
Starting with an experience akin to her reborn, the Fisherman discovers her prison in the form of a woman, transmitting to the reader (as Huff took a smart decision of telling the entire story through her eyes) her first sensations, foreign for her, but most importantly, that she needs to recover her skin. But soon, she discovers that she's just a pawn in a bigger game for the Dame Isobel, in the hopes of finding the Wishing Fish (an ancient god for the Fishermen) and restore her lobotomized "friend" and stop the marriage her parents have arrange to cover the scandal; not only that, but she starts treating the Fisherman as her sexual possession, in a world where they must keep it hidden, as homosexuality is heavily punished.
However, there's another layer of conflict over it, as soon we will become aware of the dangers inside the boat; cosmic horror elements are added to the equation, complicating but enriching the story. Being narrated by a non-human creature, Huff reflects some contradictions of the humanity (and especially towards homosexuality), while also showing the novelty of feel like a human; but the whole cast is well developed, especially Isobel, who plays the role of villain, but who, on the inside, hides a scared girl, desperate for fleeing a world that doesn't accept her nature.
Despite being a novella, we can appreciate a huge amount of worldbuilding on it; not only the folklore around the Fishermen and their gods, but also the own human society, which resembles a bit to Victorian's prejudices, especially toward women. All is introduced without much info dump, naturally into the narration.
The pacing is relatively fast, with a precise prose that enhances the effect. We have a bunch of steamy scenes that fit perfectly into the novella, especially taking into account the POV, and there's also a bit for the gore lovers (similarly to Free Burn).
Landlocked in Foreign Skin is, simply, excellent. A sci-fi novella which successfully plays with its cosmic horror elements, and that especially shines due to the character's voice; if you want something different but equally amazing, you should definitely pick this novella.
November 28, 2025
4.5 happily rounded up! Rtc!
Highlights
~eldritch horrors cannot be depended on
~eat the rich (and everybody else)
~fucking with space-selkies is a BAD idea
~trust no one
~choose violence
YE GODS, HOW MUCH I FREAKING LOVED THIS ONE, I CANNOT EVEN!
This is a dark, bitter story that twists in unexpected directions like a writhing eel. If you like selkies, you might want to try this out, because the selkie vibes are very strong here, especially in the first half – but it’s a bit like, what if fucking with selkies was a REALLY BAD IDEA, actually? What if selkies mostly ignored humanity and it would be a very, VERY bad idea to give them a reason to pay attention?
That’s more or less the premise, and I adore it.
Our unnamed protagonist is supposed to be an incredibly versatile shapeshifter living deep in the oceans of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Their species aren’t super social, but at the same time, they know every other member of their species – there’s no such thing as an individual existing in secret. And they love learning; information, often in the form of stories, are currency for them. (As are questions, even without answers – I think the implication being because a new question gives you so much to think about? SO COOL.)
However, our mc is having a very bad day. Some spoiled rich girl, Dame Isabel, has had them hauled up out of the ocean, and their skin – which they need to shift shapes – cut away. Our mc only barely managed to mimic Isabel enough to turn more-or-less human before they lost all ability to transform. Cue an extremely toxic sexual relationship, which is about 2/3s the mc trying to pay/bargain for their skin back, and 1/3 the massive hormonal confusion that is being in a human body. (I got the idea that because the mc based their human form on Isabel, who is a lesbian, their form is attracted to human women like Isabel is attracted to human women. Don’t quote me on that, though.)
It’s so fucked-up! If you want to read about deeply fucked-up sapphics, with awful power dynamics and an alien’s confusion about human bodies, here you go! If you’re craving a lesbian character who is an unrepentantly terrible person in all the ways, ta da, you’re going to love Isabel! Do you, like me, wonder what it’s called when a human-looking being eats humans, because technically that can’t be cannibalism? I HAVE THE BOOK FOR YOU.
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
Highlights
~eldritch horrors cannot be depended on
~eat the rich (and everybody else)
~fucking with space-selkies is a BAD idea
~trust no one
~choose violence
YE GODS, HOW MUCH I FREAKING LOVED THIS ONE, I CANNOT EVEN!
This is a dark, bitter story that twists in unexpected directions like a writhing eel. If you like selkies, you might want to try this out, because the selkie vibes are very strong here, especially in the first half – but it’s a bit like, what if fucking with selkies was a REALLY BAD IDEA, actually? What if selkies mostly ignored humanity and it would be a very, VERY bad idea to give them a reason to pay attention?
That’s more or less the premise, and I adore it.
