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Seasons of Soldark
Spectacle of the Spring Queen
Mae Wright has always dreamed of opening her own seamstress shop, and when she inherits a premises in the illustrious city of Soldark, she thinks her dreams have come true.
But misfortune strikes the moment she steps foot in the city, when she loses her money after saving her dog from falling into the port.
The perpetually optimistic seamstress finds work in a local theater, but realizes the job of a costume designer is much different than her normal work.
Before her contract at the theater is up, the handsome director Des sets her with a new task: designing a costume for the Soldark spring festival. If they win, both Mae and Des can fund their respective dreams.
But as her sometimes-chaotic, yet surprisingly rewarding life in the theater comes to an end, Mae is faced with a decision: can she go back to her dream of opening a shop after Des has shown her such a promising new life in the theater?
Come tread the boards at the Proserpina Theater and discover a story of the sunshiney seamstress and grumpy theater director in a tale of transformation, gaining confidence, and living life on your own terms.
But misfortune strikes the moment she steps foot in the city, when she loses her money after saving her dog from falling into the port.
The perpetually optimistic seamstress finds work in a local theater, but realizes the job of a costume designer is much different than her normal work.
Before her contract at the theater is up, the handsome director Des sets her with a new task: designing a costume for the Soldark spring festival. If they win, both Mae and Des can fund their respective dreams.
But as her sometimes-chaotic, yet surprisingly rewarding life in the theater comes to an end, Mae is faced with a decision: can she go back to her dream of opening a shop after Des has shown her such a promising new life in the theater?
Come tread the boards at the Proserpina Theater and discover a story of the sunshiney seamstress and grumpy theater director in a tale of transformation, gaining confidence, and living life on your own terms.
Unknown Binding
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About the author
Liz Delton
32 books159 followersLiz Delton writes and lives in New England, with her husband and sons. She studied Theater Management at the University of the Arts in Philly, always having enjoyed the backstage life of storytelling.
World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places.
She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive.
World-building is her favorite part of writing, and she is always dreaming up new fantastic places.
She loves drinking tea and traveling. When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her baking in the kitchen, or out in the garden trying to keep her plants alive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 13, 2025
What you can expect:
A nightlife setting at Proserpina Theater in the fictional city of Soldark.
A cute and cozy novella with other quick reads available in the Seasons of Soldark Series.
Sweet and clean romance between a sunshine seamstress and a grumpy theater director.
Spectacle of the Spring Queen by Liz Delton was adorable! I'm not a huge cozy fantasy girly, but Delton has convinced me with this comfy and quick read. It was like wrapping up in a warm blanket and went perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate. I will be next in line to cuddle up this winter with more novellas from The Seasons of Soldark Series.
Thank you to @Victory Editing for this charming ALC. The narrator, Debra Balm, held me captive with her voice!
A nightlife setting at Proserpina Theater in the fictional city of Soldark.
A cute and cozy novella with other quick reads available in the Seasons of Soldark Series.
Sweet and clean romance between a sunshine seamstress and a grumpy theater director.
Spectacle of the Spring Queen by Liz Delton was adorable! I'm not a huge cozy fantasy girly, but Delton has convinced me with this comfy and quick read. It was like wrapping up in a warm blanket and went perfectly with a cup of hot chocolate. I will be next in line to cuddle up this winter with more novellas from The Seasons of Soldark Series.
Thank you to @Victory Editing for this charming ALC. The narrator, Debra Balm, held me captive with her voice!
November 18, 2025
I was utterly charmed by this sweet story of resilience, transformation, and new beginnings.
Upon her arrival at Soldark's harbour, Mae's dreams of opening her own shop as a seamstress are quickly sunk. Her trunks never arrived on the ship, and all of her money is lost when her coin purse falls into the water.
The kindness of a stranger soon leads Mae to employment as a costumer at the Proserpina Theatre, where she finds not only a creative outlet but also the warm embrace of found family. As spring approaches and her fortunes change, Mae realizes her old dreams might be growing in a new direction.
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated wonderfully by Deborah Balm. She did a great job giving diverse voices to the large cast of characters and expressing a variety of emotions in the theatrical performances.
Mae was such a likeable and relatable character, and it was heartwarming to see her circumstances change from tragic to hopeful. I also loved the sunshine/grumpy dynamic between Mae and Des, the veteran turned theatre director.
I highly recommend Spectacle of the Spring Queen, along with the other three stories in this series, to all lovers of cozy fantasy, steampunk settings, and slow-burn romance.
Many thanks to Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing and NetGalley for an ALC of this novella. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
Upon her arrival at Soldark's harbour, Mae's dreams of opening her own shop as a seamstress are quickly sunk. Her trunks never arrived on the ship, and all of her money is lost when her coin purse falls into the water.
