Blog Archive

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ADRIAN M. GIBSON is a Canadian author, podcaster and illustrator (as well as occasional tattoo artist). He was born in Ontario, Canada, but grew up in British Columbia. He studied English Literature and has worked in music journalism, restaurants, tattoo studios, clothing stores and a bevy of odd jobs. In 2021, he created the SFF Addicts podcast, which he co-hosts with fellow author M. J. Kuhn. The two host in-depth interviews with an array of science fiction and fantasy authors, as well as writing masterclasses.

Adrian has a not-so-casual obsession with mushrooms, relishes in the vastness of nature and is a self-proclaimed “child of the mountains.” He enjoys cooking, music, video games, politics and science, as well as reading fiction and comic books. He lives in Quito, Ecuador with his wife and sons.

Publisher: The Kinoko Book Co. (March 19, 2023) Length: 398 pages Formats: ebook, audiobook, paperback

Gibson’s debut pits the mushroom-headed denizens of Neo Kinoko against the Coprinian forces. Even though the Spore War ended, its aftermath remains devastating - food shortages, poverty, and an influx of war refugees. Coprinian oppressors exploit their power without offering any improvements for the “Fungals”.

I need more fungi in fiction, and Gibson brings the goods to the table. His world-building is impressive, with vivid descriptions of mold, mycelium, and floating spores. While getting a full grasp of the claustrophobic setting may require patience, it’s also exciting. Neo Kimoko is a unique fungal city that wants to infest you. I loved the diversity of perspectives and richness of the setting. The story offers insights into the lives of all sides, including those living in squalor, human oppressors, thriving gangsters, and corrupt authorities.

“Mushroom Blues” focuses on the native inhabitants of Hōppon, the fungal people, who face invasion and occupation by humans. They endure life in ghettos, subsisting on mushrooms and rations while suffering from racism and abuse. The humans treat them as aliens, and it shows on every page.

Henrietta and Koji are excellent leads with complex dynamics. Henrietta is a strong female lead who tries to deal with social pressures, past traumas, and investigative duties. She starts as mycophobic and racist, but she’s willing to grow. She has no choice given what the author has in store for her (including a stomach-churning fungal body-horror).

Koji, meanwhile, grapples with conflicting loyalties as a cop serving under oppressive authorities and Neo Kimoko’s inhabitant. Loathed by his colleagues, and not trusted by his compatriots, Koji leads a strenuous life.

Mushroom Blues blends genres just how I like it: it incorporates elements of police procedural, murder investigation, body horror, action, and psychological drama. Not to mention surreal fungal weirdness, which is incredibly cool. I appreciate the fresh take on familiar themes.

While the pacing occasionally falters, and the resolution of life-threatening situations through Deus ex machina moments disappoints, these issues didn’t significantly decrease my enjoyment of the story.

Mushroom Blues is a strong debut written with passion and clarity. If you crave some fungal weirdness in your life, you’ll have fun reading it. Recommended.