Historical Archives - A Literary Escape

As Old As Thyme by Alix Nicoud

Published on October 26, 2026October 16, 2026 by Celeste4 Comments

Today’s review is about AS OLD AS THYME by Alix Nicoud. This is a novella set in early medieval western Europe. Brunehaut and Théoderic haven’t seen each other in years. She’s a village wisewoman and he is an alleged lord’s son peddling faux elixirs. When they run into each other in Brunehaut’s village, they rekindle their friendship from childhood. It features a trans-for-trans historical romance.

Author: Alix Nicoud
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: February 15, 2026
Print Length: 81
Purchase: Amazon

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The Geomagician by Jennifer Mandula

Published on May 18, 2026May 17, 2026 by Celeste12 Comments

Today’s review is about THE GEOMAGICIAN by Jennifer Mandula. It’s a historical fantasy based on Mary Anning, a fossil collector in Victorian England. Though this is part one of a duology, it ends feeling like a standalone novel.

Author: Jennifer Mandula
Series: The Geomagician, #1
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Del Rey
Publish Date: March 31, 2026
Print Length: 464

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Nightshade and Oak by Molly O’Neill

Published on February 16, 2026February 14, 2026 by Celeste9 Comments

Today’s book review is about NIGHTSHADE AND OAK by Molly O’Neill. This standalone historical fantasy occurs during the early Roman occupation of Briton right after Boudica’s revolt.

Author: Molly O’Neill
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Orbit
Publish Date: February 3, 2026
Print Length: 288

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of Nightshade and Oak 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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The Land of the Living and the Dead by Shauna Lawless

Published on February 9, 2026January 27, 2026 by CelesteLeave a comment

Today’s review is about THE LAND OF THE LIVING AND THE DEAD by Shauna Lawless. It’s the final book in the Gael Song trilogy. This review has spoilers for CHILDREN OF THE GODS AND FIGHTING MEN and THE WORDS OF KINGS AND PROPHETS.

Author: Shauna Lawless
Series: Gael Song, #3
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Head of Zeus — an AdAstra Book
Publish Date: September 2, 2025
Print Length: 592

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The Scoundrel and the Siren by Christy Carlyle

Published on February 2, 2026January 25, 2026 by Celeste6 Comments

Today’s review is about THE SCOUNDREL AND THE SIREN by Christy Carlyle. It’s the second installment of the Princes of London series, though reading the first book is not a prerequisite. This historical romance is a fun, light read that incorporates a bit of history and archaeology.

Author: Christy Carlyle
Series: Princes of London, #2
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Avon
Publish Date: March 31, 2026
Print Length: 304

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of The Scoundrel and the Siren 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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