The kindness of a stranger soon leads Mae to employment as a costumer at the Proserpina Theatre, where she finds not only a creative outlet but also the warm embrace of found family. As spring approaches and her fortunes change, Mae realizes her old dreams might be growing in a new direction.
I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated wonderfully by Deborah Balm. She did a great job giving diverse voices to the large cast of characters and expressing a variety of emotions in the theatrical performances.
Mae was such a likeable and relatable character, and it was heartwarming to see her circumstances change from tragic to hopeful. I also loved the sunshine/grumpy dynamic between Mae and Des, the veteran turned theatre director.
I highly recommend Spectacle of the Spring Queen, along with the other three stories in this series, to all lovers of cozy fantasy, steampunk settings, and slow-burn romance.
Many thanks to Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing and NetGalley for an ALC of this novella. I am leaving a review voluntarily.
May 9, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this delightful book from the author. A quick, easy read, charming and entertaining. It's a sweet tale of a seamstress, Mae, who encountered a series of unfortunate events while moving to a new city to start her new business. She is rescued by the actors of a local theater, and adopted into their rag-tag family. There is even a hint of romance thrown in the mix. It's a story from a different place and time with touches of fantasy, while at the same time being totally relatable. I highly recommend for fans of sweet fantasy.
April 24, 2023
Wow! I didn't expect to like this. 😳
First, the cover is gorgeous. Second, I love Mae. Third, I love how everyone helped her when she had nothing.
This is a sweet novella.
I loved how she didn't let her misfortune throw her into despair. Mae has a strong character that definitely attracts attention. I wished there were more romantic moments between Des and Mae.
Over all, this is a five stars read for me.
First, the cover is gorgeous. Second, I love Mae. Third, I love how everyone helped her when she had nothing.
This is a sweet novella.
I loved how she didn't let her misfortune throw her into despair. Mae has a strong character that definitely attracts attention. I wished there were more romantic moments between Des and Mae.
Over all, this is a five stars read for me.
May 9, 2023
Another win for seasonal steampunk. Delton's ever-expanding world is, like always, a treat to enjoy. An expertely paced novella with great characterization and a bit of zany fun. Truly enjoyable.
May 9, 2023
With Spectactle of the Spring Queen Liz Delton is adding another installment to her Seasons of Soldark-books. This is the second book I read in this world and so far I absolutely adore them. They have a really positive vibe and are easy and fun to read. A nice novelette-snack (a snacklette?). Soldark is a world with a gaslight fantasy-setting. Spectactle of the Spring Queen features a very likeable and relatable main character, Mae, I liked her instantly. The story follows her arriving in a new place and starting over. As with the other book I of the series I read, there is a strong artistic aspect here which I really enjoy. This is a beautiful cozy fantasy that focusses on dealing with everyday-problems and of taking chances. It’s brilliant!
I received an ARC for this book, but this review is my personal opinion.
I received an ARC for this book, but this review is my personal opinion.
June 21, 2023
Delton is an excellent writer, and her Seasons of Soldark series is like sitting in your comfiest chair, with your favourite drink beside you, your most beloved pet at your feet or in your lap and losing yourself in a scrumptiously cosy and well-detailed world.
Spectacle of the Spring Queen is the latest edition to Delton's expanding steampunk-fantasy world, and it's like returning home. Those who've read any of the previous will have a grin on their faces from page one, and those who are just starting here will surely want more and more.
Mae is a fantastic character. She's suffered misfortune, but doesn't give up. She's a hopeful character in what is a hopeful world, and her perseverance rewards her. She's a brilliantly tough and well-realised creation who the reader roots for from the moment we meet her.
The only drawback? When it's over, there's a wait until the next Season of Soldark. Lucky for us, then, that we can go back at any time. What's better than reading a fantastic new book? Re-reading a fantastic new book!
Spectacle of the Spring Queen is the latest edition to Delton's expanding steampunk-fantasy world, and it's like returning home. Those who've read any of the previous will have a grin on their faces from page one, and those who are just starting here will surely want more and more.
Mae is a fantastic character. She's suffered misfortune, but doesn't give up. She's a hopeful character in what is a hopeful world, and her perseverance rewards her. She's a brilliantly tough and well-realised creation who the reader roots for from the moment we meet her.
The only drawback? When it's over, there's a wait until the next Season of Soldark. Lucky for us, then, that we can go back at any time. What's better than reading a fantastic new book? Re-reading a fantastic new book!
December 4, 2025
This was a charming low fantasy story with gaslamp vibes and a wonderful transformative message. Mae is a wonderful character, and I really appreciated how she handled all the disasters that came her way at the start of the story when her luggage is lost and she even drops her coin purse in the harbor, leaving her completely destitute in a new city. She handled all the obstacles like a real champ and I loved how things worked out, she found a new community even better than what she had been aiming for with her plans for a new life in Soldark, and even had her childhood dream grow and adapt to her new, changed life and wishes for her future.
