New sci-fi book rec: "Hell's Heart"
Alexis Hall’s sci-fi novel “Hell’s Heart” – described as “Moby Dick, set in space, with lesbians” – is earning praise for its wild energy Review: Hell’s Heart by Alexis Hall | Joyfully Jay, 16 new fantasy and science fiction books to read in March 2026.
Hall's "Hell's Heart" officially debuted March 10, 2026, in the US and a few days later in the UK. It's a science fiction reimagining of "Moby Dick" with sapphic themes. The story follows Ishmael, a trans woman, as she hunts Leviathans in space and falls in love. The novel's plot mirrors "Moby Dick," but with significant differences. Instead of hunting whales in Earth's oceans, the crew hunts creatures in Jupiter's atmosphere. The মূল্যবান spermaceti is a hallucinogenic substance harvested from Leviathans' brains, used to sustain life in the solar system. "Hell's Heart" explores themes of capitalism, exploitation, and religious oppression. The main character, "I," grapples with suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behavior. The story also delves into identity, acceptance, and the search for meaning in a ruined world.
