Nadia and Tony are looking for a light when war and invasion are leaving a shadow of desensitization over the people of Lebanon. In the end, they try to keep hope during the 1982 invasion by looking to God, but the paradox is, the war is about God. Ibrahim's family is trying to escape their religious persecution, war, and despair. The characters are struggling against all odds to survive something they have no say. Jawaher Ibrahim needs to keep her family safe and survive the bombshells and the jetfighters attacks. Hashem tries to escape his country's ailments through drinking. Marwan is trying to keep the family together in the middle of gruesome bombings. Laila is fighting quietly for whatever is left of her family. They are all caught in a cobweb of intriguing events. They want to keep their humanity as they watch their friends and family damaged from the drugs, rape, and killings that coexist with their battle to reach a resolution. In all this whirlpool, love is blooming. Would love triumph over war?
Hal Duncan Book order
Hal Duncan is the author of Vellum, which was a finalist for both the William H. Crawford Award and the Locus Award for Best First Novel. He is a member of the Glasgow SF Writers’ Circle. He lives in the West End of Glasgow.







- 2019
- 2019
Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. This book celebrates her life and work.
- 2018
The Land of Somewhere Safe
- 100 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The Scruffians: street waifs Fixed by the Stamp to provide immortal slave labour. But now they've nicked the Stamp and burned down the Institute that housed it, preventing any more of their number being exploited. Hounded by occultish Nazi spies and demons, they leave the Blitz behind in search of somewhere safe to stow it...
- 2017
A Scruffian Feastiary
- 108 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Set in a gritty world, this collection of tales follows the Scruffians, a group of resilient characters who have endured slavery and hardship. From the Children’s Crusades to the dark alleys of Victorian London, they navigate a life of survival, revenge, and camaraderie. With a mix of humor and grit, the stories explore themes of liberation and justice, featuring unforgettable events like carnival chaos and festive feasts. Readers are invited to join in the adventure, where even a found finger in the stew is seen as a sign of good luck.
- 2017
A Scruffian Survival Guide
- 118 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set in a gritty world of poverty and resilience, the story follows the lives of urchins known as Scruffians, who navigate the harsh realities of child labor and survival. These spirited characters, often foundlings sold to the wealthy, embody a defiant attitude, refusing to be subdued by their circumstances. Through their tales and songs, they share lessons on resilience and cunning, inviting readers into their vibrant, albeit harsh, existence. The narrative promises a blend of raw emotion and survival wisdom from the streets.
- 2017
Susurrus on Mars
- 126 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Set on a terraformed future Mars, this novella-length collection features a unique character—a gene-spliced child of the gods Zephyros and Ares—who engages in flirtation and seduction. The narrative blends raucous humor with deep philosophical insights, presenting a modern twist on classic Greek mythology. Hal Duncan's acclaimed writing style is both intellectually stimulating and engaging, making this work a distinctive exploration of identity and desire in a fantastical setting.
- 2017
A Scruffian Primer
- 106 pages
- 4 hours of reading
In a gritty world where children are subjected to harsh labor, the Scruffians emerge as resilient heroes. Flashjack, Puckerscruff, and their companions, including a dog named Yapper, escape the oppressive Waiftaker General and the Institute. Together, they embody the spirit of rebellion and friendship, showcasing their unique personalities and survival skills. This story invites readers to explore themes of freedom, camaraderie, and the fight against injustice through the eyes of these spirited young characters.
- 2017
Sodom / New Sodom
- 60 pages
- 3 hours of reading
Drawing inspiration from the razing of Sodom as a foundational myth for the queer experience, this chapbook presents twelve new works that blend various poetic and musical influences. It serves as a passionate manifesto, urging artists to respond to loss and adversity with creativity and resilience. The collection reflects a rich tapestry of emotions and themes, calling for empowerment and expression in the face of challenges.
- 2016
Testament (Paperback)
- 402 pages
- 15 hours of reading
In a provocative exploration of faith and truth, the narrative unfolds across two distinct eras, intertwining the time of King Herod with a contemporary setting. A student embarks on a journey to reconstruct a Gospel that resonates with modern ideals of anarchism, socialism, and revolution. As he challenges traditional beliefs and invites followers to embrace a more compassionate message, the story delves into themes of mercy versus sacrifice, ultimately heralding the end of an empire. The backdrop shifts from a Hebridean fishing village to a politically charged Jerusalem, enhancing the dramatic tension.
- 2015
Testament
- 400 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Set across two aeons, the narrative explores the reconstruction of a Gospel by a devoted student in a world shaped by anarchism and revolution. It challenges traditional teachings, inviting readers to embrace a new understanding of mercy over sacrifice. The story weaves through historical settings, from a Hebridean fishing village to Jerusalem under oppressive rule, as a messiah figure calls out to the marginalized. This provocative tale urges a reevaluation of faith and truth in a contemporary context.