Ghost Apparent
by Jelena Dunato
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Pub Date Sep 24 2024 | Archive Date Aug 16 2024
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Description
Betrayed, deposed and presumed dead.
When her father is killed in a bloody coup and her uncle seizes the city, Orsiana pleads for help with the only power still willing to listen, unaware that the gods will use her as a pawn in their own game.
Thrown back on the streets of Abia, armed with the gods’ double-edged gifts, Orsiana must thwart her uncle’s plans and learn what it takes to rule a proud, stubborn city that thrives on artifice and wit. She will plot, fight and use lethally tuned verse to stir a rebellion. But just when her uncle’s Machiavellian schemes start to topple, a new player will enter the game, and the gods will raise the stakes. It’s easy to fight an enemy you hate, but how about an enemy you fall in love with? If she wants to win, Orsiana will have to risk the last precious thing in her possession: her heart.
A story of revenge and recovery, Ghost Apparent blends the history and folklore of the Eastern Adriatic with the bloody treachery of the Renaissance courts and is a perfect read for the fans of dark political fantasy.
CW: violence, murder, blood, torture, suicide
A Note From the Publisher
Jelena Dunato is an art historian, curator, speculative fiction writer and lover of all things ancient. She grew up in Croatia on a steady diet of adventure novels and then wandered the world for a decade, building a career in the arts.
Jelena’s stories have been published in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, The Dark, Future SF and Mermaids Monthly, among others. She is a member of SFWA and Codex. Her novel, Dark Woods, Deep Water, was published in September 2023. Her new novella, Ghost Apparent, is coming out in September 2024.
Jelena lives on an island in the Adriatic with her husband, daughter and cat.
OTHER EDITIONS:
Paperback: 978-1-7390918-5-9
£9.99 / $12.99
Advance Praise
"A deeply engaging tale of machinations both political and divine."
— Anthony Engebretson, author of Sair Back, Sair Banes and Lumberjack
"Dunato's writing sings from the page in this darkly fantastical tale of political intrigue, vengeance, and trickster gods. A great read both as a prequel to Dark Woods, Deep Water, and as a standalone for those new to Abia."
— Lyndsey Croal, author of Limelight and Other Stories
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781739091842 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 111 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Angela A, Media/Journalist
I read this in one sitting and absolutely loved it. This novella had an insanely well-developed world and system of gods for being such a short read. Every moment was action-packed; there wasn’t really a time I felt like I could put it down!
Dunato’s writing is absolutely stunning. The novella reads very poetically, complementing the strong, immersive imagery throughout. The realms of the gods were one of my favorite parts - from the gem-encrusted caves, all the way to the healing pools, I could picture myself there.
As far as the storyline, Orsiana is a believable protagonist, which I loved. At no point did I feel like she was getting out of situations *too* easily - she used her wits, talents, and connections in a realistic way.
Overall, if you’re a fantasy reader that’s interested in a quick read that cuts through all the filler, features a believable FMC, and gorgeous writing, you *need* to pick up Ghost Apparent. I loved every bit of it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ghost Orchid Press for the ARC!
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