However, the romantic aspect with a "man of few words" love interest fell completely flat for me and it took me some analysis to figure out why. I usually enjoy the silent type or broody love interests, but Des essentially doesn't pass the lampshade test and that's why it doesn't work. If you're familiar with feminist movie critiques from the late 90s, you'll be familiar with the lampshade test: if a female role in a movie can be replaced by a lamp and it doesn't affect the story, then her role is so minimal that it doesn't pass muster for a desire to see women represented on screen. Thanks to this critiquing system, we've moved away from the non-existent female roles in film, but in recent years it feels like the pendulum has swung the other way and now we're reaching the era where we could re-instate the lampshade test but for male characters. And Desmond, in this novella, is a perfect example of this issue.
So, while I thoroughly enjoyed Mae, her dog, and how she handled herself, I did not appreciate that the only thing her love interest did for the entire story was to "rescue" her off the streets when she was destitute and give her an opportunity. He completely fades into the background after that and could essentially have been absolutely absent without it changing the story one bit. Mae saves his theatre. Mae makes the parade a success. Mae gets everything she wanted and more. Mae even makes the move to get their relationship going. Mae even gives the first kiss. And because the story cuts just when it seems like Des might have made his own choices and we could have finally seen the two together as a couple, even that last opportunity to redeem the character was snatched away.
I give this one 3.5 stars
However, the romantic aspect with a "man of few words" love interest fell completely flat for me and it took me some analysis to figure out why. I usually enjoy the silent type or broody love interests, but Des essentially doesn't pass the lampshade test and that's why it doesn't work. If you're familiar with feminist movie critiques from the late 90s, you'll be familiar with the lampshade test: if a female role in a movie can be replaced by a lamp and it doesn't affect the story, then her role is so minimal that it doesn't pass muster for a desire to see women represented on screen. Thanks to this critiquing system, we've moved away from the non-existent female roles in film, but in recent years it feels like the pendulum has swung the other way and now we're reaching the era where we could re-instate the lampshade test but for male characters. And Desmond, in this novella, is a perfect example of this issue.
So, while I thoroughly enjoyed Mae, her dog, and how she handled herself, I did not appreciate that the only thing her love interest did for the entire story was to "rescue" her off the streets when she was destitute and give her an opportunity. He completely fades into the background after that and could essentially have been absolutely absent without it changing the story one bit. Mae saves his theatre. Mae makes the parade a success. Mae gets everything she wanted and more. Mae even makes the move to get their relationship going. Mae even gives the first kiss. And because the story cuts just when it seems like Des might have made his own choices and we could have finally seen the two together as a couple, even that last opportunity to redeem the character was snatched away.
I give this one 3.5 stars
December 1, 2025
🎭🪡✨ Mysterious, charming and cozy! This was a great short read as an audiobook, filled with an interesting nightlife, lovely characters and an exploration of artistic pursuits.
🎧Audiobook by: Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing
🎙Narrated by: Deborah Balm
⏳Length: 3 Hours, 29 Minutes
Audiobook review : I absolutely loved the narrator's voice! It was so rich, warm, and deep. I loved her British accent, the tone and delivery. Her voice was very earthy, comforting and carried a certain class that suited the characters well. I would definitely check out other audiobooks narrated by her.
🎭 Mae was a compelling character, who showed strength and poise in the face of challenges. I loved her grace and attitude throughout. She came to the city of Soldark to pursue a dream of opening her own shop as a seamstress, but due to a series of unfortunate events she found herself without her money and luggage.
🎭 She meets Des, a reclusive theatre director by chance, and finds herself a recipient of his goodwill. She starts working as the costumer designer for their company temporarily. The romance and connection that developed between them was soft and sweet.
🎭 I loved the mysterious and artistic theatre environment. It was quite fun, and for some reason it reminded me of watching the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. The steampunk setting was new for me, and I found it to be an interesting blend of influences.
🎭 Mae's creativity in finding solutions, improving the costumes and being innovate was great. It was great to see the community of artists come together, and get a backstage look into this world. I loved that this story had good people overall, who helped each other out and were honest.
🎭 I enjoyed the themes of hope, perseverance, and creative expression. I'm looking forward to exploring more stories in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary audiobook arc of this story. All opinions expressed are my own.
🎧Audiobook by: Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing
🎙Narrated by: Deborah Balm
⏳Length: 3 Hours, 29 Minutes
Audiobook review : I absolutely loved the narrator's voice! It was so rich, warm, and deep. I loved her British accent, the tone and delivery. Her voice was very earthy, comforting and carried a certain class that suited the characters well. I would definitely check out other audiobooks narrated by her.
