Celeste, Author at A Literary Escape

Cover Reveal: Conspirators’ Kingdom by Elyse Thomson

Published on September 21, 2023September 17, 2023 by Celeste4 Comments

Today I’m pleased to be part of the cover reveal crew for CONSPIRATORS’ KINGDOM by Elyse Thomson. CONSPIRATORS’ KINGDOM is the second installment of the Mages of Oblivion fantasy book series. Described as a gender-swapped Cleopatra meets The Cruel Prince, readers can expect some spice, political intrigue, and morally grey characters.

Before I get to the cover reveal, those interested in an ARC can sign up here.

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SFINCS Review: Bloemetje by Amanda McNeil

Published on September 20, 2023September 24, 2023 by Celeste2 Comments

Today I have a review for the novella BLOEMETJE by Amanda McNeil. It’s a retelling of Thumbelina in a queernormative world in which humans are colonizing Venus because Earth is dying. BLOEMETJE incorporates heavy topics such as climate change, corporate control, and colonialism, among others.

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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SFINCS Participation Announcement

Published on September 19, 2023September 24, 2023 by Celeste2 Comments

Good morning, everyone! I just want to announce that I am a judge for the inaugural round of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS).

SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”, is a new 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 participating on Team Behind the Musings, which is lead by Tabitha at Behind the Pages and Sue at Sue’s Musings. To learn more about our team, visit Tabitha’s “Meet the Team” post. Below is a collage, created by SFINCS creator Nathan, of our assignments for the SFINCS competitions.

The competition officially started on September 15, so keep an eye out for my SFINCS-related novella reviews! The competition will conclude on March 31, 2024. Follow along on Discord or Twitter.

ARC Review: The Milkweed Lands by Eric Lee-Mader

Published on September 18, 2023September 10, 2023 by Celeste6 Comments

Today’s review is about THE MILKWEED LANDS by Eric Lee-Mäder and illustrated by Beverly Duncan. This is a lovely book that many gardeners will appreciate. Lee-Mäder shares the history of the milkweed in the United States and its significance during World War II. And, of course, the reader learns about the milkweed and the creatures associated with it throughout each season.

Author: Eric Lee-Mäder, Beverly Duncan (Illustrator)
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Publish Date: September 26, 2023
Print Length: 120

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of The Milkweed Lands 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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Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Book Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Maehrer

Published on September 15, 2023November 27, 2024 by Celeste21 Comments

Today’s review is about ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN by Hannah Maehrer. Published by the same publisher as FOURTH WING, it boasts a hilarious story about what it’s like to be the assistant to a villain. Though charming to some, I had some misgivings about whether it lives up to the hype.

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Series: Assistant to the Villain #1
Age Category: New Adult
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: August 29, 2023
Print Length: 352

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of Assistant to the Villain 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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