Vial Thoughts
by Van Essler
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Pub Date May 11 2023 | Archive Date May 13 2023
RDS Publishing | Raw Dog Screaming Press
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Description
Balanced on a thin wire between horror and steampunk, Van Essler’s debut novel is an acrobatic performance at the darkest of circuses. Lenora Leahill has recently inherited her father’s estate and is ready to take her place in the enlightened Age of Awareness where books can be instantly consumed as injections using an Aqua Peritia cuff. She has grand plans for securing her legacy, but navigating these new responsibilities alone is not easy, especially when it’s impossible to see clearly under the city’s ashfall.
When an old colleague of her father’s demands fulfillment of a promise Lenora knows nothing about, she discovers this new Age of Awareness is haunted by a dark history. Lenora must wade through the shadows of the past and gain her footing in the present if she has any hope of a future—unless death or madness finds her first.
Advance Praise
“An utterly readable mélange of steampunk and gothic horror, Essler’s stellar debut novel—the first installment of her Age of Awareness saga—is like a milky shot of absinthe: hypnotic, hallucination-inducing, and highly addictive…A darkly lyrical and stylishly stygian page-turner—literary opium.” – Barnes & Noble Reviewer Paul Goat Allen
“From the ashes rises a truly outstanding heroine on a journey to self discovery through generational trauma. Highly recommend, a masterpiece!” – USA Today Bestselling Author Virginia Nelson
“Van Essler’s debut novel Vial Thoughts surges through your veins with its frightening vision of a dystopian world where knowledge is bought, sold, controlled, and killed for. Feeling a little too possible for comfort, this steampunk dark sci-fi is a shot of adrenaline from the first chapter that will leave you tearing through the ash-covered streets sweating, panting, and begging for more.” – Bram Stoker Award Winner EV Knight
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781947879546 |
| PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 200 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kathryn M, Reviewer
this was a great debut novel, I enjoyed the use of circuses and the way people interacted in this world. It had a great concept and worked in the horror and steampunk genre. Van Essler has a great writing style and I enjoyed how good it was. I'm excited to read more from the author, as I enjoyed this.
“So, you see, Miss Leahill, the cost of running the presses during both shifts, as well as the expense of staff, far outweighs any profits brought in.” Mr. Cobbet patted her hand. “This month two more papers have converted to Peritia-only, cutting profits further. It doesn’t make sense to keep running the houses any longer.” “And how long have they been unprofitable?” Lenora asked.
Sarah B, Reviewer
In a world where you can read an entire book by injecting it and ash is falling from the skies, pure and utter chaos begins. Lenora is seeking questions about her father and The Age of Awareness. With a loyal friend and driver, Jacob, she navigates this insane world full of strange people and a circus! Oh, and Harold. HAROLD! I love Harold.
Well written and character driven, this was a great read and I highly recommend it! I already can’t wait to read more from this author.
Loved this so much. My review is live on Goodreads and I’ll be posting it on Amazon and social media as well
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