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Karen Lord
@drkarenlord.bsky.social
3.2K followers 130 following 320 posts
Author of THE BLUE, BEAUTIFUL WORLD. Home: Barbados, West Indies 🇧🇧. More info on me and my books at karenlord.wordpress.com
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Did you think I was kidding when I said this book is amazing and you should preorder it now? Kudos to coeditors @annaleen.bsky.social and @older.bsky.social, and our incredible roster of writers and activists, for creating such a marvellous work!
Library Journal Starred Review We Will Rise Again: Speculative Stories and Essays on Protest, Resistance, and Hope Saga. Dec. 2025. 384p. ed. by Karen Lord and others. ISBN 9781668095959. pbk. $20. SCIENCE FICTION Inspired by the groundbreaking anthology Octavia’s Brood, editors Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older present a new collection of essays from current agents for social change, along with visionary and speculative fiction set in alternate worlds where people are fighting the good fight against injustice and oppression. Standouts include Laia Asieo Odo’s “Where Memory Meets the Sea,” a heartbreaker about the manipulation of history and the crush of grief; Jaymee Goh’s “A Brief Letter on the Origins of the Harpy Aviary in the Kirani Citadel,” a wryly satirical story about sanctioned rebellions carried out with the application of a flock of harpies; and Charlie Jane Anders’s “Realer Than Real,” which examines the enforcement of gender norms. Other stories explore social activism, collective action, the fear of change, the possibility of hope along multiple axes from community justice to anarchism, human rights across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and for people with disabilities, the difficulty of combatting crisis fatigue, and the desperation to make others see what they’d prefer to avoid. VERDICT: This thought-provoking and inspiring collection is highly recommended for readers looking for visions that represent hope and change, as well as anyone who loves the work of Octavia Butler. — Reviewed by Marlene Harris , Oct 01, 2025
September 30, 2025 at 5:51 PM
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Follow the authors and editors of our anthology to learn more about each amazing story and essay!
In this guide for imagining a better tomorrow … Tobias S. Buckell and editor Karen Lord’s ‘The Mighty Slinger’ A short story exploring gentrification, colonisation, and the power of the protest song. Out 2 December 2025 Available for pre order now. Book cover graphic of We Will Rise Again: Speculative stories and essays on protest, resistance, and hope. Edited by Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older
September 12, 2025 at 6:37 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
and that’s why my memory of the first time I saw Henry Cavill’s face is so filled with joy 😆

pictured: fresh-faced teen Cavill, incognito real dad hero, unsuspecting fake dad villain, and canny woman surviving the terrible choices of the men in her life.
The Count of Monte Cristo. Pictured: fresh-faced teen Cavill, incognito real dad hero, unsuspecting fake dad villain, and canny woman surviving the terrible choices of the men in her life.
August 3, 2025 at 4:41 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
From today until 9 March, US readers can get the ebook of THE BEST OF ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS for $1.99 only!
Picture of novel The Best of All Possible Worlds by Karen Lord. Ebook available $1.99 from 3 - 9 March for US readers. Subject to change without notice, check price at your preferred retailer before purchase.
March 3, 2025 at 2:27 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
Posting this a day early. The ebook edition of Unraveling is on sale for $1.99 for readers in the US. One day only – 4 December 2024. Don’t miss out!
Cover of Unraveling, by Karen Lord. Ebook deal for Unravelling. $1.99 for readers in the US. For one day only on 4 December 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 12:32 AM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
The Blue, Beautiful World ebook is on sale for $1.99 from tomorrow for US readers!
Cover of book on a blue background with star charts. Ebook deal for The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord. Available for $1.99 from 18-24 November in for readers in the US. Prices subject to change without notice. Please make sure to check the price at your preferred retailer before purchasing.
November 17, 2024 at 11:02 PM
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KARLA’S CHOICE by @harkaway.bsky.social. Just arrived in the post 😊. I am so looking forward to having it in my hands for a good, long read! I started it in ebook format and was immediately engaged, but I want that tactile, hardcopy experience for this story.
Paperback ARC of Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway. Cover shows a duo of shadow/light silhouettes of a running man, with ‘The Legend Returns …’ and the publication date ‘24 October 2024’ printed in large white text.