🎭 Mae was a compelling character, who showed strength and poise in the face of challenges. I loved her grace and attitude throughout. She came to the city of Soldark to pursue a dream of opening her own shop as a seamstress, but due to a series of unfortunate events she found herself without her money and luggage.
🎭 She meets Des, a reclusive theatre director by chance, and finds herself a recipient of his goodwill. She starts working as the costumer designer for their company temporarily. The romance and connection that developed between them was soft and sweet.
🎭 I loved the mysterious and artistic theatre environment. It was quite fun, and for some reason it reminded me of watching the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. The steampunk setting was new for me, and I found it to be an interesting blend of influences.
🎭 Mae's creativity in finding solutions, improving the costumes and being innovate was great. It was great to see the community of artists come together, and get a backstage look into this world. I loved that this story had good people overall, who helped each other out and were honest.
🎭 I enjoyed the themes of hope, perseverance, and creative expression. I'm looking forward to exploring more stories in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complementary audiobook arc of this story. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2025
🧵 Backstage Magic & Grumpy Directors: A Soldark Review 💖🌟
Grab your favorite cozy beverage ☕ and settle in, because this book is pure, heartwarming joy wrapped up in velvet curtains 🧣 and sparkling thread ✨. Spectacle of the Spring Queen: Soldark transports you right into the bustling, dream-chasing city, but the real magic unfolds behind the scenes at the Proserpina Theater 🎭💐.
Mae Wright, our sunshine seamstress ✂️, arrives in Soldark with the most relatable dream: her own charming little shop 🎀. But life, as it so often does, throws her a curveball ⚾—or rather, a runaway dog 🐕 and an empty wallet. This initial chaos perfectly sets the stage for her accidental entry into the theatrical world.
The contrast between Mae's bright, optimistic nature 💛 and Des, the handsome yet wonderfully reclusive theater director 🎩, is just delicious. It’s the ultimate "sunshine and grumpy" dynamic executed with a mature, gentle touch. Des isn't just brooding; he's complicated, and watching Mae's genuine warmth slowly unravel his layers is swoon-worthy 💘, offering a truly satisfying slow-burn connection. 🔥
The theater itself becomes a character—a chaotic, colorful world 🌈 full of quirky actors and that beautiful sense of "found family" that makes your heart ache in the best way. Every page is infused with the scent of old costumes 👗 and the nervous excitement of a quick change.
The central conflict—Mae’s choice ⚖️ between her long-held, sensible dream (the shop ) and the intoxicating allure of passion, connection, and life on her own terms (the stage 🌟)—is incredibly resonant. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the plan you thought you wanted is just a prologue to the magnificent life you're truly meant to live. 💖👑
If you love tales of transformation 🌱, charming cities, beautiful friendships 🥰, and a hero who needs a little dose of light in his life, run, don't walk, to read this. It’s an embrace in book form! 💯✨
Grab your favorite cozy beverage ☕ and settle in, because this book is pure, heartwarming joy wrapped up in velvet curtains 🧣 and sparkling thread ✨. Spectacle of the Spring Queen: Soldark transports you right into the bustling, dream-chasing city, but the real magic unfolds behind the scenes at the Proserpina Theater 🎭💐.
Mae Wright, our sunshine seamstress ✂️, arrives in Soldark with the most relatable dream: her own charming little shop 🎀. But life, as it so often does, throws her a curveball ⚾—or rather, a runaway dog 🐕 and an empty wallet. This initial chaos perfectly sets the stage for her accidental entry into the theatrical world.
The contrast between Mae's bright, optimistic nature 💛 and Des, the handsome yet wonderfully reclusive theater director 🎩, is just delicious. It’s the ultimate "sunshine and grumpy" dynamic executed with a mature, gentle touch. Des isn't just brooding; he's complicated, and watching Mae's genuine warmth slowly unravel his layers is swoon-worthy 💘, offering a truly satisfying slow-burn connection. 🔥
The theater itself becomes a character—a chaotic, colorful world 🌈 full of quirky actors and that beautiful sense of "found family" that makes your heart ache in the best way. Every page is infused with the scent of old costumes 👗 and the nervous excitement of a quick change.
The central conflict—Mae’s choice ⚖️ between her long-held, sensible dream (the shop ) and the intoxicating allure of passion, connection, and life on her own terms (the stage 🌟)—is incredibly resonant. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the plan you thought you wanted is just a prologue to the magnificent life you're truly meant to live. 💖👑
If you love tales of transformation 🌱, charming cities, beautiful friendships 🥰, and a hero who needs a little dose of light in his life, run, don't walk, to read this. It’s an embrace in book form! 💯✨
June 19, 2023
I cannot begin to recommend Delton’s Seasons of Soldark series enough! They are just so cozy and always fill the soul with so much warmth and contentment.
