The Misadventures of an Amateur Naturalist
Cover art by Kristina Gehrmann
Additional hardcover art by Anne Barnetson
THE MISADVENTURES OF AN AMATEUR NATURALIST
Aspiring young naturalist Celeste Rossan is determined to live a life of adventure and scientific discovery. But when her father loses everything, Celeste’s hopes of ever leaving her home town are dashed… until she sees a narrow opportunity to escape to Paris and attend the 1867 Exposition Universelle.
Celeste seizes her chance, but the elements overwhelm her before she can make it five miles. In desperation, she seeks refuge in an abandoned chateau only to find herself trapped inside the den of an unknown species: a predator with an intelligence that rivals any human.
It’s the discovery of a lifetime. Or, it will be, if Celeste can earn the beast’s trust without losing her nerve – or her heart – to her in the process.
GENRE: Historical Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling, LGBTQ+
PUBLISHER: Feed the Writer Press.
APPROPRIATE FOR READERS AGED: 13+
SETTING: France, 1866-1867.
RETELLING: The Misadventures of an Amateur Naturalist was inspired by the many versions of Beauty and the Beast.
QUEER REPRESENTATION: Celeste is a lesbian and encounters other characters who, while confined by the language and society of the time period, would in our time identify as lesbian and bisexual. Three romantic relationships between women are featured in this book. There are no sex scenes.
CONTENT WARNINGS: Animal death, animal attacks (canine), death in childbirth, allusions to a stillborn baby, blood, gore, gun violence, body transformation, emotional manipulation, and mild instances of sexism and homophobia. All are tame enough to be appropriate for young adults, but your mileage may vary. Please look after yourself and be mindful of anyone you might be gifting this book to.
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“The Misadventures of an Amateur Naturalist stole my heart. That’s it. That’s the review.”
“What an absolute delight. I have read many historical fantasy stories and many fairy tale adaptations, and this is one of the best. ”
“A passionate & ambitious protagonist you can’t help but adore and root for, featuring notes of Beauty & the Beast ... I simply adored this, and I believe it is an excellent start to the series. I will be awaiting the sequel to our heroine’s misadventures on bated breath!”
“...this book is so much more than the nods to Beauty and the Beast. Its plot is wholly original and includes a cast of characters who can hold their own.”
“A perfect mix of hearty historical fiction and swoon-worthy slow-burn romance.”
“Adorable, smart and witty MC..
Quirky animal sidekick…
To die for library in an abandoned chateau…
Queer Historical Regency Fantasy/Romance..
Yes, please!”