Our unnamed protagonist is supposed to be an incredibly versatile shapeshifter living deep in the oceans of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Their species aren’t super social, but at the same time, they know every other member of their species – there’s no such thing as an individual existing in secret. And they love learning; information, often in the form of stories, are currency for them. (As are questions, even without answers – I think the implication being because a new question gives you so much to think about? SO COOL.)
However, our mc is having a very bad day. Some spoiled rich girl, Dame Isabel, has had them hauled up out of the ocean, and their skin – which they need to shift shapes – cut away. Our mc only barely managed to mimic Isabel enough to turn more-or-less human before they lost all ability to transform. Cue an extremely toxic sexual relationship, which is about 2/3s the mc trying to pay/bargain for their skin back, and 1/3 the massive hormonal confusion that is being in a human body. (I got the idea that because the mc based their human form on Isabel, who is a lesbian, their form is attracted to human women like Isabel is attracted to human women. Don’t quote me on that, though.)
It’s so fucked-up! If you want to read about deeply fucked-up sapphics, with awful power dynamics and an alien’s confusion about human bodies, here you go! If you’re craving a lesbian character who is an unrepentantly terrible person in all the ways, ta da, you’re going to love Isabel! Do you, like me, wonder what it’s called when a human-looking being eats humans, because technically that can’t be cannibalism? I HAVE THE BOOK FOR YOU.
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
December 29, 2024
This sapphic scifi novella seethes with queer rage. I loved the emotional turmoil as I tried to rationalize each character's agenda. The morals couldn't get much greyer.
While Landlocked leans scifi, I think it has strong horror elements. I'm not sure whether the existential dread or the evisceration was more unsettling, but I'm hooked either way.
Thanks so much to the author for sending me an ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
While Landlocked leans scifi, I think it has strong horror elements. I'm not sure whether the existential dread or the evisceration was more unsettling, but I'm hooked either way.
Thanks so much to the author for sending me an ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
February 8, 2025
OMIGOODNESS did i ever just devour this book. And what a lip licking delicious meal it was.
The horror, the suspence, the plot twists, the worldbuilding, the lust, and the writing. Omigoshness the WRITING that put you RIGHT in the Fisherman's head, grabbed you by the throat and forced you to see everything exactly as she saw it.
Mmmm I'm absolutely obsessed with this book and want to read it all over again and live in this world forever.
The horror, the suspence, the plot twists, the worldbuilding, the lust, and the writing. Omigoshness the WRITING that put you RIGHT in the Fisherman's head, grabbed you by the throat and forced you to see everything exactly as she saw it.
Mmmm I'm absolutely obsessed with this book and want to read it all over again and live in this world forever.
January 29, 2025
Landlocked in Foreign Skin is a crazy ride of a book. It defies categorization. A mashup of dystopian sci-fi, body horror, and sapphic spicy love story with ancient alien sea beasts and mystery all rolled up in one. A weird and wild novella. Thank you to Dru Huff for the ARC. It releases today January 28, 2025.
July 23, 2025
This story occasionally confused me, and the unique writing style required some time for me to adjust, but I ended up liking this. It was weird, gross and dark, and I liked the direction that the author went with it. Solid horror novella for me.
Darkness didn’t exist. Darkness implied a nothing, an invisible. To not exist. Everything existed. We changed to perceive it.
Darkness didn’t exist. Darkness implied a nothing, an invisible. To not exist. Everything existed. We changed to perceive it.
April 5, 2025
4.5/5. It was weird … and I liked it.
August 21, 2025
What a weird horror-sci-fi novella. I didn't know what was happening at all, which was amazing. Definitely check the content warnings if you're unsure; this work doesn't pull any punches.
October 12, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
October 9, 2024
Major praise and appreciation to Drew Huff for this advanced reading through BookSirens, this novella is truly a unique experience and niche read.
The story takes place on a ship sailing the icy waters of Europa, starting with the painful and raw rebirth-like experience of the native “Fisherman” being peeled from their skin and gawked at while they are moulded into the shape of a human woman. You are immediately made to be experiencing everything above the surface for the first time alongside them in their fragile new form and deemed useless human skin, figuring out how to describe these foreign sensations, new genitalia, and surroundings but more importantly how to get back to their thousands of years old adaptable skin that is being held hostage in an aquarium tank on another floor- their only escape option from this floating prison.
We discover quickly that our poor Fisherman is an unfairly acquired pawn in the desperate mission to find “the Wishing Fish” sea god and creator of their kind set on by the secondary main character/heartbroken captor, Dame Isobel, in hopes of restoring her beloved lobotomized /friend/ and halting the marriage to a man her parents have chosen in order to keep her scandal under wraps once and for all. Things become a little bit more complicated as Fisherman is treated as a new sexual possession by Isobel in a world where homosexuality is punishable by lobotomies and/or death if it isn’t successfully“cured” by electroshock therapy, something she has been made well aware of after being forced by her family to witness both fates.