Mae can’t believe her luck. After inheriting a shop in Soldark she has made the long and uncomfortable ocean journey to open her own Seamstress Shop. But upon arrival Mae finds herself both nearly broke and without her trunks. Things are beginning to look very desperate indeed for Mae until a chance encounter leads her to the Proserpina Theater. Now Mae must decide if her dreams are truly what she still wants or if Des and his theater are the needle that will sew happiness into her life and future.
This was such a delightful little tale. Mae is such a cozy character. She had a lot of setbacks when it came to her new journey, but she never let them get her completely down. She was a very endearing character and I wish I could roll with the punches as happily as she did. And I just love Des and his caring nature. Although he tried so hard to be stoic and aloof he never seemed to really muster it. But this book was filled with several delightful characters and I enjoyed every one of them immensely.
I love how each story in this Seasons of Soldark series are each completely distinct and unique and yet they all have that lovely touch of steampunk and slight hint of magic that weave them all into an extremely sweet and captivating world. The light romances are perfectly sewn in and never over done or over emphasized.
If you love cozy, sweet, completely comfy stories with a light feeling of magic and wonder, lovely and warm characters, and a fabulous steampunk undertone that enhances and enriches the overall ambiance of the story then Spectacle of the Spring Queen is a must on your TBR list.
Mae can’t believe her luck. After inheriting a shop in Soldark she has made the long and uncomfortable ocean journey to open her own Seamstress Shop. But upon arrival Mae finds herself both nearly broke and without her trunks. Things are beginning to look very desperate indeed for Mae until a chance encounter leads her to the Proserpina Theater. Now Mae must decide if her dreams are truly what she still wants or if Des and his theater are the needle that will sew happiness into her life and future.
This was such a delightful little tale. Mae is such a cozy character. She had a lot of setbacks when it came to her new journey, but she never let them get her completely down. She was a very endearing character and I wish I could roll with the punches as happily as she did. And I just love Des and his caring nature. Although he tried so hard to be stoic and aloof he never seemed to really muster it. But this book was filled with several delightful characters and I enjoyed every one of them immensely.
I love how each story in this Seasons of Soldark series are each completely distinct and unique and yet they all have that lovely touch of steampunk and slight hint of magic that weave them all into an extremely sweet and captivating world. The light romances are perfectly sewn in and never over done or over emphasized.
If you love cozy, sweet, completely comfy stories with a light feeling of magic and wonder, lovely and warm characters, and a fabulous steampunk undertone that enhances and enriches the overall ambiance of the story then Spectacle of the Spring Queen is a must on your TBR list.
December 4, 2025
🎭🪡⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5 stars🪡🎭
After reading The Witch at the Edge of the Woods by Liz Delton and absolutely loving it, I went into Spectacle of the Spring Queen with high expectations, and it did not disappoint. The story follows Mae, who arrives in the city of Soldark hoping to open her own sewing shop, but an unfortunate accident leaves her without her money or belongings, stranded in an unfamiliar city with no food or friendly face in sight. Through a chance encounter, she becomes a costumer for a mysterious theatre director named Des, and while finding her footing backstage, a soft and slowly growing romance begins to bloom.
I really enjoyed the magic-filled steampunk elements and honestly would have loved to see even more of that woven into the story. The theatre setting gave strong Phantom of the Opera vibes and would be especially magical for anyone who grew up as a theatre kid. Mae was a creative, relatable protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her as she problem-solved her way through each challenge with determination and heart.
I took off half a star because, while the narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life, her British accent felt a bit more highbrow than I personally found relatable. Even so, this story left me with a cozy, hopeful feeling, and I will absolutely be picking up more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Delton, and Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing for the advanced audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
After reading The Witch at the Edge of the Woods by Liz Delton and absolutely loving it, I went into Spectacle of the Spring Queen with high expectations, and it did not disappoint. The story follows Mae, who arrives in the city of Soldark hoping to open her own sewing shop, but an unfortunate accident leaves her without her money or belongings, stranded in an unfamiliar city with no food or friendly face in sight. Through a chance encounter, she becomes a costumer for a mysterious theatre director named Des, and while finding her footing backstage, a soft and slowly growing romance begins to bloom.
I really enjoyed the magic-filled steampunk elements and honestly would have loved to see even more of that woven into the story. The theatre setting gave strong Phantom of the Opera vibes and would be especially magical for anyone who grew up as a theatre kid. Mae was a creative, relatable protagonist, and I found myself rooting for her as she problem-solved her way through each challenge with determination and heart.
