Reviews
“A deeply loving exploration of grief, loss, and the righting of past wrongs as experienced by a young woman who’s coming into her own power for the first time in her life. It’s set in a lush and complex world with a history and magic all its own, and I highly recommend it.“—Moniquill Blackgoose, author of To Shape a Dragon’s Breath
“With flourishes of magic and mystique underpinning the tale, Psychopomp and Circumstance is a nimble story of beginnings, endings, and everything in between. Enchanting from the first to last word, you’ll ponder about death—and the rather unexpected opportunities it brings.”—Nicole Glover, author of The Conductors
“Eden Royce’s enthralling novella Psychopomp & Circumstance is as if a Gothic novel and a gaslamp fantasy had an alternate Reconstruction era baby. Despite its focus on the sad question of how best to say goodbye to a loved one, the gentle skillfulness of Royce’s storytelling is both soothing and compelling. This is a story with magic, revelations and twists that doesn’t shy away from the worst parts of the Reconstruction, but does so only to heal and present the everyday triumphs and tremendous heart at the core of its wonderful characters. If you loved the charm and originality of C.L. Polk’s Kingston Cycle series, this is the novella for you!”—R. S. A. Garcia, Nebula Award winner and Sturgeon, Locus, and Ignyte awards finalist, and author of The Nightward
“Energetic and delicate, intimate and splendid. So colorful, so cozy, and yet so haunted: Eden Royce’s Psychopomp and Circumstance is an adventure of deep awakening set during the Reconstruction Era, vigorously reimagined in magic-steeped sepia.” —C. S. E. Cooney, World Fantasy Award-winning author of Saint Death’s Daughter
“As an eldest daughter, Phaedra’s battles reminded me of how much courage and self-love it takes to become and continue becoming in a world that doesn’t set you up to. From the moment we started her journey I was hooked, I couldn’t put it down.” —A$iahMae, Poet Laureate of Charleston, SC
“Psychopomp & Circumstance is a beautiful story of family, love, grief, and self-acceptance in a fascinating fantasy world that feels familiar, yet also unsettling and wondrous. Eden Royce draws complex and emotionally satisfying relationships—I sympathized with Phee right away, and as I read on, I loved her more and more. This is a treat for anyone who loves things like C. S. E. Cooney’s Dark Breakers world, or Nghi Vo’s Siren Queen.“—Julia Rios, Hugo-award-winning editor and author