Book Review 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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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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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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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, 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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