Celeste, Author at A Literary Escape

SFINCS Review: A Prelude to Ashes by Thiago Abdalla

Published on October 27, 2023October 26, 2023 by Celeste1 Comment

Today’s review is about A PRELUDE TO ASHES by Thiago Abdalla. It’s a prequel novella set 100 years before The Ashes of Avarin series. Packed with action, those who prefer a focus on politicking and battle scheming should check it out.

This review is brought to you by my participation in the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”, is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.). I am part of Team Behind the Musings. You can find out more about us here.

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The Official Spooky Season Book Tag

Published on October 21, 2023October 21, 2023 by Celeste8 Comments

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I cut back on my posting frequency, particularly with respect to tags or weekly memes. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll never post that content again. When I saw The Official Spooky Season Book Tag pop up on various blogs, I thought it looked like a lot of fun. Since fun is good, here I am joining this tag. If you want to see other bloggers’ answers, check out Blogging With Dragons and Books Are 42.

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ARC Review: A Season of Monstrous Conceptions by Lina Rather

Published on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 by Celeste6 Comments

Today’s review is about A SEASON OF MONSTROUS CONCEPTIONS by Lina Rather. Described as an eldritch historical fantasy, this novella features uncanny births and the potential end of the world. It’s also a story about what it’s like to live in between worlds or the rules of society.

Author: Lina Rather
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Tordotcom
Publish Date: October 31, 2023
Print Length: 160

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of A Season of Monstrous Conceptions on Bookshop.org!*

*These are not affiliate links and I do not make a commission from any purchase made using these links.

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Book Review: Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer

Published on October 16, 2023October 10, 2023 by Celeste4 Comments

Today’s review is about KISSING KOSHER by Jean Meltzer. It’s a rivals-to-lovers romance that pits the members of two rival Jewish baker families against each other. What starts as Avital seeking help at work amidst a flare up of her chronic illness could make or break her family’s business.

Author: Jean Meltzer
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Mira Books
Publish Date: August 29, 2023
Print Length: 432

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of Kissing Kosher on Bookshop.org!*

*These are not affiliate links and I do not make a commission from any purchase made using these links.

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SFINCS Review: A Necromancer Called Gam Gam by Adam Holcombe

Published on October 13, 2023October 12, 2023 by Celeste2 Comments

Today’s review is about A NECROMANCER CALLED GAM GAM by Adam Holcombe. This somewhat cozy fantasy novella follows Mina and Gam Gam as they seek to put an end to the pursuit of Mina’s powers. Climb aboard for an undead adventure complete with knit wear.

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