I took off half a star because, while the narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life, her British accent felt a bit more highbrow than I personally found relatable. Even so, this story left me with a cozy, hopeful feeling, and I will absolutely be picking up more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, Liz Delton, and Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing for the advanced audio ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 11, 2024
This is a novella in the Seasons of Soldark world. Mae, a young woman looking to venture out on her own, has moved to a new city (Soldark) and wants to open her own seamstress shop. But from the moment she steps foot in Soldark, it is nothing but bad luck. Her luggage wasn't transported, she loses her coin purse, and her dog runs away. Saving her from an attack, Des pulls her into the theater and she finally begins to have a little good luck. Taking on the job of costumer for this theater, she figures out that her dream may not be what she really wants after all.
This was a captivating story and I read it one sitting before bed! Mae is such a likeable character! She is determined and independent. She is willing to do what it takes and always looks on the bright side. And the whole cast and crew at the Prosperina Theater are so wonderful and caring!
I enjoyed this story and look forward to more books in this world!
This was a captivating story and I read it one sitting before bed! Mae is such a likeable character! She is determined and independent. She is willing to do what it takes and always looks on the bright side. And the whole cast and crew at the Prosperina Theater are so wonderful and caring!
I enjoyed this story and look forward to more books in this world!
August 21, 2025
New beginning
Mae arrived in Soldark on a ship, but her first day was a disaster - trunks forgotten in Corsich, coin purse dropped into the water, inherited shop falling apart, and almost assaulted in a side street. Rescued by Des, Mae follows the fellow into his theatre, where she manages to get a temporary job as a seamstress - and finds new joy in life. There is a big challenge in front of her though - help Des and his crew to create a spectactle at the Spring festival, to win a prize that would help them all... and time is running.
I loved Mae's story. Her natural opti.ism and positive way of thinking is catchy and brings extra joy into the reading experience. She did not crumble under pressure, dis not complain much at her misfortune, just took whatever opportunity came her way with fervor. Des, with his reserved ways is a nice complement to her, and his morning appearances are really cute. I very much enjoyed the joy coming out of this story, and am sad there are no more Soldark novellas for me to read - enchanting place, that one!
Mae arrived in Soldark on a ship, but her first day was a disaster - trunks forgotten in Corsich, coin purse dropped into the water, inherited shop falling apart, and almost assaulted in a side street. Rescued by Des, Mae follows the fellow into his theatre, where she manages to get a temporary job as a seamstress - and finds new joy in life. There is a big challenge in front of her though - help Des and his crew to create a spectactle at the Spring festival, to win a prize that would help them all... and time is running.
I loved Mae's story. Her natural opti.ism and positive way of thinking is catchy and brings extra joy into the reading experience. She did not crumble under pressure, dis not complain much at her misfortune, just took whatever opportunity came her way with fervor. Des, with his reserved ways is a nice complement to her, and his morning appearances are really cute. I very much enjoyed the joy coming out of this story, and am sad there are no more Soldark novellas for me to read - enchanting place, that one!
November 24, 2025
Spectacle of the Spring Queen is a charming, low-stakes cozy fantasy set in the bustling, slightly steampunk city of Soldark, following seamstress Mae Wright as everything seems to go wrong the moment she arrives to start her new life. The theater backdrop, complete with chaotic costume changes and quirky actors, gives the novella a warm found-family vibe and makes it very easy to sink into for an evening or a commute.
Mae’s relentless optimism borders on naïve at times, but watching her persevere and slowly carve out a place for herself backstage is genuinely uplifting, and the very light romance and hints of a wider fantastical world add extra charm without ever overwhelming the cozy feel. It’s not a story that demands rereads, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a hopeful, comforting listen/read that leaves you feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a small, well-loved neighborhood theater.
Thank you to NetGalley for this free audio ARC!
Mae’s relentless optimism borders on naïve at times, but watching her persevere and slowly carve out a place for herself backstage is genuinely uplifting, and the very light romance and hints of a wider fantastical world add extra charm without ever overwhelming the cozy feel. It’s not a story that demands rereads, but it delivers exactly what it promises: a hopeful, comforting listen/read that leaves you feeling like you’ve just stepped out of a small, well-loved neighborhood theater.
Thank you to NetGalley for this free audio ARC!
November 27, 2025
This was my first foray into the Soldark books so I’m not certain if or how this connects to the other novels, but it’s enjoyable as a standalone , and I’m betting it is only enhanced by greater familiarity with its world through other stories.
This is a gentle and very low-stakes read, and while I wished for a bit more in terms of volume, it’s a lovely tale and I appreciated the relative smallness of the story.
The writing is pretty and seamless, particularly in terms of environmental evocativeness, which (at least to me) is probably the single most important component of a book like this.
Though the plot is minimal (I would have preferred a longer, richer book), it’s a pleasant read and one that will have me seeking out more from this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is a gentle and very low-stakes read, and while I wished for a bit more in terms of volume, it’s a lovely tale and I appreciated the relative smallness of the story.
