A Literary Escape

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 Celeste17 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

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SFINCS Review: Revelation by J.H. Moore

Published on September 24, 2023September 24, 2023 by CelesteLeave a comment

Today I have a review for REVELATION by J.H. Moore. It’s a prequel novella to The Malfunction Trilogy. This science fiction story occurs on a near-future Earth that is uninhabitable. Humans now live in the subsurface where the government controls all aspects of life. But Cowl seeks to break free of that life and discovers a secret government program that turns humans into fighting machines.

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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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.

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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.