by Angie E.

Imagine a collection of stories where Black Mirror (Netflix series) meets Get Out, reminiscent of Octavia E. Butler’s work, blending science fiction, horror, and fantasy to tackle issues of race, class, and prejudice. This thrilling and often heartbreaking debut introduces an extraordinary new voice.

Justin C. Key has been fascinated by monsters since childhood. Growing up reading R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps, he pictured himself heroically battling monsters. However, watching Scream 2, where the only Black couple is swiftly killed off, made him realize that Black and Brown characters in his favorite genre were often the victims or villains—if they appeared at all. In The World Wasn’t Ready for You, Key broadens and redefines the horror genre to delve into themes of race, class, prejudice, love, exclusion, loneliness, and the essence of humanity, exposing the inherent horror within us all.

The opening story, “The Perfection of Theresa Watkins,” begins as a sci-fi love story, but quickly turns nightmarish when a husband employs new technology to transfer his deceased Black wife’s consciousness into the body of a White woman. To secure an early release, a Black inmate joins an experimental medical study in “Spider King” and soon faces disturbing side effects. In the collection’s title story, a father strives to protect his son by teaching him how to maneuver a prejudiced world that perceives him as a threat. “The Quantum Mechanics of the Heart” is an examination of both quantum physics and emotional connections, poignant and intellectually stimulating. Another keeper, “The Last Library,” transports readers to a world where libraries are sentient beings, safeguarding knowledge and memories. The sad beauty of this tale lingers long after the last page.

Key’s writing is lyrical, infused with wonder and empathy. His ability to evoke emotions through speculative scenarios is commendable. Whether it’s a grieving astronaut seeking solace among the stars or a time-traveling violinist chasing echoes of lost melodies, Key’s characters grapple with universal truths. The World Wasn’t Ready for You is a testament to the power of speculative fiction. It challenges conventions, celebrates diversity, and invites readers to question their own existence. Key’s storytelling transcends genres, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.