Cello's Gate

by Maurice Africh

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Pub Date Nov 3 2026 | Archive Date Dec 3 2026

Saga Press | S&S/Saga Press

Sci Fi & Fantasy

Description

With a wit to rival Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl, action on par with Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, and the scope of Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth, this is a rollicking, “must-read” (Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld) sci-fi fantasy epic about a ragtag crew of rogues on the hunt for mythic treasure. They did not, however, sign up to save the world.

One crew of sky pirates. Seven mythological stones. A race to find them all.

Captain Grey and his crew of sky pirates have a reputation for doing the impossible. From breaking into high-security military research facilities to conning the iCity elite, there isn’t a lock they can’t pick, a safe they can’t break, or a hidden treasure they can’t find. Until now.

Returning from a harrowing heist involving a neon battery and a trash chute, Grey and his crew are approached by Dalia, the immortal daughter of the infamous ArchGovernor—and she has an offer.

The job? Locate and steal the Stones of Indigo—seven fabled rocks invested with godlike power. The search for the first stone is a bona fide treasure hunt, guided by an ancient map to a deadly, uncharted island that’s protected by a mysterious guardian. The score? One million credits per crew member, per stone. The catch? Well, that’s where things get a little complicated.

The stones don’t exist. They’re a myth. A bedtime story told to little pirates to make them believe that power and wealth are attainable if you just work hard enough.

And to make matters infinitely worse, Grey’s never trusted immortals, and Dalia’s definitely hiding something—something bad. And if they don’t figure out what it is, it might cost them their lives in this “wickedly wild and uniquely imaginative adventure” (Grimdark Magazine).

Advance Praise

“The most fun I've had reading this year.” –Smitty (@Smitty1423)

“Cello’s Gate truly was the wickedly wild and uniquely imaginative adventure I didn’t know I needed in my life. It’s epic yet intimate, dark yet light-hearted, playful yet emotional, and it’s got a fun factor that just soars higher than the sky. One hell of a debut!” –Grimdark Magazine

"My absolute favorite book of the year. Africh is a lyrical wordsmith, a poet who can turn a phrase into a strand of gold." –Phoenix McDonald, author of The Talent Continuum

"From the start, this book gripped me." –Jonathan Neves Mayers, author of Vevin Song

“The most fun I've had reading this year.” –Smitty (@Smitty1423)

“Cello’s Gate truly was the wickedly wild and uniquely imaginative adventure I didn’t know I needed in my life. It’s epic yet...

Available Editions

EDITION	Other Format
ISBN	9781668242834
PRICE	$32.00 (USD)
PAGES	576

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Additional Information

Average rating from 137 members

Featured Reviews

Reviewer 1753260

Sky pirates!!! I was hooked from the cover/title and the story was as exciting and fascinating as I’d hoped! Cello’s Gate creates a distinct, immersive world of magic, with a fresh take on immortals, and a crew of good-hearted rebels I can’t help but love. Creative creatures, pirate slang, and setting!

Representation: The captain reads as ADHD-coded, and the doctor reads as autistic-coded. One bisexual character, though that character doesn’t have a love interest in this story.

Review will post on my Instagram next month.

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Michelle P, Reviewer

What's not to love about a sci-fi adventure filled with sky pirates and treasure hunting? The cast was a fun mix of personalities, each bringing their own strengths and flaws to the story. The world building was a bit uneven for me-some parts felt vivid and immersive, while others left me confused about what was happening. Still, the action kept things entertaining with sky pirates, immortals, and Crest Knights all thrown into the mix. Overall, it was a fun and enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for my ARC copy and my honest review.
Expected release date: November 3, 2026.

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Meaghan V, Reviewer

Cello's Gate is Firefly meets Guardians of the Galaxy with a little dusting of Jack Sparrow. Dangerous quest? Check. Band of colorful miscreants? Check. Dilapidated map sure to lead to priceless treasure? Check. Creepy immortals along for the ride? Checkeroni!

Come for the witty banter, stay for the found family. This is a blast and a half and you will enjoy the ride!