Aden Polydoros

Aden Polydoros is an American author known for writing young adult novels that blend horror, fantasy, and queer themes. His works frequently incorporate elements of Jewish folklore and mythology. Polydoros gained recognition with his 2021 gothic horror novel "The City Beautiful," which follows a Jewish immigrant teenager in 1893 Chicago who becomes possessed by a dybbuk while investigating his friend's murder. This book received several accolades including the Sydney Taylor Book Award. His subsequent novel "Bone Weaver" (2022) is a fantasy set in an alternate historical Russia, featuring undead creatures and drawing from Slavic mythology. In 2023, he published "The Archive Undying," his first adult science fiction novel about a post-apocalyptic world with mechanical gods. Polydoros holds a degree in English and currently resides in Chicago. His writing consistently explores themes of identity, faith, and survival while incorporating diverse LGBTQ+ representation.

Readers praise Polydoros' skilled incorporation of Jewish folklore and LGBTQ+ themes into horror and fantasy settings. The atmospheric writing and historical details in "The City Beautiful" earned particular recognition from readers focused on Jewish representation in YA literature. Likes: - Authentic portrayal of Jewish culture and traditions - Complex character relationships - Atmospheric worldbuilding - Integration of historical events with supernatural elements - LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural to the story Dislikes: - Some readers found pacing slow in early chapters - Plot complexity can be challenging to follow - Horror elements too intense for some YA readers Ratings: - The City Beautiful: 4.0/5 on Goodreads (5,000+ ratings) - Bone Weaver: 3.9/5 on Goodreads (3,000+ ratings) - The Archive Undying: 3.8/5 on Goodreads (1,000+ ratings) Multiple reviews highlight the author's research depth and thoughtful handling of cultural elements. As one Goodreads reviewer noted: "The Jewish representation feels lived-in rather than researched."

The City Beautiful - A Jewish immigrant teenager in 1893 Chicago becomes possessed by a dybbuk while investigating his friend's murder amid the World's Fair.

Bone Weaver - In an alternate historical Russia, three unlikely allies navigate a landscape of undead creatures and Slavic mythology while uncovering dark secrets about their world.

The Archive Undying - In a post-apocalyptic future, a scavenger forms a dangerous connection with a mechanical god while confronting the remnants of a fallen civilization.

Seanan McGuire writes horror-fantasy with queer themes and complex mythological elements woven throughout her stories. Her work regularly features LGBTQ+ characters navigating supernatural worlds while exploring identity and belonging.

Anna-Marie McLemore creates stories that blend magical realism with cultural folklore and queer narratives. Their work centers trans and queer characters while incorporating elements of Mexican folklore and Jewish traditions.

Rory Power writes dark fantasy and horror that features queer protagonists and body horror elements. Her work explores themes of identity and survival in settings where reality and horror intersect.

T. Kingfisher combines folklore retellings with horror elements and gothic atmospheres. Her work features detailed world-building and mythology while maintaining focus on character relationships and identity.

Rivers Solomon writes speculative fiction that examines identity and survival through a queer lens. Their work incorporates elements of horror and fantasy while exploring themes of history and marginalized experiences.