The writing is pretty and seamless, particularly in terms of environmental evocativeness, which (at least to me) is probably the single most important component of a book like this.
Though the plot is minimal (I would have preferred a longer, richer book), it’s a pleasant read and one that will have me seeking out more from this series.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 10, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This is my second book by this author and I am definitely looking forward to any future installments they do. It was a fun and quick read, one I will certainly reread in the future.
The last read by this author was based in autumn and this one is based in spring. I found that the setting wasn’t quite as immersive but it’s still very well crafted and I enjoyed the exploration quite a bit.
The characters as per usual were such fun creation. Each one was unique, with their own unique quirks. Following them is entertaining but you also feel empathy for their plight and want to see things resolved.
I hope to see more and look forward to summer and winter!
This is my second book by this author and I am definitely looking forward to any future installments they do. It was a fun and quick read, one I will certainly reread in the future.
The last read by this author was based in autumn and this one is based in spring. I found that the setting wasn’t quite as immersive but it’s still very well crafted and I enjoyed the exploration quite a bit.
The characters as per usual were such fun creation. Each one was unique, with their own unique quirks. Following them is entertaining but you also feel empathy for their plight and want to see things resolved.
I hope to see more and look forward to summer and winter!
August 2, 2024
This is my third Soldark read, and it’s my favorite thus far. My sympathy for Mae’s plight and how she handled it earned respect for her out the gate—and then there’s Des. Ah, Des. He’s exactly my type—tall, quiet, mysterious, yet kind and observant. Yes, I enjoyed this little book a LOT. 😁
The setting—with a theatre in a steampunk city—is vivid and wonderful. It mades me homesick for my old community theatre as well. How Delton captures that feeling with her descriptions is delightful!
It’s a well structured story, with a strong running theme, good character development, and a nice climax, sweet and earned. The pieces came together just right. This is like a warm cup of tea and a yummy scone. A great read all around!
The setting—with a theatre in a steampunk city—is vivid and wonderful. It mades me homesick for my old community theatre as well. How Delton captures that feeling with her descriptions is delightful!
It’s a well structured story, with a strong running theme, good character development, and a nice climax, sweet and earned. The pieces came together just right. This is like a warm cup of tea and a yummy scone. A great read all around!
June 25, 2023
Super cosy and cute, I loved The Spectacle of the Spring Queen!
It had less magic than I expected but was clearly an alternate world, with lots of steampunk additions. Mae loses half her fortune her first day in a new country where she is hoping to set up a business. A series of set backs won't deter Mae from following her dreams, and she finds helpful faces in her new town in the form of the reclusive and polite theatre director.
This has no world-ending stakes and no fights but still manages to be compelling as I wondered where Mae was going to end up next! Really enjoyed this tale, and it won't be my last from Delton!
It had less magic than I expected but was clearly an alternate world, with lots of steampunk additions. Mae loses half her fortune her first day in a new country where she is hoping to set up a business. A series of set backs won't deter Mae from following her dreams, and she finds helpful faces in her new town in the form of the reclusive and polite theatre director.
This has no world-ending stakes and no fights but still manages to be compelling as I wondered where Mae was going to end up next! Really enjoyed this tale, and it won't be my last from Delton!
July 16, 2024
I needed a nice sweet palette cleanser in between some intense, long(ish) books for my Adventure Wheel and this was such a quick easy read.
Very faint magical elements in the city of Soldark (steampunk). This is my 2nd novella I've read from this series and I recognized a mention from All Hallows Airship. I love worlds/books that are like this. Like finding candy... I guess the technical term is Easter egg? Regardless, I find it fun.
I really liked the theater aspect of this and that there wasn't a bad guy... Just a looming deadline and a mysterious love interest. I sew, so (ha) I enjoyed the seamstress and costume focus of this novella.
Thanks Liz!
Very faint magical elements in the city of Soldark (steampunk). This is my 2nd novella I've read from this series and I recognized a mention from All Hallows Airship. I love worlds/books that are like this. Like finding candy... I guess the technical term is Easter egg? Regardless, I find it fun.
I really liked the theater aspect of this and that there wasn't a bad guy... Just a looming deadline and a mysterious love interest. I sew, so (ha) I enjoyed the seamstress and costume focus of this novella.
Thanks Liz!
November 21, 2025
Such a cozy read! Mae is a seamstress and has just moved to Solodark to open her own seamstress shop. However, the ship she arrived in only brought her and not her trunks. And in a fit to keep her frightened dog in her arms, she drops almost all of her coins into the sea. She is in quite the spot, but comes into contact with a local theater director who needs a costumer.
Mae was so lovely! She was so crafty and willing to jump in, even when she was feeling out of her depth. The people she met in the theater were so kind and lively. This was such a cozy story and gave such spring vibes. The authors descriptions of the costumes and sets were just astounding.
