Standalone

Motheater

"[T]he book’s relationships — between Bennie and Motheater, and between Motheater and the mountain — remain utterly compelling, and I was swept away by Codega’s poetic, evocative writing."

The Washington Post

"[E]xtraordinary...Imbued with the awe-inspiring might of the Appalachians, this impressive work of ecofiction explores the tension inherent in balancing respect for the natural world and the need to make use of its resources."

Booklist, Starred Review!

"Appalachia comes alive in Codega’s atmospheric debut fantasy... Codega weaves Appalachian magic and Southern cunning throughout their protagonists’ crusade and brings in an exploration of what it is to be queer in the South. Readers will find lots to love."

Publisher's Weekly

"What an amazing read! Richly textured and full of bright, beating hope, Motheater is a captivating debut."

Rory Power, New York Times-bestselling author of Wilder Girls

"With Motheater, Codega weaves a darkly enthralling yarn steeped in loss and rage,deftly spinning Appalachia's past, present, and its rich folkloric tradition into something much more than the sum of its parts."

Gretchen Felker-Martin, USA Today-bestselling author of Manhunt and Cuckoo

"When an Appalachian reader says a book feels like home, Motheater is what they mean: magic tied deep in the mountains, history written on the bones, everyday folks facing down titans. This debut is absolutely beautiful."

Andrew Joseph White, New York Times-bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us and The Spirit Bears Its Teeth

"With a voice as unique and haunting as the Appalachian setting, Codega delivers an enchanting story of witchcraft, nature and industry, and the power of a love that can move mountains."

Hester Fox, author of The Book of Thorns

"A haunted church, a living mountain, an Appalachian witch called from a sleep lasting more than a century—this is a unique tale of love and magic, of a curse to be undone and an environmental disaster to be averted. Motheater will enchant all readers of witch stories!"

Louisa Morgan, Endeavor Award finalist for A Secret History of Witches

"An exhilarating adventure that shakes the foundations, pure Americana at its core, Motheater is absolutely riveting from beginning to end. A masterful portrayal of the magic of Appalachia."

K. Ancrum, award-winning author of The Wicker King

"Linda H. Codega’s Motheater is a haunting, ambitious tale that explores vital themes of nature, industry, and identity through the lens of Appalachian folklore. While its execution is uneven, the novel’s atmospheric setting, lyrical prose, and complex characters make it a worthwhile read for fans of queer fantasy and eco-gothic fiction. Though not without its flaws, Motheater leaves a lasting impression, inviting readers to ponder the choices we make—and the promises we break—in the name of survival."

Book CLB

"I loved how earthy and grounded this book felt, despite the fantasy elements. I loved the depictions of moral complexities and stark choices. I definitely look forward to reading whatever Codega comes up with next!"

The Skiffy and Fanty Show

"'Motheater' is a promising debut that marks Linda H. Codega as an author to watch in the fantasy genre.... For those seeking a fantasy that goes beyond traditional tropes to offer a unique and socially relevant story, 'Motheater' is an essential addition to their reading list."

Medium, Jeff Murdock