The story is set in what feels like a familiar and modern era with the painful and dangerous remnants of societal values of another time. The characters are full of complexity, you condemn Dame Isobel for her selfish nature and actions while also mourning the scared and tender girl lying below the surface- quite literally trapped playing the role her parents command out of /their/ fear of being ostracized.
“She was only what she was raised to be.”
While this book may only be 176 pages, Landlocked in Foreign Skin is bold and unapologetic in its undeniable uniquity, truly unlike anything I have ever read.
4.5/5
The story takes place on a ship sailing the icy waters of Europa, starting with the painful and raw rebirth-like experience of the native “Fisherman” being peeled from their skin and gawked at while they are moulded into the shape of a human woman. You are immediately made to be experiencing everything above the surface for the first time alongside them in their fragile new form and deemed useless human skin, figuring out how to describe these foreign sensations, new genitalia, and surroundings but more importantly how to get back to their thousands of years old adaptable skin that is being held hostage in an aquarium tank on another floor- their only escape option from this floating prison.
We discover quickly that our poor Fisherman is an unfairly acquired pawn in the desperate mission to find “the Wishing Fish” sea god and creator of their kind set on by the secondary main character/heartbroken captor, Dame Isobel, in hopes of restoring her beloved lobotomized /friend/ and halting the marriage to a man her parents have chosen in order to keep her scandal under wraps once and for all. Things become a little bit more complicated as Fisherman is treated as a new sexual possession by Isobel in a world where homosexuality is punishable by lobotomies and/or death if it isn’t successfully“cured” by electroshock therapy, something she has been made well aware of after being forced by her family to witness both fates.
The story is set in what feels like a familiar and modern era with the painful and dangerous remnants of societal values of another time. The characters are full of complexity, you condemn Dame Isobel for her selfish nature and actions while also mourning the scared and tender girl lying below the surface- quite literally trapped playing the role her parents command out of /their/ fear of being ostracized.
“She was only what she was raised to be.”
While this book may only be 176 pages, Landlocked in Foreign Skin is bold and unapologetic in its undeniable uniquity, truly unlike anything I have ever read.
4.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
What a visceral and raw look at an archaic society bent on control and eradication of anyone “different”. Combined with the presence of an alien species, this book reads like a fever dream but underneath it all is a fucked up love story. Thank you Drew for sending me an ARC. If weird fiction is your jam, give this novella a read when it publishes January 28, 2025.
March 19, 2025
you don't get to die
-- oh, that was a good one. bizarre, twisted, and very much queer horror
-- oh, that was a good one. bizarre, twisted, and very much queer horror
November 5, 2024
I'm quickly learning that there's nothing Drew Huff does better than writing deep lore. After tearing through her debut novel, FREE BURN, I needed more of that depth, and LANDLOCKED IN FOREIGN SKIN delivered in spades.
This novella was full of gruesome and erotic moments in equal measure. Love, tension, betrayal, revenge; it's got it all!
This novella was full of gruesome and erotic moments in equal measure. Love, tension, betrayal, revenge; it's got it all!
December 21, 2024
Had an eloquent review of 500 words for this book and it unfortunately got nerfed. My spirit for rewriting it all is pitifully low, but here’s the Sparknotes.
The gist: I think this book has great ideas, but it attempts valiantly to girlboss too close to the sun on the wax wings of its 166 page limit.
What worked for me:
- The voice of this narrative really sells it. Most of the time, it feels authentically like I’m in the head of an alien ripped out of their skin and forced to live as a prisoner on a human ship. (I say mostly because there are a few lapses I noticed… why does the alien not know the term yellow but knows “candy-pink”, for example?). The narrative voice is appropriately choppy and visceral.
- Isobel is annoying. She’s the toxic lesbian love interest holding our alien protagonist captive, so that’s probably intentional.
- Incredibly creative ideas at play here. Alien creatures with hides that carry flesh-memory? That’s fire.
- Subtle environmentalism message woven in nicely and in a way that doesn’t distract from the main narrative.
What didn’t work for me:
- This book just has way too many irons in the fire when it comes to themes and subplots, such to the degree that several characters’ decisions (and their motivations) have to be explained in an info-dump near the end of the novella.