October 31, 2024 at 3:20 PM
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Fall 2025, Saga Press. Mark your calendars!
Acquisition announcement. [Three photos of the editors Lord, Newitz, and Older] WE WILL RISE AGAIN: Speculative Stories About Political Protest, Resistance, and Hope. Karen Lord, Annalee Newitz, and Malka Older. Coming Fall 2025. Saga Press.
October 28, 2024 at 8:32 PM
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If you haven’t read REDEMPTION IN INDIGO yet, try it now while it’s on sale. If you HAVE read it, it’s time to pick up the sequel UNRAVELLING.
Cover of UNRAVELLING: a novel, by Karen Lord, author of REDEMPTION IN INDIGO.
October 20, 2024 at 1:08 PM
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A deal and a steal! Grab my debut novel for $1.99, still in print, still to be discovered by many. For US readers only from 18-24 October.
Graphic shows cover of book and information about the eBook deal for Redemption in Indigo for readers in the US. Available for $1.99 from 18-24 October.
October 17, 2024 at 5:56 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
Crane Beach. Atlantic Ocean. Barbados.
September 1, 2024 at 6:27 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
Looking forward to Trinidad and Bocas Lit Fest next week! Bocas is pretty much my home fest, and it’s been years since I’ve been there in person.
26 April, 10:30 am – 11:30 am, Old Fire Station, NALIS Fantastic Friday: Take Two SFF writers Karen Lord (The Blue, Beautiful World, longlisted for the 2024 Women’s Prize for Fiction) and Premee Mohamed (No One Will Come Back for Us) kick off our special day of events focused on Caribbean speculative fiction and fantasy, with readings and conversation with Akilah White. In partnership with the J.B. Fernandes Memorial Trust. 27 April, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Old Fire Station, NALIS Quarrelling With History How are conflicts and tensions of the present — from racism to war in the Middle East, xenophobia to climate change — rooted in injustices of the past? And what is the work of the creative imagination in envisioning better and more just futures? Christina Sharpe (In the Wake, Ordinary Notes), Karen Lord (The Blue, Beautiful World), and Myriam J.A. Chancy (Harvesting Haiti) join the debate, moderated by D. Alissa Trotz.
April 20, 2024 at 12:22 AM
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While I’m here … cover reveal!
Cover of Redemption in Indigo by Karen Lord, designed by The Book Designers. Psychedelic, multicoloured spider with four human eyes on an aqua, teal, indigo and purple patterned background. Quote at top of cover: ‘The natural heiress to Octavia Butler and Ursula Le Guin.’ — The Financial Times Cover of Unraveling by Karen Lord, designed by The Book Designers. A maze-like eye with a labyrinthine swirl for the iris, set between branches and leaves, pink and orange on a black background. Quote at top of cover: ‘The natural heiress to Octavia Butler and Ursula Le Guin.’ — The Financial Times The enchanting tale of mischief and myth-inspired by West African folklore—that became a fantasy classic, from the award-winning author of The Blue, Beautiful World. "[Karen Lord] uses the scaffolding of African and diasporic folklore to build a modern fairy tale with deep roots." — Los Angeles Review of Books Full description and preordering at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736803/redemption-in-indigo-by-karen-lord/ The search for a notorious serial killer takes a therapist on a nightmarish quest to an alternate world to find the sinister secret behind his crimes, in a dark fantasy inspired by Caribbean urban myth, from the award-winning author of The Blue, Beautiful World. "Karen Lord's new novel, Unraveling, mixes up a witches brew of folklore, archetype, and social critique and serves it in a mug of serial-killer whodunit." —Los Angeles Review of Books Full description and preordering at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/716428/unraveling-by-karen-lord/
December 15, 2023 at 12:54 AM
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Miami Book Fair tote and hospitality suite breakfast fare! My panel is at 12 noon. Just chilling until then.
Tote bag with ‘Miami Reads Miami Book Fair Miami Dade College’. Contents of bag on top, including Moleskin journal, Fair guide and several bookmarks, advertising cards, etc. Small sign saying ‘Lox and bagel bar’ on large wooden board with sliced bagels, tomatoes, strawberries, and red onion; smoked salmon, dill, green beans, and capers; and purple flowers as decoration. Also two pairs of small, clear plastic tongs for serving.
