Psychopomp and Circumstance

Psychopomp and Circumstance by Eden Royce is a quiet Southern Gothic tale of family secrets and the power of choice that takes place in an alternate magic-filled version of Reconstruction-era South Carolina.

Phee St.Margaret is still reeling from her mother’s latest matchmaking effort when they receive notice that her Aunt Cleo, her mother’s estranged sister, has died.

Against her mother’s wishes, Phee takes on the important role of pomp for her beloved aunt, who has founded her own town called Horizon, a haven for newly freed black people to build new lives.

While there, Phee learns things about her family, her aunt’s work, and her own desires that will leave a lasting impact on her own life.

The world and characters Royce has created in this novella left me wanting more, and I hope this isn’t the last we see of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for the advance copy for my honest review.

Support your favorite indie bookstore (and give us both 20% off if it’s your first purchase) by using my link at https://refer.bookshop.org/candidanorwood.