- Purely a matter of personal taste: but I disagree with the book’s central thematic tenet that human society oppresses others (particularly LGBT and poor people) for the sake of “efficiency”. In the book’s own words: “If you rebelled, you were a defective portion of society and would be culled… That was all it was. Efficiency. There was no respect for life, for consciousness, for the individual will.” And while it could be the case that this is just an alien’s perception of human society, it’s never challenged. My problem with this notion isn’t that capitalistic society doesn’t value efficiency, but that it almost seems like an overly-rationalized and unemotional explanation for bigotry. Bigotry is inherently irrational, even if bigoted people try real hard to defend themselves.
- This book has typos in it. Not many, but possibly more than the three I noticed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The gist: I think this book has great ideas, but it attempts valiantly to girlboss too close to the sun on the wax wings of its 166 page limit.
What worked for me:
- The voice of this narrative really sells it. Most of the time, it feels authentically like I’m in the head of an alien ripped out of their skin and forced to live as a prisoner on a human ship. (I say mostly because there are a few lapses I noticed… why does the alien not know the term yellow but knows “candy-pink”, for example?). The narrative voice is appropriately choppy and visceral.
- Isobel is annoying. She’s the toxic lesbian love interest holding our alien protagonist captive, so that’s probably intentional.
- Incredibly creative ideas at play here. Alien creatures with hides that carry flesh-memory? That’s fire.
- Subtle environmentalism message woven in nicely and in a way that doesn’t distract from the main narrative.
What didn’t work for me:
- This book just has way too many irons in the fire when it comes to themes and subplots, such to the degree that several characters’ decisions (and their motivations) have to be explained in an info-dump near the end of the novella.
- Purely a matter of personal taste: but I disagree with the book’s central thematic tenet that human society oppresses others (particularly LGBT and poor people) for the sake of “efficiency”. In the book’s own words: “If you rebelled, you were a defective portion of society and would be culled… That was all it was. Efficiency. There was no respect for life, for consciousness, for the individual will.” And while it could be the case that this is just an alien’s perception of human society, it’s never challenged. My problem with this notion isn’t that capitalistic society doesn’t value efficiency, but that it almost seems like an overly-rationalized and unemotional explanation for bigotry. Bigotry is inherently irrational, even if bigoted people try real hard to defend themselves.
- This book has typos in it. Not many, but possibly more than the three I noticed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 4, 2024
Thank you to the author, Drew Huff, for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review! To be published January 2025!
"How human. The desire to never change. Never adapt."
This is a STRONG book that packs a punch in only 134 pages. We follow Fisherman, who has been essentially kidnapped from her home in the water, had her adaptive skin stripped from her, and is forced to live functionally as a human on a ship.
Huff's style of writing is so set and confident. As I was reading it, I felt as though I was reading the work of a classic piece of cosmic horror where the tone of the genre had been born. It is unlike anything I've ever read.
There are a lot of queer allegories in this story, as well as some straightforward moments of talking about the pain of being queer while living in a world that punishes you for it. Huff puts you solidly in the shoes of Fisherman, making some truly hysterical observations about the human condition and how cruel we are to both each other and creatures we see as being unimportant in comparison to our comfort and continuation. Fisherman's thoughts and epiphany moments never feel trite or preachy, we feel as though we are learning about things for the very first time as she is because her understanding of things is so surface level and new, that her descriptions of them don't even resemble the thing she's talking about at first. Like genitalia, or food, or clothing.
Our other main character, Isobel, is extremely complicated. I went back and forth, hating her and then sympathizing all in one page. She may or may not be the true villain of the story. I think if I was more well-versed in cosmic horror, I may have been able to come out of this with a clear cut answer, but this book was my first foray into the genre, so I think this one is on me.
Huff's prose are refreshingly new and funny. Insanely creative, disgusting, scary, and thought-provoking. She drops so many little pieces of information on every page that you absolutely have to know what the hell is going on, propelling you to the end of the book.
I really enjoyed my time with this one and will not be getting on a mining ship anytime soon:)
"How human. The desire to never change. Never adapt."
This is a STRONG book that packs a punch in only 134 pages. We follow Fisherman, who has been essentially kidnapped from her home in the water, had her adaptive skin stripped from her, and is forced to live functionally as a human on a ship.
Huff's style of writing is so set and confident. As I was reading it, I felt as though I was reading the work of a classic piece of cosmic horror where the tone of the genre had been born. It is unlike anything I've ever read.
There are a lot of queer allegories in this story, as well as some straightforward moments of talking about the pain of being queer while living in a world that punishes you for it. Huff puts you solidly in the shoes of Fisherman, making some truly hysterical observations about the human condition and how cruel we are to both each other and creatures we see as being unimportant in comparison to our comfort and continuation. Fisherman's thoughts and epiphany moments never feel trite or preachy, we feel as though we are learning about things for the very first time as she is because her understanding of things is so surface level and new, that her descriptions of them don't even resemble the thing she's talking about at first. Like genitalia, or food, or clothing.
