Book Review Archives - A Literary Escape

Tideborn by Eliza Chan

Published on April 14, 2025March 29, 2025 by Celeste12 Comments

Today’s review is about TIDEBORN by Eliza Chan. It’s the final book in the Drowned World duology and begins about when FATHOMFOLK ended. There are spoilers for the first book in this review of TIDEBORN.

Author: Eliza Chan
Series: Drowned World #2
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Orbit
Publish Date: March 25, 2025
Print Length: 384

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

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Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil by Oliver Darkshire

Published on April 7, 2025March 29, 2025 by Celeste4 Comments

Today’s review is about ISABELLA NAGG AND THE POT OF BASIL by Oliver Darkshire. It’s a quirky reimagining of one of the characters from the Decameron. Replete with a talking cat-like creature and goblins, Isabella finds herself on an unexpected adventure.

Author: Oliver Darkshire
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publish Date: May 13, 2025
Print Length: 256

Want to support local bookstores? Buy a copy of Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil 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: As Born to Rule the Storm by Cate Baumer

Published on April 5, 2025March 31, 2025 by CelesteLeave a comment

Today’s review is about AS BORN TO RULE THE STORM by Cate Baumer. It’s a standalone novella set some time in the future during a cold war. Lottie, the main character, must decide whether to use her time jumping power to prevent an apocalypse.

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.

Author: Cate Baumer
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: October 3, 2023
Print Length: 111
Purchase: Amazon

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SFINCS Review: Curiouser And… by Jillian Maria

Published on April 3, 2025March 30, 2025 by Celeste2 Comments

Today’s review is about Curiouser And… by Jillian Maria. It’s a standalone novella that’s a reimagining of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Author: Jillian Maria
Series: None
Age Category: Young Adult
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: November 28, 2023
Print Length: 114
Purchase: Amazon