Skin Folk by Nalo Hopkinson
reviewed by David Soyka
Fables of all cultures, regardless of geographical origin, explore at times related subjects of sex and violence that begin and end this collection. Casting this folklore in more contemporary terms, sometimes with science fictional elements, is her forté. In this compilation, you get a vivid sense of how these urges define the human condition. And not always for the better.

Brown Girl In The Ring by Nalo Hopkinson
reviewed by Donna McMahon
When Ti-Jeanne got pregnant, she walked out on her charming, buff-addicted boyfriend Tony, and went back to live with her grandmother. Mami Gros-Jeanne is the local expert in herbs, healing and magic -- old lore from Jamaica that Ti-Jeanne has never wanted anything to do with. But soon she has no choice. Powerful visions are invading her mind, and then she is drawn into helping Tony escape the local druglord. To survive, Ti-Jeanne must learn to use the powers of obeah, even though she is terrified of going insane like her mother before her.

Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson
reviewed by Neil Walsh
This novel is a supernatural horror in a near-future urban setting. The core of Toronto has been abandoned by the wealthier citizens who fled to the 'burbs after severe rioting. The city centre is inhabited only by the formerly homeless and poor, now squatters, and is ruled by a gang known as "the posse."