Moon & Sage: An Afroqueer Afrofuturism Novel (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798285716693)

In the aftermath of a devastating nuclear war, the world lies in ruins without borders or leadership. Survivors wander a scorched, lawless landscape in search of sanctuary. Rumors spread of peace in the deserts of the West, leading many to journey across the barren former United States. Near the ancient boulders of Joshua Tree in the Mojave Desert, a unique community called the Artisans emerges. Indigenous elders and African travelers, drawn together by a shared connection to the land, form a society built around seven families, each named after a desert creature: Coyotes, Jackrabbits, Quails, Crows, Tortoises, Rattlesnakes, and Jerboas. They practice sustainable living without currency, religion, or politics, embracing freedom and fluidity in a world reborn.

The arrival of a caravan from a distant bunker-city on the East Coast challenges the Artisans' way of life. These newcomers bring news of attempts to restore the old world's systems, sparking intrigue and fear among the Artisans. The caravan leader begins to court Mojave, a charismatic Artisan who believes in the possibility of true love. However, the leader's intentions are deceptive, aiming to win influence and control over the community through fear and manipulation. A philosophical divide grows as some Artisan youth become fascinated by the outsiders' technologies and luxuries. To address these tensions, the elders send the youth on quests guided by their spirit animals, testing their loyalty to Artisan values. An ancient prophecy warns of the arrival of a "mirror people" who could either fracture or strengthen the Artisans' unity.