November 18, 2023 at 3:41 PM
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Miami Book Fair panel this month!
Miami Book Fair Miami Dade College ReadCaribbean: Echoes of the Caribbean: Exploring identity, culture, and resistance in contemporary literature. Karen Lord, The Blue, Beautiful World Kevin Jared Hosein, Hungry Ghosts Safiya Sinclair, How to Say Babylon Myriam J.A. Chancy, Harvesting Haiti Room 8302 Saturday, November 18 12 pm
November 1, 2023 at 4:09 PM
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Today is publication day for The Blue, Beautiful World! And look what arrived 😁
Stacked copies of books by Karen Lord. The Galaxy Game; The Blue, Beautiful World; and The Best of All Possible Worlds.
August 29, 2023 at 9:50 PM
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Lovely blurb from Tessa Gratton. The Blue, Beautiful World is out tomorrow (US edition) and this Thursday (UK edition)! Link in bio for information and ordering.
Cover of novel, The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord, with a tilted image of an iridescent iris against the starry darkness of deep space. Text above cover: ‘“An exquisite novel of galactic diaspora, of long-lost humankind coming home, The Blue, Beautiful World is a thoughtful and dreamlike examination of the goodness and potential in humanity.”—Tessa Gratton, author of The Queens of Innis Lear’ Text at bottom left: karenlord.wordpress.com @DrKarenLord (on twitter instagram tumblr bluesky)
August 28, 2023 at 1:42 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
Sharing another lovely blurb. This one is from the excellent @samitbasu.bsky.social
Cover of novel, The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord, with a tilted image of an iridescent iris against the starry darkness of deep space. Text above cover: ‘“Wherever you are, whatever your genre of choice, Dr. Karen Lord is essential reading. This is the thrilling, cerebral, empathetic, and hopeful speculative fiction the world absolutely needs—now and always.”—Samit Basu, author of The City Inside’ Text at bottom left: karenlord.wordpress.com @DrKarenLord (on twitter instagram tumblr bluesky)
August 25, 2023 at 6:48 PM
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I meant to be busier on social media and instead am busy elsewhere. Fortunately my agents are on the case!

Preorder The Blue, Beautiful World! US edition out this Tuesday 29 August, UK edition out on Thursday 31 August.
Cover of novel, The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord, with a tilted image of an iridescent iris against the starry darkness of deep space. The review quote: “The third book set in the Cygnus Beta universe offers a unique take on the first-contact novel… Fans of complex space operas will enjoy this immensely.” –Library Journal CMD CookeMcDermid
August 25, 2023 at 3:38 PM
drkarenlord.bsky.social
Trust @zenaldehyde.bsky.social ‘s excellent taste and preorder now!
Cover of novel, The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord, with a tilted image of an iridescent iris against the starry darkness of deep space. Text above cover says: ‘“The Blue, Beautiful World is science fiction at its best—unexpected, wise, and compassionate. We all need this book, more urgently than ever.” — Zen Cho, author of Black Water Sister.’ Text at bottom left: karenlord.wordpress.com @DrKarenLord (on twitter instagram tumblr bluesky)
August 21, 2023 at 6:22 PM
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A busy time until publication day. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Cover of novel, The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord, with a tilted image of an iridescent iris against the starry darkness of deep space. Booklist review quote above cover: "The Blue, Beautiful World is compelling and deep with rich world building, and the characters are endearing and interesting… inventive and big in a way that many science-fiction readers will find satisfying and exciting." CMD CookeMcDermid
August 14, 2023 at 1:06 PM
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Bluesky hasn’t seen this yet! Lovely words from Martha Wells. Publication date for The Blue, Beautiful World is 29 August for the US edition, 31 August for the UK edition. Busy fortnight ahead!
Cover of novel, The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord, with a tilted image of an iridescent iris against the starry darkness of deep space. Text above cover says: ‘“Karen Lord weaves a complex story of first contact from a unique perspective that is warm, engaging, and wildly original. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!” — Martha Wells, New York Times bestselling author of The Murderbot Diaries.’ Text at bottom left: karenlord.wordpress.com @DrKarenLord (on twitter instagram tumblr bluesky)
August 14, 2023 at 12:14 AM