Mae was so lovely! She was so crafty and willing to jump in, even when she was feeling out of her depth. The people she met in the theater were so kind and lively. This was such a cozy story and gave such spring vibes. The authors descriptions of the costumes and sets were just astounding.
July 3, 2024
This was such a sweet steampunk story. May is en route to her new life in Soldark when her dream of opening up her seamstress business is suddenly shattered. With no money, no supplies, and no heat in the empty apartment above the shop, Mae is providentially rescued by theatre owner Des, and whisked off to become a costumer in the warm and vibrant Proserpina theater.
This book is just full of happiness, hope, found family and new beginnings. It packs so much into its pages, and the romance is a delight. Can't wait to read more in this world.
This book is just full of happiness, hope, found family and new beginnings. It packs so much into its pages, and the romance is a delight. Can't wait to read more in this world.
July 10, 2024
I flew through this adorable tale of Mae, Des and the cast members at the Proserpina Theater.
Things don't start off in a great way for Mae but we slowly see her luck change due to meeting Des and finding a family at the theatre.
This is a feel good story, it's not a grand adventure but we aren't looking for that here. Mae saves the day and everyone is a little bit better off having her there.
The writing is smooth and easy, the world is full and the characters loveable.
There is nothing to not love about each page.
Things don't start off in a great way for Mae but we slowly see her luck change due to meeting Des and finding a family at the theatre.
This is a feel good story, it's not a grand adventure but we aren't looking for that here. Mae saves the day and everyone is a little bit better off having her there.
The writing is smooth and easy, the world is full and the characters loveable.
There is nothing to not love about each page.
December 10, 2025
I loved this story. It was an uplifting, whimsical tale with strong characters, interesting world building, and a great, short story. The author wrote in such a way that the world came to life like a movie and the story following a young woman trying to overcome a string of bad luck that lands her in the place she was destined to be in was perfectly executed. Overall, if you are looking for a great, low stakes but engaging story you should read or listen to this story.
The narrator did a wonderful job with the story and the characters making this a perfect, relaxing listen.
The narrator did a wonderful job with the story and the characters making this a perfect, relaxing listen.
May 1, 2023
Fabulous read!
It’s easy to step back in time with Mae and Des. The characters are amazing and the story telling is so descriptive. This is a quick yet fun read! I cannot wait to read more of this authors work
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m not required to leave a positive review… but if you like books set in the Victorian time period this will be a great book for you!
It’s easy to step back in time with Mae and Des. The characters are amazing and the story telling is so descriptive. This is a quick yet fun read! I cannot wait to read more of this authors work
I was given an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I’m not required to leave a positive review… but if you like books set in the Victorian time period this will be a great book for you!
May 18, 2023
What a great story to complete the Seasons of Soldark Novella series! If you enjoy reading cozy fantasy then I highly recommend checking out this novella series.
Mae is a seamstress new to Soldark, and a string of unfortunate events land Mae in the company of Des and his theater, the Proserpina. From there Mae discovers something she didn't know she would enjoy doing. Want to know what it is?? Well, go and pick up this novella!
Mae is a seamstress new to Soldark, and a string of unfortunate events land Mae in the company of Des and his theater, the Proserpina. From there Mae discovers something she didn't know she would enjoy doing. Want to know what it is?? Well, go and pick up this novella!
November 20, 2025
A cozy novella start to a series. A few unfortunate catastrophes leaves Mae, seamstress, cash short in a new city. Fortuitously rescued, she finds herself in the right place with an opportunity of employment, and a possible romance. The theatre is made for some people. That’s true for Mae working behind the scenes. Thank you to Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing and NetGalley for the Audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
May 11, 2023
Thank you to the author for the eARC so that I could leave an honest review.
This was a short little read that I flew through! What a sweet little cozy gaslamp book. I loved the romance, the characters were all quite memorable, and I thought that the character growth was great. I loved the descriptions of the scenes and it seems perfect for theater kids!
So cozy. I really enjoyed this one.
This was a short little read that I flew through! What a sweet little cozy gaslamp book. I loved the romance, the characters were all quite memorable, and I thought that the character growth was great. I loved the descriptions of the scenes and it seems perfect for theater kids!
So cozy. I really enjoyed this one.
May 23, 2023
This story was super fun and cozy, but had a lot less fantasy elements than I expected. It was still a nice story, and the characters were interesting and enjoyable. It was a super quick read, so I definitely plan on reading the rest of the series sprinkled between other books when I need a shorter read.
September 16, 2023
Another Seasons of Soldark novella and it was an interesting look at a behind the scenes workings of the Proserpina theater and how Mae Write, new to Soldark and arriving with no luggage, money and bad luck, has her life and dreams turned around by the dark and quiet Des, the theater owner and possibly more?
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