Let the Mountains Be My Grave unfolds at breakneck pace in 1944 Italy, where partisan Veleno thinks of nothing but killing as many Nazis as he can before leaving this world. Beloved by the ancient Italic goddess Angitia, Veleno is the perfect person to recover a strange weapon the Nazis are planning to use against the Allies in the battle of Montecassino, but doing so may force him to confront his death differently than he expects.
Part of the 2022 Neon Hemlock Novella Series.
Francesca Tacchi is a neurodiverse, queer writer of dark and humorous fantasy. Xe's based in Bologna, Italy, where xe shares an apartment with xir spouse, a chonky shiba pup and three dozen plants. Francesca's a huge history nerd, and strives to share xir country's history and folklore through xir works. Xe can be found on Twitter at @jackdaw_writes, where xe posts historical threads amidst the shitposting. Other than being a part of Neon Hemlock's 2022 Novella Series, xe is also a contributor to the young adult anthology TRANSMOGRIFY! (HarperTeen 2023).
"A touching story about finding hope in times of war and desolation, with a fascinating take on the survival of pagan magic." - Xiran Jay Zhao, author of Iron Widow
"Reads like a shot of adrenaline! An explosive, high-octane queer Nazi-fighting fantasy packed with tightly-paced action, ancient Gods, and unexpected allies." - Anya Ow, author of Cradle and Grave
"An intense and thrilling historical fantasy that combines bloody action, sharp character work, ancient gods, and a touch of romance." - Charles Payseur, author of The Burning Day