Fantasy Archives - A Literary Escape

ARC Review: Shield Maiden by Sharon Emmerichs

Published on October 2, 2023September 27, 2023 by Celeste6 Comments

Today’s review is about SHIELD MAIDEN by Sharon Emmerichs. It’s a retelling of the epic poem Beowulf during his 50th year of reign from the point of view of Fryda, his niece. This story has excellent disability representation and immerses the reader in 10th century Geatland (modern Sweden) culture.

Author: Sharon Emmerichs
Series: None
Age Category: New Adult
Publisher: Redhook
Publish Date: October 3, 2023
Print Length: 416

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of Shield Maiden 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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Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book Review: Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer Armentrout

Published on September 25, 2023September 19, 2023 by Celeste12 Comments

Today’s review is about FALL OF RUIN AND WRATH by Jennifer L. Armentrout. It’s the first book in the Awakening series, a fantasy romance for adults. It’s a sensual, dangerous romp involving mortal and immortal dynamics, but behind closed doors and on the field of rebellion.

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Awakening, #1
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Bramble (Tor Publishing Group)
Publish Date: September 12, 2023
Print Length: 432

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of Fall of Ruin and Wrath 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: 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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Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Book Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Maehrer

Published on September 15, 2023September 14, 2023 by Celeste12 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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ARC Review: The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma

Published on September 11, 2023September 8, 2023 by Celeste6 Comments

Today’s review is about THE PHOENIX KING by Aparna Verma, the first installment in The Ravence Trilogy. It’s an epic fantasy inspired by India that has a nice blend of fantasy and science fiction elements. Readers who have a penchant for stories about assassins and political maneuvering will appreciate this book.

Author: Aparna Verma
Series: The Ravence Trilogy, #1
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Orbit
Publish Date: August 29, 2023
Print Length: 512

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of The Phoenix King 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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