Our other main character, Isobel, is extremely complicated. I went back and forth, hating her and then sympathizing all in one page. She may or may not be the true villain of the story. I think if I was more well-versed in cosmic horror, I may have been able to come out of this with a clear cut answer, but this book was my first foray into the genre, so I think this one is on me.
Huff's prose are refreshingly new and funny. Insanely creative, disgusting, scary, and thought-provoking. She drops so many little pieces of information on every page that you absolutely have to know what the hell is going on, propelling you to the end of the book.
I really enjoyed my time with this one and will not be getting on a mining ship anytime soon:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2024
Wow, this short book packs one hell of a punch. It reads a bit like a brutal, beautiful alien fever dream, visceral in the literal sense, queer and gruesome and ultimately triumphant in its own bloody, gutted way. Recommended for readers who can handle gore, body horror, and a direct look at the horrors of homophobia and hate—and the ugly reality that those who suffer can also perpetuate harm. While this isn’t a book I’d read when I felt in need of comfort or escapism, I found the spare, graceful science fiction worldbuilding fascinating, and came to care deeply for the main character.
(I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
(I received a free ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
October 30, 2024
This is one of the weirdest books I've read all year, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible. This entire book felt like a whiplash.
My only complaint really is that it's so short but it also seems complete so it's not really a complaint.
The Fisherman felt very alien to me and also seemed to undergo humanity in a very interesting way. Discovering what it means to be human, as an alien sea creature was described so well.
I can only recommend this (but you need to be able to handle the weirdness and the lack of clarity at points).
Thank you to Booksirens for the e-ARC.
My only complaint really is that it's so short but it also seems complete so it's not really a complaint.
The Fisherman felt very alien to me and also seemed to undergo humanity in a very interesting way. Discovering what it means to be human, as an alien sea creature was described so well.
I can only recommend this (but you need to be able to handle the weirdness and the lack of clarity at points).
Thank you to Booksirens for the e-ARC.
January 13, 2025
This was a thought-provoking and gruesome sapphic sci-fi novella. It was engaging and extremely readable. The beginning was so unsettling with our MC (the Fisherman) asking for their skin, and Dame Isobel continuing to give them the brush off. Dame Isobel was creepy and frustrating (just give the Fisherman her skin gah!) in equal measure.
I felt that our MC and Isobel did fall into a sexual relationship quite abruptly; I would’ve liked more development there, a bit more push and pull between them. Aeter, the Wishing Fish, the Dreaming Impulse, was a very cool concept, and just as arrogant as a god would be. You’re dropped right in the middle of the story which I quite liked (added to the mystery) but I can see how others might not enjoy that.
Recommended if you’re after something unique and fast paced.
3.75 stars rounded up.
I felt that our MC and Isobel did fall into a sexual relationship quite abruptly; I would’ve liked more development there, a bit more push and pull between them. Aeter, the Wishing Fish, the Dreaming Impulse, was a very cool concept, and just as arrogant as a god would be. You’re dropped right in the middle of the story which I quite liked (added to the mystery) but I can see how others might not enjoy that.
Recommended if you’re after something unique and fast paced.
3.75 stars rounded up.
September 28, 2025
one thing about me, I love a book about a freaky little guy!! This was great, I had such a fun time following Fisherman and learning all the little details about this world.
my only real comment is that the twists were a little wacked out. they were still super fun to read, but I definitely found myself getting confused on who was who and what the timeline was.
my only real comment is that the twists were a little wacked out. they were still super fun to read, but I definitely found myself getting confused on who was who and what the timeline was.
January 30, 2025
Truly the most fascinating book I've ever read. The sheer uniqueness of it puts this in a tier all on its own. Definitely look into triggers as this dives into some dark topics.
June 27, 2025
4.25?
Not a fan of the instalust, but otherwise, really interesting 👀 this author is doing weird things that I'm really loving I have to read more
Not a fan of the instalust, but otherwise, really interesting 👀 this author is doing weird things that I'm really loving I have to read more
September 18, 2025
To those imprisoned in obsolete skins, lives, values, and ideals,
To the smothered,
To the lost:
I see you.
I really enjoyed this gruesome little sapphic sci-fi horror novella! I've been busy as hell so I read this slowly but this could easily be read in one sitting. I was sucked into the story from the very start. It was quite visceral yet so curious to experience the world through our protagonist's eyes and skin. The body horror throughout the novella was exquisite.
I honestly wish there was more of this book! I feel like the sci-fi aspects could've been explored further and the social commentary could be even more cutthroat.
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