In which we reveal the cover and open preorders for The Beatriceid by Kate Elliott

Today, we are utterly delighted to share with you the cover for The Beatriceid by Kate Elliott–cover art by Hugo Award winning artist Julie Dillon.

About the Story

A stunning new short story, written in verse, set in Kate Elliott’s Spiritwalker Universe Before Andevai, the waking of dreaming dragons, the war for Europa, and the cruel treachery of the Wild Hunt, cousins Catherine and Beatrice Hassi Barahal were novice students at the Academy. Here, Cat and Bee learned of mathematics and politics, history and storytelling. But not all stories are told or remembered in the same way–particularly where the tale of Dido and Aeneas, and the fate of Carthage and Rome are concerned. To the victors go the spoils–only this time, it is the gilded-tongued Bee and the quick-footed Cat who will collect the winnings. Set before the start of Cold Magic, The Beatriceid is a brand new, standalone short story written in Iambic Pentameter that reimagines The Aeneid in a feminist, Phonecian light.

A Word From Your Friendly Neighborhood Editors (and Book Smugglers)

You know those moments of triumph? The pump-your-fist-in-the-air moments, when you have that dramatic realization that this is it? That is exactly how we felt when we received a note from Kate Elliott asking if we were interested in publishing The Beatriceid (complete with art from Julie Dillon). Set in the universe of the Spiritwalker Trilogy (which Thea *loved*), The Beatriceid is a prequel that is a feminist retelling of The Aeneid and written in iambic pentameter. It’s actually pretty daunting when you think about it–Kate Elliott approached us about one of her stories set in a beloved universe, with cover art from Julie frickin Dillon, to edit a story written in verse. NO SMALL FEET (yes, that’s a horrible pun that we will continue to use). Obviously, we couldn’t have been more excited (albeit slightly intimidated).

But really, the main reason why we love The Beatriceid is because it is a reimagining of The Aeneid in a feminist light–complete with awesome camaraderie between Bee and Cat.

This is our very first limited print run endeavor from Book Smugglers Publishing and we could not imagine embarking on this particular journey with a better partner.

About the Author: Kate Elliott

Kate Elliott has been writing stories since she was nine years old, which has led her to believe that writing, like breathing, keeps her alive. She is the author of over twenty science fiction and fantasy novels, including her YA debut Court of Fives, as well as Cold Magic, Spirit Gate, King’s Dragon, Jaran, and her short fiction collection, The Very Best of Kate Elliott. Her new epic fantasy, Black Wolves, is now available. She lives in Hawaii with her spouse, paddles with outrigger canoe club Ka M?malahoe, and nurses along an aging schnauzer.

For more information on the Spiritwalker universe or Kate’s other series, or to sign up for her new release e-mail list, the author invites you to visit her website at KateElliott.com or her Facebook page, or you can follow her on Twitter @KateElliottSFF.

About the Artist: Julie Dillon

Julie Dillon is a Hugo Award-winning freelance scifi and fantasy artist from Northern California. She’s been drawing most of her life, but officially kicked off her freelance career in 2006 and has been working steadily since then to keep learning, growing, and challenging herself artistically.

Julie received her BFA in Fine Arts from Sacramento State University in 2005, with continued education at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco and Watts Atelier.

Follow Julie on her website www.juliedillonart.com.

How to Get the Story

The Beatriceid will be published officially on December 22, 2015. This title will only be available for purchase–you can buy the DRM-free ebook (EPUB & MOBI) that contains the story, a Q&A, and two essays from the author from all major ebook retail sites for $1.99.

We also have a limited edition print version available exclusively from The Book Smugglers–we’ve got 50 copies only, available for preorder now and will be delivered before 12/25/2015 anywhere in the world for $19.95 (includes shipping and handling).

Preorder the Ebook

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords | Google Play

Print Editions

In addition to our regular ebook channels, we are also offering The Beatriceid in print for a very limited run! We are selling 50 copies of the booklet, open for preorder now, which will ship anywhere in the world for under $20 U.S. Dollars. Want a copy? Preorder your limited edition below! If you order by 12/15, we’ll ship your copy in time for Christmas. That’s cool–right?

ETA: THE PRINT EDITION IS NOW SOLD OUT.

Add the book on Goodreads.