Magnificent

By Novae Caelum

The world wants me to be a "normal" hero, but I'm genderqueer, and I'm never going to fit into their molds. So how do you save the world when you're just trying to figure out who you are?

 

Having a superpowered family is hard. My dad's a famous superhero and my mom used to be a villain. Toss in my older sister who loves showing off her powers almost as much as she loves boys and you basically have my life: far from ordinary.

 

All I ever wanted to do was fly with my family and help save the world. But I didn't get my own powers until bullies cornered me for not acting like the girl they thought I was and I had to defend myself. Having a secret identity is hard, but there's more than one kind of mask, and I can't wear my masks much longer. I'll soon find out if the world's ready for a genderqueer hero.

 

Magnificent is a nonbinary transgender superhero novella with lots of heart, big issues, a bit of snark, and a happy, triumphant ending.

 

Content note: I always hesitate to put a content warning, because I think it sometimes pre-colors the reading of the story. So, I'm going to put a content note instead, with both the ups and the downs ahead. This story is raw and hits on a lot of raw issues, including homophobia, transphobia, bullying, gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidal ideation. It also includes learning self-worth, coming into your own, acceptance by those you love, acceptance of yourself, finding your power, and soaring above all you've been through. It does indeed have a happy, triumphant ending. Please read with discretion, love, and self-care.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Novae Caelum
• Release date: Jun 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393487586

Novae Caelum

Novae Caelum is an author, illustrator, and designer with a love of spaceships and a tendency to quote Monty Python. Star's had stories in Diabolical Plots, Intergalactic Medicine Show, Escape Pod, Clockwork Phoenix 5, and Lambda Award winning Transcendent 2: The Year's Best Transgender Speculative Fiction, as well as translated into German and Estonian. Novae is nonbinary, starfluid, and uses star/stars/starself or they/them/their pronouns. Most days you can find star with digital pen in hand, crafting imaginary worlds. Or writing alien poetry. Or typing furiously away at stars serial genderfluid romance novels, with which star hopes to take over the world. At least, that’s the plan.