The Working
I’m so proud that my ecofeminist, solarpunk, Witchy, contemporary fantasy is out in the world and that so many are getting to know the coven! Plus, following their lead to change the world.
A modern coven must thwart a looming eco-cataclysm and find the key to the bright futures we need.
Betsy’s a modern-day Witch with an ageless problem: she’s worried about screwing up her coven’s ritual. Again. But the coven has a bigger issue to face—the destruction of their home thanks to a fracked gas pipeline. And then an even bigger problem—a greed-fueled entity will soon obliterate Earth’s ability to support life.
Follow the coven as they sort among allies and threats, human and ethereal, and seek the magic to avert the cataclysm.
The Working is available wherever you buy books. Consider a source that supports independent bookstores like bookshop.org—they now have e-books! You can also request The Working through your library.
I’m honored: The Working is among the top 5 solarpunk books!
Praise for The Working
“In The Working, BrightFlame shows us why she’s a master of climate fiction and lunarpunk. Her novel is a compelling narrative following five witches seeking to repair what’s wrong with the world. I was left wanting to have a meeting with this coven. Highly recommended!”
—Renan Bernardo, Nebula & Ignyte finalist author of Different Kinds of Defiance
“BrightFlame’s writing is a joy and a gift. The Working stays grounded in actionable solutions to the existential threats of corporate greed and climate change, with the characters fighting for better futures on both the physical and metaphysical planes.”
—Sarena Ulibarri, author of Another Life
“A heady mix of magic and environmental activism, written by a real Witch who knows her stuff and has a gift for embedding knowledge of trance and ritual into fiction.”
—Starhawk, bestselling author of The Fifth Sacred Thing
“I love the real-life witchcraft in this witchy solarpunk from BrightFlame. Alternating between the POVs of all the witches in the coven brings in the community aspect of solarpunk storytelling, with the unique twist that the climate crisis is entangled in both the mundane and the supernatural!”
—Susan Kaye Quinn, author of the Nothing is Promised series
“BrightFlame draws deeply on lived experience to spin a web of connections: between five modern-day witches, their astral/spiritual ancestors, and our troubled planet. Each of the five main point-of-view characters struggles with a complex assortment of demands and cares, but each in their own way is engaging and loveable. Together they form a coven family that is fully relatable–a treat for those who value chosen family stories and complex characters! As the characters confront escalating challenges, The Working offers insightful steps leading the way through an entrancing journey—with a quintessential Hopepunk ending that feels like coming home.”
—Clara Ward, author of Be the Sea
“This page turner showcases witches as powerful agents of transformation … Through their unique abilities and viewpoints, the ensemble coven shows the strength found in community and the potential for change from marginalized voices. A captivating read that empowers and inspires.”
—Jeff Lilly, editor of The Druid Journal
“…The story has strong environmental messages. There is also deep love and appreciation for the natural world… All the witches are very different people, but they treat each other like sisters, which was nice to see. They felt like real people to me… You might enjoy The Working if you’re interested in witchcraft, solarpunk, care about the environment and are looking for a hopeful story.”
—Alina Leonova, author of Wild Flowers, Electric Beasts
Readers Say
“Excellently written and tightly plotted! … The author also flitted between character POVs quite skillfully. … Highly recommended!”
“BrightFlame brings magic to life and shows us the way to a brighter more equitable future … The coven siblings feel real and fleshed out, gifts and flaws exposed for all. You’ll find yourself rooting for them and chances are you’ll identify with bits of all them and perhaps all of one of them.”
“This story is magic itself.”
“Read the blueprint! Change the world!”
“An inspiring and magical story that explores both the joy and challenges of community work. There is a lot of wisdom in these pages.”
“This book is for those who can imagine another world where justice and compassion prevail. Loved it!”
“I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It is a timely story that envisions a brighter future. Filled with hope at a time when we really need it.”
“I really loved The Working.” “A fun read that inspires action!”
“Hopeful, fun, and imaginative, and all 5 of the lead cast were great.